I want to like their phone, but this will be a lot like using Linux on the desktop in the 90s. Software won’t be available and it will get in the way of anything productive I need to do.
This is Hacker News, where many of us are weirdos who prefer to do almost everything in Emacs. In that case, the software for these phones is definitely already available. What is still missing is the hardware keyboard like the Nokia N900 had.
For a phone, having calls/texts, web access (and most "apps" of any importance have a web version), calculator, clock/alarm, camera, and weather info is fine. I don't need tons of applications installed on it anyway; I have my real computer for that. I don't lose any convenience to go to a more security-minded phone.
And besides, it's nice to be actually away from the computer when you're away from it, instead of having the phone being a constantly nagging ball and chain of your entire digital life. It's got to be socially & mentally healthier, too.
Breaking mobile duopoly matters.