Note: This article includes my personal inquiry to Volla regarding an overseas smartphone, as well as my own impressions and interpretation. For matters related to Giteki, TELEC certification, legal use in Japan, and compatibility with Japanese mobile carriers, please always check the latest official information and applicable Japanese regulations before making any decision.
I Got a Reply from Volla in Germany: The Possibility of Reviewing the Volla Phone Plinius and the Giteki Issue in Japan
Hello, I’m Nishiyu, a nurse and blogger based in Japan.
Recently, I became interested in a unique smartphone from Germany called the Volla Phone Plinius, so I decided to contact Volla through their official website.
To be honest, at first I only thought, “It would be interesting if they replied.”
However, I actually received a response from Volla Systeme GmbH.
What surprised me even more was that the reply did not feel like a generic template. It mentioned the possibility of providing a review unit, certification for the Japanese market, and even a potential discount code for readers.
This has turned into a much more interesting development than I expected.
In this article, I will summarize Volla’s reply, the possibility of borrowing a Volla Phone Plinius review unit, the Giteki certification issue when using overseas smartphones in Japan, and what may happen next.
What Is the Volla Phone Plinius?
The Volla Phone Plinius is a smartphone developed by Volla, a company based in Germany.
Unlike ordinary Android smartphones, one of its main features is that it focuses on use without heavy dependence on Google. It also offers the option of using Ubuntu Touch.
The main features can be summarized as follows:
- Supports Volla OS, which emphasizes independence from Google services
- Ubuntu Touch can be selected as an operating system option
- 6.67-inch OLED display
- Supports up to 120Hz refresh rate
- Equipped with MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- 5,300mAh battery
- User-replaceable battery
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- microSD card support
- nanoSIM + eSIM support
Personally, the two points that caught my attention the most were the idea of a “de-Googled smartphone” and the user-replaceable battery.
Many modern smartphones are powerful and convenient, but they are often difficult for users to repair or maintain by themselves, especially when it comes to battery replacement.
In that sense, the Volla Phone Plinius looks like a smartphone designed for long-term use and for users who want more control over their own device.
Why Did I Contact Volla?
When I first looked into the Volla Phone Plinius, I simply thought, “This looks like a very interesting smartphone.”
Volla OS, Ubuntu Touch, a replaceable battery, and IP68 dust and water resistance.
For someone who likes gadgets, it has many attractive features.
However, when using overseas smartphones in Japan, there is one issue that cannot be ignored.
That issue is Giteki.
When people look at overseas smartphones, they often check the supported frequency bands and think, “It should work in Japan.”
However, smartphones are not only mobile communication devices. They also include wireless functions such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.
When using wireless devices in Japan, the presence or absence of the Giteki mark, which is related to Japan’s technical conformity certification system, is an important point to confirm.
For that reason, I contacted Volla through their official website and asked about the following points:
- Whether the Volla Phone Plinius has Japanese Giteki / TELEC certification
- Whether there are any plans or information regarding sales for the Japanese market
- Whether press materials could be provided for introducing the device to Japanese readers
- Whether a review unit, loaner unit, or press sample could be provided
Volla Replied
After sending the inquiry, I waited for a few days and then received a reply from Volla Systeme GmbH.
To summarize the reply, the main points were as follows:
- At the moment, they are not actively sending out Plinius units as test devices
- They are currently prioritizing shipments to pre-order customers
- There may be a possibility of sending a test unit next week or the week after
- The condition would be that the device must be returned after testing
- Volla is a small and independent company, so they manage their testing budget carefully
- At present, the device only has CE certification
- If Volla or a retailer officially sells the device in Japan, they may be able to obtain certification for the Japanese market
- They may also be able to provide a 5% or 10% discount code for readers
Honestly, I felt this was a very positive response.
In particular, the possibility of receiving a test unit is a big development, especially from the perspective of an individual blogger making an inquiry.
Of course, nothing has been finalized yet.
There are still many details that need to be confirmed, such as shipping costs, return conditions, loan period, and what happens in the case of damage or loss.
Even so, I am very grateful that Volla responded in such a specific and constructive way.
The Possibility of a Review Unit Is Very Exciting
If I am actually able to borrow a Volla Phone Plinius review unit, there are many interesting things I would like to test.
For example, I would like to check the following points:
- How easy Volla OS is to use
- Whether daily smartphone use is possible without Google services
- Whether Japanese text input and Japanese display work properly
- Whether major apps such as LINE can be used
- How banking apps and payment apps behave
- How practical Ubuntu Touch is in daily use
- How good the camera performance is
- How long the battery lasts
- How the body feels in terms of weight and build quality
- Whether the replaceable battery design is practical
The point I am most interested in is: how far can a de-Googled smartphone be used in everyday life in Japan?
The idea of a smartphone that does not depend heavily on Google is very attractive.
However, in daily life in Japan, many services are closely connected to Google-related systems and Google Play Services, including maps, notifications, authentication, payment apps, banking apps, and even some public service apps.
Therefore, if I can actually test the device, I think it would be valuable not only as a gadget review, but also as a practical report on whether such a smartphone can realistically be used in Japan.
However, the Giteki Issue Must Be Treated Carefully
The part of Volla’s reply that needs the most careful handling is the issue of Japanese certification.
According to Volla’s response, the device currently has CE certification only. They also explained that if Volla or a retailer officially sells the device in Japan, certification for the Japanese market may be considered.
They also mentioned that the device itself works in Japan.
However, the important point here is that “being technically able to work” and “being legally safe to use in Japan” are not the same thing.
If the supported frequency bands match, mobile communication may be possible.
However, when using wireless devices in Japan, it is necessary to confirm the relationship with the Giteki mark and the Japanese Radio Act.
For this reason, I do not think this should be judged only based on the manufacturer’s explanation. It should be handled carefully in accordance with Japanese regulations.
CE Certification and Giteki Are Not the Same
CE certification is related to products sold in the European market.
On the other hand, when using wireless devices in Japan, Japan’s own technical conformity certification system is involved. This is commonly referred to as Giteki.
In other words, even if a device has CE certification, that does not necessarily mean it meets Japan’s Giteki requirements.
This is an important point to understand when purchasing an overseas smartphone.
Smartphones include several wireless functions, such as:
- 4G / 5G mobile communication
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- NFC
- GPS-related functions
For that reason, I think it is better not to assume too easily that “it is fine as long as I do not insert a SIM card.”
In order to use such a device with confidence in Japan, it is necessary to check the presence or absence of the Giteki mark and how each wireless function should be handled.
How This Should Be Presented in an Article
When writing about Volla’s reply, I think the safest way is to organize the information as follows:
- Volla replied that, at this point, the device has CE certification only
- Volla explained that if the device is officially sold in Japan by Volla or a retailer, certification for the Japanese market may be considered
- The possibility that the device works in Japan and whether it can be used legally and safely in Japan should be considered separately
- The presence or absence of Giteki certification needs to be checked carefully going forward
This way, Volla’s response can be respected while reducing the risk of misleading readers in Japan.
Especially in gadget-related articles, if I simply write “it seems to work in Japan,” some readers may buy it immediately based on that statement.
That is why the sections related to Giteki and domestic use in Japan need to be written very carefully.
There Was Also a Proposal for a Discount Code
In the reply, Volla also mentioned the possibility of providing a 5% or 10% discount code for readers.
This is also very interesting.
If they officially issue a discount code, I may be able to introduce it to my blog readers and social media followers.
However, this has not been finalized yet either.
There are several points that need to be confirmed, such as the discount rate, expiration date, eligible regions, eligible models, purchase method, and whether it would be treated as an affiliate arrangement.
In the case of overseas smartphones, it is also important to check whether the device can be purchased from Japan, as well as shipping costs, customs duties, and warranty support.
Even if a discount code becomes available, I believe it is necessary to clearly explain the issues related to Giteki and domestic use in Japan before introducing it.
What I Want to Confirm with Volla Next
In my next reply to Volla, I would like to confirm the following points:
- Whether they can lend a test unit to Japan
- How long the loan period would be
- Who would cover the shipping and return shipping costs
- How the device should be returned
- How damage or loss would be handled
- Whether official images and specification materials can be used in the article
- How much I can write about Japanese certification in the article
- The conditions for the discount code
I am very grateful for the possibility of borrowing a review unit, but since international shipping is involved, many details need to be confirmed in advance.
In particular, the return conditions and shipping costs should be made clear before proceeding.
If I Can Review the Actual Device
If I actually get the chance to test the Volla Phone Plinius, I would like to make the review more practical rather than simply introducing the specifications.
For example, I could test it from the following angles:
- How far a de-Googled smartphone can be used in Japan
- Whether Volla OS is easy enough for beginners
- Whether app operation is possible without Google Play
- Whether Ubuntu Touch can be used in daily life
- The value of a smartphone with a replaceable battery
- Important points when using overseas smartphones in Japan
- What to watch out for regarding Giteki and certification
In particular, I think the balance between convenience and privacy will become an increasingly important theme when choosing smartphones in the future.
Where does the Volla Phone Plinius fit as an alternative to ordinary Android smartphones and iPhones?
If I can actually test it, I think it could become a very interesting article.
My Current Impression
At this point, my impression is that the Volla Phone Plinius is not a smartphone for everyone.
For people who want to use LINE, payment apps, banking apps, maps, social media, and other daily services without any anxiety, an Android smartphone officially sold in Japan or an iPhone would probably be the safer choice.
On the other hand, the Volla Phone Plinius may strongly appeal to people such as:
- People interested in de-Googled smartphones
- People looking for a privacy-focused smartphone
- People interested in Linux or Ubuntu Touch
- People who like unusual gadgets
- People who value repairability and battery replacement
- People who enjoy overseas smartphones, including the technical and regulatory aspects
If we only look at specifications, there may be other smartphones in the same price range with higher performance.
However, I feel that the appeal of the Volla Phone Plinius is not only in its specifications, but also in its philosophy, freedom, and repairability.
Important: I Am Not Recommending Purchase at This Stage
I want to make this point clear: at this stage, I am not strongly recommending the Volla Phone Plinius to users in Japan.
The reason is that there are still many points that need to be confirmed, including Giteki certification, communication environment in Japan, app compatibility, and warranty support.
At this point, my position is as follows:
- The product itself is very interesting
- Volla gave a positive response to my inquiry
- There is a possibility of borrowing a review unit
- However, using it in Japan requires careful confirmation, including Giteki-related issues
Overseas smartphones have a certain kind of appeal and excitement.
However, if you buy one only because it feels exciting, you may later face problems related to communication, warranty, apps, or legal use.
That is why I would like to proceed while carefully checking these points.
Conclusion: Receiving a Reply Was a Big Step, but Giteki Requires Caution
This time, I received a reply from Volla Systeme GmbH, and the conversation moved toward the possibility of borrowing a Volla Phone Plinius test unit and even receiving a reader discount code.
For an individual blog, I think this is a fairly big step.
At the same time, the issue of Giteki must be handled carefully.
Volla replied that the device currently has CE certification only.
They also explained that if the device is officially sold in Japan, certification for the Japanese market may be considered.
However, when using the device in Japan, it is necessary to check its relationship with the Japanese Radio Act and the Giteki system.
The fact that a device works and the fact that it can be used safely and legally in Japan should be considered separately.
Going forward, I plan to ask Volla for additional confirmation regarding the loan conditions, how to describe the certification issue, and the details of the potential discount code.
Overseas smartphones are exciting.
But excitement alone is not enough. Careful confirmation is also important.
The Volla Phone Plinius seems like a very interesting device because it makes us think about both sides.
