Linux Phone That Actually Works - FLX1s Review
Linux Phone That Actually Works - FLX1s Review
The FuriLabs FLX1s is a Linux phone that just works. Calls, texts, mobile data - out of the box. But here's the thing: you can keep it simple, or you can go deep. Build apps on device. SSH from anywhere. Run a full Linux desktop in your pocket.
What's Covered in This Review
- Unboxing and first impressions
- Hardware and buttons
- Phone calls, SMS, and MMS
- GPS and navigation
- Camera reality check
- App situation (Linux + Android layer)
- Daily driver verdict
- Developer perspective
- The phone itself
- Some cute stickers
- Glass screen protector (ordered separately)
- A case
- Free pair of USB-C headphones (nice surprise since there's no headphone jack)
- Actually works as a phone
- Hardware kill switches for privacy
- Real Linux - not Android
- Good build quality
- Calls, texts, and mobile data work out of the box
- FLX1s: https://furilabs.com/shop/flx1s/
- Flick Shell: https://github.com/ruapotato/Flick
What's in the Box
First Impressions
Quick note on the screen protector - it's glass. Mine cracked in shipping. I'd love to see a film screen protector option instead.
Let me save you some confusion: On day one, I thought the side button was the power button, and the others were programmable. Turns out there are hardware kill switches on this thing!
The Good
The Reality
This is one of those rare Linux devices that bridges the gap between "Linux phone enthusiast" and "I just need a phone that works."
Sneak Peek: Flick Shell
Plus a sneak peek at Flick, a mobile Linux shell currently in development for mobile Linux interfaces.