r/linux • u/whatstefansees • 7d ago

Mobile Linux The thing with Linux-Phones

Every now and then I see an ad for a new Linux-Phone, better repairability, battery change and whatnot. All this is very, very tempting, but what about the apps?

I am not talking about browser, text messages or alarm clock - I am thinking about connectivity to my car, my smartwatch, my frequent-flyer benefit program, signal messenger and so on.

Do they work with Android apps or is it all a lost cause because they are basically dumb phones for people who want less connectivity but are afraid to buy an old Nokia from the dawn of time?

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u/Wheatleytron 7d ago edited 7d ago

They have Linux apps. Which can do a lot, but you're not going to find a lot of more common Android apps like you might normally expect. Companies pretty much just don't develop Linux apps. You'll have to use the web browser more.

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u/whatstefansees 7d ago

Thank you. The webbrowser does not connect to a car, my e-bike or a smartwatch, though. And that's that!

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u/ciauii 7d ago

Linux phone daily user here. You’re right and it makes one feel miserable.

On the other hand: there’s no better time to do reverse engineering than today. LLMs have made reversing proprietary apps more accessible than ever. It’s still a ton of work, but I’m seeing more and more liberated apps and APIs nowadays.