Best Linux Phones: Guide to Open Source Mobile Devices

Linux phones exist and they’re getting better. If you want a smartphone that runs actual Linux instead of Android or iOS, you have real options today. The best Linux phones for most people are PinePhone Pro, Librem 5, and Ubuntu Touch devices. Each one works differently and suits different needs.

This guide explains what Linux phones actually are, which ones you should consider, and whether one is right for you.

Understanding Linux Phones

A Linux phone runs a full Linux operating system. This is different from Android, which uses the Linux kernel but runs Google’s software on top. Linux phones run actual desktop Linux distributions adapted for phones.

This matters because you get:

• Complete control over your device
• Access to all source code
• No vendor restrictions
• Real privacy tools built in
• The ability to modify anything
• Command line access if you need it

Linux phones are slower than flagship Android or iPhones. The app ecosystem is tiny. Compatibility issues happen. But if privacy and control matter more to you than speed and convenience, a Linux phone is worth considering.

The Best Linux Phones You Can Buy

PinePhone Pro

What it is: The most practical Linux phone available right now.

Specifications:

• Allwinner A76 processor
• 4GB RAM standard
• 128GB storage
• 5.95-inch display
• Around $600

Why it matters: PinePhone Pro ships with multiple operating system options. You choose between PostmarketOS, Manjaro Phosh, Ubuntu Touch, or others. This flexibility means you can try different Linux environments without buying new hardware.

The build quality is solid. It uses standard USB-C charging. The hardware is repairable, which matters. You can replace the battery, screen, and other parts yourself without special tools.

Performance is adequate for calls, texts, email, and web browsing. Apps load, but not instantly. Multitasking works but stutters occasionally.

Best for: People who want to experiment with Linux on mobile devices. Developers who need a testable platform. Anyone serious about learning how Linux phones work.

Librem 5

What it is: The privacy-focused Linux phone from Purism.

Specifications:

• Snapdragon 820 processor
• 3GB or 4GB RAM options
• 32GB or 64GB storage
• 5.7-inch display
• Around $800 to $1,500

Why it matters: Librem 5 prioritizes security over performance. It includes hardware kill switches for the camera, microphone, WiFi, and cellular modem. You can physically disable these components.

The phone runs PureOS, a hardened Linux distribution designed specifically for privacy. It includes sandboxed applications and encrypted communication tools built in.

Librem 5 is thicker and heavier than modern phones because of the privacy hardware inside. Battery life is moderate. The processor is older but still functional.

Best for: People extremely concerned about privacy and surveillance. Users who want hardware-level protection. Anyone working with sensitive information who needs absolute control.

Ubuntu Touch Devices

What it is: Various phones running Ubuntu Touch operating system.

Supported hardware:

• Fairphone 3 and 3+
• OnePlus 6 and 6T
• Google Nexus 5 and 5X
• BQ Aquaris devices

Why it matters: Ubuntu Touch runs on existing phones, which means lower cost. A OnePlus 6 costs $200 to $400 used, then you flash Ubuntu Touch on it.

The operating system is designed differently from traditional Linux desktops. Touch interface is optimized for mobile. App selection is limited but functional.

Ubuntu Touch is maintained actively. Updates happen regularly. The community is helpful for new users.

Best for: Budget conscious users. People with older phones they want to repurpose. Anyone wanting Linux without buying new specialized hardware.

Best Linux Phones

Feature	PinePhone Pro	Librem 5	Ubuntu Touch (OnePlus 6)
Price	$600	$800-$1,500	$200-$400
Performance	Moderate	Moderate	Good
Privacy Features	Standard	Hardware kill switches	Standard
Battery Life	8-12 hours	6-10 hours	10-14 hours
App Ecosystem	Small	Very small	Very small
Repairability	High	Moderate	Moderate
Community Support	Strong	Moderate	Strong
Learning Curve	Moderate	Moderate	Low
Best for	Experimenters	Privacy advocates	Budget users

Operating Systems for Linux Phones

PostmarketOS

Designed specifically for phones and tablets. Lightweight. Works on dozens of older devices. Good for learning Linux on mobile.

PureOS

Built by Purism for the Librem 5. Hardened security. Integrated privacy tools. Focused on protection over features.

Ubuntu Touch

Convergence focused. Can connect to monitor and keyboard for desktop work. Touch-optimized interface. Regular updates.

Manjaro Phosh

Rolling release model. Frequent updates. Large software repository available. Good if you prefer Arch-based systems.

Plasma Mobile

KDE’s mobile interface. Built on traditional Linux. Good if you’re familiar with KDE on desktop.

Real Limitations You’ll Face

App Selection

Android has 3 million apps. iOS has 2 million. Linux phones might have 200 functional apps total. Banking apps don’t exist. Social media apps are limited. You’ll use web versions of many services.

This isn’t marketing talk. It’s a real problem.

Performance

Modern Android flagships process information instantly. Linux phones are noticeably slower. Opening maps takes seconds. Cameras take time to initialize. Gaming is essentially impossible.

Battery Life

Most Linux phones get 8 to 12 hours. Android phones get 15 to 20 hours. This affects practical daily use.

Network Compatibility

Some carriers have issues with Linux phones. VoLTE might not work everywhere. 5G support is limited. Check your carrier before buying.

Finding Help

Android: 500 million users. Getting help is easy.

Linux phones: 100,000 active users. Help exists but takes longer to find.

Why People Choose Linux Phones

Privacy

No background data collection. No selling your location. No fingerprinting for ads. This alone justifies the switch for some people.

Control

You own the device completely. No hidden processes. No manufacturer restrictions. You can see and modify the source code.

Learning

Running Linux on your pocket computer teaches you real operating system concepts. You develop deeper technical understanding.

Principle

Some people don’t want to fund surveillance capitalism. A Linux phone aligns with their values.

Making Your Decision

Choose PinePhone Pro if:

You want to experiment with Linux.
You have time to troubleshoot issues.
You value hardware repairability.
You don’t mind slower performance.
You want flexibility in operating systems.

Choose Librem 5 if:

Privacy is absolutely critical for your work.
You want hardware kill switches.
Money isn’t your main constraint.
You’re willing to accept limited functionality.

Choose Ubuntu Touch if:

You have an older phone lying around.
You want lower cost.
You prefer established systems.
You want the easiest transition.

Stick with Android or iOS if:

You need reliable performance.
You use apps unavailable on Linux.
Battery life is critical.
You value simplicity.

Getting Started with Your Linux Phone

Step 1: Research Your Device

Visit the official project website. Read the documentation. Check community forums for your specific model.

Step 2: Back Up Everything

If using an existing phone, backup all data first. You’ll wipe the device during installation.

Step 3: Install Carefully

Follow the official installation guide precisely. Don’t improvise. Use official tools provided by the project.

Step 4: Install Essential Apps

Start with basic apps: messaging, email, web browser, maps. Test before adding more.

Step 5: Give It Time

Linux phones feel weird initially. You’re learning a new paradigm. After one month, you’ll know if it works for you.

The Real Cost of Linux Phones

Hardware cost is just the beginning.

Your actual investment includes:

• Learning time (20-40 hours initially)
• Troubleshooting time (expect problems)
• Potential need for backup phone (unreliable as daily driver)
• Limited app functionality acceptance
• Slower daily workflow

For some people, this investment makes sense. For most people, it doesn’t.

Linux Phone Development Roadmap

The situation is improving.

Coming improvements:

• Better camera support
• 5G compatibility expanding
• App ecosystem growing slowly
• Performance optimization continuing
• More phone models being supported

By 2026, Linux phones might actually be usable daily devices for mainstream users. Right now, they’re tools for technically skilled people with specific needs.

Common Questions About Linux Phones

FAQ

Can I run Linux on my current phone?

Technically yes, sometimes. Ubuntu Touch runs on older OnePlus and Nexus devices. PostmarketOS supports many phones. Check the official compatibility list. Your carrier model might not be supported.

Will my banking app work?

Probably not. Most banks require proprietary apps. You might access banking through the web browser, but full functionality is limited. Call your bank before switching.

Can I still receive calls and texts?

Yes. Phone and SMS functionality works on all Linux phones mentioned. MMS support varies. Some carriers might have issues with network authentication. Test before committing.

How long will the battery last compared to my Android phone?

Expect 2 to 4 hours less battery life. A Linux phone gets 8 to 12 hours. Your Android phone probably gets 12 to 16 hours. This matters for all-day usage without charging.

Is a Linux phone more secure than Android?

Different type of security. Linux phones have fewer apps, so fewer attack vectors. Hardware kill switches add protection on Librem 5. But Android with security updates is still reasonably secure for most people. Linux phones are more private, not necessarily more secure.

Conclusion

Linux phones are real, functional devices for a specific audience. They’re not replacements for Android or iOS. They’re alternatives for people who prioritize privacy and control over convenience and features.

PinePhone Pro is the best option for most Linux phone enthusiasts because it balances price, flexibility, and functionality. Librem 5 is best for privacy-critical work. Ubuntu Touch on existing phones is best for budget-conscious experimenters.

Before buying, understand the limitations. These phones are slower, have fewer apps, and require technical patience. They’re not for casual users. They’re for people who’ve thought through the tradeoffs and decided the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

If you’re that person, a Linux phone genuinely improves your digital life. If you’re not, save your money and use Android or iOS.

The Linux phone market is small but growing. As development continues, these devices will become more practical for everyday use. In 2026, we might see actual mainstream adoption. For now, they’re specialized tools for specialized people.

Choose based on your real needs, not on ideology alone. The best phone is the one you’ll actually use daily without frustration.