Eager to buy an Ubuntu Phone? You must be wondering about specification that Ubuntu Phone will have, the price tag it will carry along with when and where will it be released. To answer all these questions, I am writing this article to summarize the specification, release date, pricing and availability of the first Ubuntu Phone. This page will be continually updated with latest information.
Ubuntu Phone release date
I know that Ubuntu Phone release date has been postponed for almost a year. It was rumored that Chinese manufacturer Meizu will be launching the first Ubuntu Phone earlier this year. It never happened. But good news is that we have another release date which is (hopefully) confirmed this time.
Spanish company BQ will be launching the first Ubuntu Phone on 9th of February 2015, for European market. The device will be available from bq website through a series of flash sales. The model is bq Aquaris E4.5 which also has an Android version.
In some European countries, it will be available through telecom providers. As of now 3 Sweden, amena.com, giffgaff, and Portugal Telecom are all offering SIM bundles at purchase.
Ubuntu Phone Specifications
BQ will launch its Aquaris model as the first Ubuntu Phone. It is supposed to have the following specifications:
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 132 x 67 x 10.25 mm
- Weight: 150 g
Screen
- Size: 4.5”
- Technology: 5 points IPS capacitive multi-touch screen
- Resolution: qHD 540 x 960 px. 240 HDPI
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Viewing angle: 178º
Memory
- 36 GB of memory (4 GB eMMC + 32 GB microSD™ card class 10)
Processor
- CPU: ARM Dual Core Cortex A9 1GHz
- GPU: PowerVR™ SGX531 up to 522 MHz
- RAM memory: 1 GB
Battery
- 1600 mAh Li-ion battery
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- micro-USB
- Bluetooth
- 3G+ connectivity
- HSDPA: 7,2
- HSUPA: 5,76
- GPS
Connections
- Dual SIM card slot
- 5V – 1A input
- Jack 3.5 mm TRRS for earphones (OMTP)
- microSD™ slot
Supported bands
- GSM: 850, 900, 1800 and 1900
- UMTS: 900 and 2100
Functions
- Frontal camera: VGA (640 x 480)
- Rear camera: 8 Mp (3,264 x 2,448) with flash and autofocus
- Light sensor
- Proximity sensor
The specifications are not very impressive when compared to other high end phones in the market but with moderate specifications comes reasonable price as well.
Ubuntu Phone price
Alright, this has not been confirmed yet and there is no official words on it. But Canonical had hinted that the it will have a moderate price of 149 Euro (same as the Android version of Aquaris) 169.9 Euro.
Availability
As BQ is a Spanish brand, its first market would be European market. It is going to be released on 9th Feb 2015. There are no words on its release in US market though. We’ll have to wait for more information on it. Meanwhile you can watch this trailer of Ubuntu Phone:
