Linux smartphones aren't as popular as they should be for several reasons, some of which include the duopoly of Android and Apple and lack of enough native phone apps. Linux technology has always been a powerhouse when used properly and offers many features such as increased privacy, a seamless desktop interface, and enhanced control. Operating systems have competed for users in both the mobile and desktop space, from Apple's macOS and iOS, to Google's Android and Chrome OS, to Microsoft's Windows, but Linux is rarely considered due to its lack of market share.
Android and iOS have dominated the smartphone market for a long time. Other mobile operating systems, including Microsoft's Windows Phone, have failed to break through and reach a large audience. Linux is an operating system that can be installed on almost any desktop or laptop, is open-source, free, and provides many distributions to choose from to satisfy any user's needs. When it comes to Linux though, there is a much greater learning curve, fewer supported applications, and more troubleshooting.
These issues cause problems for Linux on smartphones as well, since unlike on desktop, mobile Linux doesn't work on all devices, causing problems with hardware compatibility, updates, and speed. So then, why should Linux smartphones be more popular despite all the negatives? Well, Linux wins on security patches compared to other platforms, and on mobile, gives users options to choose what distribution they use, such as Ubuntu Touch, PureOS, postmarketOS, and others. Another positive is that Linux for mobile often comes with the ability to use a smartphone as a full desktop experience by simply connecting the phone to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, giving users the freedom of creating a desktop experience without needing a laptop or PC.
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Linux Also Powers Android
Linux for mobile devices is already being used widely on smartphones, without most users even realizing this. Android is based on the Linux kernel, and Linux powers Android's operating system. This is a massive deal since around 87 percent (as per Statista) of smartphones run Android, and consequently, are powered by Linux. Of course, Android is very different from Linux, but the point is that Linux is an integral part of Android and many other applications due to its stability, open-source roots, and ability to be modified and configured in any way desired. Linux even powers supercomputers, RokuTV, Amazon Kindle, Chromebooks, high-speed trains, nuclear submarines, the U.S. Department of Defense, self-driving cars, and more. Linux evidently powers much of the world, but simply needs to become more user-friendly to become mainstream.
Overall, Linux smartphones have a long way to go since they do not have the same funding as giants like Apple and Google. Linux also lacks the user-friendliness these well-known operating systems have. What Linux does have though is a huge community of volunteers, developers, and users who want a more free and open software experience. With new products such as the Steam Deck which uses Linux as its OS, the Fairphone which offers more support for mobile Linux distros, and continuing support from companies like Nvidia with its new open-source R515 driver, Linux on smartphones has a good chance of becoming more mainstream than ever before.
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Source: https://screenrant.com/linux-smartphones-not-popular-reason-explained/