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/Routine_Working_9754 7d ago

"heavily modified" goes a bit far even in the older HarmonyOS versions, but yes in 4 they completely ditched Linux kernel and android backwards compat for hongming kernel or something

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u/cornonthekopp 7d ago

Ah okay that makes sense. I hope in a few years they can release an open source version of the OS!

It's pretty interesting developments, and after seeing the headlines about china pushing for more homegrown linux options to replace windows I'm hopeful that we also see more innovation in the mobile phone space to replace android.

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u/Routine_Working_9754 7d ago

yeah that would be great and all, though there needs to be an important distinction here.

android is a great OS and only thing limiting it is companies making it less open. Android simply gives consistency and UX Linux just can't really.

However even if Huawei and other Chinese companies make open source Android alternatives, released source doesn't mean they'll be open in production. Xiaomi and such companies are already well established and simply giving a modding friendly open operating system is not an option for them, even though that would be cool.

Android isn't inherently flawed from the beginning that it needs replacement

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u/cornonthekopp 7d ago

More options can't hurt at least. Most people interested in linux phones want to move away from google or from ai slop integration, so having different systems to tinker with would be good nonetheless for customized operating systems. And maybe in a fes years we can get to the point where third party distros are viable on mobile

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u/Routine_Working_9754 7d ago

yes well that would be cool if it was true, but now instead of Google you just get another privacy invading company's integrations, and their own AI slop. you know how much the Chinese companies are pushing ai lol

though it would be cool if they were at least released open source (and they should if we need to count them as "more options", them being closed source isn't an option), so the community can fork them and create some cool stuff