Linux smartphone: These cell phones use alternative operating systems

An old truism goes that if you buy cheaply, you buy twice. This is especially true for smartphones or computers, because their hardware quickly becomes outdated and then runs slowly. A slimmer operating system such as Linux-Ubuntu gives old computers a second lease of life because it uses fewer hardware resources than, for example, Windows. It would be nice if there was something like this for older smartphones too.

And since smartphones are small computers, there are also alternative Linux versions for smartphones. Nice side effect: The Linux distributions do not spy on data, as many Android versions from various manufacturers do. However, there are hardly any apps or games for Linux distributions because developers want to delight as many people as possible with their software and there are only a few people who use Linux on their cell phones. However, the more people do this, the more worthwhile it can be to develop apps for Linux.

These Linux smartphones exist

Before we look at which Linux distributions breathe new life into old devices, let’s look at designated Linux smartphones. The definition is rather vague, because those in the know already know that Android is also based on the Linux kernel and is therefore a Linux distribution. However, many manufacturers program their own Android interfaces that like to spy on their users’ data.

In addition, there are often many unnecessary apps on smartphones, so-called bloatware. Curiously, on one operating system users are overwhelmed with apps that they don’t want and on the other there are hardly any. Be that as it may, we will first introduce you to smartphones that do not allow for data snooping and then we will explain whether and how you can install an alternative Linux operating system on your smartphone.

Fairphone 5

If you want to avoid unnecessary software and data snooping, this is the option Fairphone at. Sustainable smartphones are now in their fifth generation. Its modular structure made it famous. So you can easily replace the battery, camera, etc. without always having to buy a new smartphone, which is why the devices are particularly durable. That’s why the Fairphones are very popular with advocates of sustainable products. The Fairphone runs e/OS. This is a Google-free operating system that attaches particular importance to the data protection of its users. Nice: You still have access to Google’s Playstore and can use it to install numerous apps. Additionally, you can also install Ubuntu Touch on the device. How this works, read below.

Volla Phone X23e

The Volla Phone X23e is produced in Germany by Gigaset. Unfortunately, the Volla Phone This means that, in addition to the pre-installed Volla OS, you can install Ubuntu Touch, for example, on an external memory card and then select which operating system you want to use when you start the smartphone. By the way, Volla OS is also Google-free and does not collect data. Apart from that, the smartphone is unfortunately no longer fully up to date. The built-in display only offers a pixel density of 281 pixels per inch, which is really not enough in 2023. The same applies to the built-in one MediaTek Helio G99 processor, which is in the lower middle class.

Pinephone

It is also equipped with poor hardware Pinephone. Its screen only offers a pixel density of 268 pixels per inch. The other components installed are also below average. The manufacturer itself says that the smartphone is not suitable for everyday use for most users. Incidentally, this is less due to the weak hardware, which should be sufficient for most users, but rather to the operating system installed. This is a mobile version of Linux Manjaro, which is very popular among Linux enthusiasts. And that is probably the only selling point for the Pinephone.

Libreme 5

Different manufacturer, same game: This Libreme 5 from the manufacturer Pure runs with Pure OS. Pure OS is a Linux distribution developed by the manufacturer of the same name and places particular emphasis on protecting user data. But Pure goes one step further with its products. The laptops offer so-called kill switches for microphone and webcam. This involves physical interruptions to the camera or microphone to ensure that no one is watching or overhearing. Of course, the Librem on the side of the housing also offers such switches, which makes the smartphone unique. However, its price of around 500 euros is steep considering the fact that the hardware in the Librem 5 is rather lower average.

Linux smartphone: Pro1X

At the Pro1X You have the choice of using Ubuntu Touch, Lineage or an Android distribution. It is the first smartphone on the market to offer Lineage pre-installed. What makes the smartphone special is its keyboard, which is reminiscent of Blackberry days long gone, but which convinces many users. Thanks to the USB-C socket, you can also connect the smartphone to a USB-C monitor and enjoy Linux like on a stand-alone computer. However, when it comes to the built-in hardware, the Pro1X also ranks in the lower middle class. So you shouldn’t expect performance explosions here either. However, there are hardly any performance-hungry games for Linux smartphones, so that’s not a big deal.

Linux distributions for smartphones

Now let’s look at Linux distributions for older smartphones: the three most popular are Ubuntu Touch, Graphene OS and Kali NetHunter. However, the latter is not that easy to install for laypeople, which is why we are leaving it out of this article. Graphene OS Unfortunately, it only works with Pixel smartphones from Google and is particularly suitable for people who value their privacy. However, a large number of smartphones run with Ubuntu Touch, including the Pixel 3a, the Fairphones 2, 3, 4 and 5 as well as some Xiaomi and OnePlus smartphones (the complete overview). It is particularly suitable for people who value easy installation and comfort.

Ubuntu OS: Unlock bootloader

Check beforehand in the Overview, whether you have a smartphone that runs Ubuntu Touch. You also need to unlock the bootloader on the smartphone. Danger: All data and the warranty will be lost and not every smartphone will let you unlock the bootloader. This will tell you whether and how you can unlock the bootloader of your smartphone xdaforum in an overview. If you have your smartphone with you, back up all your data before you get started.

To unlock the bootloader, you must first turn on the developer settings and activate Android debugging. You activate the developer settings in the smartphone settings under “Telephone info“and then the rider”Build number“. On some models you still have to enter your pin code to activate the change. You can only then activate Android debugging in the settings under “system“, then “Developer options“and there a tick on the rider”Android debugging” set.

Now your smartphone receives commands from a computer. This is important because this is the only way to unlock the bootloader. Connect your smartphone to a Windows computer and open the command line. This is possible under Windows if you search “cmd” type and press enter. Of course, you want to run the command line as an administrator and first see whether your PC recognizes the smartphone.

For this you give “adb devices” into the command line, whereupon the console should spit out information about your smartphone. Then put your smartphone into fastboot mode. This can be done with the command “adb reboot bootloader”. If you don’t need a key to unlock the bootloader, use the command “fastboot flashing unlock” unlocking the bootloader.

If this doesn’t work, try “fastboot oem unlock“. On some smartphones you still have to approve the unlocking on the device itself by pressing a button. Now the smartphone restarts and is ready for the installation of Ubuntu Touch.

If your smartphone requires a key, you must get one from the manufacturer. Most manufacturers explain on their website how to get the key. You usually have to read out the device data and upload it to the manufacturer and then receive the key. The only exception to this method are Samsung smartphones because they do not have Fastboot. Here you need the software Odinto unlock the bootloader.

Linux smartphone: Install Ubuntu OS

If all precautions are taken correctly, the actual installation of Ubuntu Touch is very easy. To do this, download the appropriate tool from the Ubuntu website for your operating system and open it. Then connect your switched-on smartphone to the computer. You must allow Android debugging on the smartphone. After that, click on “Select Device Manually” in the installer and select your smartphone. In the next step, select Ubuntu Touch as the operating system to install and click “Install”. In the installation options, select the latest and most stable version. Also tick “Wipe Userdata” and “Bootstrap” and click Ok.

The smartphone then restarts. Now it gets a little tricky: If the installation program shows “Reboot to Recovery”, switch it off completely and ideally disconnect it from the cable once so that it doesn’t get any power. Then reconnect it to the cable and press the buttons shown on the installer simultaneously for about five seconds. It may take some time for your smartphone to enter recovery mode. Patience is required here. If the smartphone is in this mode, click “Continue”. Then the actual installation begins, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The smartphone then restarts again. Patience is required the first time because it takes an extremely long time.

Sources:youtube.com/Linux Guides EN, inside-digital.de, notebookcheck.com,golem.de, chip.de

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