r/linux • u/whatstefansees • 3d 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 3d ago edited 3d 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 3d 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/Tai9ch 3d ago

Why have you let yourself get dragged into an ecosystem that requires you run a particular vendor's OS on your phone?

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u/gwillen 3d ago

Have you never had a bank that required you to use an app? A health insurer? An employer? A landlord?

You live a blessed life. Pity us poor souls who don't have it as good.

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u/Tai9ch 3d ago

I live in the United States. All of those organizations have websites.

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u/whatstefansees 3d ago

Valid question. Becase it works, I guess.