this post was submitted on 07 Mar 2024
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Linux Phones

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Community about running GNU/Linux on phones. Projects like Ubuntu Touch, Plasma Mobile, PostmarketOS, Mobian etc. Either on former Android phones or hardware like the PinePhone.

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I want to switch from android phone to linux and i want to know which phone is closest to daily driver. I only need call sms and bluetooth to work and battery should last 1 day. also working map camera and web browser app would be great. for os i have thinked to use ubuntu touch or postmarket os. Phones what i have most interested Volla phone Pixel 3a Fairphone 4 Pinephone or pinephone pro Any thoughts or ideas

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[–] [email protected] 13 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I can't give you any useful advice on the phone/os, but I really think you should keep an old or cheap android phone as a backup. You never know when you are going to absolutely need some app, that is unfortunately only available on mainstream phones (android or iOS).

[–] [email protected] 6 points 8 months ago (2 children)

Maybe you can answer one for me, too. I'm not a coder or really great with computers. I use Linux because of the philosophy behind it/political reasons, and because I really love the look and feel of Gnome, and it has just about everything I need. I dual boot Windows in case my college has some program I absolutely have to have, and I'm too dumb to figure out virtual machines and wine.

Do you think Linux phones are ever going to be a viable option for someone like me? I use my phone for browsing Lemmy, gps, streaming/YouTube, audiobooks, et cetera. I don't have a lot of niche use cases, but I also don't have a lot of understanding on how to do certain things myself. I can use a terminal if I can copy/paste or have a guide.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (2 children)

A postmarketOS ready phone should do it. On your Linux PC you install pmbootstrap and follow the guides. Its easier than flashing android ROMs. A combination of phosh, fde and f2fs gave a secure and rock solid linux phone with the experience of near all apps known from gnome desktop.

I would advice op the same btw. but I don't know how good every phone is supported. I use a pinephone.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

Thank you! I'll start looking into it!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

how long does pinephones battery last? Does calls and sms work?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

Currently those phones are meant for advanced GNU/Linux users and tinkerers. So you will have to learn some things or maybe ask other people for help from time to time. It might be hard and there is no guarantee that it will work for you. But if you have the patience, you could give it a try. Check out my short PinePhone review and this thread.