How far would you go to attain smartphone security? If your madness/method calculation includes Linux, then the Void Phone VX1 could be just what you’re looking for.

The handset is being pitched at companies rather than individuals, with a subscription-based Mobile Device Management being thrown in. But the inclusion of FuriOS, a mobile version of Debian Linux, is what would make it appealing to those who prefer writing their own printer drivers.

Gazing into the VX1 Void

The VX1 is based heavily on the FLX1s from a company called FuriLabs. That handset is more targeted at individuals, with the Void Labs version intended to appeal more to the chap who buys all the company’s IT hardware.

Since it’s not Android, don’t expect flagship-level specs. The phone(s) use a dinky little MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of UFS storage. The 6.7in 1600 x 720 IPS display has a refresh rate of 90Hz, while the cameras are a 20MP+2MP rear arrangement and a 13MP front-facer. It doesn’t seem like much for the asking price of about R9,200.

There are other features that might make up for this. User data isn’t stored on servers; there’s no need to wander through Google’s data-siphoning services to get apps on the phone, and a hardware switch on the device will disable the cameras, microphones, and wireless connections. Just the thing for checking into your government blacksite day job, or heading to your off-grid bunker. Hey, there’s a fair bit of overlap in that Venn diagram.

FuriLabs FLX1s can be bought directly from that company’s website (for $550 per device), while the VX1 is only available on request from Void Labs. It’s intended to be bought in bulk, with discounts available to those who buy more than 100 units at a time.