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Purism Librem 5
Purism Librem 5
Purism Librem 5
...


2.8/10
Informr score
The Purism Librem 5 currently has an Informr score of 2.8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 6 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

While a great idea on paper, the Purism Librem 5 disappointed reviewers on virtually all fronts. Buy with caution.

What's good

  • Open-source operating system
  • Better privacy
  • Lifetime updates
  • Removable battery

What's bad

  • Poor touchscreen response
  • Heavy
  • Horrible battery life
  • It gets hot when charging

The Purism Librem 5 comes with a promise for more privacy in a world run by smartphones that share our data like candy on Halloween. With its open-source Linux software, modular design, and removable battery, it gives you a few more options but does this phone really set you free?

Design

The first thing reviewers noticed was how incredibly heavy the Librem 5 is, especially for being plastic, and they were not fans. With so many feather-light options out there, reviewers weren’t sure if it was worth compromising for more privacy. The most significant change for the Purism Librem 5 is the kill switches on the side, one for WiFi, mobile internet, and camera and speaker.

Display

Reviewers stated that the 5.7-inch TFT IPS display was colorful and quite crisp.

Performance

The spec list for the Purism Librem 5 looks excellent, but reviewers found the reality is less so. Reviewers stated that while its initial boot is faster than an Apple phone, the software is slow to open. More so, some reviewers had to call support to get the phone to run on the first boot--not the most reassuring experience.

Software & Storage

It has very decent storage and expandability up to 2TB, which is no small feat, using MicroSD, and a smart card reader. Being a Linux-based phone, it can boot up so fast but it’s not optimized to run on a smartphone. Reviewers found the software frustrating to use.

Cameras

The Purism Librem 5 has a 13MP primary lens and an 8MP selfie cam. However, reviewers stated that there wasn’t any camera software on the phone to determine whether it captured good photos.

Battery Life

Battery life for the Purism Librem is dismal. Reviewers reported 4 or 5 hours of use before it needed to charge. Furthermore, you have to completely shut the phone down to charge it. Otherwise, it will refuse to charge. Then, reviewers said that the phone got extremely hot while charging. Not enough to melt anything or catch fire, but in a way that’s not normal for a phone.

Audio

Reviewers didn’t have much to say about audio, but to be fair, phone audio only gets so good. There is, however, a headphone jack if you’d like to enjoy your audio experience better.

Specs at a Glance

  • Plastic chassis
  • 5.7-inch TFT IPS display
  • ARM NXP i.MX 8M Cortex A53 Quad-core 1.5 GHz processor
  • 3GB of RAM
  • PureOS
  • 32GB of storage expandable via MicroSD put to 2TB
  • 13MP primary lens and 8MP selfie camera
  • Articles say 3500mAh battery
  • Three kill switches for WiFi, mic and cam

Bottom Line

The heart of Purism Librem 5 is a good base with current concerns about privacy and data gathering, but it was just not executed correctly. Between the booting problems, the lack of speed, and battery longevity, perhaps the Librem 5 should have stayed in beta and received a little more work before its debut.

Tech Radar says, “The Librem 5 will certainly appeal to privacy and security conscious users with its hardware kill switches and specially designed hardware. However, the phone is difficult to recommend in its current state but hopefully it will be improved with future software updates and subsequent hardware revisions.”

Tech Republic comments, “Linux does have a successful path to the mobile phone rank and file. The Librem 5 is a long, long, long way off from being consumer ready. But if Purism can fix the problems and find more consumer-friendly hardware, this Linux smartphone could finally gain traction in an incredibly challenging market.”


Linux
Operating system
Operating system
Linux
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
5.7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.7"
13+ MP
Camera
Camera
13+ MP
4500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TechRadar
TechRadar

The Librem 5 will certainly appeal to privacy and security conscious users with its hardware kill switches and specially designed hardware. However, the phone is difficult to recommend in its current state but hopefully it will be improved with future software updates and subsequent hardware revisio...

- Christian Cawley, TechRadar
Make Use Of
Make Use Of

With a solid operating system and privacy-focused hardware kill switches, the Librem 5 is bulkier than expected and eats through battery. While the philosophy behind the phone is sound, Librem 5 is unlikely to be picked up by anyone other than Linux users and privacy advocates.

- Christian Cawley, Make Use Of
TechRepublic
TechRepublic

Linux does have a successful path to the mobile phone rank and file. The Librem 5 is a long, long, long way off from being consumer ready. But if Purism can fix the problems and find more consumer-friendly hardware, this Linux smartphone could finally gain traction in an incredibly challenging marke...

- Jack Wallen, TechRepublic
Ars Technica
Ars Technica

The OS and app package is not nearly finished, and it lacks basic smartphone functionality. The hardware is nearly finished, but you'll have a hard time taking advantage of it right now since the power management isn't really implemented, and support for things like the cameras are non-existent. If...

- Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Purism backs up the Librem 5 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Librem 5 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Purism support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Purism's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
5.7"

The Purism Librem 5's screen size is 5.7 inches with 720 x 1440 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a ARM NXP i.MX 8M Cortex A53 Quad-core 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Linux PureOS operating system (OS).

Camera
13+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 13+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
32 GB

Internal memory is 32 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 2000 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
4500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 4500 mAh battery.

Librem 5 Specs

Overview
Release Date November 18, 2020
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Linux PureOS

Compare Linux Smartphones

Processor ARM NXP i.MX 8M Cortex A53 Quad-core 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 32 GB
RAM 3 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Headphones, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 2000 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
13+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
No
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 720 x 1440 pixels
Pixel Density 282 pixels
Size 5.7 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touchscreen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.3 x 7.5 x 1.55 cm (6 x 3 x 0.6 in)
Weight 230 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof No
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Purism Librem 5 Reviews
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