The PinePhone Pro, a Linux-friendly smartphone that debuted in early 2022 as a more powerful alternative to the original PinePhone, has officially been discontinued by Pine64. Despite its attractive specifications—such as a faster processor and enhanced camera—it struggled to capture significant interest, being priced at $400, double that of its predecessor.
Pine64 has stated there are no plans to resume production of the PinePhone Pro, but the original PinePhone remains available for $200, with ongoing support expected for at least another two years. While the PinePhone may not qualify as a high-performing smartphone by modern standards, it carved out a niche by appealing to open source software enthusiasts and developers.
The original PinePhone was groundbreaking as one of the first smartphones targeting a market of hackable devices aimed at this community, allowing for a range of Linux-based operating systems to be experimented with. While it fell short in performance compared to alternatives like Purism’s Librem 5, its lower price made it more accessible.
During its initial launch years, the PinePhone attracted considerable attention from independent developers in the mobile Linux sphere. In contrast, the PinePhone Pro’s higher pricepoint and lack of widespread support from developers hampered its success. Furthermore, the rise of mobile Linux distributions compatible with various other smartphones has diminished the demand for a Pine64 device with enhanced specifications.
In summary, though the discontinuation of the PinePhone Pro is regrettable for fans of specialized Linux hardware, the original PinePhone still provides an accessible entry point into the mobile Linux experience, helping ensure its continuing legacy.
For more information on the PinePhone and its specs, visit the PinePhone official page.
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