The author of the article describes the Pine exactly as most mainstream iPhone / Android users would describe it after a short (and rather painful experience), but this is missing the point - the target market for this device are not the main stream users.
At the moment you need a little bit of knowledge about how to get along at least in a Desktop linux distro - since the device runs on various linux distros. the device is not for everybody, if you want the latest hardware, coolest social media apps,games and care little to none about your privacy and personal choices - get an iPhone or an Android device... those who know why they appreciate the Pine, are the real target market for the device.

Those of us who use Linux for security, value this development as the beginning of  an open source phone.
I can't wait to get my hands on one. It is like having a smart home based on Arduino,  not commercial locked down systems that block all change.

I myself have been wanting to try out Linux smartphone for quite some time now, especially with the current pace of development for mobile Linux OS. Sure that there is Sailfish OS, but I definitely would want to see the fruition of PinePhone as a viable alternative to the Android and iOS duopoly.

I've also placed my order. I'm really excited about that. I can't wait for receive my Linux phone :-)

I placed my order yesterday, my second Pinephone after the Braveheart Edition I also bought on day 1.

This also won't replace my daily driver, a Motorola phone based on Android Linux - that is, a Linux kernel smartphone but without the fun. Pinephone is for geeks who also want a fun phone.

Thank you, Pine64. We get it. And I got it! 😁

I'm all for Linux on a phone.  But, because we've made our phones such a critical part of our daily lives, I think extensive development and testing is needed.  Like the previous comment about the credit union and the comment about the camera, who knows what else won't work! 
But, I think this is a movement that is much needed!  At least for us, tech nerds!

This is meant for makers and tinkerers. This is not meant for the general public. It is meant for experimenting with the hardware and the software. You will have to wait a little bit longer for someone to bring out a Linux phone that will be a daily driver.

Now compare this to the Librem 5, which is a similarly low-powered Linux phone that is also in beta. But the Librem costs $800!
I think the Pine Phone is the better option. If you're going to buy a phone to experiment with Linux, might as well buy the one that's 1/3 the cost of the other.
I will say this is an interesting project and will only improve as the user base grows. I like Pine64 and their objective. Hoping for the best for the Pine Phone.

I like the idea of linux on a smartphone, but I'm not sure how useful it will actually be. One of my most important use cases is my Credit Union app. Will I be able to use it as an e-wallet like I currently use Zelle? When I got a new phone recently, I tried installing UBTouch on my old Nexus. I was not able to authenticate on many web sites, including my Credit Union. And when I went to try the Camera out, it bricked my phone – it didn't even last 30 days. I think it is not ready yet.