Doesn’t require root, installed on top of Android, launches like an app.

Best, lowest risk way to get familiar with the capabilities without requiring a new device with specific distro support. I’m a huge believer in having things you can actually experience in your hands.

• Andronix
• UserLAnd
• Termux (install distro via command line)

Mobile distros:

• Mobian (aims to mainline into Debian)
• Droidian
• Maemo Leste
• Postmarket (based on Alpine)
• Manjaro (based on Arch)
• Ubuntu Touch
• Pocket Blue (Fedora-based)
• Others

Mobile desktop environments options to try on your distro:

• Phosh (Gnome-based)
• Plasma Mobile
• Lomiri
• GNOME (mobile) Shell

You could even try installing Waydroid in it for Xzibit-style Android-ception