HIROH unveils privacy smartphone with dual kill switches, USD $999
HIROH has opened US pre-orders for its new security-focused smartphone, pricing the device at USD $999. The model, positioned for daily use, is designed to appeal to privacy-minded consumers, professionals and public sector users who require strong communication security without limiting functionality.
Physical privacy
The HIROH phone features dual hardware kill switches. One switch disables the device's microphone and camera at the hardware level, while the other cuts off GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. With these mechanisms, remote data collection and surveillance are intended to be physically impossible. A visible red indicator shows when the phone is in secure mode, and unlike earlier privacy solutions, users retain full access to phone features and applications even after activating the security switches.
Specifications overview
The handset offers a 6.77 inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1220x2712, 120Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 octa-core chipset, coupled with 16GB RAM and 512GB internal storage. Storage can be expanded via an encrypted 2TB-capacity SD card slot. The battery has a capacity of 5000mAh, is user-replaceable, and supports 33W fast charging.
The phone's camera system includes a 108MP main rear camera by Samsung, a 13MP wide-angle and 2MP macro lens, and a 32MP front-facing Sony camera. The device supports 5G connectivity, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and includes a USB-C port.
Operating system choices
HIROH users have two operating system options. They can select Murena's /e/OS, which is designed for use without Google services and aims for higher privacy protection. Alternatively, users can choose Android 16, which provides wider compatibility. When running /e/OS, the phone supports both Murena's third-party app store and access to the full range of Android and Google applications, allowing for either heightened privacy or broader flexibility depending on the user's preference.
Market positioning
Unlike some previous security phones that required users to give up functionality when in privacy mode, HIROH is engineered to maintain usability with its switches activated. The company says this avoids the problem of devices becoming unusable or 'bricked' when privacy features are switched on.
Pre-order terms
US customers can secure a pre-order for the HIROH via a USD $99 reservation. The remainder of the cost, USD $900 plus tax, is due before shipment. The reservation is refundable until the device ships. HIROH will include a two-year warranty covering hardware and software defects, extending support beyond standard industry practice for smartphones.
Company background
The HIROH phone was developed by a team led by Chief Executive Officer Victor Cocchia and Chief Technology Officer Alexander Barangan, both holding patents in mobile security and privacy. Cocchia has won industry awards and previously invented physical privacy controls for mobile devices.
"At HIROH, we believe privacy should never come at the cost of usability. The HIROH phone redefines what secure communication means -- merging true physical security with the freedom to use the apps and tools people rely on every day. It's not just about protecting your data; it's about empowering users to live and work securely without compromise. With HIROH, you'll never need to carry a second phone," said Victor Cocchia, Chief Executive Officer, HIROH.
