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Ubuntu Touch VS Mobian

Compare Ubuntu Touch VS Mobian and see what are their differences

Contents:
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  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

Ubuntu Touch logo 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.

Mobian logo Mobian

Mobian, Debian for mobile devices
  • Ubuntu Touch Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-12-18
  • Mobian Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-18

Ubuntu Touch features and specs

  • Open Source
    Ubuntu Touch is an open-source project, which means its source code is freely available for anyone to inspect, modify, and improve. This can lead to enhanced security and flexibility.
  • Privacy-focused
    Ubuntu Touch places a strong emphasis on privacy and does not track user data. This can be appealing for users who are concerned about data privacy and security.
  • No Bloatware
    Unlike many other mobile operating systems, Ubuntu Touch does not come pre-loaded with unnecessary applications, providing a cleaner, more efficient user experience.
  • Convergence
    Ubuntu Touch aims for seamless convergence between devices, allowing for a more unified experience across smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
  • Community Support
    The operating system is backed by a strong community of developers and users who contribute to its development, provide support, and create a variety of applications.

Possible disadvantages of Ubuntu Touch

  • Limited App Availability
    The app ecosystem for Ubuntu Touch is significantly smaller than that of Android or iOS, which may limit the choice and availability of popular applications.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Ubuntu Touch is only compatible with a limited number of devices. This can make it difficult for users to find supported hardware.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users report that Ubuntu Touch may not be as smooth or performant as other operating systems, especially on older or lower-end devices.
  • Learning Curve
    Users who are accustomed to Android or iOS might find Ubuntu Touch's user interface and functionalities different and potentially challenging to adapt to initially.
  • Limited Commercial Support
    There is limited commercial support for Ubuntu Touch. Users primarily rely on community support, which might not be sufficient for all needs, especially in a business environment.

Mobian features and specs

  • Open Source
    Mobian is an open-source project, which means it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This allows for transparency and customization by the community.
  • Debian-based
    Mobian is built on the solid foundation of Debian, known for its stability and security, which ensures a reliable experience for users.
  • Mobile Focus
    Designed specifically for mobile devices, Mobian aims to optimize the Linux experience for smartphones and tablets.
  • Community Driven
    The project is community-driven, allowing for diverse contributions which can lead to rapid improvements and a variety of supported devices.

Possible disadvantages of Mobian

  • Limited Device Support
    While the device support is expanding, Mobian is currently compatible with a limited number of devices compared to other mobile operating systems.
  • App Ecosystem
    The app ecosystem for Mobian is not as mature or extensive as Android or iOS, which might limit the availability of some apps and features.
  • Development Stage
    As a relatively new project, Mobian is still in active development, which may lead to stability issues and require frequent updates.
  • Hardware Optimization
    Not all hardware components may be fully optimized or supported, which could affect performance on certain devices.

Analysis of Ubuntu Touch

Overall verdict

  • Ubuntu Touch is a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and privacy-conscious users who are comfortable with Linux-based systems and appreciate open-source software. It is not as polished or app-rich as mainstream mobile operating systems like iOS or Android due to its smaller market share and developer base. Therefore, while it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those reliant on mainstream app ecosystems, it provides a viable, privacy-focused alternative for users willing to embrace its unique attributes.

Why this product is good

  • Ubuntu Touch is a mobile operating system based on Ubuntu Linux, developed by UBports. It is designed to be open-source, privacy-focused, and offers a unique convergence feature that allows users to connect their devices to a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to use it as a desktop computer. It is particularly appealing to users who value data privacy, software transparency, and who support open-source ecosystems. Ubuntu Touch also allows users to escape the iOS and Android duopoly, offering an alternative that aligns with open-source principles. Additionally, the OS is known for its customizable user interface, the ability to run Linux applications, and its supportive community.

Recommended for

  • Tech enthusiasts who are experienced with Linux
  • Privacy-conscious users seeking an alternative to Android and iOS
  • Supporters of open-source software and communities
  • Users interested in a convergence feature to transform their mobile device into a desktop experience
  • Developers and hobbyists seeking a platform for experimentation

Analysis of Mobian

Overall verdict

  • Mobian is a good option for users interested in running a full-fledged Linux distribution on their mobile device. Its reliance on Debian's robustness and a continuous update cycle makes it a reliable choice for tech enthusiasts and those seeking a versatile, open-source mobile operating system.

Why this product is good

  • Mobian is a project that aims to bring Debian to mobile devices. It is appreciated for its commitment to open-source principles and flexibility. Mobian uses a rolling release model and benefits from Debian's extensive package repository, providing wide software compatibility. Additionally, it is known for its strong community support and active development, constantly improving stability and usability on various mobile devices.

Recommended for

  • Linux enthusiasts looking to extend Debian usage to their mobile devices
  • Users interested in open-source alternatives to mainstream mobile operating systems
  • Those who enjoy experimenting with rolling release distributions
  • Developers seeking a customizable and flexible OS for mobile development

Ubuntu Touch videos

+ Add

REVIEW: Ubuntu Touch Smartphone OS!

More videos:

  • Review - Ubuntu Touch OS - Community Requested Overview
  • Review - Ubuntu Touch OS Review || Amazing Feautures || MultiTasking || Latest Version 2020 || Must Watch..

Mobian videos

+ Add

Mobian | The Best Mobile Linux Distro

More videos:

  • Review - Mobian on the Pinephone Review 2021
  • Review - PinePhone OSes: Mobian

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Ubuntu Touch and Mobian)

Ubuntu Touch

Mobian

Mobile OS
65 65%
Mobile OS
35% 35
Mobile SDK
69 69%
Mobile SDK
31% 31
Operating Systems
72 72%
Operating Systems
28% 28
Roms
100 100%
Roms
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Ubuntu Touch and Mobian

Ubuntu Touch Reviews

Top 5 Mobile Operating Systems 2023 (Alternatives to Android)
With this one, you will get everything you need such as all the different types of applications services purposes like communication, music, messaging, navigation, games, and so forth. In this, privacy is ensured. Some of the key pros and cons of Ubuntu Touch are-
Source: www.pcmobitech.com
Best Open Source Android Alternative OS for Smartphones
It is also capable of functioning as a desktop computer in “desktop mode”. The Ubuntu Touch OS also comes with all basic pre-loaded apps like messaging, calendar, Telegram, music app, weather, maps, and more. Overall, this OS is quite good and can be customized according to the smartphone manufacturer and user need.
Source: www.getdroidtips.com
Android Alternative: Top 12 Mobile Operating Systems
The UBports community also claims that none of your data leaves your device unless you explicitly allow it which is a good thing from the privacy point of view. Currently, Ubuntu Touch supports PinePhone, PineTab, Fairphone, Volla, Nexus 5, and OnePlus One. There are also 81 devices that are community supported so in terms of device support, Ubuntu Touch excels. Not to...
Source: beebom.com
Open Source Mobile OS Alternatives To Android
With UBports’ efforts, Ubuntu Touch gets some updates. There are a handful of devices that are supported by Ubuntu Touch. You can see the list here.
Source: itsfoss.com

Mobian Reviews

Android Alternative: Top 12 Mobile Operating Systems
Needless to say, it does not support Android apps and the app support is limited. However, Mobian sets out to bring an alternative mobile OS to Android which is quite nice. Mobian uses Phosh, a mobile shell built by Purism, and deploys well-known frameworks like Gnome and GTK. All in all, I would say, Mobian is a potential alternative to Android and you can definitely give...
Source: beebom.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Ubuntu Touch should be more popular than Mobian. It has been mentiond 31 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.

Ubuntu Touch mentions (31)

  • Trans liberation must be protected at all costs. Protect trans kids. Under no pretext shall arms and ammunition be taken from the working class.
    I know it's not as common and not as good as android forks, but more secure and better privacy Linux operating systems exist for mobile phones as well like Plasma Mobile and Ubuntu Touch. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Support for Linux distributions added to customrombay.org
    For now, only information about Ubuntu Touch support is available on our website. We plan to extend that to PostmarketOS and NixOS. But which devices does Ubuntu Touch support? For example those:. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • aegsgrsgegsegsg
    She: Finally. I couldn't wait any longer to feel your [Ubuntu Touch](https://ubuntu-touch.io/). I'm feeling both [Fire](https://developer.amazon.com/apps-and-games/devices) and [Harmony](https://www.harmonyos.com/en/)!!! Source: about 2 years ago
  • Need to get talked out of a terrible idea!
    You could always look into Ubuntu touch, Https://ubuntu-touch.io/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Ubuntu touch, xiamoi redmi note 9
    Ubuntu Touch is being actively worked on by a community of developers. They have been making very impressive progress on an 20.04 LTS-based release that we should see early next year, and they have a Telegram channel with updates as well as a monthly update and Q&A session on YouTube, plus blogs, a forum, governance bodies, and basically everything else you'd expect from a very ambitions development effort. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

Mobian mentions (16)

  • Best OS for Pinephone Pro?
    I haven't messed with mine recently so not sure what the status of mobian is right now, but it would be worth giving it a try. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Show HN: DivestOS, long term support for end-of-life Android devices
    Sounds like you want https://postmarketos.org/ or https://mobian-project.org/ ? - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Recent work towards mobile GNOME demoed on OnePlus 6 (Video by @calebccff on Twitter)
    This is still in active development. I would recommend trying postmarketOS or Mobian if you have a compatible device. They are both mainly packaged with Phosh, which is also a GNOME project, although most development is headed by Purism. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Droidian Linux on Google Pixel 3a
    Droidian is based on Mobian, a distro that aims to adapt Debian to mobile. It uses the same technologies as Ubuntu Touch (libhybris and Halium) to create support for Android devices. Source: about 3 years ago
  • We have developed an application that gives people worldwide a tool to boycott brands that have not left Russian and pay taxes there, identifying businesses that still operate by their names. We have added a barcode scanner so that you can scan products directly in the store.
    I have to make compromises often, but I choose to only install programs that can trust after setting up my system because I need to trust the device that I carry around with me 100% of the time in my pocket. I use Mobian on my phone and the only nonfree software installed are a few drivers. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Ubuntu Touch and Mobian, you can also consider the following products

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

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.

GrapheneOS - GrapheneOS is an open source privacy and security focused mobile OS with Android app compatibility.

CalyxOS - Privacy-focused operating system for smartphones based on Android and microG

postmarketOS - A real Linux distribution on the phone

CopperheadOS - Secure Android built for encrypted and secure phones by a privacy focused company. Available as security-centric and privacy focused Google-free Android for the latest devices. Fully integrated with the latest IDS and MDM enterprise technologies.

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