A new smartphone called the Liberty Phone is now available for $1,999. It is made in the United States by a company called Purism, led by founder Todd Weaver. Unlike popular smartphones from Apple or Samsung, this phone is built for people who care most about privacy and security.
The Liberty Phone runs on PureOS, a special Linux-based operating system that gives users full control over their data. One of its standout features is three physical kill switches. These switches let users turn off the cellular modem, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and camera/microphone whenever they want. This helps stop unwanted tracking or spying.
Making the Liberty Phone was not easy. It took six years to go from the idea to the final product. Building the phone entirely in the U.S. also made the process harder and more expensive.
As for the hardware, the Liberty Phone is basic by today’s standards. It has a 5.7-inch screen, an older quad-core processor, 4 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a removable 4,500 mAh battery. It supports 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, but not 5G. The cameras are simple: 13 MP on the back and 8 MP on the front.
Compared to modern flagship phones, the Liberty Phone is slower, thicker, and lacks advanced features. But its goal is different. It is made for users who value privacy over performance.
Founder Todd Weaver says making phones in the U.S. is possible but expensive. That’s why the Liberty Phone costs more than many top-end smartphones. It is aimed at a niche market—people willing to pay more to get strong privacy features and American manufacturing.
