this post was submitted on 06 Oct 2025
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Linux Phones

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The Discussion on Linux-based Phones.


Benefits:

  • Hardware freedom.
  • Perfect operating-system competition.
  • Full utilization of specs.
  • Phone lifespan raises to 10+ years.
  • Less e-waste.

Linux Mobile Distros:

  • Ubuntu Touch
  • Sailfish
  • FuriOS
  • Postmarket OS
  • Mobian
  • Pure OS
  • Plasma Mobile
  • LuneOS
  • Nemomobile
  • Droidian
  • Mobile NixOS
  • ExpidusOS
  • Maemo Leste
  • Manjaro Arm
  • Tizen
  • WebOS

Linux Mobile Hardware:

  • Fairphone 5
  • Volla Phone
  • PinePhone
  • FLX1
  • Librem 5

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Hello. I was considering buying a Pixel phone and using GrapheneOS, but given the current issues with AOSP and Google’s developer verification for apps, which might effectively kill F-Droid, I’m no longer sure if it’s a viable option. So, I’ve been thinking about trying a Linux phone for daily use.

I’ve seen that SailfishOS is an option, specifically with the Jolla C2, but I’m not convinced by the phone itself due to its low-resolution screen and lack of a fingerprint reader. I do find it interesting that it allows easy installation of Android apps, which is quite important to me at the moment.

From what I’ve seen, I could buy a Sony Xperia 10 III Dual SIM (the Xperia 10 IV and V don’t support Android apps) and install SailfishOS, but this raises some questions:

  1. Is it worth buying this phone and installing SailfishOS? I don’t know if anyone has tried it or if there’s another phone or Linux distribution for phones you could recommend.
  2. The SailfishOS website states that this phone comes with version “4.4.0 Vanha Rauma 2022.” Is it possible to update it to the latest version? Where can I find out how long this phone will be supported?
  3. If I install SailfishOS on this phone, will the fingerprint reader work? Or does SailfishOS, regardless of the phone, not support this feature?
  4. I’ve seen that it’s possible to install MicroG on the Jolla C2, so I assume it’s also possible on the Xperia. But is it possible to install Android Auto along with “Android Auto - XLauncher Unlocked (AAXLU)” and have it work? I currently use “aa4mg” with “Android Auto - XLauncher Unlocked (AAXLU)” to run CoMaps in my car.
  5. Is there something similar to the “Play Integrity Fork” module, which I use with Magisk, to spoof apps into working? That’s what I currently use on my LineageOS phone.

Thank you very much.

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[–] rikudou@lemmings.world 13 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)
  1. Yes, IMO Xperia 10 III is the best phone you can buy for Sailfish. If you go this route, first upgrade to Android 13 and then flash it, even if the documentation says otherwise.
  2. Yes, updates are OTA and work without a hassle. IIRC they don't have an exact support date, but they usually support them for quite a while, currently some ~7 years.
  3. Yes, fingerprint sensor works, though using it for app authentication is not common, IIRC there are exactly two apps which use it for app unlock, one of which is made by me. But for unlocking the phone itself it works.
  4. I don't think you can use Android Auto, it's not an Android after all. But don't quote me on this, never really researched the options.
  5. Nope, again, this is not an Android. Generally speaking, Android with Magisk etc. is more successful in pretending to be a legit stock Android than SFOS. SFOS offers some cool things for the Android bridge (like spoofing signatures) but it's not an Android and doesn't focus on Android bridge as its main priority.
[–] Dequei@piefed.social 4 points 3 days ago

I'm going to see if I can find a used Xperia at a good price, and I might give it a try. Thanks for the information.