The http://puri.sm people are trying to make an open source phone running their distro PureOS (based on debian). They even said on a podcast that they have removed or mitigated the binary blob issues. Apparently they are already working with Gnome developers to make Gnome work on a small screen and build the specialized phone software like a dialer.
Sadly, it will fail. I spoke to the founder about the project and in my opinion he's underestimated the challenge. He said something to me like "all we need to do is solve the battery life issue". That's like saying, to get to space all we need to do is build the space shuttle. As far as efficiency is concerned, android is the only show in town. Debian won't cut it. What he does works for stuff you plug in, not for battery operated gadgets.
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/10/purism-wants-make-truly-o...