Jolla — the Finnish team behind the privacy-centric Sailfish OS — is stepping back into the smartphone arena with a new Linux phone created through community feedback. Instead of a traditional product launch, Jolla is inviting supporters to help define the hardware and fund early production through a refundable reservation system. And yes, Malaysians can absolutely participate.

A Community-Driven Launch with Refundable Pre-Orders

To kickstart production, Jolla is offering a fully refundable €99 pre-order. The phone will only move into manufacturing if the company secures 2,000 supporters by January 4, 2026. For early backers, the device is priced at €499, which is significantly below the final retail range of €599–€699.

Malaysian Pricing (Approximate)

Using a rounded exchange rate of €1 ≈ RM5.20:

These are rough conversions, and the actual amount may vary depending on your bank's forex rate and card processing fees.

If everything goes according to plan, Jolla aims to start shipping devices by the first half of 2026.

Sailfish OS 5: A Privacy-First Alternative

The new phone continues Jolla's long-running mission: deliver a mobile OS that prioritizes user control over corporate tracking.

Sailfish OS 5 offers:

This approach positions Jolla as one of the very few truly independent mobile ecosystems left — a major draw for privacy-conscious users and developers.

Built Through Community Votes 

Before finalizing the design, Jolla asked its community to vote on the specs and features they wanted. This direct involvement resulted in surprisingly competitive hardware:

On top of that, Jolla promises at least five years of OS updates and long-term availability of spare parts — a refreshing change from the disposable culture of modern smartphones.

Scandinavian Design with Replaceable Backs

The new phone retains Jolla's clean, minimalist design language. Back covers are user-replaceable and come in:

Every pre-order includes a Special Edition rear cover, exclusive to early supporters.

How Malaysians Can Order the Jolla Linux Phone

Although Jolla's campaign is targeted at the EU, UK, Switzerland, and Norway, Malaysians can still place orders with a few simple steps:

1. Use a Debit or Credit Card That Supports Foreign Transactions

Most Malaysian Visa and Mastercard cards allow international online purchases. Just ensure:

2. Use a Parcel Forwarding Service for Delivery

Since Jolla ships only within Europe, Malaysians can use parcel forwarding companies based in the EU.

Popular options include:

Process is simple:

3. Be Aware of Malaysia Customs Fees 

Smartphones imported into Malaysia generally fall under:

Parcel forwarders usually guide you through this automatically.

4. Keep Track of Refund Eligibility

Since the €99 reservation is fully refundable if the project fails, Malaysians can participate with zero risk. Refunds will go back to your original card.

A Real Alternative to Big Tech Ecosystems

Jolla markets this device as a true escape from Google- and Apple-controlled ecosystems. For Malaysians interested in digital privacy, alternative OS platforms, or simply wanting something refreshingly different from mainstream smartphones, this new Linux device offers a compelling option.

Campaign Status

At the time of writing, Jolla has already achieved over 40% of its target, with nearly a month remaining. If the goal is met:

If the campaign falls short, all reservation fees are automatically refunded — no action needed.