Wileyfox Is The UK’s New Smartphone Challenger

A new UK brand looking to shake up the smartphone market by releasing low-cost, powerful devices that offer large amounts of customisation along with local support for their users.

Wileyfox today took the wraps off its first two devices this morning, revealing partnerships with both Qualcomm and Cyanogen as it looks to grab a slice of the valuable smartphone market.

The Swift and the Storm will both be available for under £200 and will feature the highly-customisable, Android-based, Cyanogen 12.1 mobile operating system.

Power up

First up is the Swift, a mid-range device packing some impressive specifications. Featuring a 5 inch HD screen, the Swift (pictured left) is powered by a Snapdragon 410, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, the device comes with a 2,500mAh battery and features a 13MP rear and 5MP front cameras.

It is available to pre-order now for just £129 via Wileyfox’s website and a number of leading online retailers, including the likes of Amazon, Ebay, JD, Souq, Expansys and Clove, and will start shipping to customers next month.

The company also revealed the Storm, a more powerful device which will go on sale in October for £199. Powered by a Snapdragon 615 chipset, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, the device will also pack in a 20MP rear camera from Sony as well as a 8MP front snapper and 2,500mAh battery.

The Storm will feature a 5.5in FullHD display, and support 4G/LTE networks across EMEA, as well as being available in both single and dual-SIM varieties. As mentioned, both devices will be powered by the Cyanogen 12.1 mobile operating system, based on Android 5.1, and making its first ever appearance in the EMEA market.

Cyanogen 12.1 comes with a range of new improvements and features, including a new and more powerful mobile browser, enhanced security systems that allow the user to monitor what information is shared with specific apps, and a fully customisable User Interface (UI) thanks to its dedicated Themes system.

“Our target customer values choice, security and reassurance,” said Nick Muir, European CEO at Wileyfox. “These savvy individuals do not want their data made available beyond their control. They want to be able to change the appearance of their screen, beyond just the wallpaper and lock-screen.

“They want efficient, personalised shortcuts and gestures. They want friendly, helpful 24/7 customer service.  And above all they want great quality, premium handsets with the latest technology. Responsive, well-built, reliable, quick-charging handsets with great battery life. And that’s what Wileyfox is all about.”

Wileyfox is not the only British smartphone maker hoping to secure market share. Kazam, founded by two former HTC executives, has released a number of Android-based handsets in recent years.

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