Modern flagship smartphones match or exceed laptops in raw specs, yet they fall short as general-purpose computers for hackers and tinkerers. The core issue isn't hardware but software: Android's increasingly locked-down ecosystem, Google's restrictions on sideloading, and a lack of developer-friendly tooling make smartphones unsuitable as a hacking playground. By contrast, less powerful devices like Linux SBCs or the Steam Deck are far more appealing because they prioritize openness and experimentation. A true computer, from this perspective, isn't just about Turing completeness — it's about freedom and fun.
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