Know there`s plenty of Linux users on here, so...

So, I`m curious about Linux mobile phones.
Anyone had or still got one?
How are they?
Can you remove any parts of the installs that you don`t want, like you can on desktop Linux?
Are they tracking everything like others do?
What are the up & downsides that you thought of Linux over the other options?
Also, prices. Seen around £120+ price range. Did you think it worth it?

thought those were called android

Not an expert, but I thought Android was a Linux kernel with restrictive features bolted on top of it that prevented you from running anything you want on your phone (again, correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not an expert, my current cell phone is like 10 years old).

If so, yeah, running a less restrictive Linux distro on your phone would be sweet.

Android is based on Linux, but it is also full of Google gunk so a major "no chance in hell" from me ;)

Well, the Google gunk can be removed. Root and install one of the user-made Android distributions. Of course, some stuff might no longer work, but it's usable, from what I've read.

I have no experience with non-Android Linux phones, except that I know there's an Ubuntu phone. I don't think it's open hardware, though - I know there was a project or two in that direction as well, but I don't think it panned out. Anyway, see their page for more info.

You also have Sailfish OS, that is other Linux based mobile OS.

There is also the Cyanogen Project, a Chromium to Chrome for Android, but in the other direction.

Hmm, seems Cyanogen can be installed on other phones like Samsung etc, with the obvious disclaimers of it may not work etc.

Sailfish hadn`t heard of, but seems similar price to Ubuntu phone.

Hmm i have a tablet that has android on it, and i had no issues unlocking it and putting busybox on it making it almost a full distro once i plug in a keyboard.

However other tablets (and/or phones) will be locked and you can't just install root privilege programs.

There are Ubuntu Touch and Samsung has Tizen phones based on the Mer core.

Apparently Cyanogen is in bed with MS now, so i would not personally use their software or support them in any way.

http://www.osnews.com/story/29034/Cyanogen_OS_now_serving_Microsoft_ads_in_its_Android_UI
http://www.osnews.com/story/29033/Cyanogen_OS_update_adds_deeply_integrated_Microsoft_Cortana

I am also very interested in getting a Linux phone. I wish they were more widespread.

Right, but I was thinking more like Ubuntu.

I should have clarified that, sorry.

Eurgh! Why!?
I was contemplating the Cyanogen as one option, that is definitely off the table now.
I think I`ve (almost) decided upon the bq Aquaris E5 Ubuntu. It isn`t full desktop style Linux, but I guess that could always be an option further down the road.
Also, the software can be put onto other phones/devices, so more chance of more useful/gimmicky things being made for it.
Hope a good Chess game is available :D