Advertised as the most privacy-friendly smartphone, the BraX3 was launched in April 2025. With a set of unique privacy-oriented features, an open-source Android-based operating system, and robust hardware-level controls, the BraX3 promises to put a stop to surveillance, app tracking, and unwanted data sharing.
In theory, the BraX3 sounds revolutionary, but what do its specs and real-life results say?
In this review, we’ll explore the BraX3 privacy phone in detail, focusing on its specifications, operating system, and privacy and security features to help you determine if this device suits your needs.
What Is the BraX3?
The BraX3 is a mobile device released by Brax Technologies, a company that aims to build a better tech future that focuses on:
- Openness
- Security
- Choice
- Transparency
The company implemented these principles into the BraX3. The device is designed from the ground up with security and privacy in mind, enabling you to enjoy your favorite Android apps without compromising on privacy and data security.
The BraX3 is an important step toward user autonomy in the tech world; according to its developers, technology should serve users, not limit or dictate their choices, which is why the device emphasizes flexibility. Users have advanced control over settings and the operating system, allowing them to adapt the device to their needs, which is one of the most significant advantages of the BraX3.
The BraX3: A Detailed Overview of 6 Key Aspects
To offer an objective and comprehensive overview of the BraX3, we’ll focus on the following aspects:
- Specifications
- Operating system
- Design and ease of use
- Privacy and security features
- Pricing
- User reviews
1. Specifications
Although the BraX3 focuses on robust security and privacy features, the device offers solid specifications that make it an excellent choice for everyday users, not just those worried about data sharing and app tracking.
You get the functionality of a “standard” smartphone, like powerful cameras, a vibrant display, and NFC, and unique privacy features that shield your data and identity.
Below are some of the key specifications of the BraX3:
- 5MP front-facing camera
- Fingerprint sensor
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- HD+ display
- 5G eSIM connectivity
- 50MP main camera + 2MP telephoto sensor
- Multi-purpose slot (for a physical SIM or microSD card)
- 5,000 mAh battery
- NFC
Under the “hood,” the BraX3 runs on a Mediatek Dimensity 6300 processor (octa-core 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). The 6nm chipset delivers improved performance, reduces power consumption, and prevents overheating.
Overall, the processor is more than adequate for everyday tasks such as web browsing and video streaming; however, it’s not designed for gaming, advanced photo editing, or 3D modeling.
As for memory capacity, the BraX3 offers:
- 8GB of RAM
- 256GB of storage
- An option to insert a microSD card to expand storage
This is more than enough RAM to handle standard tasks and even multitask without delays or performance issues. The 256GB of storage offers ample space for most users, including those who’d like to use the device for an extended period, and the fact that it can be further expanded is only a bonus.
All in all, the BraX3 offers excellent specifications, especially when compared to other privacy-focused mobile devices, but it can’t match modern flagship phones from Samsung or Apple.
2. Operating System
The BraX3 comes with iodéOS, an Android-based operating system. The OS is open-source, and its code is hosted on GitHub and OVHcloud. Everyone can view, modify, and distribute the code, which emphasizes transparency and trust.
iodéOS is based on a well-known privacy- and security-focused OS: Lineage. Thanks to this, it offers high customizability and a clean Android experience free of Google services that are notorious for their suspicious data collection policies. iodéOS essentially builds on LineageOS to offer more advanced privacy and data tracking controls for maximum protection against threats.
Although it runs iodéOS by default, BraX3 doesn’t force you to use it if you prefer another OS. According to the manufacturer, you can install a different OS at any time, which may lead you to believe that you can set up any OS. The truth is, BraX3 currently supports LunarOS, with Ubuntu Touch currently in development, so options are quite limited.
If you’d like to set up LunarOS on your BraX3, you’ll need to install it manually. Luckily, the BraX community offers a detailed step-by-step guide that explains how to install or update an OS, so you can effortlessly go through the process.
BraX developers state that you can let them know if you have a favorite OS you’d like to see on BraX as they’re happy to support ports of open-source OSs. Several users have suggested GrapheneOS and CalyxOS, but this hasn’t happened yet.
3. Design and Ease of Use
The BraX3 features a modular design; components like the battery, processor, and camera are easily removable with standard tools, allowing you to effortlessly replace them without having to take the device to a trusted provider.
The company behind the device prioritizes longevity, so it’s committed to providing spare parts for at least six years after the launch. Additionally, the company’s website offers comprehensive diagrams, repair guides, and technical documentation to enable easy maintenance and independent repairs.
As for the aesthetics, the BraX3 is quite impressive. It's made from Panda Glass, which not only offers solid scratch resistance but also gives the device a premium look. The glass is transparent to a degree, offering a glimpse of the interior. The device is slim and fits comfortably in the hand.
When it comes to ease of use, the BraX3 keeps it simple with functionalities such as:
- Effortless initial setup: Setting up the device involves standard steps, such as selecting your preferred language and connecting to your network. Since the OS is deGoogled, you don’t have to sign up with your email address.
- Familiar user experience: Using the device doesn’t have a learning curve as the interface resembles Android. If you’ve used an Android device before, you’ll have no trouble adjusting to the BraX3.
- Compatibility with many Android apps: Enjoying apps you’ve already used on Android can significantly improve your experience and ensure you don’t feel like you’re compromising on functionality for the sake of privacy.
4. Privacy and Security Features
Since the BraX3’s key selling point is its focus on privacy, it’s no surprise that the device is packed with options that protect your data. Below are some notable features:
Feature | Explanation |
Ad blocking | The built-in ad blocker continuously keeps ads and trackers away from your phone, preventing unwanted connections. |
Robust internet traffic analysis | The analysis offers detailed insight into who’s collecting your data, how much they’re collecting, and where it’s going, showing the results on an interactive map. |
App restriction | The feature lets you check the privacy level of your apps. By default, data transmission to unauthorized apps is blocked, so intrusive apps can’t get to your data. |
Parental control | The setting enables you to block specific content or social media and manage internet access. |
Privacy center | The center enables you to manage hardware permissions system-wide, allowing you to control the microphone, cameras, and other sensors with just a few clicks. |
A standard Android device sends data to Google every few seconds, which can severely jeopardize your privacy. Since BraX3 is deGoogled, this is no longer a concern; by default, your data is safe from big tech companies, data brokers, governments, and advertisers.
All in all, BraX3 delivers on its promise, offering privacy and security capabilities you won’t find in standard smartphones. That said, some users point out a potential security drawback: the lack of hardware kill switches, which protect the device from damage and security breaches. If this is a must-have option for you, the BraX3 won’t fit your needs.
5. Pricing
Currently, the BraX3 is sold at $339, which is more than fair considering its robust feature set. The purchasing process itself is unusual; as of writing this article, the only way to buy the device is to go through Indiegogo, a global crowdfunding platform. Here’s how it works:
- Create your Indiegogo account
- Submit the pledge, select the BraX3 as your reward, and complete the payment through the platform
- Receive your reward once the campaign ends
As the first production round of the BraX3 was sold out, the next batch is expected in December, so you’ll have to wait until you receive the device.
6. User Reviews
As the BraX3 was officially launched a few months ago and caters to a niche audience, there aren’t many user reviews to analyze. Other than a few comments users left on the BraX community forum, there isn’t much to go on.
One review pointed out that everything on the phone worked as expected and that, besides offering excellent performance, the device looks great. The user did mention a slight learning curve, especially when it comes to finding privacy-focused apps.
The BraX3 is also mentioned on forums like Reddit, but there aren’t concrete reviews; users shared their opinions on the device, but they’re hardly objective since most of them haven’t used the phone yet.
All in all, if you want to base your purchase on reviews, it’s best to wait for more first-hand user experiences.
The Verdict: Should the BraX3 Be Your Next Device?
The BraX3 offers a well-balanced combination of a sleek design and advanced privacy options, so it can be an excellent choice for those who:
- Want to avoid Google and its services
- Need granular control over hardware permissions
- Are looking for an affordable device
- Want to block ads and trackers
- Are interested in analyzing internet traffic
- Want a familiar Android experience
Potential drawbacks include a lack of hardware kill switches and a somewhat complicated purchasing process; if you need a new device as soon as possible, the BraX3 may not be an ideal choice.
Whether you choose the BraX3 or another private mobile phone, keep in mind that the device itself can’t shield you from network-level threats, no matter its features. Cybercriminals can attack your device from the network, accessing your data and accounts; to ensure protection at the network level, pair your device with a privacy-first mobile carrier such as Cape.
Cape has a unique approach to security. We don’t rely on trust-based infrastructures like major carriers; instead, we use a proprietary ecosystem to minimize the risk of leaks and breaches. With minimal data collection, strict privacy policies, and advanced mobile privacy and security options, Cape offers a secure network environment to complement devices like the BraX3.
Cape: The Carrier Built for Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Cape is a privacy-first mobile carrier designed to keep your communications safe from tracking and protect you from other network security threats. Unlike legacy providers, we don’t harvest your information; our network is built to ensure most data never leaves your device in the first place.
We achieve this through a layered approach that combines advanced encryption, modern protocols, and network-level safeguards:
Cape runs its own mobile core in the cloud, replacing the outdated legacy infrastructure of traditional carriers. All traffic is routed through Cape’s secure network, making your domestic and international communications far more resistant to interception and attack.
Traditional carriers use outdated authentication methods that leave you vulnerable to risks like SIM swaps. Instead of weak password-based logins, Cape secures your account with asymmetric cryptography.
Your private key stays on your device and is represented by a 24-word recovery phrase, required for any major account changes. Because Cape employees cannot access it, only you can authorize actions like SIM ports, removing one of the most common attack vectors.
Cape’s proprietary signaling proxy filters network requests in real time, rejecting suspicious activity and blocking attempts at location tracking, call or SMS interception, and identifier extraction.
When you pay for Cape, we don’t collect your name or billing address. Instead, Stripe tokenizes your payment details so they’re never stored by Cape or tied to your account.
Voicemails, including the content and critical metadata, are encrypted and can only be decrypted with the private key stored only on your device.
Traditional carriers demand blind trust and collect vast amounts of personal data from the moment you subscribe. Cape flips the model, letting you sign up anonymously and protecting your communications with built-in security, so your data stays private—even from us.
Get Cape To Access Unlimited Data, Peak Network Performance
Your $99/month Cape subscription comes with unlimited calls and SMS, 4G/5G data, and international roaming (for eligible devices and countries).
The service is available for eSIM-enabled devices.
You can visit this page to get started.
To extend protection beyond the network, Cape partners with Proton. Subscribers can get Proton Unlimited or Proton VPN Plus for only $1 for six months.
