iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The right NexPhone alternative depends on what you mean by “a phone that can double as a Linux computer.” If you want a Linux-based mobile operating system, start with a supported Ubuntu Touch phone such as selected Volla or Fairphone models, or choose the PinePhone family for a more experimental Linux-first platform. If you mainly want Android apps on a monitor, a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone with DeX is the more practical route. Neither category is identical to NexPhone’s advertised multi-boot combination of Android, Debian-based Linux and optional Windows 11 on Arm.
Before buying, verify the exact handset, video-output method, carrier support in your country, app requirements and software maturity. Linux-phone compatibility is highly model-specific, while desktop-mode Android is easier for mainstream apps but is not a conventional Debian desktop.
The decision that matters: Linux phone or desktop-mode phone?
“Linux computer in your pocket” describes several different experiences. A Linux-first phone boots a mobile Linux distribution, uses Linux-native applications and may provide a windowed interface when attached to a monitor. A desktop-mode Android phone keeps Android as its operating system but presents apps in resizable windows on an external display. A multi-boot device attempts to provide several operating systems on one handset.
Those approaches have different trade-offs:
- Linux-first: more control, terminal access and community development, but fewer polished mobile apps and more device-specific limitations.
- Android desktop mode: better access to familiar Android applications and services, with less operating-system maintenance, but no conventional Debian userland by default.
- Multi-boot: potentially the broadest choice of environments, but it depends on a new product’s implementation, support and availability.
Choose the category before comparing specifications. A fast processor or a high-refresh display does not guarantee that a handset can output video, run your required applications or maintain a reliable cellular connection.
#1 Best Overall
- NEW built-in stylus. Jot notes, edit photos, sketch artwork, and navigate effortlessly with an improved stylus and updated software.
- 6.7" pOLED display and Dolby Atmos. Experience cinema-quality entertainment with over a billion shades of color and multidimensional sound*.
- 50MP Ultra Pixel camera + OIS. Capture sharper low-light photos and smoother videos with an unshakable camera system featuring Optical Image Stabilization.
- 30W TurboPower charging + over a day battery. Get hours of power in just minutes of charging, then work and play with unbelievable battery life**.
- Standout design. Make a statement with its stunning look, modern color, and soft, vegan leather finish.
At-a-glance comparison
| Option | Operating system | Desktop experience | Best fit | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Volla or Fairphone with Ubuntu Touch | Ubuntu Touch, a Linux mobile OS | Windowed desktop when connected to a supported monitor | People who want a Linux phone with a defined compatibility list | Features vary by model; dual boot is unsupported and North American VoLTE may be problematic |
| PinePhone or PinePhone Pro | Linux-first hardware with community mobile OS choices | Convergence-oriented Linux desktop, depending on image and accessories | Tinkerers who prioritize openness and experimentation | Confirm current image support, carrier operation, application availability and practical daily-driver suitability |
| Compatible Samsung Galaxy with DeX | Android | Desktop-style Android interface on an external display | Users who need mainstream Android apps and monitor-based productivity | Model- and software-version-specific support; it is not a Debian desktop |
| NexPhone | Advertised Android, Debian-based Linux desktop and optional Windows 11 on Arm | USB-C or HDMI display with keyboard and mouse support | People specifically seeking multiple operating systems on one phone | Current shipping status is not established by the official page; specifications and support claims are vendor claims |
What NexPhone currently offers
NexPhone’s official product page lists a Qualcomm QCM6490 platform, 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage with microSD expansion and a 6.58-inch 120 Hz display. The company advertises Android, a Debian-based Linux desktop mode and optional Windows 11 on Arm. It also says the platform has Qualcomm support through 2036; that is the company’s platform-support claim, not a guarantee that a particular handset will receive updates for that entire period.
Price and availability
The live product page currently says that a $199 reservation locks in a stated total price of $599. Treat this offer as volatile and check the page before paying. The page reviewed for this article did not clearly establish a current shipping date, so older launch estimates should not be treated as confirmed availability.
Announcement coverage provides context but not a current delivery promise. TechRadar Pro reported a $549 price and expected Q3 2026 shipping on January 21, 2026. Windows Central described the handset as a prototype on February 5, 2026. The current official $599 offer supersedes the older reported price, while neither article proves that retail units have shipped.
How the advertised desktop setup works
NexPhone’s “How it Works” page describes connecting a USB-C or HDMI display, then using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. It also describes a wired setup through a USB-C hub. The product page advertises an included five-port hub with connections for a keyboard, mouse, USB accessories, an HDMI monitor and charging. Shared folders between Android and Linux and retained connectivity in desktop mode are also described by the company. These are vendor descriptions, not independent test results.
Emre Kosmaz, CEO and founder of Nex Computer, described the intended experience to TechRadar Pro as “The primary experience is an Android + Linux mode with full GPU acceleration for desktop-style workflows. NexPhone also offers Windows 11 on ARM via dual-boot with a mobile-style UI we developed.” That quote records the company’s intended design; there are no independent benchmarks, battery measurements, app-compatibility studies or carrier field tests in the available material.
Ubuntu Touch on a supported Volla or Fairphone
Ubuntu Touch is the clearest alternative for readers who mean “a phone that actually runs Linux.” The project presents a mobile Linux operating system with a connected-screen “windowed desktop.” Its official device directory lists supported hardware including Fairphone 5, several Volla models, PinePhone and PinePhone Pro, plus older OnePlus and Pixel devices.
Rank #2
- Pocket-sized Mobile eReader: Bigme HiBreak Pro cell phone ePaper device is 6.13 inch, sleek, black and phone-like design, fitting easily in your pocket.
- Equipped with the powerful Dimensity 1080 processor, it ensures unparalleled speed and efficiency. Boasting 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, this device offers ample space for many apps, files, and multimedia, providing a seamless user experience.
- Boost Productivity in work and study: Android 14 OS system and Google GMS certification allow you to install a wide range of apps.
- Empower Your Daily Life: Featured a 4500mAh large battery and dual cameras setup includes a 20MP rear camera, it's convinient for document scanning with OCR recognition, make making digitization effortless.
- Combination on ePaper ereader and Smartphone -- with 5G calling and GPS function, this small e-ink mobile phone can access many places with internet, keep working and entertainment just in one device.
Why this route is attractive
- You get a Linux-based mobile environment rather than Android’s desktop shell.
- The system includes phone basics, a file browser and a terminal, according to the Ubuntu Touch app page.
- A supported device list gives you a starting point for checking installation status and known limitations.
- Desktop use can be added without replacing the phone with a separate single-board computer.
What to verify for the exact model
Do not treat “supported” as a universal quality grade. UBports explicitly says support and feature maturity vary, asks users to check that required features work and warns that dual boot is unsupported. Check the device entry for calls, messaging, cameras, mobile data, suspend behavior, external display support and installation instructions before purchasing.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Regional cellular behavior is especially important. UBports warns about possible VoLTE communication issues in North America. A phone may boot successfully yet fail to provide dependable voice service on your carrier if legacy network fallbacks are unavailable.
Android applications and Waydroid
The Ubuntu Touch app documentation identifies Waydroid as an independent project that can run Android applications on Linux-based systems. This is a compatibility option, not a guarantee that every Android app works. Banking, streaming, games, device-integrity checks and push notifications may depend on services that do not behave like they do on a certified Android handset.
The same documentation marks Snap and Debian-container paths as experimental in the listed tablet context. Do not assume that an experimental package path on one device or form factor is a supported production workflow on your phone.
Practical setup sequence
- Open the Ubuntu Touch device directory and select the exact model and regional variant.
- Read the device notes for calls, cameras, mobile data, encryption, updates and external-display behavior.
- Back up Android data and confirm that you can restore the original operating system if the installation does not meet your needs.
- Use the project’s supported installation method for that model; do not improvise with an image intended for another handset.
- After booting, test a SIM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, camera, suspend/resume and every application you consider essential.
- Only then test the monitor workflow and any Android applications through Waydroid.
PinePhone and PinePhone Pro
The PINE64 PinePhone page frames the PinePhone family as Linux-first hardware with mainline Linux support and community mobile operating-system choices. That makes it appealing when openness, hardware experimentation and upstream participation matter more than a polished, appliance-like phone.
Recommended Free Tools
Where PinePhone fits
- It is designed around Linux rather than Android compatibility.
- Community distributions let you explore different desktop environments and development directions.
- Its convergence concept aligns with using a phone as a small Linux computer when connected to peripherals.
- It is a useful platform for learning Linux-on-mobile concepts, testing images and contributing feedback.
Why it requires realistic expectations
Confirm current stock, the current operating-system image for the exact model, modem behavior on your carrier and the applications you need. Community support can change quickly, and a distribution that boots is not necessarily ready for uninterrupted daily calls, contactless payments, commercial streaming or every security-sensitive application.
Rank #3
- GSM Unlocked: Use your preferred GSM carrier with ease. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, and others. Sim card not included. For availability on select networks, please consult your service provider. Note: This device is not compatible with AT&T/Cricket or CDMA networks like Verizon and Sprint.
- The Future of Mobile Technology: Experience a new era of mobile connectivity with 5G phones. Offering speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, you can stream, download, and game like never before. Enjoy more reliable connections and lower latency, ensuring you stay connected even in crowded areas.
- Curved Brilliance: Elevate your gaming and video watching with a 120Hz display. With twice the frame rate of a standard 60Hz display, you’ll experience smoother, more fluid motion, making your games and videos look more realistic than ever.
- Next-Level Gaming: The BOLD K50 is more than just a phone; it’s a mobile gaming powerhouse. Powered by the next-gen MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor and the ultra-capable ARM Mali-G57 GPU, it delivers smooth, high-performance gameplay to keep you ahead of the competition.
- Breathing Light: The BOLD K50 camera features a beautiful halo breathing light that elegantly pulses to life upon receiving notifications, adding a touch of style to your device.
Use the same validation order as with Ubuntu Touch: cellular service first, then suspend and battery behavior, cameras and messaging, followed by external display and keyboard testing. Keep a recovery path and a second phone if your work depends on uninterrupted connectivity.
Choosing PinePhone versus Ubuntu Touch on another handset
Choose PinePhone when Linux openness and experimentation are the primary goals and you accept community-driven maintenance. Choose a supported Volla or Fairphone model running Ubuntu Touch when you prefer a named device entry and a more phone-oriented installation path. In both cases, inspect the exact device notes rather than relying on the family name alone.
Samsung Galaxy with DeX
When “computer” means Android productivity on a monitor, Samsung DeX is usually the most straightforward alternative. DeX presents Android applications in a desktop-style interface with windows, a taskbar and keyboard-and-mouse interaction. It does not turn the phone into a conventional Debian installation, but it can satisfy users whose priority is familiar Android software rather than Linux administration.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Compatibility is model-specific
Samsung’s current US DeX FAQ lists supported Galaxy S and Z Fold families and identifies incompatible models and feature-specific restrictions. Check the exact model, region and software version before purchase. Samsung also states that DeX on PC is no longer supported on newer devices updated to Android 15 or One UI 7 and later; that restriction concerns DeX on a computer, while external-display DeX remains a separate use case.
What you need
- A DeX-compatible Galaxy phone.
- A monitor or television with a supported wired or wireless connection.
- A USB-C-to-HDMI adapter or a USB-C hub for wired video, if the selected connection requires one.
- A Bluetooth or USB keyboard and mouse.
- A charger or power-delivery path if the session will last longer than the phone’s battery can support.
Samsung documents a five-app simultaneous-use limit in DeX mode. That limit matters if you expect a full workstation-style multitasking load. App behavior also varies: some applications resize well, some remain phone-shaped and some restrict features outside a handset screen.
Basic external-display setup
- Confirm DeX support for the exact Galaxy model in Samsung’s compatibility documentation.
- Connect the phone to the monitor with a compatible USB-C video adapter, hub or supported wireless method.
- Accept the DeX prompt on the phone and select the external-display mode.
- Pair a keyboard and mouse, then test the applications you actually use.
- Attach power through the hub or adapter when supported, and check heat and charging behavior during a long session.
Accessories and video-output checks
A phone cannot become a monitor-based computer unless it can send video through a supported path. USB-C shape alone does not prove DisplayPort Alt Mode or another video standard is available. Confirm video output for the exact handset before buying a hub.
Rank #4
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
A USB-C hub with HDMI and power delivery is useful for compatible phones that do not include a hub. For NexPhone, the company says a five-port hub is included, so an additional hub would be for a second station, replacement or another compatible handset rather than a stated requirement for the advertised package. A practical desk setup normally needs:
- Monitor or television with the correct input.
- USB-C video adapter or hub verified for the phone.
- Keyboard and mouse, Bluetooth or wired.
- Power delivery that the phone and hub support.
- Reliable Wi-Fi or cellular data if the desktop session depends on online services.
Test the complete chain before committing to a permanent workspace. Some combinations support charging but not video, or video but insufficient power for sustained use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Buying checklist for a Linux-capable phone
- Define the operating system. Decide whether you need Linux-native software, Android applications in a desktop shell or several bootable systems.
- Name the exact handset. Record model number, storage variant, modem variant and region. “Supported family” is not enough.
- Check cellular bands and VoLTE. Compare the phone’s modem support with your carrier, especially in North America where Ubuntu Touch warns about possible VoLTE problems.
- Verify video output. Look for explicit external-display support and the required cable, dock or wireless protocol.
- List must-have applications. Test Linux-native alternatives or Waydroid feasibility instead of assuming Android compatibility.
- Plan recovery. Back up data, keep installation instructions and know how to restore firmware or switch to a second phone.
- Price the whole setup. Include monitor, hub, keyboard, mouse, charger and replacement accessories. A phone’s advertised price is not the cost of a complete desk.
- Check update and support ownership. Distinguish a platform-support statement, a community image and a manufacturer’s handset-update policy.
- Confirm delivery status. For a new product such as NexPhone, rely on the current official offer and shipping information rather than an older announcement article.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Buying for the operating-system label
“Linux” can mean a complete mobile distribution, a container, a terminal application or a desktop environment shown through a compatibility layer. Ask which environment starts at boot, which applications are native and whether the phone’s modem, camera and suspend functions are supported.
Assuming dual boot is available
Ubuntu Touch’s device directory warns that dual boot is unsupported. Do not buy a supported Ubuntu Touch phone expecting a simple Android/Linux switch unless the exact project documentation explicitly provides it.
Confusing DeX with Debian
DeX is an Android desktop interface. It may be the best choice for Android productivity, but it does not provide Debian package management, a conventional Linux kernel workflow for desktop applications or the same maintenance model as a Linux-first phone.
Ignoring the carrier until after installation
A desktop interface is irrelevant if calls or mobile data fail. Test the SIM, VoLTE registration, incoming calls, emergency calling and tethering before migrating your primary number.
Best Value
- 1. 9-in-1 Linux:32GB Bootable Linux USB Flash Drive for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Linux Mint cinnamon 22, MX Linux xfce 23, Elementary OS 8.0, Linux Lite xfce 7.0, Manjaro kde 24(Replaced by Fedora Workstation 43), Peppermint Debian 32bit (being replaced by MX Linux 32bit) for older PC, Pop OS 22, Zorin OS core xfce 17. The versions you received might be latest than above as we update them to latest/LTS when we think necessary.
- 2. Try or install:Before installing on your PC, you can try them one by one without touching your hard disks.
- 3. Easy to use: These distros are easy to use and built with beginners in mind. Most of them Come with a wide range of pre-bundled software that includes office productivity suite, Web browser, instant messaging, image editing, multimedia, and email. Ensure transition to Linux World without regrets for Windows users.
- 4. Support: Printed user guide on how to boot up and try or install Linux; please contact us for help if you have an issue. Please press "Enter" a couple of times if you see a black screen after selecting a Linux.
- 5. Compatibility: Except for MACs,Chromebooks and ARM-based devices, works with any brand's laptop and desktop PC, legacy BIOS or UEFI booting, Requires enabling USB boot in BIOS/UEFI configuration and disabling Secure Boot is necessary for UEFI boot mode. Packing: The bootable USB drive comes in a colored PET/CPP zipper bag with instructions on how to get started. The box pictured is not included.
Expecting every application to resize
Desktop shells can expose mobile applications in windows, but app developers control layout and device checks. Validate your own work, school, banking and communication apps rather than relying on a general compatibility claim.
Using an unverified dock
Hubs differ in video standards, power delivery, USB bandwidth and firmware behavior. Buy only after confirming the phone’s supported output mode and return policy, then test monitor, peripherals and charging together.
Which alternative should you choose?
Choose Ubuntu Touch on a supported Volla or Fairphone if…
You want a phone-oriented Linux operating system, a documented device list and a windowed desktop when docked. Accept model-specific maturity, possible North American VoLTE issues and the absence of supported dual boot.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choose PinePhone or PinePhone Pro if…
You value Linux-first hardware, community distributions and experimentation above consumer-phone polish. Verify the current image, modem behavior, application coverage and practical availability for your region.
Choose a compatible Galaxy with DeX if…
You need mainstream Android applications on a monitor and want the least disruptive path to keyboard-and-mouse productivity. Confirm model support and remember that DeX is not a Debian desktop.
Choose NexPhone if…
Your defining requirement is one handset advertised to combine Android, a Debian-based Linux desktop and optional Windows 11 on Arm. Treat the $599 total reservation offer, hardware specifications and future-support statements as current vendor claims, and verify shipping, software maturity, carrier compatibility and video output before placing a reservation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
