Someone turned a $50 smartphone into a Linux laptop, and it works better than you’d think
Someone turned a $50 smartphone into a Linux laptop, and it works better than you’d think
Publish Date: 2026-05-27 01:31:00
Source Domain: www.xda-developers.com
Summary
- Turn a $50 Moto G Power 2024 into a Linux laptop using Termux, XFCE, and a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse.
- Smartphones can be cheap, capable PC alternatives amid RAM and storage shortages.
- Full Linux apps like GIMP and Shotcut run surprisingly well; step-by-step guide and code available.
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but PC and laptop prices have been pretty terrible the past few months. With the great AI rush causing people to vacuum up RAM sticks and storage by the dozen, there isn’t much left for folks who want to build or purchase a new computer.
However, the smartphone market hasn’t been rocked nearly as hard. So, what if you could save some money and turn a smartphone into a Linux laptop? Well, one person has done just that with a $50 phone, and it works surprisingly well.
Related
I turned my Raspberry Pi into a pocket Linux server that runs from a power bank, and it’s weirdly useful
It might just become my new travel companion
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Source
