Alternatives to Android and iOS: a review of independent operating systems

In the mass consciousness, the smartphone is inextricably linked with two giants: Google Android and Apple iOS. This duopoly has captured more than 99% of the global market, creating the illusion that there are simply no other options. However, outside this close circle, projects continue to live and develop that offer a fundamentally different approach to security, privacy and data management.

Why is it worth considering alternatives at all? The main reason lies in digital sovereignty. Users are increasingly aware that the free services of the Google and Apple ecosystems are paid for with their personal data. Alternative systems are often built around the idea of ​​returning control to the owner of the device, removing trackers and mandatory linking to an account.

However, switching to another OS is not just changing the wallpaper on your desktop. This is a change in the philosophy of using a gadget, which may require you to have certain technical skills or compromises in the availability of popular applications. Let's take a look at who is trying to challenge the technological titans.

KaiOS: operating system for push-button smartphones

At first glance, it may seem strange to mention a system for push-button phones in the context of the fight against flagship OS. However KaiOS occupies a unique niche, especially in developing countries and among older users. This system is based on web technologies (HTML5, CSS, JavaScript), which makes it incredibly lightweight and energy efficient.

The main advantage KaiOS is the ability to run simplified versions of popular services such as WhatsApp, YouTube, Google Maps and Facebook on devices with minimal specifications. This is the perfect balance between the functionality of a smartphone and the simplicity of a dialer. Devices on this platform can work for weeks without recharging.

However, don't expect performance miracles. The system interface is designed for navigation using physical buttons rather than a touch screen. KaiOS dominates the feature phones segment in India and Africawhere access to a full Internet is limited by the cost of devices.

⚠️ Attention: Applications for KaiOS are distributed through its own KaiStore store, which is much poorer than Google Play. Many modern services may be unavailable or work in a reduced form.

If your goal is digital detoxification or buying a reliable (backup) phone, this system deserves attention. It proves that a smartphone does not have to be a complex computer in your pocket.

HarmonyOS: Huawei ecosystem and response to sanctions

After the imposition of US sanctions, the company Huawei was forced to look for ways to survive without Google services. The result was the development of our own operating system HarmonyOS. Initially positioned as a system for the Internet of Things (IoT), it quickly evolved into a full-fledged mobile platform.

The HarmonyOS architecture is built on the principle of a microkernel, which theoretically provides higher security and stability compared to monolithic kernels of competitors. The system can seamlessly connect various devices: smartphone, tablet, smart watch and home appliances into a single network.

• 📱 Distributed capabilities: Launch the application on the phone using the tablet camera or TV screen.
• ⚡ Performance: Optimizing memory management allows the system to work smoothly even on an old one hardware.
• 🔒 Security: Process isolation and strict data access control.

For users outside of China, the situation with HarmonyOS remains difficult. Global versions of Huawei devices often use EMUI over Android (AOSP), which creates confusion. The real HarmonyOS is still focused on the domestic market of the Middle Kingdom.

Developers are actively creating their own applications through the environment ArkTS, gradually moving away from dependence on Android libraries. It's a long way to go, but Huawei is demonstrating that it is serious about creating a third global ecosystem.

GrapheneOS and /e/OS: focus on privacy and security

If your main pain point is corporate surveillance, then projects like GrapheneOS and /e/OS are created especially for you. These are not completely new systems from scratch, but deeply modified versions of Android (AOSP), from which all Google telemetry is cut out.

GrapheneOS is considered the gold standard of mobile security. Even Edward Snowden recommends it. The system is aimed at Google Pixel devices, as they have the best hardware protection (Secure Element), which the project knows how to use correctly. There are no Google services here by default, but they can be installed in an isolated sandbox mode if they are critically needed.

The project /e/OS goes a little further, offering not only a clean system, but also its own cloud infrastructure to replace Google Drive, Gmail and Calendar. They also sell smartphones with the system pre-installed, which makes it easier for untrained users to enter.

⚠️ Warning: Installing custom ROMs like GrapheneOS often requires unlocking the bootloader, which can void the device's warranty and erase all data.

Using such systems requires an understanding of how notifications work and synchronization without Google servers. Some banking applications and games with anti-cheat protection may not launch due to the lack of Google Play Protect security certificates.

What is MicroG?

MicroG is a free implementation of proprietary Google Play Services libraries. It allows you to run applications that require Google services (for example, maps or notifications) without installing Google itself, while maintaining a high level of privacy.

However, for journalists, activists and simply paranoid in the good sense of the word, this is the only right way. You get control over every permission that the application requests.

Ubuntu Touch and Linux smartphones

The dream of a real Linux smartphone is alive thanks to the project Ubuntu Touch, which is now supported by the UBports community. It's an attempt to bring the power of desktop Linux into your pocket while maintaining a user-friendly touch interface.

Unlike Android, where each application runs in its own isolated environment, Ubuntu Touch uses the concept of convergence. You can connect your phone to a monitor, and it turns into a full-fledged computer with a windowed interface. The file system is open and understandable to anyone who has ever used a terminal.

Characteristics	Android / iOS	Ubuntu Touch
File management	Limited, via media scanner	Full access to the file system
Software installation	Only through stores (mainly)	OpenStore, terminal, any packages
Multitasking	Background processes are limited	True multitasking as on PC
Hardware support	Huge	Only specific models (PinePhone, Librem)

However, there is a flip side to the coin. Hardware support is the Achilles heel of Linux on mobile devices. Cameras often perform worse than in Android, and battery life leaves much to be desired due to the lack of deep optimization of drivers for specific Qualcomm or MediaTek processors.

There are also specialized devices, such as PinePhone or Librem 5, which are created specifically for running Linux distributions. They are equipped with physical switches to turn off the camera, microphone and communication modules, providing maximum protection against eavesdropping.

Specialized and niche operating systems

The market is not limited to just attempts to create a universal competitor. There are OSes tailored for specific tasks. For example, Purism focuses on free software (FSF certified), excluding any proprietary blobs (binary objects) from the kernel. Another interesting example is from the Finnish company Jolla. This system is the successor to the legendary MeeGo. It uses gesture controls, which many consider more intuitive than modern versions of Android. Sailfish OS is capable of running Android applications through a special compatibility layer, which solves the problem of software shortage. PureOS from Purism focuses on free software (FSF certified), excluding any proprietary blobs (binary objects) from the kernel.

Another interesting example is Sailfish OS from the Finnish company Jolla. This system is the successor to the legendary MeeGo. It uses gesture controls, which many consider more intuitive than modern versions of Android. Sailfish OS is capable of running Android applications through a special compatibility layer, which solves the problem of software shortages.

In the corporate segment there are devices based on BlackBerry 10 (although support has officially ended, enthusiasts are finding ways to revive them) or various rugged smartphones on custom versions of Android for military and industrial needs, where the interface is simplified to the limit.

• 🛡️ Specialization: Some OS are created exclusively to work in closed circuits without Internet access.
• 🔄 Legacy: Sailfish OS retains the best interface ideas that were never implemented in mass Nokia products.
• 🏭 Industry: Scanners and data collection terminals often run on stripped-down versions of Android or Windows CE, which are also an alternative to consumer ones OS.

The choice of such a system is often dictated not by the desire to stand out, but by specific security requirements or the need to use specific software that is incompatible with the policies of Google or Apple.

Difficulties of transition and application compatibility

The most important barrier to an alternative OS is not the lack of a system, but the lack of applications. We are used to the fact that any service has a mobile application. In the world of alternative OSs, you will be faced with the fact that your favorite bank, taxi or food delivery is simply not in the app store.

The solution is often to use web versions of services (PWA - Progressive Web Apps). Modern browsers allow you to install websites as applications, but their functionality is still inferior to native versions. Notifications may be delayed, and access to biometrics or NFC may be limited.

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For advanced users, it is possible to install Android applications manually through ADB or third-party stores like F-Droid or Aurora Store. However, this requires an understanding of dependencies and permissions.

⚠️ Attention: Application support details and installation methods may vary depending on the firmware version. Always check the official community forums of a specific OS before switching to make sure that apps that are critical to you are working.

It is also worth considering the ecosystem connection. If you have an Apple Watch smartwatch or headphones with fast synchronization via Fast Pair, switching to another OS will deprive you of some of the functionality of these accessories.

The future of alternative platforms

Will someone be able to overthrow the hegemony Android and iOS? In the short term - unlikely. The network effect is too strong: developers write applications where users are, and users go where applications are. However, growing demands for privacy and fatigue from the monopoly create the ground for change.

The development of web technologies can play into the hands of lightweight operating systems like KaiOS or Linux distributions. If web applications are the future, powerful hardware and closed ecosystems will become less important. In addition, regulation by states (as in the EU with the Digital Markets Act) may force the giants to open their walls, which will make life easier for alternatives.

So far, alternative operating systems remain the lot of enthusiasts, geeks and those for whom issues of freedom are more important than convenience. But history knows many examples when niche technologies became mainstream. Perhaps the next revolutionary smartphone will not run on Android.

Is it possible to install WhatsApp on GrapheneOS?

Yes, it is possible. You can install WhatsApp through the Aurora Store or by downloading the APK file directly. However, for notifications to work, you may need to install micro-G or use the web version, since there are no standard Google Push services.

Is it safe to use banking applications on alternative OS?

It depends on the specific system. GrapheneOS is more secure than stock Android due to its isolation. However, many banking apps block launching on devices with an unlocked bootloader or without Google Play Integrity certificates. You will have to look for workarounds or use web banking.

Does Ubuntu Touch slow down on modern hardware?

The problem is not the speed of the interface, but the lack of optimized drivers. Ubuntu Touch works great on older devices that are officially supported by the community. On new smartphones, installation is possible, but the camera, sound or fingerprint sensor may not work.

Is HarmonyOS a complete copy of Android?

No. Although early versions used a lot of AOSP (Android Open Source Project) code for compatibility, modern HarmonyOS (versions 2.0 and higher, especially HarmonyOS Next) is gradually abandoning Android libraries, using its own kernel and application format.