There are several alternatives to both iPhone and Android smartphones. Actually getting one of these, and actually getting it activated on a network in the USA is not always possible, but it might be fun to try. See the citations (links at the end) for places you can buy these and read more.
1. LineageOS: This open-source operating system is built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and allows users to install it without Google services. It provides a similar experience to regular Android without interference from Google.
2. GrapheneOS: Another alternative built on AOSP, GrapheneOS emphasizes security and privacy. It supports the Google Pixel line, including the 6 and 6 Pro, without the baggage of Google’s OS.
3. Purism: Purism offers the Librem 5 phone line, which runs PureOS by default. PureOS is an open-source smartphone operating system based on Debian Linux and uses open-source alternatives for many apps. It claims to be free from trackers and other ethically questionable components.
4. Ubuntu Touch: This is a phone OS based on Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions. It is completely Google-free and can even serve as a desktop computer when plugged into a monitor. However, it can only be installed on a limited range of hardware, much of which is outdated compared to the latest Android flagships.
5. Plasma Mobile/PinePhone: The PinePhone is a low-cost alternative smartphone that comes with the Plasma Mobile interface running on top of Manjaro OS. It is a serviceable, no-frills device that has the advantage of being entirely designed outside of Google or Apple’s sphere of influence. However, both the PinePhone and the OS are in beta, so users may want to consider other options for reliability.
6. UP Phone: This privacy-first, proprietary smartphone is designed by cybersecurity professionals and runs the LibertOS operating system. It is secure by design and free of Big Tech components that collect user data for advertising and monetization purposes. The phone is designed to protect user data and privacy, providing a regular usage experience without the vulnerabilities of other modern phones.
7. Dumbphone: For those who want to completely eliminate Google and iOS, using a dumbphone can be an option. These basic phones are still available from major carriers, although users cannot get older phones like the Motorola Razr or LG Chocolate activated anymore.
8. Punkt Phone: This phone is designed to be simple and minimalistic, with no internet access and limited features. It allows calls, texts, navigation, Bluetooth connection, and basic features like an alarm clock and reminders.
9. Light Phone II: This phone is also designed to be used minimally, with features like texts, calls, navigation, and basic functions like a calculator and alarm clock. It is known for its minimalist design and minimal distractions
These alternatives offer varying levels of security, privacy, and functionality, but they can provide a change of pace for those looking to break away from the dominant iOS and Android ecosystems.
Phone Hardware vs Phone Operating System
Keep in mind that with iPhones, the software that runs on the phone, iOS, is thought of as part of the phone hardware by most users. In the Android phone world, you can mix and match different phone models with different operating systems, depending on compatibility. Some alternative phones are hardware and software, and some listed below are just software you install on a physical phone which might have otherwise used the Android software.
Summary Table
Here is a summary of where to buy, cost, and cell carriers that work with these phones.
| Phone/OS | Where to Buy | Cost | Compatible Carriers |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | Various online sources | Phone cost + Free (open-source) | Most carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint |
| GrapheneOS | Google Pixel devices | $599-$899 | Google Pixel devices are compatible with Google Fi and other carriers |
| Purism Librem 5 | Purism website | $599-$799 | AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers supporting GSM |
| Ubuntu Touch | Ubuntu website | Phone cost + Free (open-source) | Limited compatibility with specific hardware, mostly outdated devices |
| Plasma Mobile/PinePhone | Pine64 website | $149-$199 | GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile |
| UP Phone | UP Phone website | $499-$699 | GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile |
| Dumbphone | Major carriers | Varies | Most carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint |
| Punkt Phone | Punkt website | $299-$399 | GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile |
| Light Phone II | Light website | $99-$149 | GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile |
Please note that compatibility with specific carriers may vary depending on the phone model and the carrier’s network.
Citations:
[1] https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/704579-android-ios-alternative-os-smartphones
[2] https://beneko.com/alternatives-to-ios-and-android-phones/
[3] https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/best-tech-deals/g43021560/iphone-alternatives/
[4] https://itsfoss.com/open-source-alternatives-android/
[5] https://www.techradar.com/phones/i-ditched-my-android-for-an-iphone-15-for-a-week-and-apple-has-some-work-to-do
[6] https://www.puretalk.com/buy-cell-phones-online
[7] https://www.att.com/buy/phones/
[8] https://www.techradar.com/deals/the-best-cell-phone-deals
[9] https://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?id=pcat17071&st=cell+phone+carriers
[10] https://www.bestbuy.com/site/electronics/mobile-cell-phones/abcat0800000.c?id=abcat0800000
[11] https://wiki.lineageos.org/
[12] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GrapheneOS
[13] https://puri.sm/
[14] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Touch
[15] https://kde.org/announcements/plasma-mobile/pinephone-plasma-mobile-edition/
[16] https://defensereview.com/unplugged-up-phone-the-most-secure-and-private-smartphone-ever/
[17] https://www.amazon.com/Up-Phones/s?k=Up+Phones
[18] https://newsi8.com/alternatives-to-android-and-iphone/