I Replaced My PC With My Phone—Here's What I Miss Most

Over a year ago, I transitioned to using my phone as my primary computer, leveraging Android's desktop mode with a lapdock or external monitor. I've since abandoned traditional PCs, but there are some things I miss.

The High Stakes of Single-Device Reliance

The most significant change was the increased risk. My phone now holds all my files and apps, a major advantage for portability. I'm always connected, eliminating the "I'll get to that later on my computer" excuse. However, losing my phone means losing my entire digital life and my ability to work remotely. My foldable Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers some resilience; a cracked outer screen still leaves the inner one functional, and even if both break, Samsung DeX might still be accessible via USB.

The Challenges of Mobile Backups

This single point of failure underscores the importance of regular backups. Unfortunately, phone backups aren't as straightforward as PC backups. Cloud services often only automatically back up photos, requiring manual uploads for other files, unlike desktop clients' automatic syncing. Third-party apps offer solutions, but often at the cost of battery life. I prefer offline backups for privacy and reliability, but the options for encrypted backups to external drives are limited.

The Impossibility of Upgrading Individual Components

My Galaxy Z Fold 6, powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB of RAM, outperforms most PCs I've owned. Performance only falters with a 4K monitor; on my 1080p lapdock, it's incredibly fast. However, future limitations can't be addressed with individual upgrades. Unlike PCs, I can't add RAM or replace storage; I'll need a whole new phone when this one reaches its limits.

The Monolithic Nature of a Single OS

Multiple devices offered diverse software experiences. I used to have Linux, a Light Phone 2, and an Android tablet, each with unique characteristics. Now, I have different form factors (phone, tablet, laptop, desktop), but it's all Samsung One UI. This consistency is both a benefit and a drawback; I appreciate the uniformity, but I miss the variety.

The Nostalgia for Offline PC Gaming

While I wasn't a hardcore PC gamer, I enjoyed the local execution of games. Now, I play more mobile games (many excellent cross-platform titles exist), but cloud gaming is my PC gaming solution. It's better than expected, but I still prefer local gaming.

The Occasional Need for Desktop-Specific Software

Surprisingly, the lack of desktop software hasn't been a major issue. Android apps often suffice, but some desktop apps offer superior functionality. For example, Thunderbird's email management surpasses the ProtonMail mobile app, and while I can edit photos on my phone, a desktop program would be preferable sometimes. MobiOffice meets my office suite needs, but it's not as intuitive as its desktop counterpart.

Despite these occasional drawbacks, the freedom of using my phone as my PC outweighs the inconveniences. The flexibility of Android makes it difficult to switch back to Windows, macOS, or Linux.

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