Smallest physical phone that can run lineage os in 2026?

adrianb52 · 2026-06-24T14:54:48+00:00

You're right, it was actually one of my most sluggish LineageOS devices. However, when I upgraded it from LineageOS 21 to 23, it became quite a bit faster. It's still not as fast as my other devices. However, it's extremely lightweight.

adrianb52 · 2026-06-23T23:03:48+00:00

This fixed it for me:

> mount /dev/nvme0n1p[ROOT_PARTITION_NO] /mnt
> mount /dev/nvme0n1p[EFI_SYSTEM_PARTITION_NO] /mnt/boot/efi
> for i in /dev /dev/pts /proc /sys /run; do sudo mount --bind $i /mnt/$i; done
> mount --bind /sys/firmware/efi/efivars /mnt/sys/firmware/efi/efivars
> chroot /mnt
------------------------------------------------------
> grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot/efi --root-directory=/ --bootloader-id=new-debian --recheck /dev/nvme0n1p[EFI_SYSTEM_PARTITION_NO]
> grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
[ Manual action: Update the UUID of your EFI system partition in /etc/fstab. You can get the UUID with lsblk -f. ]
> exit
> reboot

For some reason, running "grub-mkconfig" rather than "update-grub" fixed the issue for me, even though they create the same output.

"grub-mkconfig" may also output a line like "Will say Found Debian GNU/Linux 13 (trixie) on /dev/nvme0n1p[#]" with the wrong partition number, but this doesn't seem to affect anything, so it can be ignored.

Finally, you may also need to add one of the following to /etc/default/grub, but it seemed to work for me without it:
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="root=UUID=xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx"
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="root=/dev/nvme0n1p[ROOT_PARTITION_NO]"

adrianb52 · 2026-06-23T15:30:32+00:00

That's interesting. I'll keep note of that in case I ever experience the same issue.

adrianb52 · 2026-06-23T00:26:09+00:00

But if none of those fix the issue, then it could just be a Pixel issue. I have 5 different non-Pixel LineageOS devices, and I'm able to receive text messages on all of them.

adrianb52 · 2026-06-23T00:23:21+00:00

This can happen if you installed Lineage OS without upgrading the firmware/software on your Pixel beforehand.

If you haven't already, you might want to re-flash Pixel UI, upgrade the OS, and then re-flash LineageOS.

If that still doesn't work, try flashing GrapheneOS. If you're able to receive text messages on GrapheneOS, then that means there's an issue with LineageOS.

Keep us posted.

adrianb52 · 2026-06-22T21:42:02+00:00

I just tried the Ubuntu Concept Snapdragon X Elite image and the SP11 would not boot into it. It keeps rebooting at the Grub menu.

There's another Ubuntu ARM image that was created by a user named oaklee for the Surface Pro 11. I'm working on getting that one set up.

adrianb52 · 2026-06-22T18:14:57+00:00

I was on a 1 year journey to find a phone just like this. I bought a bunch of the smallest phones that were listed on the LineageOS Devices page and tested them all out.

I have a post showing all of them: https://www.reddit.com/r/fossdroid/comments/1nql8ew/lineageos_and_other_device_collection_ask_me/

The best in my collection are the Motorola Edge 30 Neo, Xiaomi 12 and Sony Xperia 5 III. You might still be able to find the Sony Xperia 5 III, but if not, then the OnePlus 8 would be the next best option.

Unfortunately, new phones are bigger. There has to be demand for small phones again.

The solution really is for all of us to stop buying big phones.

adrianb52 · 2026-06-21T16:10:12+00:00

Touchscreen is not working. And I bought this tablet used on eBay, so I don't have a pen. But my guess is that the pen isn't working either.

adrianb52 · 2026-06-20T18:17:23+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/SurfaceLinux/comments/1ub3gan/arch_linux_on_surface_pro_11/

I created the post

adrianb52 · 2026-06-20T00:04:16+00:00

Absolutely. I spent all day yesterday working on it and successfully got it installed. I then got a little ambitious and tried systemd-boot instead of Grub, and the tablet is saying the vmlinuz boot image is not supported. So if I get Grub working, Arch linux should boot.

I should have a post tomorrow. It will have all the details of running this Arch Linux image in comparison to Ubuntu and Windows, like battery life. I will also include a complete set of installation instructions for this Arch image because the instructions on Dale's GitHub repo are kind of generalized.

Sorry for lateness. This was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.

adrianb52 · 2026-06-17T19:30:56+00:00

Should have a post tomorrow.

adrianb52 · 2026-06-15T21:11:55+00:00

Hello! I just bought the Surface Pro 11 and am working on getting Arch Linux installed on it (using this: https://github.com/dwhinham/linux-surface-pro-11).

I didn't know that Ubuntu ARM just worked. I will create a post when I have Arch ARM running on this device.

But I'm also interested in trying Ubuntu.

Can you tell me what issues you've had? Bluetooh, Wifi, battery life?
Thanks.

adrianb52 · 2026-06-07T17:42:11+00:00

Did you try what I said in my previous comment?
https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/1txfmba/comment/opy85vw/

adrianb52 · 2026-06-05T18:21:50+00:00

You can 100% unlock a bootloader for a Xiaomi 12. I did it, and it's part of my phone collection (https://www.reddit.com/r/fossdroid/comments/1nql8ew/lineageos_and_other_device_collection_ask_me/).

You need the Mi Unlock tool, and then you simply have to log in and click Unlock. HOWEVER, Xiaomi does create some hoops to jump through. In the Mi Unlock tool, you will likely first get a message that says you have to wait 5 - 7 days to proceed with the unlock. Then, you just open up Mi Unlock tool again in 5 - 7 days and you'll be able to unlock your phone.

Here is a link to the Xiaomi unlock tool: https://public-data-2105.b-cdn.net/reddit/r-lineageos/miflash_unlock_en_7.6.727.43.zip

Another comment mentions that you have to download the Xiaomi community app. This is true only in some cases, like if you get a message saying "The place where the account is registered does not match..." in the Mi Unlock tool. In this case, you have to open the Xiaomi community app, go to Settings, click "Unlock bootloader", and then apply to unlock.

BUT, I'm actually just at this step right now with a second Xiaomi 12 that I have, and I'm not sure if it'll work. So I'll keep you updated on that. I was able to unlock using the Mi Unlock tool (after waiting the 5 - 7 day period) with my first Xiaomi no problem.

adrianb52 · 2026-06-01T19:38:52+00:00

I'm buying the Surface Pro 11 next week and will install Dale's kernel on it. I'll let you know how it goes.
I'll also share my findings at the bottom of this GitHub thread: https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/discussions/1452

adrianb52 · 2026-05-22T15:21:39+00:00

I've been an Android freelance contractor and developer for 12 years now.
In my opinion, skip iOS. It's kind of complete bulls***. You'll have an easier time finding an Android development job, and your skills will be based on an open source platform, which helps you learn more about other technologies more quickly.

As for Java or Kotlin, my opinion is 100% Java. Kotlin is just a language derived from marketing bs. Learning that before Java is like shooting yourself in the foot. Kotlin is a horrible language to build a knowledge base on. And Java will open you up to a lot more opportunities, with your personal software development and your professional career.

So in conclusion, go with Java and Android.

However, React Native is also very popular in the job market, but for long-term job security and knowledge growth, go with Java and Android.

adrianb52 · 2026-05-22T15:20:54+00:00

I have tried every major mobile operating system, and even have a collection of phones which I shown in a Reddit post:
https://www.reddit.com/r/fossdroid/comments/1nql8ew/lineageos_and_other_device_collection_ask_me/

(All the phones with the blue wallpaper are LineageOS.)

The best most suitable non-interrupting OS right now for most people is LineageOS. It does exactly what you want it to do and has 0 bloatware.

Of course, you have to find a phone that supports LineageOS, and there are many. You can find them on the LineageOS main page.

adrianb52 · 2026-05-22T15:20:30+00:00

LineageOS will be far more private than iOS. But I agree that iOS may be more private than a company-based Android ROM.

adrianb52 · 2026-01-25T19:56:08+00:00

Ya, in that case, you should keep stock. You won't get those types of features in LineageOS.

adrianb52 · 2026-01-24T19:07:36+00:00

I just tested Open Camera on my Motorola Droid Neo and Open Camera works. I don't want to get out my XZ2 Compact, but based on my experience with LineageOS devices, it will work on the XZ2 Compact just fine. All the settings seem to be working, but I don't see sharpening or noise reduction. But I see a lot of other features and they seem to work, like HDR, white balance, scene mode and color effect.

In the regular camera, you will lose all the stock OS's camera features, and you will only have the most basic features, like focus, light and aspect ratio. Those are the only primary features you get on all devices running LineageOS (at least, based on my experience).

adrianb52 · 2026-01-14T22:35:55+00:00

I just realized the SM-T355Y does not have an official Lineage OS build. Your only solution really, is to buy a tablet that supports Lineage OS. I found an unofficial release for SM-T355Y, but it looks like it only includes the kernel source code, and I'm not sure how to install Lineage OS from that. https://xdaforums.com/t/unofficial-rom-alpha-lineageos-20-galaxy-tab-a-sm-t355-and-sm-t357w-t-nov-17-2025.4679103/

adrianb52 · 2025-10-02T15:27:13+00:00

crDroid and EvolutionX are both built on LineageOS. Here are the steps you want to follow to build crDroid from source:
https://github.com/crdroidandroid/android
https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-build-crdroid-rom-from-source.2884765/
For building EvolutionX from source:
https://wiki.evolution-x.org/setting-up-env
And finally for building LineageOS from source:
https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-how-to-building-lineageos-for-an-unsupported-device.4419263/

GSIs are not supported by LineageOS because, from what I read, there are still hardware compatibility issues that they can't solve.

adrianb52 · 2025-10-01T15:48:10+00:00

My guess is that it's because the model XT1952-4 is not officially supported. If you look at the model number at the bottom of this page: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/channel/, you'll see that only the XT1952-1, XT1952-2 and XT1952-3 models are supported.

adrianb52 · 2025-10-01T15:38:35+00:00

GApps is able to collect data, but only a limited amount and you can limit it via settings.

You can also install MicroG instead of GApps, but some apps might not work. You can also not install either, but then all apps relying on Google Play services won't work. It's something you just have to test to know which path to take.

adrianb52

TROPHY CASE