Key Facts
- ✓ Nex Computer is developing a new midrange smartphone called the NexPhone, designed to function as a desktop computer.
- ✓ The device comes with Android and Linux pre-installed, both of which can provide a desktop experience when connected to an external monitor.
- ✓ Its standout feature is the ability to dual-boot into Windows 11, effectively turning the phone into a full Windows PC when hooked up to a display.
- ✓ When used as a standalone mobile device, the NexPhone features a custom user interface that pays tribute to the Windows Phone platform.
- ✓ The company, Nex Computer, specializes in hardware designed to transform smartphones into laptop-like devices.
- ✓ The NexPhone is positioned as a midrange device, aiming to make multi-OS convergence technology more accessible.
A Phone That Becomes a PC
The long-standing question of whether a smartphone could truly replace a desktop computer may be closer to an answer. Nex Computer, a company known for hardware that turns phones into laptops, is introducing a new device that pushes this concept further than ever before.
The upcoming NexPhone is a midrange Android device with a unique proposition: it is designed to function as a complete computer. With multiple operating systems installed and the ability to dual-boot into a full desktop environment, it aims to bridge the gap between mobile and desktop computing in a single piece of hardware.
Triple-Boot Versatility
The NexPhone's core strength lies in its operating system flexibility. The device comes with both Android and Linux pre-installed. When the phone is plugged into an external monitor, both of these operating systems can provide a full desktop experience, allowing users to work with a traditional windowed interface, keyboard, and mouse.
However, the device's most ambitious feature is its ability to dual-boot into Windows 11. This capability transforms the NexPhone into a full-fledged Windows PC when connected to a display. This move allows users to run native Windows applications and games, a significant step beyond the typical Android-based desktop modes found on other devices.
It's a delightfully geeky attempt to answer the age-old question: Why can't your smartphone just be your whole computer?
"It's a delightfully geeky attempt to answer the age-old question: Why can't your smartphone just be your whole computer?"
— Source Content
A Nod to Windows Phone
When the NexPhone is used as a standalone mobile device—unplugged from any monitor—it doesn't just rely on standard Android. The company has developed an in-house mobile user interface (UI) that pays tribute to the defunct Windows Phone platform. This custom interface offers a distinct look and feel for mobile use, setting the NexPhone apart from other Android devices on the market.
This dual personality—offering a familiar Windows-inspired experience on the go and a full Windows desktop when docked—highlights the device's unique design philosophy. It caters to users who appreciate the legacy of Windows Phone's design language but require the power and flexibility of a full desktop operating system.
The Convergence Vision
The NexPhone represents a tangible step toward the long-predicted future of device convergence. Rather than carrying a separate phone and laptop, the idea is to have one device that adapts to the user's needs. By packing the power to run multiple desktop-grade operating systems into a midrange smartphone chassis, Nex Computer is targeting a niche but growing audience of tech enthusiasts and professionals.
This approach differs from previous attempts at convergence, which often relied on cloud-based solutions or limited desktop modes. The ability to run a native Windows 11 installation locally provides a level of performance and compatibility that cloud solutions cannot yet match, making the concept more viable for real-world productivity.
Key Specifications & Availability
While the full specifications and pricing have not been detailed, the NexPhone is positioned as a midrange device. This suggests that the company is focusing on making the technology accessible, rather than targeting the high-end flagship market. The hardware is specifically engineered to support the thermal and power demands of running multiple operating systems.
The device is designed to work with an external monitor to unlock its full potential. This implies that the phone's hardware includes the necessary ports and wireless connectivity to interface seamlessly with peripherals like keyboards, mice, and displays, turning it into a compact workstation on demand.
Looking Ahead
The NexPhone is an ambitious project that attempts to solve a fundamental limitation of modern mobile devices. By offering a triple-boot system that includes Windows 11, Android, and Linux, it provides unprecedented flexibility for a smartphone.
As the device moves closer to a public release, it will be watched closely by the tech community. Its success will depend on execution, pricing, and performance. For now, it stands as a compelling vision of what a single, pocket-sized device could potentially achieve.
