Qualcomm has made a bold claim regarding the performance of its Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU, asserting that it surpasses the capabilities of Intel’s Core Ultra 288V chip. With my Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus boasting 12GB of RAM and 512GB of solid-state storage, it stands as a testament to the power of modern smartphones, rivaling many laptops in performance. This raises an intriguing question: why not leverage this power for more than just mobile tasks?
Google’s Leap into Linux
In response to this potential, Google has introduced a native Linux Terminal application in its March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop. While Android is fundamentally a Linux-based operating system, it has traditionally catered to mobile users with a user-friendly interface that diverges significantly from the classic Linux shell. This new development marks a significant shift.
Currently, the Linux Terminal is available exclusively on the latest Pixel devices running Android 15. Anticipation builds for the arrival of Android 16 later this year, which is expected to extend Linux capabilities to a broader range of robust Android phones. Early beta tests suggest that users will soon be able to run desktop Linux applications directly from their devices, including classic games like Doom.
The Linux Terminal operates atop a Debian Linux virtual machine, providing users with direct access to a shell interface on their Android devices. This versatile application allows for downloading, configuring, and running Debian, all while functioning under the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), which facilitates the operation of alternative operating systems on Android devices.
To access the Linux Terminal app, users must first enable Developer Mode by navigating to Settings > About Phone and tapping the build number seven times. This precaution ensures that only those genuinely interested in exploring these advanced features proceed. Once activated, the app can be accessed through Settings > System > Developer options > Linux development environment.
The initial setup process may require some patience, as it involves downloading a 500MB Debian package. Once installed, users can adjust disk space allocation, configure network port controls, and manage the virtual machine’s storage partition. However, it is important to note that graphical user interface (GUI) applications are not yet supported, a feature anticipated with the forthcoming Android 16.
According to Android expert Mishaal Rahman, Google aims to transform Android into a fully-fledged desktop operating system. To achieve this, enhancements are being tested in Android 16 that will improve compatibility with traditional PC input methods and display options.
Speculation abounds regarding a potential merger between Android and Chrome OS, as suggested by ZDNET’s Jason Perlow. While some believe this could lead to a new hybrid operating system, it seems more likely that Google is focused on creating a seamless integration between smartphone and desktop experiences. This convergence has been a long-awaited dream for many, echoing past attempts such as the Palm Foleo in 2007 and the Motorola Atrix in 2011.
Despite previous misfires, the concept of merging smartphone and desktop functionalities remains compelling. Today’s iteration may cater primarily to Linux enthusiasts and developers, but the future holds promise. By enabling everyday users to access Linux GUI applications, we may witness a shift where large Android phones and tablets replace traditional laptops for some users. In instances where a laptop is left behind, having a fully functional Linux desktop in one’s pocket could prove invaluable.
Open Source
As the landscape of mobile computing continues to evolve, the possibilities for innovation and user experience are expanding. The integration of Linux into Android devices is just the beginning of what could be a transformative journey in the realm of personal computing.
