this post was submitted on 01 Jul 2023
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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I have been out of the loop for a while with the development of Linux/GNU based OSes on phones. However, with seeing how companies (like reddit) can change the rules as they wish, I want to see if completely switching to Linux is possible.

Long story short… what are the current phone providers that have Linux as an OS, or what is the best way to run Linux on an off-the-shelf phone?

As a side-question, is Nextcloud still the next best option for a complete service alternative to Google/iCloud?

Thank you!

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[–] delial@lemmy.sdf.org 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Because phone manufacturers don't open source their firmware, you probably won't be able to get Linux on an off-the-shelf phone. (Please someone correct me if I'm wrong).

Your best bet, if you want to go down thus route, is to get the PinePhone Pro. ~~It's relatively affordable.~~

Before you try anything, think hard about your relationship with your phone and what you expect from it. Does work require you have an app installed? What kind of apps do you use regularly? You won't have things like: CVS for meds, AA for flying, Steam for 2fa, Signal, Telegram, google maps, etc. Some you might be able to use their webapps, but the browser might be a bit sluggish because it's the full desktop version. Firefox isnt fully mobile friendly. Battery life won't be what you're used to. Linux on the phone is just like your regular Linux, so you'll have the stuff your used to from there, and you'll having calling, sms, mms, and voicemail.

I have the PinePhone and the Librem 5, but I still use my android.

[–] boonhet@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago

There are a couple of phones that can run Linux. Oneplus 6 for an example. But most can't indeed. PostmarketOS has a list of devices that their distro works on.