All of us know that Linux is a more open kind of operating system and in terms of privacy, it is trusted by large organizations and individuals over Microsoft Windows globally.
Just like Linux desktop and laptops, Linux smartphones are also becoming very popular among the gadget users. One of the reason behind its ever increasing popularity is the tools and additional options that are offered by Linux to the end users like developers and system administrators.
In this article, we will look at some of the Linux phones that can take the market by surprise.
1. Purism Librem 5
Specifications:
- CPU: NXP® i.MX 8M Quad core Cortex A53, 64bit ARM @max 1.5GHz
- Operating System: PureOS
- Screen: 5.7″ IPS TFT 720×1440
- Memory: 3 GB
- Storage: 32 GB eMMC
- Battery: 4,500mAh, user-replaceable
The Librem 5 from Purism is a security and privacy focused phone that lets you take control of your private information and digital life. This phone is powered by PureOS which is a fully free and open-source operating system.
This phone is equipped with kill switches that help you physically disconnect the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular signal, microphone, and camera. This phone is powered by 4500 mAh which is an easily serviceable battery. This enables you to use this phone for as long as you want.
For powerful 3D rendering, it is powered by the Vivante GC7000Lite GPU which is one of the best in the game. In addition to its native applications, it is also able to run the other HTML5 applications effortlessly.
2. PinePhone – Beta Edition
Specifications:
- CPU: 64-bit Quad-core 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex A-53
- Operating System: Manjaro with Plasma Mobile OS build
- Screen: 5.95″ IPS TFT 720×1440
- Memory: 2 GB
- Storage: 16 GB eMMC
- Battery: 2750-3000mAh, user-replaceable
Another Linux phone to watch out for in 2023 is the PinePhone Linux smartphone. Similar to Librem 5, it also comes with 5 kill switches for LTE, cameras, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, and microphone.
It is equipped with bootable microSD slot; type-C port for power, data transfer, and video output; and 3.5mm headphone jack. It also ships-in with six pogo pins that allow the custom hardware extensions such as thermal camera, wireless charging, NFC, an extended battery, or keyboard case.
It is priced at a very competitive and affordable price range of $149 and $199.
3.F(x)tec Pro 1X
Specifications:
- CPU: Qualcomm Adreno 610
- Operating System: Ubuntu Touch
- Screen: 5.99-inch 2160 x 1080 (FHD+) AMOLED with curved edges
- Memory: 6 GB or 8 GB LPDDR4
- Storage: 128 GB Expandable up to 2TB via microSD
- Battery: 3200 mAh with Quick Charge 3.0
Pro 1 X must be the first Linux smartphone with sliding keyboard. Its unique design enables it to have a full landscape QWERTY physical keyboard along with a full touch display.
It comes with a massive 5.99 inches AMOLED display that is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662 processor and Adreno 610 GPU. It also comes with a side mounted fingerprint reader.
Its front camera is equipped with 8MP fixed focus f/2.0 lens and its rear camera is equipped with Sony IMX363 12MP f/1.8 lens. You can record a 4K video at 30fps with H264 and H265 support.
Along with the fingerprint sensor, it is also loaded with other sensors such as GPS/A-GPS, Accelerometer, Magnetometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Ambient Light, and Hall effect.
4.Volla Phone 22
Specifications:
- CPU: Mali-G52 GPU With Up to 1.0 GHz
- Operating System: Ubuntu Touch
- Screen: 6.3-inch 2340 x 1080 Pixels
- Memory: 4 GB DDR3 RAM
- Storage: 128 GB Expandable up to 512 GB via microSD
- Battery: 4500 mAh
Volla Phone 22 is the second generation of Volla phones that offers performance and advanced privacy protection. It comes with a pre-installed Ubuntu Touch operating system, but it can operate simultaneously with two operating systems, one of which is VollaOS.
It also ships-in with a fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB C type charging. It is powered by MediaTek Helio P23 processor and sports a massive 6.3 inches IPS display.
5. Fairphone 4
Specifications:
- CPU: Octa-Core Kryo 570
- Operating System: PostmarketOS
- Screen: 6.3-inch IPS display 2340 x 1080 Pixels
- Memory: 6GB / 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Battery: 4700 mAh
Fairphone 4 is a Linux-based phone that comes with PostmarketOS. It comes with 5G connectivity for HD video call, high-quality music streaming, and movie downloads.
Fairphone 4 is shipped-in with an immersive 6.3 inches Full HD+ display and aluminium body. This phone comes in two variants: one with normal shades and one with an exclusive color.
These are some of the best Linux phones available in the market as of 2023. Since privacy is becoming the highest property for many users, there will be no surprise if there are more Linux phones from the other vendors that would make a debut in the market later this year.
