Is it Possible to Get a Truely Linux OS Based Phone?

Linux operating system is known for its privacy features and is gaining more popularity as the day goes by. Kali Linux is an essential operating system for hackers as it is open source and comprises many tools for penetration testing and security analysis. Back when Android for smartphones was developed, users were quite happy since it provided a lot of freedom with a vast collection of features and customizations. In today's times, smartphones are the devices that contain the most versatile information regarding businesses and personal matters that the user tends to keep private. Nowadays, hacking attacks on Android mobiles have raised serious concerns about the security of the information. Since Linux is considered as one of the most simple and secure OS, anyone who is concerned about his/her security and privacy will consider Linux-based mobile. But wait, before buying a random Linux phone, we should think if it is really possible to get a fully Linux-based mobile in 2021. In this article, I am going to tell you if there are fully Linux-based mobiles available in the market. Should you buy a Linux-Based smartphone? If yes, then which one is best for you One thing that I want to highlight here regarding your smartphone security is that “the more the number of features, the higher is the risk of your smartphone to be hacked” Let's start!

Why You Should Buy a Linux Based Smartphone In 2021?

A fully Linux-based smartphone delivers you a totally different experience as compared to an Android smartphone with Linux kernels employed or any other leading smartphone OS. Here are few features that will make you think that you should switch to a truly Linux based smartphone:

1. Security
When compared to Android, iOS, and Windows OS for smartphones, Linux is one of the most secure OS and has the least exploitable security flaws. Remember that “nothing is perfect”. While other operating systems give priority to their features, Linux prefers user privacy and security. Linux OS for mobile features Ends to Encryption to ensure privacy.

2. Flexibility
Linux offers its users a lot of customizations as it is totally open source and the Source code is also available publicly. The best flexible features of Linux smartphones include physically disabling the camera & Mic.

3. Absolute OS Experience
Unlike Android, Linux operating doesn't show you any ads, ask you to install any apps, and there aren't fixed apps from any source. This gives you a feel of an operating system and not a typical business model only.

4. Cooperative with Desktop
Linux mobiles offer desktop app compatibility so that you can have a mini-PC in your pockets. This can be done with the help of convergence.

Is It Possible to Get a Truly Linux OS-based Phone in 2021?

Now let me answer the main question that has been running in our minds. If we just google and search best Linux phones, then you will probably get a long list of mobiles with their specs. However, I want to make it very clear that not all of those phones are fully Linux-based. Except for a few, most of them are partially using Linux tools for privacy and run on Android OS. But some of them that can be classified as truly Linux-based smartphones. So, the answer is yes, it is possible to get a truly Linux-based phone in 2021.

Librem 5

Developed by Purism, Librem 5 is the only mobile phone that can be considered truly Linux-based.  The Librem 5 runs on PureOS developed by Purism. This phone was launched after a crowdfunding campaign. The idea of this phone sparked back in 2017 and took a long time to launch in 2019. Even after its launch, it has many flaws just like the camera which was not working properly and facing issues while making calls. Unlike modern smartphones, it has a replaceable 4500 mAH battery and comes with many switches on its sides. Since it is a purely Linux-based phone, you don't get access to traditional app stores like google play. The phone looks like an old school machine that is not so slim and the minimum features provided also don't work correctly.

The mobile costs around $800 and the specs are not worth the price. This is the main reason that this device is not so liked by the critics. However, the latest pieces shipped from the manufacturer were working fine but didn't make much difference. Since this Librem 5 provides extreme privacy to its users, the limitation of the features can be justified somehow.

Specs of Librem 5

Pine Phone

Pine Phone is another Linux-based smartphone that was developed for maintaining the digital privacy of the users. It runs on PostMarket OS which is another Linux distribution. Pine phone is open source which gives total access to its owner. The user experience on this phone is normally like other ones except for the absence of the google play store. The price of this phone is comparatively less when compared to other Linux Phones. The Price of the Pine Phone is only $199. This phone can run with 17 different OS for mobile but is shipped with Postmarket OS only. Since its post-market is a Linux distribution, it can be classified as a truly Linux-based phone.

Specs of Pine Phone

There are some other Linux phones  which don't compromise your privacy. But they are not truly Linux-based smartphones since they use custom Android. Some other Linux based smartphones that you can consider are:

1. VollaPhone,
2. Pro 1 X
3. Cosmo Communicator

Did I mention that Android is also based on Linux Kernels? Not only Android but also iOS and macOS are also developed on Unix. Take note that Windows has its kernels. Even though Android is dominating the smartphone OS market. it is indirectly based on Linux. In technical language, Linux is the only kernel, and it is a unique thing.

Limitations of Using A Truly Linux Based Phone

There are some limitations and restrictions too which users face while operating fully Linux based mobiles. Here are major of them:

1. Restriction on Apps
While using Linux Phones, there is no traditional app store like google play for downloading new apps. The features and applications in Linux phones are quite limited. However, there is no lack of apps as it comes with all the basic required apps.

2. Unavailability of Fully Linux Based Phones in Market
As these are less in demand, it is quite difficult to get them repaired in case you need any spare parts, and do remember that these phones have replaceable batteries.

3. Tough and Basic Hardware
The hardware built on these smartphones is quite different from phones available nowadays. Usually, these phones come with numerous kill switches that make the condition even worse in case of switch damage.

Conclusion

This is all about getting a pure Linux-based phone in 2021. Linux Phones have their own merits and demerits. If you are looking for a phone with quite attractive features, then Linux mobiles are not for you. Linux-based phones are suitable for you if your concern is about your privacy and if you want the ability to maintain it on your own.