Android and iOS have dominated the smartphone market for over a decade, but many users are now looking for alternatives that provide more privacy, security, and control. Linux-based mobile operating systems offer an open-source option that avoids being locked into the Google or Apple ecosystems.

Several Linux distributions have been adapted for smartphones and tablets, bringing the customization and freedom of desktop Linux to mobile devices. While they currently have limited hardware support, Linux phone OSes provide a glimpse into the future of mobile computing.

Let's look at 7 Linux distributions you can install on your smartphone to replace Android.

1. Ubuntu Touch

Ubuntu Touch is one of the most well-known and mature Linux phone operating systems. Originally created by Canonical and now maintained by the UBports community, it provides a consistent Ubuntu experience across mobile, desktop, and IoT devices.

Ubuntu Touch uses Scopes instead of apps for core functionality like social media, news, and photos. It also supports Convergence, which allows the use of the phone as a full desktop computer when connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Current officially supported devices include:

• Google Pixel 3a/3a XL

• Fairphone 3/3+

• OnePlus One

• Volla Phone

• PinePhone

• Moto G7 Play

• BQ Aquaris M10 tablet

Many other Android phones can also run Ubuntu Touch to some degree. Check here for compatibility.

2. postmarketOS

postmarketOS (pmOS) aims to be a sustainable Linux phone OS for the long term. It provides a minimal Alpine Linux environment optimized for mobile.

pmOS supports several devices including:

• Samsung Galaxy S3/S4/Note 2

• Google Nexus 5

• LG Optimus Black

• Motorola Moto G

• Purism Librem 5

• PinePhone

A large list of other phones and tablets can also run pmOS to varying degrees. It's an ideal choice if you want an extremely lightweight and customizable Linux mobile OS.

3. Sailfish OS

Sailfish OS is a Linux distribution focused on privacy that evolved from Nokia's MeeGo and Mer projects. The latest Sailfish X version officially supports Sony Xperia XA2 devices.

Sailfish OS has a proprietary license but you can try it free for a limited time. It runs Android apps in isolated containers and supports exchanging data between them. Sailfish also integrates common smartphone services like email, messaging, browsing, and maps.

If you own a Sony Xperia phone, Sailfish OS provides a polished Linux phone experience with Android app compatibility.

4. Maemo Leste

Maemo Leste is a community continuation of Nokia's original Maemo operating system for the Nokia N900 smartphone. It uses many mobile-focused components from upstream projects like GNOME, KDE, and Debian.

Currently, Maemo Leste runs on the PinePhone and PinePhone Pro along with other Allwinner and Rockchip devices. It provides a standalone mobile Linux distro without Android app support. The interface uses components from Hildon, the predecessor to MeeGo.

For Nokia N900 owners or Linux enthusiasts, Maemo Leste is a unique take on a modern community-driven Linux phone OS.

5. Mobian

Mobian aims to provide Debian on mobile devices. It uses the Phosh shell optimized for small touchscreens along with a variety of Debian packages tailored for phones and tablets.

Officially Mobian supports the Librem 5 and PinePhone, along with unofficial images for several other devices. It integrates well with Debian, allowing you to apt install desktop packages.

If you want Debian's stability and community on a mobile device, check out Mobian.

6. Manjaro ARM

Manjaro ARM provides Arch-based Manjaro Linux for ARM devices like the PinePhone and PinePhone Pro. It uses a mobile Plasma interface and supports Plasma Mobile apps.

In addition to an Arch-based distro and rolling release model on your phone, Manjaro ARM gives you access to the AUR for even more software. It's an excellent pick if you already use Manjaro on the desktop.

7. Arch Linux ARM

Arch Linux ARM brings the lightweight Arch Linux distribution to ARM phones and tablets. It works well on the PinePhone and PinePhone Pro, providing the Plasma Mobile environment on top of a minimal base.

As an officially recognized port, Arch Linux ARM offers the same DIY Linux experience as the desktop version. You can build up your own custom mobile OS starting from a minimal base.

Installing a Linux Phone OS - Things to Know

Switching your phone from Android to a Linux phone OS involves a few steps. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Make sure your device is supported. Many Linux phone OSes only work on certain phones.

• You will likely need to unlock your phone's bootloader and install a custom recovery like TWRP. This may void your warranty.

• Follow the distro's installation instructions carefully. Flashing the OS will wipe your data.

• Not all features like cameras, Bluetooth or sensors may work fully in Linux yet. Check forum posts to see if any workarounds exist.

• Most Linux phone OSes are still in beta quality with bugs to be expected. Don't install it as your daily driver unless you are willing to tinker.

• Many distros support desktop mode when connecting a monitor, keyboard and mouse. This allows you to use your phone like a PC.

• No Google apps or services will work, so be prepared to switch to open-source alternatives. Most distros offer web apps, email clients, maps, messengers, and more.

• Consider dual booting with Android to have access to your usual apps if needed. Tools like MultiROM make dual booting easy.

The Verdict: Are Linux Phones Ready for Daily Use?

Linux phone distributions have made huge progress in recent years, but most are still not daily driver material for average users. The app ecosystem can't match Android yet, and hardware support remains limited.

However, Linux phones are usable today for open-source enthusiasts willing to tweak and customize their mobile experience. Features like desktop mode, Terminal access and user control over the system appeal to the Linux community.

As the PinePhone, Librem 5, and other Linux-first phones mature, we will see the gaps close between Linux mobile and Android/iOS. But for now, Linux on phones remains primarily for early adopters.

Dual booting Linux with Android provides the best of both worlds. You can boot into a secure and private Linux phone environment whenever you want, while still having Android available for apps and services.

The open-source community will continue driving mobile Linux forward until it is ready for the mainstream. Keep an eye on the progress of projects like Ubuntu Touch, postmarketOS, and Plasma Mobile.

Have you tried any Linux phone operating systems? Let me know your experiences in the comments!