A lot of older PC games can run just fine on modern phone hardware. I’d buy a SteamOS version of a phone that has some modular or built-in set of buttons and analog sticks. I don’t know how the app ecosystem would work for sensitive things like banking but it’s mostly a minor issue for me.
I would want to try one, especially if it’s fully compatible between Linux and the mobile modem. Wouldn’t need any controller hardware on the phone itself, just needs a companion clip on controller that integrates nicely. Would definitely try to buy one if it had an underclocked/power limited laptop processor, that switches to full power when connected to a dock or charger. Something that could drive dual 1080p monitors.
Just to get away from Apple and Google.
I love the trend towards Linux phones. I hope that gets a good enough foothold for me to get one.
So a Linux phone that works?
On one hand I would love that. On the other hand it would have access to my steam games and that might be a problem
Yeah this is the important bit to me. Valve does good work and contributes to FOSS, sure, but I’m not going to blindly follow everything they do. Right now the Linux phone space just flat out isn’t viable for daily drivers. If Valve are the first ones to really address this, cool! But I’m not going to put them on a pedestal over any other options.
Considering that they are the only pro-Linux company in a position to start delivering to my country, that might just be my only option.
So, as long as they let me install custom stuff without restriction and have enough Linux support for the hardware they choose, they don’t even need to do any special repairability stuff for me to happily give them my money.Oh for sure. They’re no saints but they’re very far from the worst option out there, and they’ve been making some massive contributions to the linux space in general. I’d gladly grab something they made if they happen to be one of the first on the scene - look at the Steam Deck and what it’s done for the handheld space.
Had they added a cell SIM slot to the deck, I would have just bought that.
Isn’t Sailfish OS already pretty much “a Linux phone that works”?
As someone who’s used a couple phones running SFOS, it’s worked pretty well. it’s not perfect/has some quirks but the UI is really nice and there’s a community of people making apps for it and the like. Plus it’s Linux which is nice.
If its a viable way to get a linux phone then sure.
no, because having all your eggs in a single basket is a patently bad idea. no matter what brand the basket is
Yes but not for gaming, just to get a Linux phone.
That’s actually a great point. If it runs actual Linux, not Android, that’s a decent reason to buy. Valve might actually upstream the patches, if any, so that would enable virtually all Linux distros to run in it.
Nice try Nokia ngage crew!
🤣
No, because I don’t care about gaming on a phone. But I’d love to have numerous viable Linux phone alternatives to break the cartel duopoly.
I would, yes, if it was not OS locked.
Probably not Steam OS, specially, but I’d love an alternative Linux-based smartphone OS.
depends.
if it’s basically a continuation of the xperia play, but otherwise a regular modern day smartphone with passing safety net, unlockable bootloader, a 3,5mm jack, sd card slot, stereo front firing speaker, decent camera, absolutely.depends, if it’s [continues to describe the most perfect dream phone to ever exist], absolutely.
i mean, that’s my requirements. OP didnt specify what it would be and i dont wanna put out a blanket yes or no and then be called a liar or something when it eventually comes out and doesn’t cover my requirements for a definite buy.
Absolutely, we need more Linux phone options.
A Steam smartphone implies to me its main purpose is to play PC games and not caring about the other stuff. And no, for that reason I wouldn’t buy a Steam smartphone. Because playing games on mobile phone sucks, for controls (and I always need a controller in addition), battery life and size. And its probably as expensive as a PC. I would rather buy a dedicated handheld, if its available in this form. And if its based on Android, its a nogo anyway, for privacy reasons.
Steam Deck is plenty, I wouldn’t want to try “real” gaming on a phone.
I wouldn’t buy it to replace my phone. I want to keep that and my gaming devices separate.
I would buy it a dedicated handheld in a similar form factor to a phone + some controls. I’ve actually been looking at the AYN Thor for this exact use case. It would have to be the right price too.
I just made a similar comment and totally agree on both points. In the past, handhelds were actually this small, like a (bigger) phone with controls attached. Smartphones have bad battery life too and if its based on Android, then privacy concerns too. A dedicated handheld should be cheaper then full fledged power smartphone being able to play those games.
