Apple and Google will gladly erase the works of developers to chase profits.
I'm beginning to think that my next phone will be a (relatively) dumb phone that can do bluetooth + wifi tethering to a small linux tablet.
this post was submitted on 03 Oct 2025
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Linux Phones
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The Discussion on Linux-based Phones.
Benefits:
- Hardware freedom.
- Perfect operating-system competition.
- Full utilization of specs.
- Phone lifespan raises to 10+ years.
- Less e-waste.
Linux Mobile Distros:
- Ubuntu Touch
- Sailfish
- FuriOS
- Postmarket OS
- Mobian
- Pure OS
- Plasma Mobile
- LuneOS
- Nemomobile
- Droidian
- Mobile NixOS
- ExpidusOS
- Maemo Leste
- Manjaro Arm
- Tizen
- WebOS
Linux Mobile Hardware:
- Fairphone 5
- Volla Phone
- PinePhone
- FLX1
- Librem 5
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I want one. I wish any had great hardware. Like Snapdragon 8 gen 3 level soc
To add why I want great hardware. A Linux phone needs a mainstream draw and I think gaming can be it. What I see on Android going on with GameFusion and Winlator, with a real Linux phone, such a thing could be way more streamlined especially if such a device draws in way more interest in open source drivers for mobile GPUs - Adreno, Mali, PowerVR.
Besides that, I think there needs to be some default apps that are good even if not Libre or whatever. By default some company should come out with a phone that has Flathub(something that filters to applications that they declare they're mobile disaply and touchscreen friendly), Signal, Element (something Matrix to replace Discord), and the basic applications things come with. Gallery, dialer, SMS/MMS/RCS application, camera, calendar, email client etc. The application store needs to facilitate payments in some way. Whether it's crypto or paypal or GNU Taler or whatever. Facilitate developers to have a path to get paid for their work
Right now the only company coming close to having the software services is Proton. Company with hardware clout it missing. Don't know if Valve would ever consider doing something with Plasma Mobile seeing as SteamOS already ships with KDE Plasma. That would be the dream. Ship it with Steam configured with FEX/proton
Steam phone when? 🤩
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I still have high hopes for the Open WebOS project.
WebOS was amazing. I didn't know what performance was until I touched a WebOS phone
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are the prices affordable ?
Yes, because you can buy used phones that have unlocked bootloaders to install a distro.
sorry I'm asking a lot, but does there happen to be a wiki or list of such devices ? What should I buy if I ever (rn I don't have a mobile, only a computer with Ubuntu MATE)
I’m happy to answer questions. I would say look at Fairphone or Volla since they have the most open mainstream handsets if you’re in Europe. Though if you’re in other regions try looking at well supported used models.
https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Devices
https://devices.ubuntu-touch.io/
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What about dumb phone hardware that can be connected to micro PCs? Like literally a basic as basic can be phone. Then jack that into a basic small computer to supply data/SMS connection. Think the size of a clutch, wallet or smaller?
I know it's not the most practical option, but it would be a literal computer. Linux, Windows or otherwise. No need to reinvent the wheel.
Could be cool. Idk. Like a gun shoulder holster or something.
Or maybe I'm dumb.
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Why not much development with newer hardwares? Most devices are 2021 or older
I think because how the older devices function is more well documented.
Also I swear to god my iPhone deletes notes I’ve made after they get too old or seemingly at random. Which is SO FUCKING AGGRAVATING AND MAKES ME FEEL LIKE MY PHONE IS GASLIGHTING ME.
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If the big problem is licensing proprietary protocols, wht not just make pirate distros?
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