Flipper One has been presented as Flipper Devices' most ambitious project to date., the company responsible for the popular Flipper Zero. Far from being a simple revision of the previous model, this new gadget aims to become a true cyberdeck Pocket-sized with Linux, designed for IP networks, pentesting and advanced experimentation with open hardware.
Unlike its predecessor, Flipper One was not created to replace Flipper Zero, but to complement it.While the Zero dominates the realm of radio frequency and local, connectionless protocols, the One aims to encompass everything that operates over IP: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, 5G, satellite, and, in general, any modern network infrastructure. The company has decided to showcase it while it is still under development to engage the community from the very beginning.
From Flipper Zero to Flipper One: from hacker toy to Linux mini-computer
Several years have passed since Flipper Zero burst onto the scene as a kind of "tamagotchi for hackers"Focused on NFC, RFID, infrared, and low-power radio frequency, its portable, relatively affordable nature and very active community made it a benchmark in the world of pocket penetration testing.
With Flipper One, the company moves up a league: The new device is envisioned as a complete Linux computer in a compact format.With power and connectivity similar to a Raspberry Pi 5, but with integrated physical buttons, a battery, a screen, and a radically different focus on networking and technical automation, the company itself describes it as a "portable Linux multi-tool for hackers and developers."
This leap also implies a change in usage approach. If Zero focused on protocols of the so-called Layer 0 (local signals, access control, offline radio), The One is oriented towards Layer 1 and the IP world: wired networks, wireless networks, high-volume data traffic, and sufficient computing power to handle SDR and AI models locally.
The company insists that This is not a simple incremental evolutionbut rather a different product category. For the user, this means that those who already own a Flipper Zero will not see it replaced, but rather accompanied by a tool designed for other scenarios: network audits, VPN gateways, portable routers, or small mobile cybersecurity labs.
Hardware architecture: dual processor and much more power
The heart of the device is noticeably more sophisticated than that of the first generation. Flipper One combines two chips that work in parallel.: a high-performance ARM SoC and a low-power microcontroller that handle different but complementary tasks.
On one hand, The main processor is an octa-core Rockchip RK3576It features four high-performance Cortex-A72 cores and four efficient Cortex-A53 cores, along with a Mali GPU and a dedicated NPU with around 6 TOPS for AI workloads. This chip is paired with 8 GB of LPDDR5x memory, enough to smoothly run complete Linux distributions and execute demanding applications, from graphical desktops to network analysis tools.
On the other hand, It incorporates a dual-core Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontrollerDesigned to manage the screen, buttons, side touchpad, and all power logic, this second brain can function even when the Linux system is completely powered off—unusual for this type of device—allowing, for example, control basic functions or monitoring without starting the main system.
Thanks to this dual architecture, the Flipper One can balance raw power and autonomyThe main SoC is reserved for heavy-duty tasks—running pentesting tools, traffic analysis, SDR, or local AI—while the RP2350 allows low-power modes for light operations or device control without needing to load the full Linux environment.
Regarding the format, The device remains pocket-sized but is larger than the Flipper Zero.It measures approximately 155 x 67 x 40 mm, compared to the previous model's 100 x 40 x 25 mm. In return, it offers a 256 x 144 pixel monochrome screen, five buttons below the main panel, a D-pad, a side touchpad, and a button. push-to-talk At the top, everything is designed to be handled comfortably without a full physical keyboard.
Network connectivity and expansion: Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, 5G and M.2
Flipper One's big leap forward lies in how it connects. The device is clearly designed as a portable networking tool, capable of acting as a router, network bridge or VPN gateway, as well as behaving as a mini Linux PC when connected to an external screen.
In the section on physical ports, It includes two Gigabit Ethernet connectors. These features allow for advanced configurations, such as acting as a gateway between two different networks or setting up on-site test labs. In addition, it offers a USB Ethernet connection of up to 5 Gbps, expanding the options for integrating it into existing infrastructures.
In the wireless field, Flipper One comes with Wi-Fi 6E on the 2,4, 5 and 6 GHz bandsThis is particularly interesting in environments where networks are beginning to be deployed in the 6 GHz band. Furthermore, it incorporates an internal M.2 port compatible with PCIe, USB and SATA which allows the installation of 5G or LTE modems, SDR modules, AI accelerators, or even NVMe SSD units for high-speed storage.
Beyond pure connectivity, The device has a 20-pin GPIO header and a 14-pin debug port, which opens the door to electronics experiments, custom boards, and advanced maker projectsThe design is intended to allow the community to download 3D models, screw on modified back covers, and develop custom expansions—an approach that fits quite well with the DIY culture that already surrounded the Flipper Zero.
To complete the set, Flipper One offers a range of modern portsIt features two USB 3.1 Type-C ports (one for data, power, and video output, and the other for data and power delivery), one USB 3.1 Type-A port, a microSD card reader, and a nano SIM slot connected to the M.2 module. In practice, this means it can function as both a dedicated network device and a small desktop computer connected to a 4K monitor via HDMI or DisplayPort over USB-C.
Flipper OS and the battle for a truly open Linux ARM
Hardware is only one part of the equation. Flipper Devices wants Flipper One to be one of the most open and best-documented ARM platforms on the market., avoiding dependence on patched kernels and proprietary components that often hold back many embedded devices.
To achieve this, the company is collaborating with Collabora. to integrate Rockchip RK3576 support directly into the main Linux kernelThe intention is that, in the medium term, any developer will be able to download a clean kernel from official sources and run it on the device without resorting to blobs closed beyond what was strictly unavoidable. Even so, There is still work to be doneespecially in areas such as the RAM initializer (DDR trainer), advanced power management, USB-C video output, accelerated decoding, or full use of the NPU.
Based on this, the device will execute Flipper OS, a Debian-based system specifically adapted to the small screen and button controls. Instead of offering a scaled-down, traditional Linux desktop, the company is developing an interface called FlipCTLDesigned for navigation with a cross-shaped handle and touchpad, it will wrap many command-line tools in more user-friendly menus for mobile use.
One of the key ideas of the system is profile management. Flipper OS will allow loading complete profiles with default packages and configurationsso that the user can change environments (for example, from a pentesting profile to a systems administration profile or an educational lab profile) without losing the original state or having to reinstall everything from scratch.
Furthermore, The user will be able to erase the system and easily restore it to a clean copy.This is especially useful for those conducting aggressive software experiments or testing sensitive network configurations. This no-nonsense "break and rebuild" philosophy fits perfectly with the portable lab environment the company wants to foster.
Local AI and Flipper AI: offline language models
Another striking aspect of the project is its commitment to integrated artificial intelligence. Thanks to the NPU of the RK3576 SoC, Flipper One will be able to run language models (LLM) locallywithout relying on remote servers. The company refers to this intelligence layer as Flipper AI.
The idea is that this AI can help with everyday tasks on the device: assistance with network configuration, command suggestions, script generation, or explanation of scan resultsAll of this without the need for an internet connection, which is especially relevant in sensitive environments or in auditing work where sending data to the cloud is not desired.
Evidently The NPU's 6 TOPS power does not put it on par with dedicated desktop accelerators.However, it is sufficient for optimized and quantized compact models. In a context of edge computingThis opens up interesting possibilities: context-based automation, rapid traffic analysis, simple pattern detection, or terminal assistants that understand natural language.
The company has not yet detailed all the specific use cases for Flipper AI, but The community is already speculating about interactive assistants that can guide the user in pentesting or system administration sessions.reducing the learning curve for those starting out in this field without sacrificing the fine control that professionals demand.
Practical uses: from portable router to pentesting lab
With all this hardware and software, Flipper One is shaping up to be a highly versatile tool within the networking and cybersecurity ecosystem.Its pocket-sized design, combined with its battery life and extensive connectivity, allows it to cover roles that are currently usually filled by several different devices.
For instance, It can act as a router or VPN gatewayConnecting wired and wireless networks, it serves as a bridge between separate segments or as a secure gateway to remote infrastructure. In professional settings, it can be useful for field technicians who need to quickly set up a controlled environment without carrying a full laptop and dedicated router.
It is also presented as a small desktop Linux PCThe HDMI 2.1 port (and DisplayPort compatibility on USB-C) allows you to connect 4K monitors with refresh rates of up to 120 Hz, giving you room to use full graphical desktops, play multimedia content, or work with graphics tools without excessive limitations, always within the limits of what an ARM SoC can offer.
In training settings and laboratories, It could be used as an educational platform for students of cybersecurity, networking, or embedded systemsIts combination of GPIO, M.2, open Linux, and an active community fits with the maker philosophy that already exists in spaces like hackerspaces and technical universities.
And as, It remains a tool with a clear focus on penetration testing.Between dual Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, 5G modules, SDR potential, and the execution of specialized software, the device can become a Swiss Army knife for auditing networks, analyzing traffic, testing security configurations, or simulating attack and defense environments on the go.
Project in development, community and funding
Despite all the anticipation, Flipper One is not ready for sale yetThe company itself acknowledges that manufacturing is complex, especially due to the number of components and the ambition to integrate them into a pocket-sized format with a battery, screen, and physical buttons.
For now, Flipper Devices has launched a developer portalThis information is accessible through the official documentation, where you can find technical details, track the firmware status, and see how support is evolving in the Linux kernel. From there, they invite programmers, engineers, and advanced users to participate in the remaining development of the system, whether by contributing code, reporting problems, or proposing improvements.
Regarding the business model, The company plans to fund the device through a crowdfunding campaign.The launch date and specific platform have not yet been confirmed, but it has been indicated that the base price of the model without cellular modules will be below $350, a figure that will likely translate to a similar range in euros once the first units arrive.
This positioning puts it above the Flipper Zero, which is around $199, but It also brings it closer to the territory of budget mini PCs and laptops.That's where the company will have to justify the added value of such a compact format, its modularity, and its radically open approach compared to more conventional devices.
Transparency at this stage is a double-edged sword: Showing the product before it's finished helps attract community and gather feedbackHowever, it also makes it clear that delays, specification changes, or unforeseen technical limitations may occur. In any case, the company is relying on the trust built up with the Flipper Zero and on an already established community.
potential impact
A device like Flipper One can fit well into several very specific niches.On the one hand, the market for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts continues to expand, with strong demand for tools for practice and training in both companies and educational centers.
For another, the maker and open hardware community in countries like Spain, Germany, France, or the Nordic countries Flipper One has been using boards like Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, and ESP32-based kits for home and professional projects for years. Flipper One presents itself as a more integrated alternative, with better-maintained software and a clear focus on networking and security.
Nor should we forget the regulatory factor. There is a particular sensitivity regarding the use of hacking tools and the privacy of communications. Just as happened with Flipper Zero, some public debate is expected regarding the potential misuse of the device. However, the very open and documented nature of the platform may encourage its use primarily in controlled environments, regulated training and legitimate audits.
For companies specializing in cybersecurity, consulting or training, Flipper One could become an interesting resource to equip field teams, set up portable labs, or design practical network administration and penetration testing courses. The key will be how the software ecosystem evolves and whether availability is quick and competitively priced compared to x86 alternatives.
On the whole, Flipper One is shaping up to be a very unique pocket-sized Linux cyberdeckIt combines a dual-processor architecture, 8 GB of RAM, advanced network connectivity with dual Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G, an M.2 slot for specialized modules, 4K video output, and a Debian-based operating system with a strong open-source focus. While significant questions remain regarding final price, timelines, and software maturity, the concept points to a tool distinct from what the traditional market offers, designed for those who need a portable, hackable, and thoroughly documented networking lab.