With desktop mode getting closer to stable release, Pixel specs improving, an Android terminal being planned and GrapheneOS working on virtualization, ditching the desktop and using GrapheneOS only seems like it will become a realistic option for more people than ever in the not too distant future. Even today, a GrapheneOS device can replace many parts of a previously desktop-centric workflow. However, undoubtedly there are still lots of things missing.

What important tools are still missing in the Android ecosystem? What existing tools aren't there yet, or have too many problems or security issues to be considered a solid replacement option? Also, if you know underrated or relatively unknown apps/tools that fit this category, please share them here:)

PS: It doesn't necessarily have to be an app, sometimes a good website or PWA is enough!

    I would need some way to change external monitor resolution and refresh rate. At the moment the resolution chosen by the device for my monitor is 800x600 and it is unusable.

    fxnn

    I wouldn't have enough autonomous if I was to use my phone to replacey desktop. So battery.
    And Onlyoffice on Android is not as good as on desktop.

      fxnn What existing tools aren't there yet,

      from HW point of view, lack of proper support for peripherals, like web cams, scanners, blu-ray recorders. Daisy-chaining displays are of my 2nd priority assuming ultra-wides are displayed.

        fxnn getting closer to stable release

        any reasoning for your belief for AOSP/GOS? what's "not too distant future"? two years?

        what "came with" in initial A15 is a joke and from what I've heard, I'm about to ditch pixel with gos and come back to a robust solution from Samsung which is Samsung DeX.

        • N1b replied to this.

            For me the following:

            • Nice IDE like VSCodium.
            • Nice office suite like LibreOffice.
            • Apps having mature desktop sites.
            • (Unsure if already implemented) it would be nice to have a system tray as well.

            Yeah... no offense, but Android is like a toy for me. The lack of root already eliminates half the stuff I would want to do or need to do on a regular basis. The lack of any professional software is another big hit. No video editing, coding, CAD, photo editing and especially anything related to audio production makes Android (and other mobile OS'es) a big no-no. Even Apple tried to port their Pro apps to iPadOS and failed miserably.
            Android (and everything iOS/iPadOS) is just very limited. You have basically no control over your system and the hardware and the cherry on top is the limited selection of professional software mentioned above. If you want to browse the web, watch some Netflix or read the news, you will be very satisfied. I for once will not ditch my desktop anytime soon.

            mmobder I agree, and I stopped making purchase decisions or plans based on what's coming "soon", just on what's here already. AOSP and GOS are not ready for Desktop yet, but Samsung is also not ready for privacy...

            As to the question what's missing: I can do most of my business workflows on websites and apps already (Asana, Slack, etc.), but Zoom is unfortunately a must for my profession and their mobile (and Linux) app just doesn't cut it. No green screen support, bad screen sharing and webcam experience overall, bad managing of webinar and meeting controls... So I'll probably rely on a Macbook as long as I rely on Zoom.