Introduction: The Computer in Your Pocket Dream
For years, tech enthusiasts have asked a question that seems almost too obvious to need answering: why can't my phone just be my entire computer? We carry these powerful devices everywhere, yet most of us still need a laptop, a desktop, or both to get real work done. The gap between mobile and desktop computing has narrowed dramatically, but it hasn't closed.
Nex Computer thinks they've found the answer. And their solution is beautifully weird.
Enter the Nex Phone, a midrange Android device that promises something radical: one device, three complete operating systems. Plug it into a monitor and keyboard, and you can run Windows 11 like a full desktop PC. Unplug it, and you're back to Android. But there's more. The Nex Phone also runs Linux, both on the tiny screen itself and when connected to external displays. If you need Windows Phone nostalgia, there's even a custom mobile UI that boots in Windows mode, because apparently 2025 is the year we're bringing back the things we forgot we missed.
This isn't vaporware or a concept phone that'll never ship. Nex Computer is taking
But here's the thing: this actually works. Not perfectly, and not without compromise. But the core idea isn't just feasible—it's genuinely clever engineering.

TL; DR
- Three operating systems on one device: The Nex Phone runs Android natively, boots into Windows 11 via a reboot, and includes Linux as both a phone app and desktop environment
- Phone-to-desktop convergence: When connected to a monitor via USB-C or Display Link, the Nex Phone becomes a functional Windows PC without needing separate hardware
- Rugged and practical: The device meets MIL-STD-810H durability standards, offers IP68/IP69 ratings, includes a 5,000mAh battery, and supports wireless charging
- Hardware choice matters: Nex Computer selected the Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset specifically because it natively supports all three operating systems
- Timing and innovation: Arrives as Android 16 adds desktop environment support and Microsoft phases out Windows Subsystem for Android, creating space for devices like this
- Launch timeline: 199 deposits available now
What Is the Nex Phone, Actually?
The Nex Phone isn't a phone that pretends to be a laptop. It's not a phone with some desktop features sprinkled in. It's a device with three genuinely separate operating systems, each designed for different use cases and form factors.
Think of it this way: your smartphone has always been powerful enough to run desktop applications. The constraint has been the display size, input method, and operating system choices. Android was mobile-first. iOS was mobile-first. Windows was desktop-first. You picked your ecosystem and lived within it.
Nex Computer's insight was simple but profound: what if you didn't have to choose?
When the Nex Phone is in your pocket or on a desk by itself, it's just Android. The interface is optimized for a 6-inch screen, touch input, and portability. You can run any Android app, access the Google Play Store, and use it exactly like any other Android phone.
When you dock it to an external monitor using USB-C or a Display Link adapter, the same device can switch into Windows mode. You get a full Windows 11 desktop environment with the ability to run any x86 application, use a mouse and keyboard, and do actual computer work. This isn't a wireless casting solution. This isn't Android apps being blown up to a larger screen. This is actual Windows running on the device's hardware.
There's also Linux, available as both a phone application for on-device use and a full desktop environment when connected to external displays.
The catch? You need to reboot the device to switch between these modes. You can't be running Android and casually jump into Windows without restarting. This is a meaningful limitation, but it's also pragmatic engineering.
The Hardware: Why the Qualcomm QCM6490 Matters
Device specifications usually bore people. But the Nex Phone's processor choice is actually fascinating because it explains why this phone can do something most flagships can't.
Nex Computer selected the Qualcomm QCM6490, a chipset designed for IoT and embedded applications rather than smartphones. This seems backward—wouldn't a flagship chip be better? Not in this case.
The QCM6490 has native support for Android, Linux, and Windows. This is the key differentiator. Most smartphone chipsets are optimized for mobile operating systems. Getting Windows to run on them requires heavy customization, driver development, and often doesn't work very well. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in your flagship Samsung? Great for Android. Getting Windows on it? That's a different story.
The Qualcomm chip chosen for the Nex Phone was specifically designed to support multiple operating systems simultaneously. This means less custom driver development, better hardware compatibility, and more stable operation across all three systems.
There are trade-offs. The QCM6490 is not as powerful as current flagship processors. You're getting solid midrange performance—adequate for productivity work, video calls, browsing, and light gaming, but not the blazing speeds of a $1,000 flagship phone.
But that's actually fine. The Nex Phone isn't selling on raw performance. It's selling on versatility.
The rest of the hardware is competent:
- 5,000mAh battery: Larger than most midrange phones, critical for powering three different operating systems
- 64MP rear camera: Solid for a midrange device, though not exceptional
- Wireless charging: Quality-of-life feature that most midrange phones skip
- MIL-STD-810H certification: Meets U.S. military durability standards for drops, temperature, vibration, and environmental stress
- IP68 and IP69 ratings: Dust-proof and water-resistant up to specific depths and pressures
Why This Exists: The Nex Dock Legacy
The Nex Phone didn't appear in a vacuum. It's the logical evolution of a product that's been quietly gaining traction for the past few years: the Nex Dock.
Nex Computer was founded in 2015, and their original vision was creating a laptop dock for phones. The Nex Dock is essentially a 14-inch laptop shell—screen, keyboard, trackpad, and battery—with essentially no processor. The phone slots in via USB-C and becomes the computing engine. The shell provides the ergonomics and display real estate that phones can't.
It's clever because it solves a real problem: people who work primarily on phones (increasingly common in developing countries, common for digital nomads, and necessary for people with specific accessibility needs) can still have a laptop-like experience without buying two devices.
The problem? It required a phone that supported desktop UI when connected to a large display. For years, this was mostly limited to Samsung devices running Samsung DeX. Android 16 is changing that, bringing enhanced desktop support to a broader range of Android devices.
So why make a phone? Because Nex Computer realized they could build the features they wanted directly into the hardware. No need to wait for Samsung or Google to add features they felt were important. No need to optimize around someone else's phone's specifications.
Nex Dock still exists and is still being sold. The Nex Phone isn't replacing it. They're complementary products for different audiences.
Android: The Foundation
When the Nex Phone boots up normally, it's just Android. This is intentional. Most users will interact with it as their primary phone, and Android is the most familiar, flexible mobile operating system available.
The Nex Phone supports Android 16 features including enhanced desktop environment support. Connect it to a monitor, and Android can shift into a desktop-optimized interface with windows, multiple app layouts, and mouse/keyboard support. This is increasingly common in newer Android phones, but the Nex Phone ensures first-class support.
The Android implementation isn't any different from what you'd get on a Pixel or Samsung device. You're accessing the same Google Play Store, running the same apps, receiving the same updates. Nex Computer isn't forking or heavily customizing Android.
What's different is the context. You're on a device that you know can also run Windows and Linux. If you need to do something that's easier in another OS, you can reboot and switch. This creates a different mental model than traditional smartphones.
Windows 11: The Full PC Experience
Here's where the Nex Phone gets weird in the best possible way.
When you reboot into Windows mode, you're running actual Windows 11 on the phone's hardware. This is not emulation. It's not a compatibility layer. It's the real operating system.
Nex Computer had to make a crucial adaptation here, and it points to a broader industry shift. Microsoft discontinued Windows Subsystem for Android in March 2025, eliminating the bridge between Windows and Android. Previously, you could run Android apps on Windows. That's gone.
So how do you create a mobile-friendly Windows interface on a 6-inch screen? Nex Computer built a custom mobile UI using progressive web apps (PWAs). These are web applications that can work offline, store data locally, and provide native app-like experiences.
When you boot into Windows on the Nex Phone, you get a Windows interface that's designed for touch and small screens. It's not the regular Windows 11 desktop. It's a custom layer that makes Windows usable on a phone. Think of it as a spiritual successor to Windows Phone, the Microsoft mobile OS that never quite found an audience.
But here's the real power: when you dock the phone to a monitor and keyboard, Windows becomes a full desktop operating system. You're not dealing with PWAs anymore. You can use any Windows application, any browser, any business software. It's a real Windows machine.
The transition is seamless. Same device. Different mode. Different capabilities.
Nex Computer demonstrated this using Display Link, which is a technology for connecting USB-based displays. The phone connects via USB-C, and the Display Link adapter handles the display output. Eventually, Nex Computer plans to support native USB-C video output without requiring Display Link drivers.
Linux: The Open-Source Option
Linux on a phone isn't new. But Linux on this phone is genuinely useful in multiple ways.
First, you can run Linux as an application directly on the phone itself. This sounds impractical—who wants to use a Linux terminal on a 6-inch display?—but it's genuinely useful for developers and power users. If you need to SSH into a server, check logs, or do quick command-line work, you don't need to boot into a different OS or carry a laptop.
Second, when connected to a monitor and keyboard, Linux becomes a full desktop environment. You get a traditional Linux desktop with all the software you'd expect: development tools, server applications, media creation software, whatever.
Why include Linux at all? Because it's increasingly relevant in developer workflows, and increasingly popular among people who want to escape proprietary operating systems. Linux is also free and open-source, which aligns with Nex Computer's positioning as a device for technical users.
The Linux implementation on the Nex Phone is full-featured, not hobbled or limited. You're getting real Linux with real access to hardware.
The Software Story: Multiple OS Support
Making a device that runs three genuinely different operating systems is engineering-intensive. Here's the reality: most devices are optimized for one OS. Getting one extra OS working is hard. Getting three is exponentially harder.
Nex Computer chose the hardware specifically to make this possible. The Qualcomm QCM6490's multi-OS support is foundational. But then there's the software layer.
Booting between operating systems requires careful partition management. The Nex Phone's storage is divided among Android, Windows, and Linux, with each getting its own partition. When you reboot, the bootloader chooses which partition to load. This is straightforward in technical terms but requires careful implementation to be reliable and not confuse users.
Driver support is critical. Every piece of hardware—the battery, the wireless charging, the cameras, the network adapter—needs drivers in every operating system. Nex Computer had to develop or source drivers for Windows and Linux that work with their specific hardware.
Data synchronization is another consideration. If you save files in Android, can you access them in Windows? What about Linux? Nex Computer hasn't detailed their approach here, but this will be crucial for real-world usability.
The Market Problem It Solves
For 15 years, the assumption in tech was that phones and computers were separate devices. You had a smartphone for mobile tasks and a computer for serious work. This assumption made sense when smartphone hardware was weak and mobile operating systems were primitive.
That assumption is increasingly wrong.
Smartphone hardware has become genuinely powerful. A modern phone has more processing power than desktop computers from a decade ago. Yet we still carry a phone and a laptop because the software was never designed to bridge that gap.
There's a real audience for a device like the Nex Phone:
Digital nomads and remote workers who want to minimize luggage and weight. One device that can be a phone, a tablet (when docked), and a laptop saves weight and eliminates the need to sync across multiple devices.
Developers and technical users who want maximum flexibility. Having Windows, Linux, and Android on one device means you can work in whatever environment makes sense for the task at hand.
People in emerging markets where smartphone adoption is high but computer adoption is low. A phone that can genuinely replace a computer makes economic sense.
People who value simplicity and consolidation. One device, one battery, one piece of hardware to maintain and update.
At $549, the Nex Phone is expensive for a midrange phone, but cheaper than buying both a phone and a laptop. For the right person, it's a genuine value proposition.
The Pricing Conversation: 199 Deposits
Nex Computer is asking $549 for the Nex Phone at launch. That's roughly equivalent to a premium midrange phone like a Pixel 9a or Galaxy S24. For that price, you get a phone that's also a Windows PC and a Linux machine.
Compare that to actual purchase patterns:
- A decent midrange phone: $400-600
- A laptop for that same user: $600-1,500
- Combined cost: $1,000-2,100
The Nex Phone at $549 isn't cheaper than the cheapest options, but it's dramatically cheaper than the combined cost of both a good phone and a good laptop.
There's also the matter of convenience. One device means one battery to charge, one set of updates to install, one piece of hardware to secure and back up. That's worth something.
The $199 refundable deposit is a smart approach. It funds development, creates a customer list, and lets early adopters secure a device without full financial commitment. If Nex Computer misses their timeline or the device doesn't ship, deposits are refunded.
This is not an unreasonable price for what's essentially a completely novel device category. It's expensive, but not outrageously so.
Challenges and Limitations
It's important to be realistic about what the Nex Phone can and can't do.
Rebooting between OS is slow and inconvenient. You can't casually switch between Android and Windows. You have to reboot, which takes time. This makes the device less flexible than a true converged platform would be. You're not going to switch to Windows just to check email if you're already in Android.
The Qualcomm QCM6490 is not a powerhouse. It's adequate for midrange tasks, but it's not fast enough for heavy workloads, intensive development, or gaming. If you need serious computing power, a dedicated laptop is still better.
Third-party app support for Windows mode is uncertain. The custom mobile UI uses PWAs. What happens when you need a Windows app that requires .NET Framework or other deep Windows dependencies? Can you even install traditional Windows software, or are you limited to web-based and portable applications? Nex Computer hasn't fully detailed this.
Linux support is niche. Most regular users don't care about Linux. Including it is good for developers and open-source advocates, but it's a feature that most Nex Phone owners probably won't use.
Battery life when docked is unknown. When you're using the Nex Phone as a Windows PC connected to a monitor, the 5,000mAh battery might not last very long if you're running intensive applications. If you're docking it, you might need to keep it plugged in anyway.
Storage and performance across three operating systems. Each OS needs its own partition and drivers. Storage gets divided among three systems. You don't get the full 128GB (or however much storage) for each operating system. You get a fraction of it.
Driver and software updates. Supporting three operating systems means supporting three separate driver stacks and software configurations. Updates could be more complicated. Security patches might not ship simultaneously across all operating systems.
None of these are dealbreakers. But they're real limitations that matter for specific use cases.
Industry Context: Where This Fits
The Nex Phone doesn't exist in isolation. It's part of broader industry trends.
Android 16's desktop features are enabling this. Google's increasing focus on making Android work well on large displays creates the foundation for devices like this.
Microsoft's exit from mobile OS means Windows no longer competes with Android directly. It creates space for hybrid devices that use both. The death of Windows Phone—and Microsoft's subsequent abandonment of Windows Subsystem for Android—created the conditions for creative solutions like the Nex Phone.
The success of Samsung DeX proved there's demand for phone-to-desktop convergence. Samsung sold enough DeX-enabled phones that it's now a standard feature. But Samsung was limited by their mobile-first OS design. The Nex Phone takes the concept further.
Linux mobile adoption is growing. Devices like the Librem 5 and Pine Phone proved there's a market for Linux phones. The Nex Phone recognizing this trend positions it well for developers and open-source advocates.
Nex Computer's existing market with Nex Dock validates that there are customers willing to buy niche hardware for convergence benefits. The Nex Phone is the natural next evolution.
The Windows Phone Resurrection
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the custom Windows Phone-style mobile UI.
Windows Phone was Windows' attempt at mobile. It had some genuinely interesting design ideas: the Metro interface with its live tiles, the emphasis on simplicity over complexity, and a clean aesthetic that stood apart from iOS and Android.
It never found an audience. Market share stayed low. Developers ignored it. Microsoft eventually killed it and moved to Android.
So why resurrect the aesthetic on the Nex Phone?
Because the technology for it doesn't exist anymore. Microsoft can't just run Windows Phone again. The ecosystem is gone. The app stores are closed. The browser is outdated.
Instead, Nex Computer built a modern UI inspired by Windows Phone design, using progressive web apps as the underlying technology. It's not Windows Phone. It's a spiritual successor. It's what Windows Phone would be if it existed today.
For users who remember Windows Phone and appreciated its design, this is genuinely nostalgic. For everyone else, it's just another way to interact with the device.
It's also practical. A Windows Phone-style interface is simple, clean, and optimized for touch. It doesn't try to cram desktop paradigms into a phone-sized screen. It just works.
Real-World Use Cases
Let's ground this in actual situations where the Nex Phone makes sense.
Case 1: The Traveling Developer
Sarah is a freelance web developer who travels constantly. She currently carries a phone and a lightweight laptop. The laptop weighs about 3 pounds. She needs to carry a charger, an adapter, and a carrying case. She syncs files across both devices constantly. She misses something on her phone and has to pull out her laptop to check. She forgets her laptop somewhere and has to work from her phone, frustrated by the cramped screen.
With a Nex Phone, she carries one device. It's her phone. When she needs to work, she docks it. When she needs to travel, it's back in her pocket. One charger. One device to secure. One device to back up.
Price-wise, she's probably saving money compared to her current phone plus laptop situation.
Case 2: The System Administrator
Michael is a junior sys admin who maintains servers for a mid-size company. Most of his work is SSH access, log file analysis, and occasional scripting. He currently uses a phone and a laptop.
With a Nex Phone running Linux, he can SSH directly from his phone if he's away from his desk. He can run command-line tools locally. When he needs to do serious work, he docks the phone and has a full Linux desktop.
He saves weight, money, and complexity. His employer probably appreciates that he's not walking around with two expensive devices.
Case 3: The Emerging Market Professional
In many countries, smartphone adoption is high but computer ownership is low. A $549 device that works as both is genuinely attractive. It's not a complete computer replacement, but for many use cases—browsing, email, document work, video calls—it's sufficient.
Case 4: The Minimalist
Some people just prefer having fewer devices. They like consolidation. The Nex Phone aligns with that philosophy.
Not everyone needs this device. But for specific users, it solves a real problem.
The Competition (And Why It's Not Obvious)
What phones compete with the Nex Phone?
In one sense, nothing. No other phone currently ships with Windows support. No other phone offers three operating systems. In that narrow sense, the Nex Phone is unique.
But in a broader sense, the Nex Phone competes against:
Premium midrange phones like the Pixel 9a, Galaxy A55, and OnePlus 13R. If you're looking at a $400-600 phone, why choose the Nex Phone?
The case is: if you also need a laptop, the Nex Phone is a better value. If you don't need the Windows/Linux support, a more popular phone might be better due to app selection and support.
Convertible laptops and 2-in-1 devices like the iPad or Surface devices. The Nex Phone could serve similar use cases. The difference is that the Nex Phone is pocketable and always with you.
The Nex Dock itself. If you own a Samsung phone, the Nex Dock creates a similar experience at a lower total cost. But the Nex Phone is more seamless and doesn't require a separate device.
Doing nothing. This is the real competition. Most users don't feel a burning need to consolidate their phone and laptop. They're fine with two devices.
The Nex Phone isn't trying to appeal to everyone. Its appeal is narrow and specific: people who value convergence and flexibility.
Future Possibilities
If the Nex Phone succeeds, what comes next?
Nex Computer could iterate. A 2nd generation with a faster processor, larger battery, or refined software. Clearing up the limitations of the first generation.
The ecosystem could expand. We might see more apps and services optimized for the multi-OS experience. We might see better synchronization between Android, Windows, and Linux on the device.
Other manufacturers might notice. If the Nex Phone proves the concept is viable, Samsung, Google, or other phone makers could build their own multi-OS devices. That's both good (drives innovation) and potentially bad (makes the Nex Phone less unique).
The software could mature. Progressive web apps are improving constantly. The Windows Phone UI Nex Computer built could become even more capable. Linux support could be refined. Each operating system could better integrate with the others.
5G and cloud integration could transform use. If the Nex Phone had consistently fast cloud connectivity, it might matter less that local storage is divided between operating systems. You could stream applications and data instead of storing everything locally.
The Nex Phone is arguably the first of its kind. If it works, it won't be the last.
The Verdict: Who Is This For?
The Nex Phone is for a specific person:
Someone who values flexibility and consolidation. Someone who either can't afford or doesn't want to carry two devices. Someone who appreciates innovative hardware. Someone willing to accept compromises in exchange for unique capabilities.
It's not for people who need maximum performance. The processor is midrange. It's not for people who want instant gratification with established products. This is a niche device with niche support. It's not for people who need the absolute latest and greatest phones with the best cameras and fastest processors.
But for people who want one device that's genuinely their entire computer setup? The Nex Phone is compelling.
The $549 price is fair for what you're getting. The Q3 2026 timeline is reasonable for a new product category. The technology actually works, which is more than you can say about many ambitious hardware projects.
Is the Nex Phone going to replace everyone's laptop? No. Is it going to appeal to developers, travelers, and people who live in their heads? Absolutely.
FAQ
What exactly is the Nex Phone?
The Nex Phone is a midrange Android smartphone developed by Nex Computer that can also run Windows 11 and Linux as separate operating systems. When connected to a monitor and keyboard, it functions as a full Windows PC or Linux desktop environment. The device aims to consolidate phone, laptop, and computer into a single device that users carry with them.
How does the Nex Phone switch between operating systems?
The Nex Phone switches between Android, Windows, and Linux by rebooting the device. The phone's storage is partitioned into separate sections for each operating system, and when you restart, you can choose which OS to boot into via a bootloader menu. This approach is reliable but means you can't instantly switch between systems without losing your current session and waiting for a reboot.
Why does the Nex Phone use the Qualcomm QCM6490 instead of a flagship processor?
The Qualcomm QCM6490 was chosen because it natively supports all three operating systems (Android, Windows, and Linux) without requiring extensive custom driver development. While it's less powerful than current flagship processors, it's adequate for midrange computing tasks and enables the multi-OS functionality that defines the Nex Phone. A flagship chip would actually be less suitable because it would require significantly more customization to work with Windows and Linux.
Can you run the same applications across all three operating systems on the Nex Phone?
No, because each operating system has its own software ecosystems. Android apps run on Android, Windows applications run on Windows mode, and Linux applications run on Linux. However, if you use web-based applications or progressive web apps (PWAs), they'll work consistently across all three systems since they run in a web browser regardless of the underlying OS.
What happens to your files when you switch operating systems?
Nex Computer hasn't detailed their cross-OS file synchronization approach in detail, but the device will likely maintain separate file systems for each operating system, with possibly some shared storage partition. This is an important practical consideration for real-world use. You'd probably want to use cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox to keep files accessible across all systems.
Is the Nex Phone a viable laptop replacement?
The Nex Phone can replace a laptop for many tasks—email, document editing, web browsing, coding, system administration—especially when docked to a monitor and connected to a keyboard and mouse. However, it's not a complete replacement for users who need intense processing power, specialized software, or external peripherals. The 5,000mAh battery also may not last through a full workday running intensive Windows applications, so it's often best used plugged in.
When will the Nex Phone actually ship, and is it vaporware?
Nex Computer expects to ship the Nex Phone in Q3 2026 (July through September 2026). While timelines slip, Nex Computer is an established company with an existing product (the Nex Dock) already on the market, which reduces the likelihood this is vaporware. The company is accepting refundable $199 deposits, which is more credible than companies simply taking non-refundable pre-orders.
What's the Windows Phone UI, and why does it matter?
The Windows Phone UI is a custom mobile interface inspired by the aesthetic and design philosophy of Microsoft's defunct Windows Phone operating system, which was discontinued in the 2010s. Nex Computer built this UI using progressive web apps because Microsoft no longer supports mobile Windows. It's a nostalgic feature for former Windows Phone users, but it also serves as a practical, touch-optimized interface for the phone-sized screen when in Windows mode.
How does battery life work when the Nex Phone is docked to a monitor?
Battery life when docked hasn't been officially detailed, but with a 5,000mAh battery running Windows or Linux on a larger external monitor with continuous use, the device will likely drain quickly. Most users will probably dock the phone with it plugged into power, similar to how you'd dock a laptop. The Nex Phone supporting wireless charging helps with this workflow.
What's the real-world advantage over just buying a laptop and using DeX on a Samsung phone?
The Nex Phone offers three complete operating systems in one device, while Samsung DeX offers a desktop Android experience. If you need native Windows applications or a full Linux environment, DeX can't provide that—you'd still need a separate device. The Nex Phone's advantage is consolidation: one device, three operating systems, no need for a laptop. The trade-off is that you're on a midrange processor and you have to reboot to switch systems.
Is the Nex Phone compatible with existing Android apps and Google Play Store?
Yes, when running Android, the Nex Phone is a standard Android device with full access to the Google Play Store and any Android application. The Windows and Linux modes don't have access to Android apps, just like those operating systems don't normally run Android applications. This is a clear separation between the three operating systems.
What happens if you're using the Nex Phone as a Windows PC and you get a phone call?
Nex Computer hasn't explicitly addressed this, but logically, being in Windows mode means you're rebooting from the OS that handles cellular connectivity and phone calls. You'd likely need to reboot back into Android to receive phone calls. Alternatively, if you're docked with the device plugged in, you could use voiceover-IP applications like WhatsApp, Zoom, or Teams for calls, which work on Windows.
Closing Thoughts: The Device You Didn't Know You Wanted
The Nex Phone represents something genuinely novel in technology. Not incrementally new. Not slightly reimagined. Fundamentally different: a phone that's actually multiple computers.
For most people, this won't matter. They'll buy their standard flagship Android phone and their MacBook Pro and move on. That's fine. The Nex Phone isn't for them.
But for developers, for travelers, for people who've always wished their phone could just be their whole computer, the Nex Phone offers a real solution. Not perfect. Not without limitations. But real.
We won't know if this is truly viable until actual units ship and real people use them for months. But the fact that it's technically possible, financially sensible, and addresses a genuine user need is genuinely exciting.
The Nex Phone arrives in Q3 2026. Until then, we wait. And wonder. And think about a world where the device in your pocket might actually be your complete computing platform.
That's worth paying attention to.
Bonus: Building Convergence Workflows with Automation Tools
Once you have a device like the Nex Phone that can run multiple operating systems, the real power comes from automating your workflows across platforms. This is where tools like Runable become relevant.
Runable enables AI-powered automation for presentations, documents, reports, images, videos, and slides starting at just $9/month. Imagine this scenario:
Cross-Platform Workflow: You're using the Nex Phone in Android mode to capture client notes and photos. You dock it to run Windows, and you want to generate a professional proposal document. With Runable's AI-powered document generation, you can automatically convert those notes and images into a polished report or presentation. When you need to work in Linux, you can export and continue your project.
Automation tools like this make convergence devices even more powerful by reducing the friction of working across different systems. You're not just using multiple operating systems—you're automating the work of connecting them.
Use Case: Automate your multi-platform workflow by generating presentations and documents from raw data across Android, Windows, and Linux environments.
Try Runable For FreeKey Takeaways
- The NexPhone runs three complete operating systems—Android, Windows 11, and Linux—making it a true convergence device that eliminates the need for separate phone and laptop
- The Qualcomm QCM6490 processor was specifically chosen because it natively supports all three operating systems without extensive custom driver development, unlike flagship chips
- At 400-600) and a laptop ($600-1500), offering genuine value for digital nomads, developers, and remote workers
- Switching between operating systems requires rebooting, which is a meaningful limitation but also a pragmatic engineering trade-off that ensures stability and reliability
- The device meets military-grade durability standards (MIL-STD-810H) with IP68/IP69 ratings and includes features like wireless charging, 5,000mAh battery, and 64MP camera
- Expected Q3 2026 shipment with refundable $199 deposits available now, indicating Nex Computer is establishing customer commitments before full development completion
![NexPhone: The Android Phone That Runs Windows 11 and Linux [2025]](https://tryrunable.com/blog/nexphone-the-android-phone-that-runs-windows-11-and-linux-20/image-1-1769013660169.jpg)


