The Murena One privacy phone is the world's first mainstream Android smartphone designed to operate entirely without Google — and it brings a full suite of privacy-first tools at a starting price of $369 (roughly Rs 28,600).
Murena One Privacy Phone: What Makes It Different
Most Android devices ship with Google Mobile Services baked in, making it difficult to escape data collection. The Murena One takes a different approach by running /e/OS V1, a fork of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) that strips out every Google app and service. The result is a fully functional Android experience — most Android apps work out of the box — with no mandatory Google account required at any point.
Instead of the Play Store, the phone includes an App Lounge, a dedicated app catalogue that assigns each application a Privacy Score from 0 to 10 based on how much personal data it collects. This gives users a clear, at-a-glance signal before they install anything. Murena also bundles its own Murena Cloud service, which covers ad-free search, a secure email platform, online storage, document management, and a calendar — all with 1 GB of free storage included from day one.
For those accustomed to Google services, the transition is softer than it sounds: sideloading and installing third-party APKs is fully supported, so everyday apps remain accessible without surrendering a Google account.
Specifications and Features
Despite its privacy focus, the Murena One does not compromise on hardware. Here is a full breakdown of what is inside:
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.53-inch Full HD+ IPS, 1080 x 2242 px, 19.5:9 aspect ratio, 395 ppi |
| Processor | Octa-core MediaTek Helio P60 SoC |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Rear Cameras | 48 MP (f/1.8) + 8 MP + 5 MP triple camera system |
| Front Camera | 25 MP (f/2.0) |
| OS | /e/OS V1 (AOSP-based, Google-free Android) |
| Cloud Storage | 1 GB free via Murena Cloud |
Display
The 6.53-inch Full HD+ IPS panel delivers a 1080 x 2242 pixel resolution at a pixel density of 395 ppi. The 19.5:9 aspect ratio keeps the phone comfortable for one-handed use while offering plenty of vertical screen space for browsing and reading.
Camera System
Photography is handled by a triple rear camera array. The primary shooter is a 48-megapixel sensor with an f/1.8 aperture for low-light performance, backed by an 8-megapixel secondary and a 5-megapixel tertiary lens. Selfies are covered by a 25-megapixel front camera with an f/2.0 aperture — a competitive spec for video calls and portrait shots.
Performance
The MediaTek Helio P60 octa-core SoC paired with 4 GB of RAM handles everyday multitasking, streaming, and app use without issue. The 128 GB of internal storage provides ample room for apps, photos, and offline content.
Price and Availability
The Murena One is priced at $369 in the US (approximately Rs 28,600) and EUR 349 in Europe (approximately Rs 28,900). Sales are open from June via the official Murena.com website, with availability covering the US, UK, Canada, Europe, and Switzerland.
For more privacy-focused smartphones and tech coverage, browse our brand reviews.
Who Should Buy the Murena One?
The Murena One is a compelling choice for anyone who wants a capable Android smartphone but is uncomfortable with the data collection that comes with standard Google services. Journalists, activists, privacy researchers, and everyday users who have grown wary of ad-targeting will find /e/OS a genuinely usable alternative. The App Lounge's Privacy Score system adds a layer of transparency that simply does not exist on the standard Play Store. At under $370, the entry price is reasonable for the level of de-Googling on offer.
That said, users who depend heavily on Google Workspace apps, Google Pay, or Google Assistant will find the transition requires adjustment. The Murena Cloud is a solid starting point, but power users may need to configure additional services to fully replace their existing Google ecosystem.
