The Linux Phone

Summary

In this review of the Pine Phone Pro with keyboard extension, the reviewer shares their mixed experiences with various mobile Linux operating systems. While appreciating the innovative design of SXMO, they highlight significant issues like poor power management, missed calls, and slow development compared to mainstream alternatives. Ultimately, the reviewer concludes that the Pine Phone Pro is better suited for hobbyists rather than general users, reflecting on their transition to a dumb phone for enhanced productivity. The hope for Linux mobile achieving mass adoption seems bleak, leaving the reviewer disillusioned yet content with their current device.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Pine Phone Pro, especially with the keyboard extension, is an interesting device for exploring mobile Linux.
• 🛠️ Various Linux mobile operating systems were tested, including Fosh, Plasma, and SXMO, with SXMO being favored for its mobile window manager design.
• ⚙️ SXMO allows for multiple workspaces, enhancing productivity similar to a tiling window manager in Linux.
• 🔄 While Linux mobile has evolved, significant issues remain, particularly with power management, making daily use challenging.
• 🔋 The Pine Phone Pro's battery life is notably poor, lasting only about one hour in standard mode without a larger battery attachment.
• 👨‍💻 Development of Linux mobile is primarily volunteer-driven, lacking the resources and speed of Android and iOS development.
• 📞 Call and text message reliability is inconsistent on the Pine Phone, with missed calls and messages being common.
• 📉 The overall sentiment is that Linux mobile may never achieve mass adoption due to its foundational issues.
• ❌ The speaker concluded that the Pine Phone is more suitable for enthusiasts rather than as a practical daily driver for most users.
• 📱 After exploring Linux mobile, the speaker transitioned to using a dumb phone, feeling more productive and satisfied.

Q & A

What is the Pine Phone Pro and what unique feature does it have?

The Pine Phone Pro is a mobile device designed for Linux users, featuring a keyboard extension that allows for easier text input and navigation.

Which operating systems has the speaker tested on the Pine Phone Pro?

The speaker has tested several operating systems, including Fosh, KDE Plasma, and SXMO, ultimately settling on SXMO for its mobile window manager structure.

What are the main advantages of using SXMO on the Pine Phone Pro?

SXMO offers a unique user experience that includes different workspaces, gestures for app management, and a design that stands apart from typical Android interfaces.

What are the primary challenges faced by users of Linux mobile devices?

Key challenges include poor power management, inconsistent call and text message functionality, and a lack of cohesive development compared to mainstream operating systems like Android and iOS.

How does the power management of the Pine Phone Pro compare to traditional smartphones?

The Pine Phone Pro's power management is criticized for its inefficiency, with a standard battery life of about one hour for regular use, though it has introduced a low-power standby mode.

What are the speaker's thoughts on the future of Linux mobile devices?

The speaker expresses skepticism about the future of Linux mobile devices, noting that without major company support and a faster development pace, they are unlikely to become viable alternatives to Android or iOS.

Why does the speaker recommend against purchasing the Pine Phone Pro?

The speaker suggests that the Pine Phone Pro is not worth the investment, especially given its limitations and suggests alternative devices like the Steam Deck, which offers better performance and power management.

What has influenced the speaker's decision to transition from a smartphone to a dumb phone?

The speaker's desire to be less unproductive and to escape the distractions of a smartphone has led them to adopt a dumb phone, which they find to be a more satisfying experience.

How does the speaker feel about the community and development behind Linux mobile?

The speaker appreciates the volunteer efforts within the Linux mobile community but acknowledges that the development pace is slow and lacks the resources of major companies, impacting the platform's viability.

What conclusion does the speaker reach about their experience with the Pine Phone Pro?

The speaker concludes that while the Pine Phone Pro was an interesting gadget for tinkering, it ultimately does not meet the needs of mainstream users, and they are unlikely to revisit Linux mobile devices in the near future.