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!

  • frathiemann@feddit.de
    51·
    1 year ago

    I am daily driving my PinePhone Pro running manjaro (Plasma Mobile) for about a year now. I can say, it is definitely daily driveable with some exeptions/limitations:

    • The Battery life is horrible, like 3 h max usage from a battery. But since the batteries are cheap and can easily be swapped, I just have 4 of them to get through the day
    • The camera is working in the sense, that it can make pictures. If you want nice pictures, bring a separate camera
    • From time to time, cellular network connectivity drops out for short moments

    Other than that it is pretty much functioning as a real phone. Of curse there are not that many apps. Telegram works natively and flawless, but whatsapp needs to be used via Whatsapp Web. For syncing all my documents and files I use nextcloud which works without any problems (once set up)

    There is also the non Pro Version of the PinePhone, which is much slower, but has a better camera software and longer battery life (and is cheaper)

    • Shatur
      2·
      1 year ago

      I also daily drive PPP. But I use the Pine keyboard to extend the battery life.

      • CalcProgrammer1
        2·
        1 year ago

        Same, I’ve been daily driving the PinePhone for a few years now between the original and the Pro. The keyboard case is a must have right now due to power draw issues. I’ve tried Arch and postmarketOS, settled on postmarketOS now.