Customer Ratings & Reviews

The Unplugged UP Phone is an option for users who are frustrated with the fact that using most smartphones these days means having your activities tracked and used for marketing purposes. It includes features designed to disconnect from the “watchful eye” of any large tech firm and give users the ability to see and stop software from tracking them or using data in the background. It runs a de-Googled version of Android, has a built-in VPN and firewall capabilities, and even includes a “kill switch” that completely disconnects the battery (most other smartphones are still “on” in some capacity even when powered off). Using the UP phone, the basics work just fine. Calls, messages, browsing, navigation—no real learning curve. The setup was easy enough, and the privacy tools make sense. But there are trade-offs. The hardware feels nice in the hand, but the specs are mid-range even though the price isn’t. The camera quality seems much lower than any other brand’s high end models. The operating system is based on an older version of Android. Plus, while the UP phone keeps you from having to their an account with the “big guys” like Apple or Google, there are some privacy features that require registration with Unplugged. Overall, it’s good to see a product that raises awareness of how much privacy users give up when using most other smartphones. The UP phone isn’t for everyone but could be a good option for someone who prioritizes privacy over all else (more convenient user experience, better camera, etc.) and doesn’t want to -- or can’t -- wait for privacy first phones to come down in price.

I’ve used the Unplugged UP Phone for 3 weeks—I thought I’d miss features from my S23 Ultra, but honestly I haven’t. The privacy-first setup delivers what I actually use, without the extra clutter. INSTALL/SETUP Complimentary video call (up to an hour) walked me through everything—SIM transfer, first boot, firewall settings, account access. My guide (Carlos) was patient and thorough. Virtually no bloat; you choose what runs, and you can block trackers/spyware at install. From box to fully usable took ~35 minutes—then it was up and browsing. BUILD/FEEL Sturdy in hand. It isn’t a premium branded phone but it feels premium—doesn't feel cheap, good weight to it and no flex. Day to day, I don’t see any trade-offs; all the core features I rely on are here, plus the security controls I actually wanted. FEATURES/FUNCTIONS FIREWALL — System-level controls for apps and networks; public Wi-Fi is less stressful. KILL SWITCH — Full battery disconnect on demand—feels like “spy movie,” very real peace of mind. USB CHARGE-ONLY — Locks the port to power-only so shady kiosks can’t handshake your data. LOCK SAFETY — If the phone’s offline for a set time, it auto-restarts and locks out. You can also if under duress, use a separate unlock code too wipe data or open a limited “safe” profile mode. PRIVACY BY DEFAULT — No bloat software, you decide what talks to what and what it has access to. DOWNSIDE/WISH Small learning curve while you explore all the privacy controls—first week is a bit of tuning (worth it). Would have liked more internal memory but 256gb is a good start but i feel like 500gb is the new standard OVERALL Serious, user-controlled security without giving up everyday basics—a privacy-first phone I can definitely recommend. So far it has performed great and I have not had any issues but the main thing is you need to take the time to adjust the settings to match your safety need while still being able to go online and connect without it locking everything out.

I’ve been using the Unplugged UP Phone as my everyday smartphone for several weeks, and it’s like no other phone I’ve had. The most impactful feature is the amount of control it gives you over your data; the built-in firewall isn’t just marketing schlock, but shows which apps are attempting to collect information—a feature I found enlightening. The Privacy Center is handy too; as is the security feature that turns off the microphone, camera, and location with a single quick tap. Performance-wise, the phone is sound. Packing a Mediatek Dimensity 1200 processor with 8GB RAM, I’ve run into no issues with daily tasks, streaming video, or multitasking. The 6.67-inch AMOLED screen is bright enough; while it’s not the most impressive panel I’ve used, it works just fine inside and pretty well outside. The surprise? The camera system. The 108MP main camera records nice shots and while the macro isn’t as good as dedicated systems, it makes for fun close-up photos. Battery life has been reliable when unplugged, easily lasting through the day. There’s wireless charging—yay—and SD card support for putting some files offline. This isn’t any Big Tech phone, so there’s a lot to learn in the custom UnpluggedOS on the phone to get used to it—but when you do, you feel empowered knowing there’s still some hint of innovation in the cell phone business. If privacy is a concern of yours, this phone could better serve your needs.

With the rise of ads and cookies and selling of information in exchange for “free” software, getting something that is more privacy focused seems harder to find. The Unplugged phone solves that issue. It’s obviously built on the Android platform, but it’s a custom OS. The software strips most of Android’s tracking features so that companies will not be able to track you. The two best part about this is the built in VPN. Finding a VPN to use can be troublesome, but UP Phone includes its own built in VPN that works fast and easy for me. No need to feel unsecured while on publicly WiFi’s. The other amazing feature of the phone is the battery kill switch. I wish you can still fully remove and replace it yourself, but the switch you can toggle outside of the phone is good enough to ensure your phone isn’t doing unnecessary and unwanted tracking while the phone is off. You can still download any Android apps to the device, but if privacy is your main priority, I would steer clear from obvious privacy concern apps like social media apps. The phone itself is not bad. I wouldn’t say it’s any more amazing from a regular Android phon hardware wise, but the screen does look nice and the camera itself is okay. Phone itself feels very premium as well. It’s a solid phone for people who are concerned about privacy and security. You probably wouldn’t care too much about cameras anyway if security is what you’re looking for.

On the surface the Unplugged UP Phone seems good on paper. Unfortunately, for me the specs are where the positives end. Prior to me requesting an item for review, I like to go in as blind as possible. Unless it's something I've had experience with before (i.e. a new iteration of a gaming laptop), I don't read reviews, look at the spec sheet or things like that to be able to form my own experience. The Unplugged UP phone is one of those devices where I should have looked into it to save me the time of utilizing this phone and having to write this review. The positives of this phone are plenty don't get me wrong: SD CARD EXPANSION!!!!!!!, a large 90Hz AMOLED display (has a preinstalled tempered glass screen protector), great build (came with a nice case), solid processor, 256gb of storage, 8gb of RAM, 4300mAh battery with fast charging and wireless charging, the battery disconnect switch (need a pen to operate as it sits flush with the sides of the phone) and the software with the lack of Google influence, with it's own app store where you can still download most of your normal apps, the firewall and VPN built in to protect your data and traffic (I utilize NordVPN since I pay for it on my other devices) and the main Brave browser which I utilize on my other cellphones would be enough to sway me to see if I would replace my Pixel 9 Pro XL as my Android based phone in my two cellphone carry, but it didn't go that way. The phone is still on Android 14, and if that is fine with you go for it. But I honestly can’t use a phone on older software, which is why I use an iPhone Air and Pixel 9 Pro XL, so I put the phone away and it’ll be an emergency phone. During a videoconference with their support team, I asked about the update schedule, but they didn’t know and would ask the developers. Received a response saying it was a quarterly schedule for security updates which apparently make it more robust security wise than and an up to date Android 16…sure. In the end, I think the UP Phone has good "bones", but it won’t be my daily phone.