A Cursory Review of Unplugged – The UP Phone

In today’s digital age, our cell phones have become indispensable tools—connecting us to the world, organizing our lives, and offering a gateway to information like never before. But this convenience comes at a steep price: our privacy.

 Every tap, swipe, and click is logged, analyzed, and, often, sold to the highest bidder. Personal data that was once private is now a commodity, traded and exploited by corporations seeking to profit from our every move. In an era where our lives are increasingly lived online, the erosion of privacy isn’t just a concern—it’s a crisis that should be of concern.

Enter the UP or ‘Unplugged’ phone, a new smart cell phone platform built for private communication, driven by a proprietary operating system called LibertOS.  This OS along with a suite of ‘apps’ will empower users to connect with website, voice, and text with maximum encryption. It includes proprietary VPN (virtual private network) and antivirus software. (visit https://www.unplugged.com )

The UP Phone’s “Privacy Mode” is a robust security feature designed to maximize user privacy and minimize potential vulnerabilities. For instance, it activates an “always on” VPN, restricts background apps, alerts users about internet access requests from foreground apps, and implements stringent controls on hardware functionalities like Bluetooth, NFC, and microphone permissions.

The term often used is ‘de-googled’, and there are other phones on the market that have Google’s proprietary components, services, and applications removed or replaced. 

Phones such as the Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 4 XL, OnePlus 9, Moto G42, and the Pixel 7 Pro are available ‘de-googled’ with either GrapheneOS, CalyxOS, DivestOS or LineageOS. These are all with a privacy focus. 

This means that the UP phone does not come with Google’s native apps, such as Gmail, Chrome, YouTube, or Google Maps, and instead uses alternative apps and services that
prioritizes users’ privacy.

The UP Phone does use a version of the Android OS as its base code, but it is heavily modified to remove Google services and other elements that could compromise user privacy.

The ‘UP’ phone is not the first, but it may be the best in class for the average cellphone user.
Israeli phone technology is highly influential and widely used across the globe today. Israel has become a significant hub for mobile technology innovation, with contributions ranging from mobile chipsets to security software. Companies like Intel’s Israeli division have been key players in developing processors used in many smartphones. Additionally, Israel is a leader in cybersecurity, providing technologies that protect mobile devices from various threats. Israeli startups have also been at the forefront of developing apps and technologies that enhance smartphone functionality, such as navigation, messaging, and even mobile health.

What to know about the UP phone – the PROs:

• No Google Mobile Service (GMS)
• End-to-End Encryption
• Robust Security
• Kill Switch
• SD Card – 256Gb – 8GB RAM
• 32MP Camera
• Developers in Israel – Israeli Technology
• Manufactured in Indonesia

What to know about the UP phone – the CONs:

• Phone Size – Large
• Some inconvenience at the expense of privacy
• New to market
• Currently Not as Many APPS – Unplugged APP Store
• Price – $950

At this point, I believe that it is important to provide some essential education for everyone reading this article. The purpose of this review is to help you explore these concepts further and gain a better understanding of the nature of a Google-based Android phone. 

First, it’s crucial to understand that Android is an open-source platform, meaning the original code is freely available for anyone to modify and redistribute. In essence, the creators allow others to view, alter, and share their newly developed code. 

Google acquired Android Inc in 2005 but keeps code open source and supports the Android Open-Source Project (AOSP). Android is a full, production-quality operating system for consumer products, complete with customizable source code that can be ported to nearly any device and public documentation that is available to everyone

Google took the original Android OS and made significant modifications, creating a codebase for smartphones and tablets. Google’s Android OS is designed to continuously collect data from users, starting the moment the device is activated. Google’s version of Android (which most consumers use) includes a suite of proprietary services known as Google Mobile Services (GMS). These include the Google Play Store, Google Maps, Gmail, and other apps that are deeply integrated into the Android ecosystem. This integration is key to Google’s business model, as it allows the company to collect data, serve ads, and generate revenue.

Every modern smartphone has a Mobile Advertising ID (MAID), which advertisers use to deliver targeted ads based on location, browsing history, and other behaviors. This data is collected, bundled with other aggregated user information, and sold to various organizations. It’s easy to see how all this data could be used for purposes far more intrusive than just delivering targeted ads. Tracks location using GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell towers.

•   Can approximate location even with services turned off.
•   Used for personalized services (e.g., Google Maps) and targeted ads.
•   Monitors how users interact with apps (e.g., which apps are installed, usage frequency).
•   Tailors app recommendations and ads based on user habits.
•   Collects search queries and browsing behavior.
•   Used to refine search results and target advertisements.
•   Collects data from services like Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive.
•   Analyzes emails, photos, documents, and voice recordings to understand user preferences.
•   Gathers information on device model, OS version, battery level, and network connectivity.

The implications using a Google phone are enormous due to privacy and data access. Most of us have limited awareness or control over the data collected as it is shared with third party advertisers, leading to detailed user profiles and targeted ads.  Location data can reveal sensitive daily routines, which raises ethical concerns. There are the risks associated with data breaches and or misuse.

To conclude, I would strongly recommend evaluating non-Google phones, educate yourself, and focus on your personal privacy and protection. 

The UP-phone team focused on building an OS that prioritizes privacy and security by stripping away the usual tracking mechanisms found in standard Android operating systems. This involved removing Google services and ensuring that the OS didn’t collect or share user data with third parties. Their work was a response to growing concerns over digital privacy, especially in the context of how mainstream operating systems like Android collect extensive user data. 

The UP Unplugged team sought to create an alternative that would give users more control over their information, enabling a more secure and private mobile experience.

There are many privacy-focused smartphones, and I would strongly recommend evaluating the UP Unplugged phone. Check out the many review resources such as this Unplugged Phone Review .

Are YOU willing to give up some convenience for privacy and security?