PinePhone Pro Explorer Edition

Over the past six months or so, I've been asked a lot what I think of the PinePhone Pro Explorer Edition, a Linux-based smartphone.

Yes, Linux, not Android. Android is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel, and been modified and optimized for use on smartphones and tablets. 

Also: Flipper Zero: How to install third-party firmware (and why you should)

Heavily modified and optimized. 

But what's a pure Linux experience on a smartphone going to be like? I'm about to find out.

Well, after obstacle after obstacle (Covid-19, supply chain issues, "unprecedented times," postal strikes, the holidays...), I finally got my hands on one.

Design-wise, I like it. It's a thin and light smartphone that still retains a 3.5mm headphone jack and even has a removable battery.

Removable battery!

Yeah, that's right -- a removable battery.

This phone blows out of the water the idea that you can't have a thin phone with a removable battery.

The 3000mAh battery

I wish my iPhone had this snap-on plastic back cover instead of a fragile glass back (I use an iPhone because of the ecosystem, not the "design").

And look at what's behind that back over. Not just a battery but privacy switches that allow me to turn off the camera, mic, and other stuff.

Privacy switches to turn off certain features

Neat!

I like this.

I like it a lot.

Then I fired it up. And this is where things got ugly. 

PinePhone Pro Explorer Edition

PinePhone Pro Explorer Edition tech specs

• Display: 6-inch, 1440