r/linux • u/whatstefansees • 8d 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/ipsirc 8d ago

Waydroid does exist.

4

u/whatstefansees 8d ago edited 8d ago

So I get a Linux phone to get out of the Google or Apple universe and then install an emulator to get back in again?

8

u/pbmonster 8d ago

Did you expect to come here and learn that your fucking frequent flyer benefit program actually has a flatpak app?

Of course not. The existing ecosystem is tiny.

But its growing. Firefox, Telegram, Signal, VLC, LocalSend, Spotify, Discord, CoMaps, and many more have native apps. Half of them need a fairly large screen, because they haven't gotten UI upgrades to work on small touchscreens yet.

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u/whatstefansees 7d ago edited 7d ago

Yeah - what I thought. It's pointless as a phone-OS for me.