In the press release attached below, HIROH announced that it is launching a phone that runs the /e/OS “privacy-centric” operating system. But is this a good phone, or is it just a ripoff that sells “privacy”?For context, /e/OS is a privacy-centric, “de-Googled” operating system that replaces Google applications and Google services. According to their site:
“/e/OS is an open-source mobile operating system paired with carefully selected applications. They form a privacy-enabled internal system for your smartphone. And it’s not just claims: open-source means auditable privacy. /e/OS has received academic recognition from researchers at the University of Edinburgh and Trinity College Dublin.
We could have just focused on an OS, but apps and online services are crucial components of our everyday experience, too.
These online services, including our search engine, email platform, cloud storage, and other online tools, create a unique privacy-enhanced ecosystem.”
The HIROH phone retails for $999, and these are the specs: it has 512GB of storage, which is expandable — that is a plus. It uses the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chip, which seems to be a solid processor that performs at speeds comparable to two- or three-year-old Samsung flagship devices, per versus. The phone runs /e/OS (or Android 16) and includes hardware kill switches. However, the camera is where it falters. It has a 180MP main sensor, but no telephoto lens and a weak 2MP zoom camera. There is USB-C, but no headphone jack. I am not sure about this phone, as it seems to have good processing and useful features if you are scare of being spied on but will you be able to handle the middling cameras at this price point? Knowing who this world works they may try to pass off a bad camera as a ‘feature’ to prevent ‘government agents’ from ‘spying’ on you. God bless and Tech Talk To You Later!!!
ollowing international acclaim at CES, the HIROH Phone takes center stage at MWC showcasing hardware-enforced privacy without compromising flagship performance.
February 18, 2026 – HIROH, the global innovator in everyday secure communications, today annoucned its official presence at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, taking place March 2–5 in Barcelona. The company will exhibit the acclaimed HIROH Phone powered by Murena’s /e/OS at Booth 6H20, offering attendees hands-on demonstrations of its groundbreaking hardware-level privacy features and flagship performance. Attendees can experience the new HIROH phone and Murena’s /e/OS at booth 6H20 and interview HIROH CEO Victor Cocchia and Murena team.
Already heralded by international media for redefining what a modern, secure smartphone can be, HIROH arrives at MWC with a clear message: privacy and security no longer require trade-offs in usability, power, or design. The phone is still being sold
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the HIROH Phone, with Murena’s /e/OS operating system, emerged as one of the most talked-about devices of the show. Reuters noted that the device stood out as one of the highlights of CES for users prioritizing privacy in an increasingly data-driven digital era. Forbes also described the HIROH Phone as one of the most compelling highlights of the event, reinforcing its growing recognition as a serious alternative to mainstream smartphones.
A New Standard for Hardware-Enforced Privacy
At the core of the HIROH Phone is a fundamentally different security architecture. Designed, engineered, and manufactured by HIROH (www.hiroh.io), the device integrates electronic hardware “kill switches” alongside Murena’s privacy-first /e/OS operating system.
Unlike conventional smartphones that rely solely on software permissions, HIROH physically disconnects sensitive components at the circuit level. A dedicated hardware switch electrically cuts power to the camera and microphone, ensuring that no application, exploit, or remote actor can access these sensors when disabled. A separate secure switch disables all wireless connectivity, including cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.
This dual-layered protection—hardware and software—delivers a level of assurance increasingly sought by journalists, executives, public officials, enterprises, and privacy-conscious consumers worldwide.
“HIROH was built for the real world, where people need a single phone that is secure, powerful, and intuitive,” said Victor Cocchia, chief executive officer of HIROH. “By pairing Murena’s /e/OS with hardware-level privacy controls, we’ve created a device that eliminates the compromises users are forced to make today.”
Privacy Without Performance Trade-Offs
Beyond its security architecture, the HIROH Phone delivers true flagship specifications. The device is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,800 nits of peak brightness, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus.
Its camera system includes a 108MP Samsung main sensor, a 13MP Sony ultra-wide lens, a macro lens, and a 32MP Sony front-facing camera. A 5,000mAh battery supports 33W USB-C fast charging, and connectivity includes 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
The phone runs Murena’s /e/OS, a de-Googled, privacy-respecting mobile operating system that removes dependency on Google services while maintaining compatibility with mainstream Android applications through its App Lounge and advanced privacy controls.Together, this combination proves that privacy-first devices no longer need to feel niche or limited. Instead, HIROH positions itself as a compelling alternative for governments, enterprises, families, and individuals seeking protection against surveillance, data harvesting, and unauthorized access.
Experience HIROH Firsthand at MWC
Following its successful CES debut, Mobile World Congress offers the global telecom and technology community the opportunity to experience the HIROH Phone in person. Attendees at Booth 6H20 will be able to explore the device’s hardware kill switches, learn more about the underlying security architecture, and discuss partnership and distribution opportunities with both the HIROH and Murena teams.
The HIROH Phone, powered by Murena, is currently available for special pre-order pricing of $999 via HIROH.io or 999€ on Murena’s website. Once the phone is generally available at retail, the price will increase to $1199.
