Librem 5 Vs. Librem 5 USA – Purism (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Librem 5 and Librem 5 USA? ›

The actual electronics design, physical look, and software are all identical. As the name suggests, the Librem 5 USA electronics are produced in the USA with as secure as possible supply chain and manufacturing setup and qualifies for “Made in USA electronics”. The original Librem 5 is mass-produced in China.

But Purism has a history of charging high prices for its hardware to help subsidize the development of its hardware + software ecosystem.

Purism Librem 5 is still no. 1 on our list as the most secure phones to buy in 2024. It's known for its unique design separating the cellular modem from the main CPU and memory for enhanced security. It features physical kill switches for mobile data, Wi-Fi, camera, and microphone.

The Librem 5 is a smartphone manufactured by Purism that is part of their Librem line of products. The phone is designed with the goal of using free software whenever possible, and includes PureOS, a Linux operating system, by default. As of 2021, it is the only smartphone recommended by the Free Software Foundation.

The Librem 5 USA has Made in USA Electronics with all fabrication and manufacturing done at the Purism facility. Individual components used in fabrication are sourced direct from chip makers and parts distributors.

The Liberty Phone offers a secure supply chain within the United States adhering to strict US labor, environmental, and materials laws. The Liberty Phone includes Made in USA Electronics at the Purism facility with US-based staff combining the best of class regulatory needs with the most secure supply chain.

Android phones are more common targets for phone hacking than iPhones, mainly because the Android operating system is used by more phones and more people — so there's a bigger pool of targets. But phone hackers are increasingly targeting iPhones, so iPhone users are still at risk.

Is there an untraceable cell phone? ›

No phone is entirely untraceable when used by an average citizen. As even an anonymous phone number used with a temporary cell phone (burner) needs a cellular phone service provider, calling traffic data can be released by a service provider, for example to law enforcement.

But while iOS and Android may dominate the smartphone market, users have other options, which include a number of mobile operating systems that aim to offer a suite of superior security and privacy features. Examples of privacy smartphones that don't track you: Murena 2.

Purism began manufacturing their Librem smartphone in the US at the height of the pandemic, when COVID-related delays and a global chip shortage were wreaking havoc to the electronics industry.

Apple's iOS mobile operating system is tightly controlled by Apple itself, which also tightly controls the apps available in the Apple App Store. This control allows Apple devices to offer good security "out of the box," at the price of some user restrictions.

The Liberty Phone offers a secure supply chain within the United States adhering to strict US labor, environmental, and materials laws. The Liberty Phone includes Made in USA Electronics at the Purism facility with US-based staff combining the best of class regulatory needs with the most secure supply chain.

The Librem 5 USA has Made in USA Electronics with all fabrication and manufacturing done at the Purism facility.