Linux Phones are More Important Now Than Ever: Discussion Summary Main Post Overview The original post highlights the urgent need for accelerating Linux phone development due to rapid restrictions on the Android ecosystem, including: Increasing closure of components in AOSP (Android Open Source Project). Major manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus removing bootloader unlocking options. Google’s Play Integrity API and mandatory developer verification limiting app development and distribution. Google’s shift towards Apple-like control, stifling open and alternative mobile ecosystems. The post does not encourage immediate switching to Linux phones but stresses the necessity of support and development for an open replacement to Android. Key Issues Raised Android Ecosystem Restriction: Loss of openness threatens developers and users, growing locked-down and developer-unfriendly. Bootloader Lockdown: Limits ability to install alternate operating systems or modify devices. App and Developer Restrictions: Google’s policies disincentivize open-source and alternative app development. Rise of Proprietary Controls: Google adopting Apple-like walled garden practices, threatening competition and user freedom. Community Discussion Highlights General Sentiment Many users express readiness or interest in switching to Linux phones despite current inconveniences and limitations. A common theme is cautious optimism mixed with realism about the challenges and maturity level of Linux mobile systems today. Several emphasize that Linux phones are not yet daily-driver-ready and highlight major usability and hardware limitations. Technical and Usability Challenges Battery Life: Linux phones often suffer from poor battery performance compared to mainstream smartphones. App Support: Native apps for communication (Signal, Telegram) and banking are limited or unreliable. User Experience (UX): Mobile Linux environments are often rough around the edges, with desktop apps scaled down poorly for phones, awkward gestures, and missing features like connected standby. Hardware Support: Limited device compatibility and community-driven development hamper broad adoption. Unlockable bootloaders are essential. Linux Phone Options & Projects Various Linux-based mobile operating systems mentioned: SailfishOS Ubuntu Touch (upcoming release noted) Mobian PostmarketOS (noted as the most mature but still bleeding edge) Manjaro ARM Considerations for choosing devices focus on models with unlockable bootloaders and community support, such as OnePlus 6/6T, Nothing Phone 1, and PinePhone. Alternatives & Comparisons Debate about whether a community-maintained Android fork could solve issues vs. pure Linux mobile solutions. Arguments stress that Linux phones offer more freedom and are not subject to Google’s proprietary constraints, unlike Android forks. Some advocate for reducing smartphone dependency altogether, using dumb phones or separate devices for communication and computing. Networking and Providers Users discuss switching from Google Fi to alternatives like Mint Mobile, US Mobile, T-Mobile, or Visible Wireless. VoIP number compatibility and emergency call functionality are noted challenges. Hands-on experiences with carriers show variable support for Linux phones. Philosophy and Lifestyle Some see Linux phones as a step towards user empowerment and privacy. Others share how reduced phone usage (even using dumb phones) has improved their mental well-being. The "friction" caused by less integrated phones is seen by some as beneficial, prompting more thoughtful use. Future Outlook Optimism for future improvements with projects like Ubuntu Touch’s upcoming release. Calls for collaboration among companies and communities to pool resources and create commercially viable Linux phone solutions. -