This wouldnt work and would only cater to a very small niche of people which mainly are tech people into Open Source.

There is also a ton of work needed to optimize these linux distros to be actually useable on the daily which what is Android all about in the first place and most of the possible beneficial features of a linux phone is already on android for years. There would also be a huge app availability issue. On the business perspective this would only result on a loss in revenue and would cause a huge overhead in cost due to R&D. This is the reason why the Librem/Ubuntu phones are not that popular and are not financial successes.

Related discussions

X-007 I use Mainly the Apple Ecosystem but yes I use Linux when I can. I never use android and usually install Linux instead 🙂

I actually just hate google

    MrAshCreates i’m genuinely asking😆there’s no truly all good to something. there’s must be something that will be a let down if we switch to linux in mobile environment.

        I really like idea of Linux phone! I use Mageia in PC an love that there is no ads like in Windows. Google gets its money selling ads. Android phones are full of ads. I might even pay some money to use adfree linux in my phone.

        I have a feeling that nothing has “Create Our Own Operating System” in their to build list, that’s way way far in the future. But I feel confident they are gonna do that if everything goes well and like they want.

        Udin

        While I do agree with many of the points below (the AI generated response) that the AI gave me I don’t think all of them apply. Like for instance the security and privacy, driver support and battery optimization. But even the user experience (UI/UX) could all be easily solved and worked on. On the other hand lack of native apps and drivers and camera support are definitely gonna be limited.

        Software fragmentation could I guess be an issue depending on what happens. And the updates and support we are already knew those were gonna be issues.

        I mean I’m not saying this will happen over night 🙂

        Ai Generated starts now

        Here are a few potential drawbacks:

        1. App Ecosystem and Compatibility:

        - Lack of Native Apps: Most mobile apps are built for Android or iOS. On Linux, you’d be limited to the apps developed specifically for Linux or need to run apps through compatibility layers like Anbox, which may not work perfectly or support every app.

        - Performance Issues with Android Apps: Even if you get Android apps running via Anbox or Waydroid, performance may not be as smooth compared to running them natively on Android.

        2. User Experience (UI/UX):

        - Mobile Optimizations: Linux distros aren’t typically optimized for touch screens or small form factors like phones. While there are mobile-specific versions of Linux (like Ubuntu Touch or Plasma Mobile), they often lack the polish and fluidity of Android or iOS.

        - Gestures and Smooth Animations: The Nothing Phone 2’s UI, with its animations and gestures, is likely far more refined than what you’d get with a Linux distribution unless you heavily customize it.

        3. Battery Optimization:

        - Power Efficiency: Android has years of optimizations behind it to maximize battery life on phones. Linux, particularly desktop distros, may not be optimized to manage power efficiently on mobile hardware, leading to increased battery drain.

        - No Doze Mode or Deep Sleep: Features like Android’s Doze mode that save battery during periods of inactivity might be missing or harder to replicate on a Linux-based phone.

        4. Driver Support:

        - Hardware Drivers: Even if you manage to get most of the hardware working (like the GPU, Wi-Fi, cellular modem, etc.), drivers on Linux can sometimes be unstable, resulting in things like overheating, poor network performance, or display glitches.

        - Modem and Network Compatibility: Phones rely heavily on well-optimized baseband software for connectivity. Achieving stable call and data services on Linux can be challenging without proper drivers and firmware support.

        5. Security and Privacy:

        - Regular Updates: Mainstream Linux distros may not provide the same level of security patches and updates that Android offers, especially if the kernel or drivers are custom-built for the phone.

        - App Sandboxing: Android has robust app sandboxing and permission systems. Recreating this level of security on Linux would take a lot of effort, and even then, it may not reach the same level of protection.

        6. Software Fragmentation:

        - Fragmented Experience: Linux on mobile is still quite fragmented, with different distributions taking different approaches (e.g., Ubuntu Touch, postmarketOS, etc.). This can lead to compatibility issues between apps or inconsistent user experiences.

        - Package Management: Android uses APKs as a standardized app format, while on Linux, you’d need to rely on different package formats (e.g., DEB, RPM, Flatpak), which might not be as straightforward.

        7. Camera and Sensors:

        - Camera Quality: Linux camera software and drivers are usually not optimized for mobile sensors, so even if you get the camera working, the quality and features (HDR, low-light, etc.) may be inferior to Android.

        - Sensor Support: Getting all the phone’s sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, etc.) working might be difficult, especially with advanced features like face unlock or under-display fingerprint scanners.

        8. Community Support and Maintenance:

        - Smaller Community: Android has a massive user base and developer community, which means easier access to resources, troubleshooting, and support. Linux on mobile has a much smaller community, which could make finding help or updates harder.

        9. Updates and Long-term Support:

        - Long-term Updates: Maintaining Linux on a phone for the long term might be difficult without a dedicated team. In contrast, Android phones typically receive regular software updates for security and features.

        AI generated Ends Here

            MrAshCreates i agree with your point. most of that AI generated answer are easily solvable. lack of native app is one of the main concern here. if only a handful of developers are willing to make the app on this platform, it will end up like windows mobile. if Nothing going to make an OS that not android. at least they need to expand their user base to the “normies”. not only to design enthusiast, minimalist, and developers. with great user base, developer will be willing to create app natively on our platform. and hopefully be an alternative OS on par with IOS and android👌

                Udin yea I think the more nothing expands their fan base the less this will be an issue. I mean they have most tech enthusiasts already because most androids that aren’t Samsung or google or one of the other too 5 android phone brands are for people that have internet in particular things. And for Nothing it’s the design, the unique features, the Apple like premium. And generally it is tech enthusiasts and developers and someone who aligns with one of those things I listed. I feel are the ones that purchase Nothing Phones but maybe I’m wrong. I feel they already have the community they already have the amazing design and they have the funds to start this process. It may take 5+ years but we have some time to spare haha 😆

                  2 months later

                  MrAshCreates

                  I know this thread is pretty much closed by now, but this is a fascinating idea and one I’d like to get going a little more since nobody is talking about it.

                  I have a nothing phone 2a and I see the potential of Linux on a phone. I love kde and wish the extensive customizability was available on a phone, and I was wondering if you or anyone you know does Linux development (specifically on arm systems), don’t hesitate to send me a friend request on discord.

                  My discord is @petdono.

                    12 days later

                    What if they stayed with Android and just made their invention work with Android. Seems to me that Nothing Phone is moving to all AI at some point and that my friend is the show stopper. They can make 2 phone one regular with Their version of Android and some AI and one Rapped Ape version with just AI platform. With all things considered if they switch to all AI it really doesn’t matter if they run Android OS or not. The Linux idea is a good one however the part is the Web-Browser is an actual Web-Browser and doesn’t require 8 million apps lol. They have to consider sales as well will this new product catch on the public is very funny about new phone stuff old is always better for some stupid reason. I think if a regular Linux OS for computers or Tablets whatever made like the Nothing Phone Theme that might start something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!