Some of the major Linux phone projects currently in development or deployment include:
Ubuntu Touch
- Developed by the UBports community, Ubuntu Touch is an open-source mobile operating system based on Ubuntu Linux. It's designed to provide a full Linux desktop experience and is known for its convergence feature, allowing phones to function as desktops when connected to a monitor.
postmarketOS
- postmarketOS aims to provide a long-term alternative to Android, focusing on longevity and security. It's built on top of Alpine Linux and supports a wide range of devices. Its goal is to offer a lightweight OS that can run efficiently even on older smartphones.
PureOS
- Developed by Purism, PureOS is the operating system used on the Librem 5 smartphone. It's based on Debian Linux and focuses on privacy, security, and freedom. It's designed to be free of proprietary software and ensures users have full control over their devices.
Sailfish OS
- Developed by the Finnish company Jolla, Sailfish OS is a Linux-based operating system that combines open-source components with proprietary elements. It's designed for smartphones and tablets, focusing on privacy and multitasking. Sailfish OS also supports Android apps, offering broader compatibility.
Manjaro ARM (for PinePhone)
- Manjaro, a popular Linux distribution, offers a version specifically for ARM-based devices like the PinePhone. It's built on Arch Linux, providing a rolling release system with up-to-date software. It's known for its performance and flexibility.
Mobian
- Mobian is a mobile version of Debian Linux, designed specifically for mobile devices. It aims to provide a pure Debian experience on smartphones, including support for both the PinePhone and other Linux-based devices.
These projects offer various features and target different use cases, from privacy-centric devices like the Librem 5 to community-driven alternatives for older phones. Each project has its own philosophy, but they all share a commitment to open-source software and user control.
