Kill switches, trifolds, and offline modes: These devices are redefining smartphones at CES

The HIROH Secure Phone, powered by Murena, emerged on Tuesday (January 6) as one of the most compelling highlights at the CES trade show in Las Vegas this week, appealing to users prioritizing privacy in an increasingly data-driven digital era.

Designed with a de-Googled operating system and a physical kill switch, the makers of HIROH Secure Phone say it gives users real-world control over the microphones, cameras and more in their phone—not just software toggles but hardware-level cutoffs.

Coupled with high-end specifications like an AMOLED display, the device aims to rival established players like Apple and Samsung.

"It's basically security without compromise," said Victor Cocchia, CEO of HIROH. "It doesn't matter if there's malware, spyware on our phones. No one can hear or see what we're doing."

Samsung also turned heads at CES with its latest innovation, the Galaxy Z TriFold, a three-panel folding smartphone that combines big-screen utility with pocket convenience.

Featuring dual hinges and an AMOLED display, the device opens into a 10-inch tablet-like screen and supports multitasking, immersive streaming, and productivity tools comparable to a desktop environment.

"I think the trifold is pretty cool," said Pete Pachal, a CES attendee from New Jersey who tested the Galaxy Z TriFold. "I guarantee you will be the coolest person in your friend group if you are one of the people who buys it when it's brand new."

Not all the buzz at CES was about cutting-edge technology. The Mudita Kompakt captured attention for its minimalist approach.

Eschewing social media apps, the phone targets users looking to simplify their tech habits, and offers a compact device with a black-and-white screen to reduce eye strain and digital overload.

"The average screen time at the moment in the U.S. is more than six hours daily," said Michal Stusiak, Mudita's managing director. "The phone (Mudita Kompakt) is designed for people to help them live a more healthy life with technology."

Production: Eric Cox/Reuters