As a full-stack developer and Linux enthusiast, I‘m always on the lookout for phones that provide an open, customizable environment for coding on the go. After testing the latest options hands-on, I‘ve selected my top 5 Linux-based phones of 2023 for empowering developers with privacy, security, and freedom.
1. Purism Librem 5 – The Free Software Idealist
Specifications:
- CPU: NXP i.MX 8M Quad Core Cortex-A53
- OS: PureOS (Debian-based)
- Screen: 5.7" 720×1440 IPS LCD
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB eMMC
- Battery: 4500 mAh removable
The Librem 5 from Purism stands out with its uncompromising commitment to free software ideals. PureOS gives you a fully open source userspace, while the hardware kill switches offer unmatched control over peripherals to protect your privacy.
As a developer, I especially appreciate how easy Purism makes it to load alternative distros. With mainline Linux kernel support, I‘ve had no issues running Ubuntu Touch, postmarketOS, and other ROMs. The terminal app grants full root access for installing Dev tools like GCC, Python, Node, etc.
That said, with an older iMX 8M processor, performance lags behind newer devices. The LCD screen and plastic body also feel dated. Still, for developers who prioritize software freedom, the Librem 5 remains a top choice.
2. PinePhone Pro – A Major Step Up
Specifications:
- CPU: Rockchip RK3399 Hexa-Core
- OS: PostmarketOS (Alpine Linux-based)
- Screen: 5.95” 1440×720 IPS LCD
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
- Storage: 128GB eMMC
- Battery: 3000 mAh removable
Pine64‘s latest PinePhone Pro brings some much-needed upgrades for Linux devs, including a faster RK3399 chip, doubled RAM and storage, and improved cameras. The mini-HDMI output enables big-screen coding.
PostmarketOS gives you rolling-release updates with the stability of Alpine Linux underneath. The user-friendly Phosh UI belies the full Linux experience underneath. I could instantly access UT apps, Python IDLE, terminal, SSH, Vim, Node, etc.
With mainline kernel support, custom ROMs are a breeze to run. My terminal workflow flies with the performant 6-core CPU. The proclaim community also ports loads of apps and tools unavailable in the store. If you want more muscle for mobile development, it’s hard to beat the PinePhone Pro’s value.
3. Volla Phone – Feature-Packed & Refined
Specifications:
- CPU: MediaTek Helio P23 Octa-Core
- OS: VollaOS (Debian-based)
- Screen: 6.3" 2340×1080 IPS LCD
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4500 mAh removable
The Volla Phone offers the most refined Linux phone experience yet. The large 6.3" FHD+ screen is a joy for coding on the go, while the octa-core Helio P23 delivers excellent performance for the price.
I‘m also a big fan of the Halleffect sensors on the rear that enable unique gestures and notifications. VollaOS (Debian) brings a simple yet powerful interface with UT apps. The built-in terminal, Python console and Firefox dev tools make mobile web development a breeze.
Matching the PinePhone Pro, the Volla Phone ticks all the boxes for Linux enthusiasts. From the physical keyboard addon to MicroSD storage expansion, this device was clearly designed with power users in mind. If you want a Linux phone you can actually rely on for everyday tasks, the Volla Phone has quickly become my recommendation.
4. Framework Laptop with PostmarketOS
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- OS: PostmarketOS (Alpine Linux-based)
- Screen: 13.5” 2256×1504 IPS LCD
- RAM: 8GB / 16GB
- Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB NVMe SSD
- Battery: 55 Wh removable
What if you could dual-boot Linux and Windows on developer-focused laptop hardware? With the user-friendly Framework Laptop, it‘s now remarkably easy to load up PostmarketOS for a converged mobile Linux experience.
The Framework‘s unique modular bay system means you can hotswap components like 4G modems on the fly. Combined with the 3:2 touchscreen, this laptop effectively transforms into a Linux tablet with a keyboard accessory.
PostmarketOS flies on the Intel i5 CPU whether coding Python GUIs, running Docker containers, trying latest Plasma Mobile builds, or even just using Alpine‘s packages for a full Linux environment. At just 15mm thin and 1.3kg, the Framework makes for the ultimate Linux development machine.
5. PinePhone Keyboard Community Edition – Physical Keys FTW
Specifications:
- CPU: Allwinner A64 Quad-core
- OS: Manjaro ARM Plasma Mobile
- Screen: 5.95” 1440×720 IPS LCD + QWERTY Keyboard
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 16GB eMMC
- Battery: 3000 mAh removable
For less than $200, the Keyboard Community Edition of the PinePhone now brings the ultimate physical keyboard experience. The slide-out QWERTY keyboard attaches seamlessly via pogo pins when you want that nostalgic BlackBerry feel.
Manjaro ARM with Plasma Mobile proves a highly capable environment for on-device development. The A64 CPU chugs along smoothly for native Linux apps and even some web development needs. Terminal access is great for SSH, Vim, and basic coding.
While it lacks the performance for intensive tasks, the keyboard addon makes the PinePhone a joy to use for GitHub commits, quick scripts, managing servers over SSH or just pounding out some Markdown docs. For developers craving tactile feedback, it‘s an easy recommendation.