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submitted 2 days ago by cm0002@lemmy.cafe to c/linux@programming.dev

Running Linux-based operating systems on smartphones has come a long way. We now have several Linux-powered smartphones on the market that cater to different use cases. Some pack in flagship-level performance, while others try to be a value-for-money proposition.

Sadly, these devices are out of reach for most people around the world due to excessive taxation from their countries and shipping charges. Of course, many do have an older spare Android smartphone laying around.

Why not make good use of it? In this article, we will be taking a look at a very cool project that turns an Android smartphone into a Linux machine with a simple APK file and no root access.

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[-] ObsidianZed@lemmy.world 7 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Just tested and my device is unsupported as my kernel lacks "the required system calls to run PRoot correctly."

[-] lnxtx@sopuli.xyz 19 points 2 days ago

Local Desktop is built with Rust and runs entirely in native code. By using the Wayland protocol, it incurs less overhead compared to X or VNC alternatives.

Worth a try.

[-] k0e3@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 day ago

Whoops, didn't work on my pixel :(

[-] Lets_Disco@retrolemmy.com 7 points 1 day ago

On the off chance you haven't tried this, you might need to try disabling the 'phantom process killer' from the developer options if that's thing on your device -

https://localdesktop.github.io/docs/user/getting-started

[-] k0e3@lemmy.ca 1 points 12 hours ago

Thanks! Still didn't work, unfortunately. I'll look into it some more when I have time!

[-] Telorand@reddthat.com 8 points 2 days ago

This seems pretty cool. I have an old Android tablet I'd love to try this on, but it's got pretty weak stats compared to more contemporary devices; I wonder if this could work...?

[-] Truscape@lemmy.blahaj.zone 8 points 2 days ago

I'm sure it would work fine - just scale your expectations for the performance levels of some software within the installation (IE: games)

[-] Wiz@midwest.social 15 points 2 days ago

What I think you're saying is, "Play Doom".

[-] Truscape@lemmy.blahaj.zone 4 points 2 days ago

Yes. We can always play doom.

But will it run Brutal Doom? XD

[-] CaperGrrl79@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 days ago

Only one way to find out... try it and let us know how it goes.

this post was submitted on 16 Jan 2026
137 points (97.9% liked)

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