The NexPhone ships with Windows 11 and Android (Image source: Nex Computer)

The NexPhone is finally here. 14 years after the original announcement, the unusual smartphone is expected to be shipped to customers later this year. The NexPhone runs on both Android and Windows 11 out of the box and might even be able to replace a desktop PC.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 01/21/2026 🇩🇪

The last time we reported on the NexPhone was back in 2012, so it took a whopping 14 years for the original concept to be realized. While the laptop and tablet dock are no longer part of the final product, the core idea remains the same. The NexPhone is intended to replace both a smartphone and desktop PC.

To be more exact, the NexPhone can be used on the go as an Android smartphone, but the versatile device can boot into Windows 11 after a restart. The NexPhone even offers a dedicated smartphone user interface for Windows 11 that strongly resembles Windows Phone. When an external monitor is connected, the device is supposed to be a full PC replacement. To ensure that Windows 11 runs smoothly, Nex Computer opted for the Qualcomm QCM6490, which officially supports Windows on ARM.

This chipset is based on the Snapdragon 778G with four ARM Cortex-A78 performance cores and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, which should result in moderate performance. As a result, the NexPhone is mainly suitable for less demanding PC users who use their computer for office and web tasks. As an alternative to Windows 11, the phone can run Debian. Moreover, the NexPhone features an unusual design with a heavily rounded chassis and a circular camera bump that also sports a speaker.

The remaining hardware is comparable to affordable mid-range smartphones. The NexPhone is equipped with a 6.58-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 2403 x 1,080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz, 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage that can be expanded via microSD. With a thickness of 0.52 inches and a weight of 9.03 oz, the smartphone is very thick and heavy, but it’s also water resistant. Meanwhile, the 5,000mAh battery supports wireless charging, and the unusual handset features a 10MP selfie camera, 64MP main camera and 13MP ultra wide-angle camera.

The NexPhone can now be preordered at the manufacturer’s official online store. The smartphone costs $549, a deposit of $199 is required. The remaining $350, as well as potential import and shipping fees, will become due upon delivery in the third quarter of 2026. Shipping to many European countries is available. In addition to the smartphone, buyers will receive a USB-C hub that expands the smartphone with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports and one HDMI port.

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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19713 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 6164 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

Hannes Brecher, 2026-01-21 (Update: 2026-01-21)