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Sailfish OS VS Firefox OS

Compare Sailfish OS VS Firefox OS and see what are their differences

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Sailfish OS logo Sailfish OS

At the heart of Jolla is Sailfish OS, the independent mobile operating system offering an alternative to the existing dominant systems. Sailfish OS is the perfect solution for country ecosystem and corporate mobile projects, or for consumer devices.

Firefox OS logo Firefox OS

Firefox OS is an open-source smartphone OS that uses the Open Web as a platform for mobile devices.
Not present
  • Firefox OS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-08

Sailfish OS features and specs

  • Privacy
    Sailfish OS is known for its strong focus on user privacy and security. Unlike many other operating systems, it avoids integrating extensive tracking and data-gathering features.
  • Unique UI/UX
    The OS features a distinct and gesture-based user interface, which many users find intuitive and enjoyable to use.
  • Linux-based
    As a Linux-based OS, Sailfish provides flexibility and openness, making it a good option for tech enthusiasts and developers.
  • Compatibility with Android Apps
    Sailfish OS has support for running Android applications through its compatibility layer, expanding its software ecosystem.
  • Community Support
    The Sailfish OS community is active and supportive, providing resources, forums, and community-driven applications.

Possible disadvantages of Sailfish OS

  • Limited App Ecosystem
    While it does support Android apps, Sailfish OS has a smaller native app ecosystem compared to mainstream operating systems like iOS and Android.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Limited hardware options are available. Compatibility can be an issue, as the OS officially supports only a handful of devices.
  • Learning Curve
    The unique gesture-based user interface can be challenging for new users who are accustomed to traditional mobile OS navigation.
  • Software Updates
    Software updates for Sailfish OS may not be as frequent or as extensive as those for more popular operating systems.
  • Market Penetration
    With a smaller market share, Sailfish OS lacks the widespread recognition and developer support enjoyed by larger competitors.

Firefox OS features and specs

  • Open Source
    Being an open-source platform, Firefox OS allows developers and manufacturers to modify and adapt the software without restrictions.
  • Web-based Technologies
    Firefox OS is built using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript, which makes it easier for web developers to create and deploy apps without learning new programming languages.
  • Lightweight
    The operating system is designed to be lightweight, making it suitable for low-end devices and providing a snappy user experience.
  • Focus on Privacy
    Firefox OS, being a Mozilla product, inherently emphasizes user privacy and security as part of its core values.
  • Adaptive Search
    Firefox OS features an adaptive app search function, allowing users to find and use apps on-the-fly without needing to download them.

Possible disadvantages of Firefox OS

  • Limited App Ecosystem
    Compared to established platforms like Android and iOS, Firefox OS lacks a comprehensive app marketplace, resulting in fewer apps and features.
  • Discontinued Support
    Mozilla has officially discontinued support for Firefox OS, leading to a lack of updates and official support for users and developers.
  • Hardware Limitations
    Initially targeted at low-end devices, the hardware constraints often limit the performance and capabilities of the OS compared to other mobile platforms.
  • Market Penetration
    Firefox OS struggled to capture significant market share, reducing its appeal to developers and manufacturers over time.
  • Developer Support
    Given the platform's discontinuation, developer support and community activity have significantly decreased, making it challenging for new developers.

Analysis of Sailfish OS

Overall verdict

  • Sailfish OS is a solid alternative for those looking for a unique mobile operating system experience outside of the mainstream Android and iOS platforms.

Why this product is good

  • Privacy: Sailfish OS is known for its strong focus on privacy and security, making it a good choice for users concerned about data protection.
  • Linux-based: Being a Linux-based OS, it offers a robust and flexible platform that appeals to tech enthusiasts and power users.
  • User Interface: The interface is unique and intuitive with a gesture-based navigation system, which can be refreshing for users familiar with traditional mobile OS layouts.
  • Compatibility: Sailfish OS can run Android apps to a certain degree, providing access to a vast range of applications.

Recommended for

  • Tech enthusiasts who like to explore and tinker with Linux-based systems.
  • Privacy-conscious users who prioritize data security over a mainstream app ecosystem.
  • Individuals seeking an alternative operating system with the ability to run some Android applications.
  • Users who appreciate gesture-based navigation and unique user interface designs.

Sailfish OS videos

+ Add

Librem5 VS Sailfish OS

Firefox OS videos

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Remember Firefox OS?

More videos:

  • Review - Firefox OS Review
  • Review - Firefox OS is back... on KaiOS

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Sailfish OS and Firefox OS)

Sailfish OS

Firefox OS

Mobile OS
60 60%
Mobile OS
40% 40
Mobile SDK
59 59%
Mobile SDK
41% 41
Operating Systems
100 100%
Operating Systems
0% 0
OS & Utilities
44 44%
OS & Utilities
56% 56

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Sailfish OS and Firefox OS

Sailfish OS Reviews

Android Alternative: Top 12 Mobile Operating Systems
Sailfish OS has been one of the oldest alternatives to Android, competing and developing a mobile operating system since 2013. It is currently in its 4th generation and is being actively developed by a Finnish company Jolla Ltd. Sailfish OS has been built on top of Linux along with many other open-source projects. While it’s not built on Android, Sailfish OS can run Android...
Source: beebom.com
Open Source Mobile OS Alternatives To Android
When Nokia decided to ditch the MeeGo mobile OS project, few unsatisfied Nokia employees decided to keep MeeGo alive in the form of Sailfish OS. Their flagship product Jolla has met with moderate success, and has a dedicated fan following. MeeGo was supposed to be continued by Linux Foundation in the form of Tizen, but over the time Tizen evolved on its own and cannot be...
Source: itsfoss.com

Firefox OS Reviews

Open Source Mobile OS Alternatives To Android
Unfortunately, the low price tag alone could not make Firefox OS the Raspberry Pi of mobile devices, and, like Tizen, Firefox OS did not have any success with its ZTE devices. Firefox now plans to shift its focus from low cost devices to user experience with Firefox OS.
Source: itsfoss.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Sailfish OS seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 5 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Sailfish OS mentions (5)

  • Sailfish Mobile OS
    > Jolla had to close From the best I can tell, Jolla is still an active company: https://jolla.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Mercedes-Benz previews its operating system MB.OS
    Is this using Jolla's Android AppSupport? https://jolla.com/ I use a Sailfish OS phone and it works amazingly well. I know they have been pushing hard into the auto industry after pulling out of Russia because of the war. I would be very pleased if Mercedes is helping fund Jolla. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Jolla.com down?
    Anybody got any intel on why jolla.com is down? I purchased the Sailfish OS licence for Xperia 10 ii but the links to installing instructions are nowhere to be found. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • The Deceptive PR Behind Apple’s “Expanded Protections for Children”
    There was one but people wouldn't "put their money where their mouth is". The Jolla phone was made by ex-MeeGo/Maemo devs from Nokia, but nobody bought them. Now they're focusing on just the OS and they don't make any full fledged devices: https://jolla.com/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 4 years ago
  • On Apple's “Expanded Protections for Children” - A Personal Story
    Sailfish OS is mobile Linux and can run on smartphones. I didn't personally use it but the website claims to in on the Sony Xperia 10 II from 2020. It costs $50, though. https://jolla.com. - Source: Hacker News / almost 4 years ago

Firefox OS mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Firefox OS yet. Tracking of Firefox OS recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Sailfish OS and Firefox OS, you can also consider the following products

Android - Android is an open source mobile operating system initially released by Google in 2008 and has since become of the most widely used operating systems on any platform.

Ubuntu Touch - Read more about Ubuntu Touch. Our free and open source mobile OS is made and maintained by UBports! We care about your freedom and privacy.

PureOS - A user friendly, secure and freedom respecting OS for your daily usage

LineageOS - Operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, based on the Android

LuneOS - LuneOS is a free and open source mobile operating system that respects users’ privacy.

Mobian - Mobian, Debian for mobile devices

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