Punkt's MC03: A Privacy-First Smartphone

Minimal phone pioneer Punkt is back with a new privacy-focused model at CES

Punkt is a Swiss company known for minimalist, privacy-focused devices, including its acclaimed MP01 and MP02 dumb phones (one of which sits in MoMA's permanent collection). The MC03 marks the company's second touchscreen smartphone, following 2023's MC02, aiming to bring that same privacy-first philosophy to a more conventional, app-capable device.

The MC03 runs AphyOS, a privacy-focused Android fork, and divides the phone into two zones: The Vault, a curated enclave of vetted privacy-respecting apps including Proton's full suite (Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, and Pass), and Wild Web, an open area for installing any Android app, governed by a granular permissions system called Ledger. Hardware is solid but not flagship-tier, featuring a 120Hz OLED display, removable 5,200mAh battery, 64MP camera, and IP68 water/dust resistance.

The MC03 ships this month in Europe for €699/CHF699/£610, bundled with one year of Punkt's required subscription service (framed as paying to protect your data rather than paying with it); renewal runs €9.99 monthly, with discounts available for longer prepaid terms.