Debian 13 (“Trixie”), released on August 9, 2025, delivers everything Ubuntu claims to offer — but without the compromises. It is modern, efficient, and predictable, while remaining fully under the user’s control.
Ubuntu did not become bad overnight. The problem is diminishing returns. What once focused on usability and polish has accumulated friction. Snaps add latency and disrupt workflows. The system carries a heavier idle footprint. Over time, you adapt to Ubuntu more than Ubuntu adapts to you.
Measured reality
Recent benchmarks show small but consistent differences that matter in daily use.
| Metric | Debian 13 | Ubuntu |
|---|---|---|
| Boot time | ~15s | ~18s |
| Idle RAM usage | ~350MB | ~400MB |
| CPU efficiency | ~90% | ~85% |
None of these numbers are dramatic on their own. Together, they explain why Debian feels lighter and more responsive.
Debian 13 works because it makes fewer assumptions. GNOME 48 with Wayland is now the default and finally boring in the right way. Temporary files live in memory by default, improving responsiveness while reducing SSD wear. Non-free firmware is included, so hardware works without ceremony. Secure Boot functions cleanly on modern AMD and Intel systems.
Several long-standing desktop pain points are now simply solved:
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NVIDIA drivers and GPU acceleration
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Screen sharing under Wayland
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Application compatibility with modern toolkits
The real shift happens when Debian is paired with Flathub. Debian provides a conservative, stable base. Flathub provides current applications without compromising the system. Together, they form a complete desktop that stays out of the way.
Ubuntu mattered. It helped bring Linux to the mainstream.
Debian 13 shows what Linux looks like after that phase ends — when engineering replaces marketing and maturity replaces ambition.
The future of the Linux desktop is not marketing-driven.
It is Debian 13 with Flathub: capable, quiet, and under your control.
