{"slug": "sailfish-os", "name": "Sailfish OS", "category": "os", "category_name": "Operating systems and desktop", "description": "Linux-based mobile operating system from Jolla, with an optional Android app compatibility layer.", "recommenders": 14, "commenters": 25, "warners": 8, "score": 6.399, "rising": 0.4, "first": "2025-11-01", "latest": "2026-10-23", "why": "Long-time users like it as a workable daily driver that works as a real Linux system in your pocket, with an Android layer that runs many apps, including banking apps.", "why_is_quote": false, "has_verdict": true, "sentiment": {"recommend": 15, "neutral": 3, "compare": 0, "warn": 8}, "spark": [3, 2, 2, 0, 2, 0, 0, 0, 2, 2, 0, 2], "listed": true, "loved": ["Long-term daily driver", "Android app support"], "caveat": "Limited hardware", "short_quote": "You do have an alternative to both Google and Apple, which gives you the best of both worlds - it's called the Sailfish mobile OS", "icon": true, "domain": "sailfishos.org", "github_repo": null, "official_url": "https://sailfishos.org", "pricing": "freemium", "aliases": ["Sailfish OS", "SailfishOS"], "verdict": [{"text": "Long-time users like it as a workable daily driver", "cites": [{"id": 800844832, "item_id": 50052802, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50052802", "by": "m4rtink", "date": "2026-10-12", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I have been using Sailfish OS from Jolla since 2013 on my main phone.", "excerpt": "I have been using Sailfish OS from Jolla since 2013 on my main phone. They are even selling a new phone with Sailfish OS preinstalled now: https://commerce.jolla.com/", "context": "", "use_case": "main phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Will Linux phones become a viable alternative to the Android/iOS duopoly?"}, {"id": 732586880, "item_id": 45786680, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786680", "by": "raphman", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community", "excerpt": "I have been using SailfishOS phones as my main driver for ten years now. Some random, personal, possibly uninformed thoughts: - It is not for everyone. Some Linux experience and willingness to tinker with it is helpful. - Despite the many limitations, I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community. I fear the day where I have to switch to a different OS. - Many Android apps can be run via the AlienDalvik/", "context": "daily SailfishOS user for ten years", "use_case": "main phone OS for ten years", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 732584384, "item_id": 45786524, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786524", "by": "m4rtink", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I have been using Xperia 10 III as my main phone for years with Sailfish OS just fine.", "excerpt": "I have been using Xperia 10 III as my main phone for years with Sailfish OS just fine. Looks like they also support up to Xperia 10 V & there is the Jolla C2 community device: https://docs.sailfishos.org/Support/Supported_Devices/", "context": "", "use_case": "main phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 789455328, "item_id": 49340958, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49340958", "by": "d3Xt3r", "date": "2026-08-17", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "are also pretty good daily drivers", "excerpt": "> If you're looking for a daily driver the most reliable I've seen is the furi phone. The Jolla C2 (SailfishOS) and Volla Phone Quintus (Ubuntu Touch) are also pretty good daily drivers, only issue is they they're only available in the EU. Also worth keeping an eye out for the upcoming Comodore Callback (SailfishOS), which is being shipped worldwide.", "context": "", "use_case": "daily driver phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Fairphone 6 and PostmarketOS working main camera"}]}, {"text": " that works as a real Linux system in your pocket", "cites": [{"id": 732587136, "item_id": 45786696, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786696", "by": "not_another_hat", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "But still for me the clear winner of these three.", "excerpt": "I've been using SailfishOS since 2014. Jolla 1, Xperia X, Xperia XA2 and currently Xperia 10III. I also have used Android phones and iPhones at work. For some people the downsides are lack of apps. The few Android apps I use work just fine with the current hardware. Sadly I still have to use WhatsApp for a while, but for Signal there is a native app, WhisperFish. The main thing to me is that SailfishOS is a Linux on ", "context": "uses SailfishOS since 2014, knows Linux", "use_case": "daily phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 757072016, "item_id": 47317001, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47317001", "by": "vrinsd", "date": "2026-03-09", "stance": "neutral", "quote": "Unfortunately, the Sailfish UI itself feels \"different for the sake of different\"", "excerpt": "I used Sailfish OS and so did several of my family members for many years. The \"vanilla\" Linux OS aspect (besides using rpm) makes it trivial to set up things like dnsmasq-adblocking, firewall rules, etc. Unfortunately, the Sailfish UI itself feels \"different for the sake of different\" and not because it's functionally more useful. I think the UI is pretty ugly and difficult to navigate. Anyone who \"loved\" Win8 tiles", "context": "used it for many years with family", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla on track to ship new phone with Sailfish OS, user-replaceable battery"}]}, {"text": ", with an Android layer that runs many apps, including banking apps.", "cites": [{"id": 780246224, "item_id": 48765389, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48765389", "by": "nextos", "date": "2026-07-02", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "SailfishOS can run lots of banking apps with an Android emulation layer.", "excerpt": "SailfishOS can run lots of banking apps with an Android emulation layer. It's not perfect, but far from useless. Some use it as a daily driver. Depending on your country, it can be super doable. There are also lots of indie native apps.", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS with Android app support", "switched_from": "", "story": "A new Android malware from Google"}, {"id": 755459760, "item_id": 47216235, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47216235", "by": "Risse", "date": "2026-03-02", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I was surprised on how many actually work.", "excerpt": "Check out this thread on Sailfish OS forums regarding EU Banking apps. I was surprised on how many actually work. https://forum.sailfishos.org/t/banking-apps-on-sailfish-os/18438", "context": "", "use_case": "running EU banking apps", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla phone \u2013 a full-stack European alternative"}, {"id": 787083392, "item_id": 49192712, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49192712", "by": "toastal", "date": "2026-08-05", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I switched to Sailfish OS. A lot of rough edges, but it can can be workable", "excerpt": "I switched to Sailfish OS. A lot of rough edges, but it can can be workable\u2014tho largely due to Sailfish having an Android layer to run those apps. It\u2019s getting better OS-wise, but the Sony devices that you can get access to internationally are much lower priority on their list. On top, if you try to pay, the lock you to Western countries\u2026 & I have no idea why.", "context": "", "use_case": "phone OS", "switched_from": "Android", "story": "I'm switching my phone from Android to Linux"}]}, {"text": " The most common complaints are limited hardware support", "cites": [{"id": 780225184, "item_id": 48764074, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48764074", "by": "mghackerlady", "date": "2026-07-02", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I really wish SailfishOS supported more hardware. I love sony phones", "excerpt": "I really wish SailfishOS supported more hardware. I love sony phones, but the sony phone I love the most isn't supported despite being nearly identical to a supported one", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "A new Android malware from Google"}, {"id": 732622848, "item_id": 45788928, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45788928", "by": "tipst", "date": "2025-11-02", "stance": "warn", "quote": "Ah, SailfishOS; the zombie of mobile device OS. Even longtime supporters (endusers) turned away b/c of little supported HW.", "excerpt": "Ah, SailfishOS; the zombie of mobile device OS. Even longtime supporters (endusers) turned away b/c of little supported HW. And even if, then not all features. It's Maemo and webOS all over again. > The main thing to me is that SailfishOS is a Linux on your pocket. You can ssh into it, sync stuff with rsync or syncthing, edit your stuff with vim, have cron do stuff, or what ever you like. My old phones I use as remot", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 732581648, "item_id": 45786353, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786353", "by": "pxc", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "warn", "quote": "My impression was that this platform was only becoming less and less viable.", "excerpt": "I used Sailfish ten years ago or more, and loved it. But I gave up hope on getting it to run on many devices, as well as access to a good Android emulation layer that I could use for \"utility\" apps like Uber or whatever. My impression was that this platform was only becoming less and less viable. Other problems: it's proprietary and only really runs well on any phone you've ever heard of if it's on top of an Android ", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 756992368, "item_id": 47312023, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47312023", "by": "mempko", "date": "2026-03-09", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I vibed with Sailfish so hard.", "excerpt": "I used to use a Sony phone with Sailfish but stopped when US shifted to voice over LTE and phones I used were not supported by the networks. If this phone works on US networks, I can't wait to get rid of my Android phone for sailfish. I vibed with Sailfish so hard.", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla on track to ship new phone with Sailfish OS, user-replaceable battery"}]}, {"text": " and gaps in Android app compatibility, such as missing Bluetooth passthrough and raw BLE.", "cites": [{"id": 738623184, "item_id": 46163949, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46163949", "by": "stiray", "date": "2025-12-05", "stance": "warn", "quote": "I wouldnt recommend it.", "excerpt": "I wouldnt recommend it. TLDR: while the OS is great (really GREAT), the real-world compatibility is not. I had Sailfish OS for a daily driver for two years, and OS is great (let me say that again, Sailfish IS GREAT!), but there are \"the details\". Jolla is completely ignorant to needs of their users. While they do have an android layer, they are ignoring to things that are of huge importance for daily life, like bluet", "context": "used it as daily driver for two years", "use_case": "daily driver phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla Phone Pre-Order"}, {"id": 732586880, "item_id": 45786680, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786680", "by": "raphman", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community", "excerpt": "I have been using SailfishOS phones as my main driver for ten years now. Some random, personal, possibly uninformed thoughts: - It is not for everyone. Some Linux experience and willingness to tinker with it is helpful. - Despite the many limitations, I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community. I fear the day where I have to switch to a different OS. - Many Android apps can be run via the AlienDalvik/", "context": "daily SailfishOS user for ten years", "use_case": "main phone OS for ten years", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 732578592, "item_id": 45786162, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786162", "by": "BoredPositron", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "warn", "quote": "I am not a fan anymore I used it for over a year on a XPERIA XA2. It's usable but barely so.", "excerpt": "I am not a fan anymore I used it for over a year on a XPERIA XA2. It's usable but barely so. The Android layer usually craps out with heavier apps or crawls to a halt. Most of the native apps are really basic I would compare them to early Windows Phone apps in functionality and UX. The UX itself is an odd mix of really intuitive and absolute horrible. It seems like they are missing focus and the felt development stal", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}]}], "praise": [{"label": "Long-term daily driver", "summary": "Several commenters have used it as their main phone OS for years, some since 2013 or 2014.", "quotes": [{"id": 800844832, "item_id": 50052802, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50052802", "by": "m4rtink", "date": "2026-10-12", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I have been using Sailfish OS from Jolla since 2013 on my main phone.", "excerpt": "I have been using Sailfish OS from Jolla since 2013 on my main phone. They are even selling a new phone with Sailfish OS preinstalled now: https://commerce.jolla.com/", "context": "", "use_case": "main phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Will Linux phones become a viable alternative to the Android/iOS duopoly?"}, {"id": 732586880, "item_id": 45786680, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786680", "by": "raphman", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community", "excerpt": "I have been using SailfishOS phones as my main driver for ten years now. Some random, personal, possibly uninformed thoughts: - It is not for everyone. Some Linux experience and willingness to tinker with it is helpful. - Despite the many limitations, I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community. I fear the day where I have to switch to a different OS. - Many Android apps can be run via the AlienDalvik/", "context": "daily SailfishOS user for ten years", "use_case": "main phone OS for ten years", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 732587136, "item_id": 45786696, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786696", "by": "not_another_hat", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "But still for me the clear winner of these three.", "excerpt": "I've been using SailfishOS since 2014. Jolla 1, Xperia X, Xperia XA2 and currently Xperia 10III. I also have used Android phones and iPhones at work. For some people the downsides are lack of apps. The few Android apps I use work just fine with the current hardware. Sadly I still have to use WhatsApp for a while, but for Signal there is a native app, WhisperFish. The main thing to me is that SailfishOS is a Linux on ", "context": "uses SailfishOS since 2014, knows Linux", "use_case": "daily phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}]}, {"label": "Android app support", "summary": "The Android layer runs many apps, and more banking apps work than commenters expected.", "quotes": [{"id": 780246224, "item_id": 48765389, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48765389", "by": "nextos", "date": "2026-07-02", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "SailfishOS can run lots of banking apps with an Android emulation layer.", "excerpt": "SailfishOS can run lots of banking apps with an Android emulation layer. It's not perfect, but far from useless. Some use it as a daily driver. Depending on your country, it can be super doable. There are also lots of indie native apps.", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS with Android app support", "switched_from": "", "story": "A new Android malware from Google"}, {"id": 755459760, "item_id": 47216235, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47216235", "by": "Risse", "date": "2026-03-02", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I was surprised on how many actually work.", "excerpt": "Check out this thread on Sailfish OS forums regarding EU Banking apps. I was surprised on how many actually work. https://forum.sailfishos.org/t/banking-apps-on-sailfish-os/18438", "context": "", "use_case": "running EU banking apps", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla phone \u2013 a full-stack European alternative"}, {"id": 732587136, "item_id": 45786696, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786696", "by": "not_another_hat", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "But still for me the clear winner of these three.", "excerpt": "I've been using SailfishOS since 2014. Jolla 1, Xperia X, Xperia XA2 and currently Xperia 10III. I also have used Android phones and iPhones at work. For some people the downsides are lack of apps. The few Android apps I use work just fine with the current hardware. Sadly I still have to use WhatsApp for a while, but for Signal there is a native app, WhisperFish. The main thing to me is that SailfishOS is a Linux on ", "context": "uses SailfishOS since 2014, knows Linux", "use_case": "daily phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}]}, {"label": "Linux in pocket", "summary": "Users can ssh in, use rsync, vim and cron, or set up dnsmasq ad-blocking and firewall rules.", "quotes": [{"id": 732587136, "item_id": 45786696, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786696", "by": "not_another_hat", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "But still for me the clear winner of these three.", "excerpt": "I've been using SailfishOS since 2014. Jolla 1, Xperia X, Xperia XA2 and currently Xperia 10III. I also have used Android phones and iPhones at work. For some people the downsides are lack of apps. The few Android apps I use work just fine with the current hardware. Sadly I still have to use WhatsApp for a while, but for Signal there is a native app, WhisperFish. The main thing to me is that SailfishOS is a Linux on ", "context": "uses SailfishOS since 2014, knows Linux", "use_case": "daily phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 757072016, "item_id": 47317001, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47317001", "by": "vrinsd", "date": "2026-03-09", "stance": "neutral", "quote": "Unfortunately, the Sailfish UI itself feels \"different for the sake of different\"", "excerpt": "I used Sailfish OS and so did several of my family members for many years. The \"vanilla\" Linux OS aspect (besides using rpm) makes it trivial to set up things like dnsmasq-adblocking, firewall rules, etc. Unfortunately, the Sailfish UI itself feels \"different for the sake of different\" and not because it's functionally more useful. I think the UI is pretty ugly and difficult to navigate. Anyone who \"loved\" Win8 tiles", "context": "used it for many years with family", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla on track to ship new phone with Sailfish OS, user-replaceable battery"}]}, {"label": "UI and community", "summary": "Some fans love the UI, the platform and the community, and say the core OS itself is great.", "quotes": [{"id": 732586880, "item_id": 45786680, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786680", "by": "raphman", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community", "excerpt": "I have been using SailfishOS phones as my main driver for ten years now. Some random, personal, possibly uninformed thoughts: - It is not for everyone. Some Linux experience and willingness to tinker with it is helpful. - Despite the many limitations, I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community. I fear the day where I have to switch to a different OS. - Many Android apps can be run via the AlienDalvik/", "context": "daily SailfishOS user for ten years", "use_case": "main phone OS for ten years", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 756992368, "item_id": 47312023, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47312023", "by": "mempko", "date": "2026-03-09", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I vibed with Sailfish so hard.", "excerpt": "I used to use a Sony phone with Sailfish but stopped when US shifted to voice over LTE and phones I used were not supported by the networks. If this phone works on US networks, I can't wait to get rid of my Android phone for sailfish. I vibed with Sailfish so hard.", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla on track to ship new phone with Sailfish OS, user-replaceable battery"}, {"id": 738623184, "item_id": 46163949, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46163949", "by": "stiray", "date": "2025-12-05", "stance": "warn", "quote": "I wouldnt recommend it.", "excerpt": "I wouldnt recommend it. TLDR: while the OS is great (really GREAT), the real-world compatibility is not. I had Sailfish OS for a daily driver for two years, and OS is great (let me say that again, Sailfish IS GREAT!), but there are \"the details\". Jolla is completely ignorant to needs of their users. While they do have an android layer, they are ignoring to things that are of huge importance for daily life, like bluet", "context": "used it as daily driver for two years", "use_case": "daily driver phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla Phone Pre-Order"}]}, {"label": "Duopoly alternative", "summary": "Recommended as an alternative to Google and Apple phones.", "quotes": [{"id": 748845696, "item_id": 46802856, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46802856", "by": "thisislife2", "date": "2026-01-28", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "You do have an alternative to both Google and Apple, which gives you the best of both worlds - it's called the Sailfish mobile OS", "excerpt": "You do have an alternative to both Google and Apple, which gives you the best of both worlds - it's called the Sailfish mobile OS - https://sailfishos.org/ . (As for my snarky post, read my other comment in this same thread to understand why I posted what I posted.)", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Apple to Soon Take Up to 30% Cut from All Patreon Creators in iOS App"}, {"id": 803374624, "item_id": 50210914, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50210914", "by": "dethos", "date": "2026-10-23", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "SailfishOS, Ubuntu Touch, and Nura seem to be good contenders", "excerpt": "SailfishOS, Ubuntu Touch, and Nura seem to be good contenders. One of them must become a real alternative to the duopoly.", "context": "", "use_case": "alternative mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Your Phone Is About to Stop Being Yours: 70 Days Until Lockdown"}]}], "caveats": [{"label": "Limited hardware", "summary": "Few devices are supported, and some supported phones have stopped working on US networks after the switch to VoLTE.", "quotes": [{"id": 780225184, "item_id": 48764074, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48764074", "by": "mghackerlady", "date": "2026-07-02", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I really wish SailfishOS supported more hardware. I love sony phones", "excerpt": "I really wish SailfishOS supported more hardware. I love sony phones, but the sony phone I love the most isn't supported despite being nearly identical to a supported one", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "A new Android malware from Google"}, {"id": 732622848, "item_id": 45788928, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45788928", "by": "tipst", "date": "2025-11-02", "stance": "warn", "quote": "Ah, SailfishOS; the zombie of mobile device OS. Even longtime supporters (endusers) turned away b/c of little supported HW.", "excerpt": "Ah, SailfishOS; the zombie of mobile device OS. Even longtime supporters (endusers) turned away b/c of little supported HW. And even if, then not all features. It's Maemo and webOS all over again. > The main thing to me is that SailfishOS is a Linux on your pocket. You can ssh into it, sync stuff with rsync or syncthing, edit your stuff with vim, have cron do stuff, or what ever you like. My old phones I use as remot", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 756992368, "item_id": 47312023, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47312023", "by": "mempko", "date": "2026-03-09", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I vibed with Sailfish so hard.", "excerpt": "I used to use a Sony phone with Sailfish but stopped when US shifted to voice over LTE and phones I used were not supported by the networks. If this phone works on US networks, I can't wait to get rid of my Android phone for sailfish. I vibed with Sailfish so hard.", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla on track to ship new phone with Sailfish OS, user-replaceable battery"}]}, {"label": "App compatibility gaps", "summary": "The Android layer lacks Bluetooth passthrough and raw BLE, struggles with heavier apps, and native apps are basic.", "quotes": [{"id": 738623184, "item_id": 46163949, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46163949", "by": "stiray", "date": "2025-12-05", "stance": "warn", "quote": "I wouldnt recommend it.", "excerpt": "I wouldnt recommend it. TLDR: while the OS is great (really GREAT), the real-world compatibility is not. I had Sailfish OS for a daily driver for two years, and OS is great (let me say that again, Sailfish IS GREAT!), but there are \"the details\". Jolla is completely ignorant to needs of their users. While they do have an android layer, they are ignoring to things that are of huge importance for daily life, like bluet", "context": "used it as daily driver for two years", "use_case": "daily driver phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla Phone Pre-Order"}, {"id": 732578592, "item_id": 45786162, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786162", "by": "BoredPositron", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "warn", "quote": "I am not a fan anymore I used it for over a year on a XPERIA XA2. It's usable but barely so.", "excerpt": "I am not a fan anymore I used it for over a year on a XPERIA XA2. It's usable but barely so. The Android layer usually craps out with heavier apps or crawls to a halt. Most of the native apps are really basic I would compare them to early Windows Phone apps in functionality and UX. The UX itself is an odd mix of really intuitive and absolute horrible. It seems like they are missing focus and the felt development stal", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 732586880, "item_id": 45786680, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786680", "by": "raphman", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community", "excerpt": "I have been using SailfishOS phones as my main driver for ten years now. Some random, personal, possibly uninformed thoughts: - It is not for everyone. Some Linux experience and willingness to tinker with it is helpful. - Despite the many limitations, I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community. I fear the day where I have to switch to a different OS. - Many Android apps can be run via the AlienDalvik/", "context": "daily SailfishOS user for ten years", "use_case": "main phone OS for ten years", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}]}, {"label": "Divisive UI", "summary": "Some find the UI ugly, hard to navigate, or a mix of intuitive and awkward.", "quotes": [{"id": 757072016, "item_id": 47317001, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47317001", "by": "vrinsd", "date": "2026-03-09", "stance": "neutral", "quote": "Unfortunately, the Sailfish UI itself feels \"different for the sake of different\"", "excerpt": "I used Sailfish OS and so did several of my family members for many years. The \"vanilla\" Linux OS aspect (besides using rpm) makes it trivial to set up things like dnsmasq-adblocking, firewall rules, etc. Unfortunately, the Sailfish UI itself feels \"different for the sake of different\" and not because it's functionally more useful. I think the UI is pretty ugly and difficult to navigate. Anyone who \"loved\" Win8 tiles", "context": "used it for many years with family", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla on track to ship new phone with Sailfish OS, user-replaceable battery"}, {"id": 732578592, "item_id": 45786162, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786162", "by": "BoredPositron", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "warn", "quote": "I am not a fan anymore I used it for over a year on a XPERIA XA2. It's usable but barely so.", "excerpt": "I am not a fan anymore I used it for over a year on a XPERIA XA2. It's usable but barely so. The Android layer usually craps out with heavier apps or crawls to a halt. Most of the native apps are really basic I would compare them to early Windows Phone apps in functionality and UX. The UX itself is an odd mix of really intuitive and absolute horrible. It seems like they are missing focus and the felt development stal", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 779055424, "item_id": 48690964, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48690964", "by": "blu3h4t", "date": "2026-06-26", "stance": "warn", "quote": "got tired of the interface and apps mediocrity", "excerpt": "I bought and used sailfish on a Sony phone (also had a second one), with my work issued SIM card for mainly calling as a test, it also had a few popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and whatnot, maybe for 5 years, but got tired of the interface and apps mediocrity. On a personal phone after several years and several mediocre android phones that had to be switched way too often for my tastes I switched to an iPhone. A", "context": "used it about 5 years", "use_case": "phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla Phone, Over 13 500 units sold"}]}, {"label": "Partly proprietary", "summary": "Critics note its UI and application layer are largely closed source.", "quotes": [{"id": 793601824, "item_id": 49600114, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49600114", "by": "grapheneos", "date": "2026-09-07", "stance": "warn", "quote": "SailfishOS drastically reduces privacy, security, usability, battery life and app compatibility compared to simply using AOSP.", "excerpt": "Fairphone provides very poor updates much worse than iPhone, Pixel, Samsung flagship or many other devices. They lag far behind partial backports of security patches to older releases of Android. They lag a year or more behind full security patches which are not all backported to older Android releases, similarly to iOS. Fairphone 5 and earlier have an end-of-life kernel without security support and the same fate awa", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "How Fairphone built the Fairphone Gen 6+"}, {"id": 757100593, "item_id": 47318787, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47318787", "by": "cookiengineer", "date": "2026-03-09", "stance": "warn", "quote": "it's fully open source and not whatever SailfishOS is", "excerpt": "You should instead check out Plasma Mobile devices. They're _very_ close to releasing something for daily use and the whole KDE stack on mobile has come a long way. I have no idea about the state of ModemManager though, because that has been historically always painful to use. I'm currently betting personally on a Hackberry Pi variant. It's a Wi-Fi only device, so doesn't have a SIM without a breakout/addon board tho", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla on track to ship new phone with Sailfish OS, user-replaceable battery"}, {"id": 732581648, "item_id": 45786353, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786353", "by": "pxc", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "warn", "quote": "My impression was that this platform was only becoming less and less viable.", "excerpt": "I used Sailfish ten years ago or more, and loved it. But I gave up hope on getting it to run on many devices, as well as access to a good Android emulation layer that I could use for \"utility\" apps like Uber or whatever. My impression was that this platform was only becoming less and less viable. Other problems: it's proprietary and only really runs well on any phone you've ever heard of if it's on top of an Android ", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}]}, {"label": "Security concerns", "summary": "One former user said its encryption used the numeric unlock PIN as the key, and another critic says it is weaker than AOSP on privacy and security.", "quotes": [{"id": 732702800, "item_id": 45793925, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45793925", "by": "hecturchi", "date": "2025-11-02", "stance": "warn", "quote": "encryption\" for them was using Luks with the numeric unlock pin as encryption key (which most people sets to 4 digits).", "excerpt": "I used Sailfish. Then I discovered that \"encryption\" for them was using Luks with the numeric unlock pin as encryption key (which most people sets to 4 digits). They marketed themselves as a secure OS. No passphrase option. I brought up that it was trivially brute-forceable in the forums and they vehemently fought the idea. My post eventually disappeared. They were doing government contracts in Russia etc. Iirc. I pu", "context": "former user", "use_case": "phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 793601824, "item_id": 49600114, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49600114", "by": "grapheneos", "date": "2026-09-07", "stance": "warn", "quote": "SailfishOS drastically reduces privacy, security, usability, battery life and app compatibility compared to simply using AOSP.", "excerpt": "Fairphone provides very poor updates much worse than iPhone, Pixel, Samsung flagship or many other devices. They lag far behind partial backports of security patches to older releases of Android. They lag a year or more behind full security patches which are not all backported to older Android releases, similarly to iOS. Fairphone 5 and earlier have an end-of-life kernel without security support and the same fate awa", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "How Fairphone built the Fairphone Gen 6+"}]}, {"label": "Regional availability", "summary": "Devices and paid licenses are limited to certain regions, such as the EU or Western countries.", "quotes": [{"id": 789455328, "item_id": 49340958, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49340958", "by": "d3Xt3r", "date": "2026-08-17", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "are also pretty good daily drivers", "excerpt": "> If you're looking for a daily driver the most reliable I've seen is the furi phone. The Jolla C2 (SailfishOS) and Volla Phone Quintus (Ubuntu Touch) are also pretty good daily drivers, only issue is they they're only available in the EU. Also worth keeping an eye out for the upcoming Comodore Callback (SailfishOS), which is being shipped worldwide.", "context": "", "use_case": "daily driver phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Fairphone 6 and PostmarketOS working main camera"}, {"id": 787083392, "item_id": 49192712, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49192712", "by": "toastal", "date": "2026-08-05", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I switched to Sailfish OS. A lot of rough edges, but it can can be workable", "excerpt": "I switched to Sailfish OS. A lot of rough edges, but it can can be workable\u2014tho largely due to Sailfish having an Android layer to run those apps. It\u2019s getting better OS-wise, but the Sony devices that you can get access to internationally are much lower priority on their list. On top, if you try to pay, the lock you to Western countries\u2026 & I have no idea why.", "context": "", "use_case": "phone OS", "switched_from": "Android", "story": "I'm switching my phone from Android to Linux"}]}], "who": [{"by": "nextos", "context": "early N770 developer", "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48896532", "date": "2026-07-13"}, {"by": "vrinsd", "context": "used it for many years with family", "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47317001", "date": "2026-03-09"}, {"by": "usr1106", "context": "keeps phones data-offline, no email client", "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46597936", "date": "2026-01-12"}, {"by": "aapoalas", "context": "Xperia 10 IV owner", "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46163039", "date": "2025-12-05"}, {"by": "not_another_hat", "context": "uses SailfishOS since 2014, knows Linux", "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786696", "date": "2025-11-01"}, {"by": "raphman", "context": "daily SailfishOS user for ten years", "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786680", "date": "2025-11-01"}], "tags": ["for Linux tinkerers", "Android/iOS alternative", "for Sony Xperia owners", "for EU users"], "use_cases": ["mobile os", "phone os", "alternative mobile os", "main phone os", "daily driver phone os", "linux phone os"], "compared": [{"slug": "grapheneos", "name": "GrapheneOS", "co": 5, "switched_from": 0, "switched_to": 2}, {"slug": "android", "name": "Android", "co": 7, "switched_from": 1, "switched_to": 0}, {"slug": "meego", "name": "MeeGo", "co": 3, "switched_from": 1, "switched_to": 0}, {"slug": "ios", "name": "iOS", "co": 4, "switched_from": 0, "switched_to": 0}, {"slug": "ubuntu-touch", "name": "Ubuntu Touch", "co": 3, "switched_from": 0, "switched_to": 0}, {"slug": "e-os", "name": "/e/OS", "co": 2, "switched_from": 0, "switched_to": 0}, {"slug": "lineageos", "name": "LineageOS", "co": 2, "switched_from": 0, "switched_to": 0}], "makers": [], "threads": [{"url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45785840", "title": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes", "mentions": 7}, {"url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47311456", "title": "Jolla on track to ship new phone with Sailfish OS, user-replaceable battery", "mentions": 3}, {"url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48755965", "title": "A new Android malware from Google", "mentions": 2}, {"url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46162368", "title": "Jolla Phone Pre-Order", "mentions": 2}, {"url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50208558", "title": "Your Phone Is About to Stop Being Yours: 70 Days Until Lockdown", "mentions": 1}, {"url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50051530", "title": "Will Linux phones become a viable alternative to the Android/iOS duopoly?", "mentions": 1}], "sentiment_by_month": {"2025-11": {"warn": 4, "recommend": 3}, "2025-12": {"recommend": 2, "warn": 1}, "2026-01": {"recommend": 2, "neutral": 1}, "2026-02": {}, "2026-03": {"recommend": 2, "neutral": 1, "warn": 1}, "2026-04": {}, "2026-05": {}, "2026-06": {"warn": 1}, "2026-07": {"recommend": 2}, "2026-08": {"recommend": 2, "neutral": 1}, "2026-09": {"warn": 1}, "2026-10": {"recommend": 2}}, "quotes": [{"id": 803374624, "item_id": 50210914, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50210914", "by": "dethos", "date": "2026-10-23", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "SailfishOS, Ubuntu Touch, and Nura seem to be good contenders", "excerpt": "SailfishOS, Ubuntu Touch, and Nura seem to be good contenders. One of them must become a real alternative to the duopoly.", "context": "", "use_case": "alternative mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Your Phone Is About to Stop Being Yours: 70 Days Until Lockdown"}, {"id": 800844832, "item_id": 50052802, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50052802", "by": "m4rtink", "date": "2026-10-12", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I have been using Sailfish OS from Jolla since 2013 on my main phone.", "excerpt": "I have been using Sailfish OS from Jolla since 2013 on my main phone. They are even selling a new phone with Sailfish OS preinstalled now: https://commerce.jolla.com/", "context": "", "use_case": "main phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Will Linux phones become a viable alternative to the Android/iOS duopoly?"}, {"id": 793601824, "item_id": 49600114, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49600114", "by": "grapheneos", "date": "2026-09-07", "stance": "warn", "quote": "SailfishOS drastically reduces privacy, security, usability, battery life and app compatibility compared to simply using AOSP.", "excerpt": "Fairphone provides very poor updates much worse than iPhone, Pixel, Samsung flagship or many other devices. They lag far behind partial backports of security patches to older releases of Android. They lag a year or more behind full security patches which are not all backported to older Android releases, similarly to iOS. Fairphone 5 and earlier have an end-of-life kernel without security support and the same fate awa", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "How Fairphone built the Fairphone Gen 6+"}, {"id": 789455328, "item_id": 49340958, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49340958", "by": "d3Xt3r", "date": "2026-08-17", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "are also pretty good daily drivers", "excerpt": "> If you're looking for a daily driver the most reliable I've seen is the furi phone. The Jolla C2 (SailfishOS) and Volla Phone Quintus (Ubuntu Touch) are also pretty good daily drivers, only issue is they they're only available in the EU. Also worth keeping an eye out for the upcoming Comodore Callback (SailfishOS), which is being shipped worldwide.", "context": "", "use_case": "daily driver phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Fairphone 6 and PostmarketOS working main camera"}, {"id": 789454548, "item_id": 49340909, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49340909", "by": "dredmorbius", "date": "2026-08-17", "stance": "neutral", "quote": "SailfishOS", "excerpt": "If you want pure-play Linux, there's Purism (PureOS), Pine (PineOS), SailfishOS, Ubuntu Touch (33 supported devices, including Fairphone, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, and Lenovo, amongst others), Tizen, Mobian (based on Debian), and postMarketOS (based on Alpine Linux). If you want an alternative to the iOS / Android duopoly, and will accept AOSP (Android Open Source Project) or de-Googled Android, there are AOSP devices (i", "context": "", "use_case": "Linux phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "How to disable or avoid intrusive AI"}, {"id": 787083392, "item_id": 49192712, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49192712", "by": "toastal", "date": "2026-08-05", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I switched to Sailfish OS. A lot of rough edges, but it can can be workable", "excerpt": "I switched to Sailfish OS. A lot of rough edges, but it can can be workable\u2014tho largely due to Sailfish having an Android layer to run those apps. It\u2019s getting better OS-wise, but the Sony devices that you can get access to internationally are much lower priority on their list. On top, if you try to pay, the lock you to Western countries\u2026 & I have no idea why.", "context": "", "use_case": "phone OS", "switched_from": "Android", "story": "I'm switching my phone from Android to Linux"}, {"id": 782344512, "item_id": 48896532, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48896532", "by": "nextos", "date": "2026-07-13", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "it's usable as a daily driver and, with a critical developer mass, it could get somewhere.", "excerpt": "Discussed in HN many times, but worth restating once more. The N9 was fantastic. A joy to use, and in many ways the best design, both hardware and software, I've ever handled. Everything had been designed with care and some UI elements remain unmatched. I think I was one of the first developers that got an N770 engineering sample (the first product in the N770-N9 saga) and it was really clear that they were onto some", "context": "early N770 developer", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Nokia's 14 Years of Mobile-Phone Supremacy Ended in an Afternoon"}, {"id": 780246224, "item_id": 48765389, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48765389", "by": "nextos", "date": "2026-07-02", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "SailfishOS can run lots of banking apps with an Android emulation layer.", "excerpt": "SailfishOS can run lots of banking apps with an Android emulation layer. It's not perfect, but far from useless. Some use it as a daily driver. Depending on your country, it can be super doable. There are also lots of indie native apps.", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS with Android app support", "switched_from": "", "story": "A new Android malware from Google"}, {"id": 780225184, "item_id": 48764074, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48764074", "by": "mghackerlady", "date": "2026-07-02", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I really wish SailfishOS supported more hardware. I love sony phones", "excerpt": "I really wish SailfishOS supported more hardware. I love sony phones, but the sony phone I love the most isn't supported despite being nearly identical to a supported one", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "A new Android malware from Google"}, {"id": 779055424, "item_id": 48690964, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48690964", "by": "blu3h4t", "date": "2026-06-26", "stance": "warn", "quote": "got tired of the interface and apps mediocrity", "excerpt": "I bought and used sailfish on a Sony phone (also had a second one), with my work issued SIM card for mainly calling as a test, it also had a few popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and whatnot, maybe for 5 years, but got tired of the interface and apps mediocrity. On a personal phone after several years and several mediocre android phones that had to be switched way too often for my tastes I switched to an iPhone. A", "context": "used it about 5 years", "use_case": "phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla Phone, Over 13 500 units sold"}, {"id": 757100593, "item_id": 47318787, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47318787", "by": "cookiengineer", "date": "2026-03-09", "stance": "warn", "quote": "it's fully open source and not whatever SailfishOS is", "excerpt": "You should instead check out Plasma Mobile devices. They're _very_ close to releasing something for daily use and the whole KDE stack on mobile has come a long way. I have no idea about the state of ModemManager though, because that has been historically always painful to use. I'm currently betting personally on a Hackberry Pi variant. It's a Wi-Fi only device, so doesn't have a SIM without a breakout/addon board tho", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla on track to ship new phone with Sailfish OS, user-replaceable battery"}, {"id": 757072016, "item_id": 47317001, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47317001", "by": "vrinsd", "date": "2026-03-09", "stance": "neutral", "quote": "Unfortunately, the Sailfish UI itself feels \"different for the sake of different\"", "excerpt": "I used Sailfish OS and so did several of my family members for many years. The \"vanilla\" Linux OS aspect (besides using rpm) makes it trivial to set up things like dnsmasq-adblocking, firewall rules, etc. Unfortunately, the Sailfish UI itself feels \"different for the sake of different\" and not because it's functionally more useful. I think the UI is pretty ugly and difficult to navigate. Anyone who \"loved\" Win8 tiles", "context": "used it for many years with family", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla on track to ship new phone with Sailfish OS, user-replaceable battery"}, {"id": 756992368, "item_id": 47312023, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47312023", "by": "mempko", "date": "2026-03-09", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I vibed with Sailfish so hard.", "excerpt": "I used to use a Sony phone with Sailfish but stopped when US shifted to voice over LTE and phones I used were not supported by the networks. If this phone works on US networks, I can't wait to get rid of my Android phone for sailfish. I vibed with Sailfish so hard.", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla on track to ship new phone with Sailfish OS, user-replaceable battery"}, {"id": 755459760, "item_id": 47216235, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47216235", "by": "Risse", "date": "2026-03-02", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I was surprised on how many actually work.", "excerpt": "Check out this thread on Sailfish OS forums regarding EU Banking apps. I was surprised on how many actually work. https://forum.sailfishos.org/t/banking-apps-on-sailfish-os/18438", "context": "", "use_case": "running EU banking apps", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla phone \u2013 a full-stack European alternative"}, {"id": 748845696, "item_id": 46802856, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46802856", "by": "thisislife2", "date": "2026-01-28", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "You do have an alternative to both Google and Apple, which gives you the best of both worlds - it's called the Sailfish mobile OS", "excerpt": "You do have an alternative to both Google and Apple, which gives you the best of both worlds - it's called the Sailfish mobile OS - https://sailfishos.org/ . (As for my snarky post, read my other comment in this same thread to understand why I posted what I posted.)", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Apple to Soon Take Up to 30% Cut from All Patreon Creators in iOS App"}, {"id": 746857248, "item_id": 46678578, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46678578", "by": "eigenspace", "date": "2026-01-19", "stance": "neutral", "quote": "I'm cautiously hopeful (though not particularly confident) about Jolla trying again with their new phone running SailfishOS.", "excerpt": "I'm cautiously hopeful (though not particularly confident) about Jolla trying again with their new phone running SailfishOS. I'm pretty tempted to pre-order one even if I know it likely won't be my daily driver. For me, the two main blockers are camera quality, and access to banking apps. I'm in an awkward spot where I really value having as good as possible a camera on my smartphone, but I don't value camera quality", "context": "", "use_case": "degoogled phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "DeGoogled Phones, Made in Europe"}, {"id": 745566976, "item_id": 46597936, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46597936", "by": "usr1106", "date": "2026-01-12", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "SailfishOS 2014 - now", "excerpt": "I run my personal PauseOS since the early 2000s. 1. My phones are always data offline, except when I use the internet browser to read news or retrieve information. If someone wants to contact me they can send SMS or call. 2. There is no email client configured on my phone. 3. GPS is always off (not so much for pausing reasons, but to maintain orienteering skills and resist surveillance capitalism I used SymbianOS 200", "context": "keeps phones data-offline, no email client", "use_case": "distraction-free phone OS", "switched_from": "MeeGo", "story": "PauseOS: Distraction-Free Phone OS"}, {"id": 738800000, "item_id": 46175000, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46175000", "by": "akyuu", "date": "2025-12-06", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "Take a look at Jolla and Sailfish OS.", "excerpt": "Take a look at Jolla and Sailfish OS. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46162368 https://sailfishos.org", "context": "", "use_case": "alternative mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "GrapheneOS is the only Android OS providing full security patches"}, {"id": 738623184, "item_id": 46163949, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46163949", "by": "stiray", "date": "2025-12-05", "stance": "warn", "quote": "I wouldnt recommend it.", "excerpt": "I wouldnt recommend it. TLDR: while the OS is great (really GREAT), the real-world compatibility is not. I had Sailfish OS for a daily driver for two years, and OS is great (let me say that again, Sailfish IS GREAT!), but there are \"the details\". Jolla is completely ignorant to needs of their users. While they do have an android layer, they are ignoring to things that are of huge importance for daily life, like bluet", "context": "used it as daily driver for two years", "use_case": "daily driver phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla Phone Pre-Order"}, {"id": 738608624, "item_id": 46163039, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46163039", "by": "aapoalas", "date": "2025-12-05", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "they've been my go-to phone OS maker for the last 10-15 years", "excerpt": "I low-key hate myself for this, but I went and preorder. I've been waiting for SFOS to come to my Xperia 10 IV but that seems to still be in beta, and after quite a few years it'd be hard to switch over ask well... But I have to try support Jolla as they've been my go-to phone OS maker for the last 10-15 years.", "context": "Xperia 10 IV owner", "use_case": "phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "Jolla Phone Pre-Order"}, {"id": 732702800, "item_id": 45793925, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45793925", "by": "hecturchi", "date": "2025-11-02", "stance": "warn", "quote": "encryption\" for them was using Luks with the numeric unlock pin as encryption key (which most people sets to 4 digits).", "excerpt": "I used Sailfish. Then I discovered that \"encryption\" for them was using Luks with the numeric unlock pin as encryption key (which most people sets to 4 digits). They marketed themselves as a secure OS. No passphrase option. I brought up that it was trivially brute-forceable in the forums and they vehemently fought the idea. My post eventually disappeared. They were doing government contracts in Russia etc. Iirc. I pu", "context": "former user", "use_case": "phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 732622848, "item_id": 45788928, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45788928", "by": "tipst", "date": "2025-11-02", "stance": "warn", "quote": "Ah, SailfishOS; the zombie of mobile device OS. Even longtime supporters (endusers) turned away b/c of little supported HW.", "excerpt": "Ah, SailfishOS; the zombie of mobile device OS. Even longtime supporters (endusers) turned away b/c of little supported HW. And even if, then not all features. It's Maemo and webOS all over again. > The main thing to me is that SailfishOS is a Linux on your pocket. You can ssh into it, sync stuff with rsync or syncthing, edit your stuff with vim, have cron do stuff, or what ever you like. My old phones I use as remot", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 732587136, "item_id": 45786696, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786696", "by": "not_another_hat", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "But still for me the clear winner of these three.", "excerpt": "I've been using SailfishOS since 2014. Jolla 1, Xperia X, Xperia XA2 and currently Xperia 10III. I also have used Android phones and iPhones at work. For some people the downsides are lack of apps. The few Android apps I use work just fine with the current hardware. Sadly I still have to use WhatsApp for a while, but for Signal there is a native app, WhisperFish. The main thing to me is that SailfishOS is a Linux on ", "context": "uses SailfishOS since 2014, knows Linux", "use_case": "daily phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 732586880, "item_id": 45786680, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786680", "by": "raphman", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community", "excerpt": "I have been using SailfishOS phones as my main driver for ten years now. Some random, personal, possibly uninformed thoughts: - It is not for everyone. Some Linux experience and willingness to tinker with it is helpful. - Despite the many limitations, I love the UI, the spirit, the platform, and the community. I fear the day where I have to switch to a different OS. - Many Android apps can be run via the AlienDalvik/", "context": "daily SailfishOS user for ten years", "use_case": "main phone OS for ten years", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 732584384, "item_id": 45786524, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786524", "by": "m4rtink", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "recommend", "quote": "I have been using Xperia 10 III as my main phone for years with Sailfish OS just fine.", "excerpt": "I have been using Xperia 10 III as my main phone for years with Sailfish OS just fine. Looks like they also support up to Xperia 10 V & there is the Jolla C2 community device: https://docs.sailfishos.org/Support/Supported_Devices/", "context": "", "use_case": "main phone OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 732581648, "item_id": 45786353, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786353", "by": "pxc", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "warn", "quote": "My impression was that this platform was only becoming less and less viable.", "excerpt": "I used Sailfish ten years ago or more, and loved it. But I gave up hope on getting it to run on many devices, as well as access to a good Android emulation layer that I could use for \"utility\" apps like Uber or whatever. My impression was that this platform was only becoming less and less viable. Other problems: it's proprietary and only really runs well on any phone you've ever heard of if it's on top of an Android ", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}, {"id": 732578592, "item_id": 45786162, "url": "https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45786162", "by": "BoredPositron", "date": "2025-11-01", "stance": "warn", "quote": "I am not a fan anymore I used it for over a year on a XPERIA XA2. It's usable but barely so.", "excerpt": "I am not a fan anymore I used it for over a year on a XPERIA XA2. It's usable but barely so. The Android layer usually craps out with heavier apps or crawls to a halt. Most of the native apps are really basic I would compare them to early Windows Phone apps in functionality and UX. The UX itself is an odd mix of really intuitive and absolute horrible. It seems like they are missing focus and the felt development stal", "context": "", "use_case": "mobile OS", "switched_from": "", "story": "SailfishOS: A Linux-based European alternative to dominant mobile OSes"}]}