Comment by maxloh

> Usability-wise, they are no match for Android and iOS—or even versions of them from five years ago.

They're also no match for the privacy or security of iOS or AOSP. They're bringing the lack of privacy/security model and protections on desktop operating systems and hardware to mobile. It's a massive regression for privacy and security despite being marketed in the opposite way.

Biggest problem is banking, rideshare, airlines, various other service provider apps- for example, if a cell phone service requires a particular app, etc. It's not as much of a problem in the United States (besides banking), but I've noticed that in Singapore, for example, all sorts of things are tied to mobile apps.

I agree that the usability is behind, as we would expect. For me mainly is about missing apps and some hardware support. But in terms of UX for example I liked using SailfishOS, although I'll admit the UI needs some getting used to.

But I prefer this to the feeling that I'm being limited on what I can do on Android/Apple, and the worry of being in a duopoly that allows the companies to worsen their products without ever fearing competition(as far as they do it in small chunks).

Usability-wise it's hard to make too general statements - for me the killer app on mobile is the ability to independently adjust app volumes which is unavailable on mainline Android/iOS (it is supported by a few vendor branches like Samsung's, though)

FWIW, I use my smartphone as an MP3 player, SMS messenger and TOTP auth. iOS and Android did that fine 5 years ago, I don't need Instagram or 8 Ball Pool to survive in life.