This fall, Google unveiled the latest generation of flagship Pixel 6 smartphones. Now, a few months later, the German company Nitrokey, which specializes in the production of devices with an increased level of user protection, has unveiled the NitroPhone 2 and NitroPhone 2 Pro, which are modified Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro respectively, running secure GrapheneOS.
Like the NitroPhone 1, which is a modified
Google Pixel 4a, the NitroPhone 2 and 2 Pro boast both software and hardware
privacy controls. GrapheneOS uses the Google Titan M2 security key to
authenticate the user when changing privacy settings. The OS offers the user
such features as an “automatic emergency switch” that allows you to turn off
the smartphone after a certain time, the ability to encrypt the layout of the
PIN, and much more. In addition, for an additional fee of 300 euros, Nitrokey
customers can order a smartphone without cameras, microphones, or any sensors
that, at least in theory, can be used to spy on the user.
GrapheneOS does not come with Google
services preinstalled, however they can be installed after purchase. Special
software prevents applications from accessing sensitive data, including IMEI,
SIM card numbers, MAC address, and more.
It’s worth noting that privacy comes at a
high cost. While the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro cost € 649 and € 899 respectively, the
NitroPhone 2 costs € 899 and the NitroPhone 2 Pro costs € 1255. It’s worth
noting that Pixel 6 users can purchase and download GrapheneOS to their
smartphones on their own.
