What are the main differences between C2 and jolla-2026?

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I’m so sorry if there’s already a comparison post about these two phone’s specs, I didn’t find one.

I’m in desperate need of a new phone, and I’ve decided I’d like to start using Jolla’s phone. However what are the main differences between the two models sold right now? I’m student and my money is tight, so I would prefer C2, but will I be missing something critical by getting that instead of the 2026 version?

edit: thank you for so so much for the kind, comprehensive and clear answers everyone! :heart_hands:

I’ll buy the Xperia that was mentioned in this thread, and start my sailfishOS journey from there!

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You should think about a sony Xperia 10 III. Cheap stable, good. But you have to flash your self. It’s not to complicated and many here will help you.

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I personally am not against bit of tinkering or having to figure things out. My PC’s both are linux based. Is there a heavy reason why rather xperia than c2? Edit: besides the price. But I have budget for the C2 at least.

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C2 is promoted as the developer device. Big screen (good for desk), slow cpu (no problem for a test device).

J2 is promoted as a daily driver build after ask in this forum for requirements. Some smaller screen (good for pockets), faster cpu (maybe good for something).

Unfortunately some user here in this forum misreads the announcement of C2 and expected magic things for less money. You can read here what happens if a dream ended unfinished.

If you need a daily driver the J2 is the best deal today. There are some older or used device out there. These used devices can be a good deal if you want to spend your money for other fancy gimmicks.

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IMO there is NO corelation at all.

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This is sound advice.

Even in 2026, I would not jump into SFOS first with a J2-price device. Based on 15 years of experience since N9, I predict J2 release to be plenty “new hardware problems” roadbumpy.

Get a used X10III for 50 €, try it out for a while.

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But be careful on the correct model of the Xperia 10 iii, in the Japanese version the bootloader cannot be unlocked. I had a Xperia 10 iii for some time, solid and nice SFOS experience…

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The Cpu of X10III is way faster, besides of that the form factor, which is way more suitable for pocket daily usage.

…And is dirty cheap for what U get!

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for sure. Xperia 10 III is the best choice overall, with the 10 II as runnerup. the C2 is much worse, and more expensive.

WARNING: when buying a used 10 III, make certain you do not get a japanese model. they are labeled ‘docomo’ or ‘japanese’ or ‘SOG04’ or ‘SO-52B’ or ‘UQ Mobile’. even if the listing says ‘unlocked’, you cannot flash sailfish on the japanese models, and the japanese models are cheaper and more common so you are likely to buy one by mistake. make sure the listing says things like ‘dual sim’ or ‘model XQBT-52’.
if you are unsure, check the return policy. you can also ask the seller to enter the *#*#7378423#*#* menu and check bootloader-unlock-allowed, some private sellers may do this for you.

second warning: do not buy a 10 IV or 10 V. despite what you may read, they more or less just do not work with sailfish, and almost certainly never will

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If you don’t want to flash yourself you can buy the phone with Saifishos installed from
Sailfish OS | Jolla-Devices STORE.._gaNjk2NjEzMjU4LjE3ODI1ODEyNDE._ga_GDKH6V14JLczE3ODI1ODEyNDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODI1ODEyNDAkajYwJGwwJGgxODY2MzcxODY5

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8 posts were merged into an existing topic: Relation between Sailfish and Keep Android Open