Ubuntu Touch: Can a pure Linux system replace your Android?

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For years, many Android users have wondered if Ubuntu Touch could replace Google's operating system in their daily lives. The idea of ​​having a mobile phone with Linux, focused on privacy and without the constant presence of Big Tech, is very tempting. But when you want to use it as your main phone, doubts arise: app compatibility, games, online banking, GPS, device support… and it's not all good news.

In the following lines, you'll find a thorough explanation, supported by the available information on the latest OTA versions of Ubuntu Touch and the work of the UBports community. You'll see what advantages it offers over Android, what limitations it has , how Android applications work with Waydroid, how well the terminal performs, which devices are compatible, and what you should be very clear about before switching from your usual ROM to this system.

What is Ubuntu Touch today and who develops it?

Ubuntu Touch was born as Canonical's official attempt to bring its famous Linux distribution to the mobile market . The idea was to compete head-to-head with Android and iOS with a convergent system capable of running on both small screens and external monitors, leveraging the Ubuntu PC foundation.

That initial plan, however, didn't take off in the market . Canonical followed the same path as other projects like Windows Phone: after investing considerable effort, the user base wasn't growing enough, and the company decided to abandon commercial development. This is where the story could have ended… but it didn't.

As with many open-source software projects, the community decided to save it. The UBports association emerged, a community organization that took the Ubuntu Touch code , adapted it, and continued to support it. Since then, they have been responsible for releasing over-the-air (OTA) updates, maintaining compatibility with various Android devices, and planning migrations to newer base versions of Ubuntu.

The result is that Ubuntu Touch is still very much alive today: it receives security patches, new features, and significant changes to the system's foundation . However, there's no longer a major corporation investing heavily in it; development continues at a good pace but with more limited resources, something that's particularly noticeable in the drivers and the list of supported mobile devices.

Recent changes: from Ubuntu 16.04 to 20.04 and beyond

For quite some time, Ubuntu Touch relied on the Ubuntu 16.04 Xenial Xerus base. That desktop version sustained the mobile ecosystem in its early community years. However, over time it became outdated, and the need to upgrade to a more modern version was clear.

This change arrived with the first OTAs based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa). UBports announced a new phase with versions like Ubuntu Touch OTA-1 Focal and, later, OTA-7 , which use Ubuntu 20.04 as their foundation. This implies security improvements, more modern packages, and extended support that, in Ubuntu terms, lasts until at least 2025 for standard support and until around 2030 for extended support.

The 20.04 branch also includes a significant progressive system update, fixing bugs, adding security patches, and introducing new options that improve stability for those already using Ubuntu Touch. If you're using a previous version, the usual process is simply to update over the air (OTA) without needing to reinstall everything from scratch.

Furthermore, the community already has a future migration to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS underway , scheduled for completion around June 2025. This suggests that the intention is to keep Ubuntu Touch linked to modern LTS versions of Ubuntu, so that the system does not become obsolete in terms of security patches or critical libraries.

From Unity 8 to Lomiri: the interface that gives life to Ubuntu Touch

One of the most visible changes in recent years has been the transformation of the interface. Originally, the mobile system's graphical shell was called Unity 8 , inheriting the name from Ubuntu's old desktop environment. With the arrival of OTAs based on Ubuntu 20.04, that name disappeared in favor of a new branding: Lomiri.

Lomiri is more than just a rebranding. The community has been redesigning the interface to be less dependent on specific Ubuntu components and more modular. This means that, instead of being tightly tied to a particular distribution, it can be included in other Linux-based mobile platforms, such as Debian or postmarketOS . In practical terms, this makes it easier for other projects to adopt this interface and for development to be shared.

In day-to-day use, Lomiri maintains its original philosophy: a fluid, gesture-controlled interface designed to work without physical buttons. A side menu is always available from the left edge, acting as a hybrid of a favorites bar and a recent apps switcher—a concept reminiscent of Android's recent apps view, but with its own unique approach.

Among its similarities to current systems on the market is the notification shade , which is pulled down with a swipe from the top to display alerts and quick access options (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.), or familiar features like double-tapping to wake the screen from the lock screen. Also noteworthy is the integration with fingerprint sensors, which in recent versions have proven to work quite reliably for unlocking the device.

Visually, the new OTAs have added tweaks such as blur effects on backgrounds and menus , a style increasingly closer to modern Android customization layers but preserving the unique character of Ubuntu Touch.

User experience: gestures, multitasking, and general behavior

One of the principles that Ubuntu Touch has maintained from the beginning is the intensive use of gestures for navigating the system. The always-available side menu allows you to switch between applications very quickly , without relying on traditional navigation buttons. A swipe from the left side opens this sort of dock with pinned and recently used apps.

Swiping in from the right edge minimizes the current app and displays a carousel of open applications . It's a convenient way to switch between tasks in just a few steps. To access the full set of apps, the Ubuntu icon acts as a gateway to an app drawer, something many Android users will appreciate because it feels quite familiar.

The system also relies on vertical gestures. Swiping down from the top opens the notification bar and quick settings , a behavior very similar to Android. As for locking and unlocking, double-tapping the screen to "wake" the phone is one of the details that makes the transition from other systems feel seamless.

Another striking feature is convergence . Ubuntu Touch, with Lomiri, can connect to an external display and behave like a desktop Ubuntu, allowing you to use a keyboard and mouse. In this mode, the phone acts as a small pocket computer; an idea that fits perfectly with the philosophy of reusing hardware and getting the most out of the device.

Privacy, security and philosophy of Ubuntu Touch

If there's one area where Ubuntu Touch truly shines, it's privacy. The system is designed as a 100% open-source mobile operating system . Because its development is in the hands of the UBports community and not a large multinational corporation whose business model relies on advertising or selling data, its approach is radically different from Android's reliance on Google services.

Ubuntu Touch does not collect personal data or usage information for commercial purposes . Over-the-air (OTA) updates focus on bug fixes, closing security vulnerabilities, and improving the user experience, without introducing intrusive telemetry. For those looking to reduce their exposure to Big Tech, this is one of its biggest selling points.

Furthermore, the system receives security updates tied to the Ubuntu LTS base , ensuring that critical patches arrive regularly as long as the underlying version remains supported. The fact that a migration to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is already being planned indicates that security is at the heart of the roadmap.

From an architectural standpoint, Ubuntu Touch is based on a clear separation of applications and permissions, similar to any modern mobile operating system. While it doesn't have the same massive amount of external auditing as Android or iOS, having a highly engaged technical community provides added transparency: the code is out there, and anyone can review it.

Do Android apps work on Ubuntu Touch?

This is probably the most frequently asked question by those considering using Ubuntu Touch as their main operating system: can I install Android applications, either from the Play Store or via APK? The long answer is that Ubuntu Touch doesn't run Android natively, but it can use a container to run many apps from the Google ecosystem.

For a time, Anbox was used as a solution for this, a system that set up an Android environment within Ubuntu to allow the execution of applications. However, over time Anbox has become outdated, and the community has opted for a more modern and efficient replacement: Waydroid.

Waydroid is, simply put, an Android environment that runs as a container within Ubuntu . It leverages modern Linux and Wayland technologies to deliver quite decent performance when running Android apps, and not just on Ubuntu Touch: it's also being used on other desktop Linux distributions for those who want to run mobile applications on their PCs.

Thanks to Waydroid, you can install Android apps on Ubuntu Touch, usually by directly installing APKs or using alternative app stores to Google Play . Performance is good for many everyday apps, as long as they don't rely too heavily on Google Play services . For simple games and messaging apps not heavily tied to the Google ecosystem, the experience is generally reasonable.

However, it's important to clarify: this isn't perfect compatibility, nor is it equivalent to that of a conventional Android phone . Some demanding games may not work properly or may not open at all, apps that rely on SafetyNet or Google certification may fail, and in general, there's more friction than on an Android phone with the official Play Store.

Another important point is that Waydroid doesn't magically transform Ubuntu Touch into Android. You're still on a different system, where notifications, system integration, and overall app stability depend on that intermediate compatibility layer . For users heavily reliant on specific official applications (banking, enterprise apps, streaming platforms, etc.), this might not be enough.

Custom apps, PWAs, and the Libertine desktop container

Beyond the Android world, Ubuntu Touch has its own ecosystem of native applications. It's not as large as Android's or iOS's, but it includes a reasonable catalog of basic apps for browsing, email, multimedia, notes, various utilities, and common tools.

Furthermore, the system has placed a strong emphasis on supporting Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) . This allows services without a native client to function almost like installed apps, with an icon in the launcher and some integration with the user interface. In a world where more and more applications are web-based, this is an important piece of the puzzle.

A popular option among advanced users is Libertine , the container that allows you to install certain Ubuntu desktop applications within Ubuntu Touch. Thanks to Libertine, it's possible to run traditional Linux software on some devices (depending on compatibility and device resources), taking the concept of convergence a step further.

However, let's be realistic: you won't find all the apps you use daily on Android or iOS in Ubuntu Touch . Mainstream tools like WhatsApp don't have an official client, and while you can use alternative methods or the Android container, the experience won't be as seamless as on a certified Android phone.

Important limitations: banking, NFC, wearables, and more

If you're seriously considering using Ubuntu Touch as your main operating system, it's worth carefully reviewing its most critical limitations. The first, and perhaps the most frustrating for many, is the lack of official banking apps . Banking applications are generally not available for Ubuntu Touch or its app store.

You can try to overcome this deficiency with your bank's web version or, in some cases, by trying the Android app within Waydroid, but there are no guarantees of functionality , and support for features such as push notifications, biometrics, or SafetyNet-based anti-fraud systems may fail.

Related to the above, mobile payments with NFC are not truly supported like they are on Android. Solutions like Google Wallet are unavailable, and banks haven't developed specific clients for Ubuntu Touch. If you rely on mobile payments for everything, this is a major drawback.

Another point to consider is that Android Auto doesn't work on Ubuntu Touch. Google's apps and platform for projecting the interface in the car aren't supported here, so you'll have to resort to Bluetooth, cables, or more traditional connections, or use alternatives to KDE Connect if you want to listen to music or use your phone as a GPS in the vehicle.

As for wearables, compatibility is very limited. Many smartwatches and fitness trackers on the market rely on official apps designed only for Android or iOS . Since these apps don't exist in Ubuntu Touch, and running them even through Waydroid is complex (due to permissions, Bluetooth, background services, etc.), using connected devices becomes complicated.

In addition, although the community is making an effort, some specific hardware features may not be fully supported on all models (GPS, advanced cameras, specific sensors). In many cases, GPS works, but its stability or accuracy can vary depending on the device and the port's status.

Terminal and desktop programs in Ubuntu Touch

One of the great advantages of having a Linux system on your mobile device is the ability to use the terminal. In Ubuntu Touch, the command line is a first-class user tool . You can open a console and manage much of the system just like on a desktop Ubuntu, always within the specific limitations of the mobile environment.

It's possible to install certain desktop programs through Libertine and its underlying package system . This opens the door to using classic text editors, some development utilities, networking tools, and other software that you would normally only see on a PC.

However, it's important to remember that a mobile phone isn't a desktop computer. The experience with desktop apps on small screens can be awkward , and not all applications adapt well to the dimensions or touch inputs. This option truly shines when used in conjunction with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

For advanced Linux users, having that combination of terminal, adaptive graphical environment, and desktop container makes some supported devices veritable Swiss Army knives. But if you're just looking for something that "looks like Android" without the hassle, the terminal will probably be a bonus you'll rarely use.

Compatible devices and driver issues

Another key piece of the puzzle is the hardware. Ubuntu Touch can't simply be installed on any Android phone on the market. The reason is simple: the community has to adapt the system to each specific model , dealing with kernels, bootloaders, and, above all, the proprietary drivers of each manufacturer.

When manufacturers stop updating a device's Android firmware, the drivers stop evolving . This greatly complicates the work of developers trying to port Ubuntu Touch to these models: they have to make do with closed and, in many cases, outdated drivers. As a result, the list of supported phones is smaller than many would like.

With the arrival of Ubuntu Touch 20.04 OTA-1 Focal, for example, there was a reduction in the number of compatible devices . Support focused on models like the Fairphone 4, Google Pixel 3a, and some Vollaphones, leaving other phones that previously had 16.04-based builds behind. This doesn't mean they'll never return, but it does reflect the difficulties of maintaining broad support with limited resources.

Version 20.04 OTA-7 was also initially released for a specific list of devices such as Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1, F(x)tec Pro1X, Fairphone 3 and 3+, Fairphone 4, Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL, JingPad A1, OnePlus 5 and 5T, OnePlus 6 and 6T, OnePlus Nord N10 5G, OnePlus Nord N100, Sony Xperia X, several Volla Phone models (including Volla Phone X, Volla Phone 22, Volla Phone X23) and the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC / X3, among others in the family supported by UBports.

Beyond these specific OTAs, the community maintains an official page with all supported devices and their status , listing around 40 models at various stages of maturity. These include phones and tablets such as:

• Fairphone 4/5 and Fairphone 3/3+
• Lenovo Tab M10 HD 2nd Gen Wi-Fi/LTE 4G/64GB and Lenovo Tab M10 X605F/L
• Google Pixel 3a / 3a XL
• OnePlus Nord N10 5G, Nord N100, OnePlus 6/6T, OnePlus 5/5T and OnePlus One
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S/9 Pro / 9 Pro Max, Redmi Note 9, Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi 9 / 9 Prime
• Xiaomi Poco M2 Pro, Poco X3 NFC / X3
• Xiaomi Mi 6
• Volla Phone, Volla Phone X, Volla Phone 22, Volla Phone X23, Volla Phone Quintus and Volla Tablet
• F(x)tec Pro1 X
• Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge (Exynos)
• Sony Xperia X (F5121 and F5122)
• Pine64 devices such as PinePhone, PinePhone Pro, PineTab, and PineTab2
• rabbit r1

Some of these, such as certain Volla, Pine64, or FXP models, can be purchased with Ubuntu Touch pre-installed , which is ideal for those who don't want to deal with bootloaders and flashing processes. For the rest, there's an official UBports installer that greatly simplifies the process of replacing Android with Ubuntu Touch, although dual booting isn't generally supported: you'll typically replace the original ROM entirely.

Can Ubuntu Touch replace Android as the main operating system?

After reviewing all of the above, the key question arises: given the current state of the project, is it realistic to consider abandoning Android and using Ubuntu Touch as the primary operating system? The answer largely depends on your user profile and priorities.

For someone very concerned about privacy, who wants to escape Google services, uses their phone primarily for basic tasks (calls, messaging not dependent on proprietary apps, web browsing, email, some multimedia), and also values ​​the ability to experiment with Linux, Ubuntu Touch can be a very interesting alternative . This is especially true if you choose a well-supported device, such as some Fairphone, Volla, or certain OnePlus and Pixel models.

However, if your daily life revolves around official banking apps, NFC payments, Android Auto, smartwatches , and countless other services that assume you have a standard Android or iPhone, things change. While Waydroid helps mitigate the lack of apps, it won't offer the same level of compatibility, stability, and certification as an Android system with the Play Store. Some things won't work at all, others will only work partially, and still others will have problems with every update.

You should also keep in mind that hardware support isn't universal or fully automated . Before you start, it's a good idea to carefully review the list of supported devices and the functionality level of each component (camera, GPS, modem, sensors, etc.) for your specific model. It's not uncommon for some features to be only partially functional or require some patience while the community refines them.

In return, you get a clean system, with a different but intuitive interface, a very engaged community, and the feeling of using a mobile device that respects your privacy much more and, in many cases, gives a second life to a device abandoned by its manufacturer . For many Linux enthusiasts, that more than compensates for the sacrifices.

Looking at the big picture, Ubuntu Touch remains, for now, a fantastic option for advanced users, free software enthusiasts, and those looking to experiment with a Linux mobile device , as well as for reviving phones that no longer receive official Android support. However, for most users who rely on the entire ecosystem of Google apps and services, it's still difficult to imagine it completely replacing Android as their primary operating system without sacrificing essential everyday features.