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Indonesia quietly becomes Global Cellphone Producer with Privacy-Focused ‘UP Phone’

Indonesia is now part of the global cellphone supply chain, quietly manufacturing smartphones for international markets through a partnership with Cyprus-based startup, Unplugged. The company’s flagship device, the ‘UP Phone,’ prioritizes user privacy and is already available in the US and Canada.

The UP Phone, designed with a focus on data security, features a design reminiscent of the iPhone, including a ‘boba’ style camera arrangement and curved edges. However, it notably omits the iPhone’s Dynamic Island. Unplugged asserts that the UP Phone offers superior security compared to forthcoming flagship models from industry giants like Apple and Samsung.

Did you know? – Indonesia is rapidly becoming a notable player in global smartphone manufacturing, leveraging lower labour costs and a growing tech sector. This positions the country as a key hub for assembly and production.

Privacy as a Core Feature

According to Unplugged, the UP Phone distinguishes itself through enhanced privacy features, specifically by eliminating third-party DNS requests – a potential vulnerability for data tracking. The company claims the UP Phone registers zero such requests, while the iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 are projected to have 3,181 and 1,368 respectively. This focus on privacy is a key differentiator in a market increasingly concerned with data security.

Specifications and Performance

The UP Phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chip and boasts a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display. It comes standard with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB. The device’s camera system includes a 108MP main lens, a 5MP macro lens, and an 8MP wide-angle lens, alongside a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

The phone is equipped with a 4,300 mAh battery supporting 33W wired and 15W wireless charging. Additional features include IP53 certification, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, NFC, eSIM and Nano SIM support, 5G network compatibility, a USB Type-C 2.0 port, and dual speakers.

Pro tip – When evaluating smartphone privacy, check if the device allows you to control DNS settings. Using a private DNS server can enhance your online security and reduce tracking.

Shifting Production to the US Amidst Trade Pressures

While currently manufactured in Indonesia, Unplugged plans to shift assembly operations to Nevada, USA, beginning in August 2025, as reported by Reuters. Despite the increased labor costs associated with US-based production, the company aims to maintain a competitive price point, targeting a retail price below $1,000 (approximately Rp.16.2 million). Currently, phones produced in indonesia are sold for $989 (Rp. 16 million).

“The first step taken is assembly, gradually procuring components,” a company representative stated. details regarding the scale of the Nevada operation and specific partnerships remain limited.

This move comes as US President Donald Trump actively encourages smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, to establish assembly facilities within the United States. Trump has employed the threat of tariffs on goods produced outside the country as leverage to incentivize domestic manufacturing.

Unplugged’s strategy involves assembling

Reader question – Do you think increased domestic manufacturing will substantially impact smartphone prices? What trade-offs, if any, are you willing to make for locally produced devices?

why: Unplugged, a Cyprus-based startup, is seeking to differentiate itself in the competitive smartphone market by prioritizing user privacy and responding to geopolitical pressures favoring domestic manufacturing.

Who: The key players are Unplugged (the company), Indonesian manufacturers (current production location), and US President