I use Windows - and it works fine in the SPV Lite Mode
I using Ubuntu-Mate. In version 0.2.0.23a. I don't see an option ot switch to SPV mode in the settings. The other issue is I can't shut down the application properly without either killing the process or logging off.
You need to upgrade to latest version, be sure to use the uninstaller. Make copy of wallet.dat if you were using native mode . Latest version can be found at artifacts.supernet.org/latest
To access SPV mode
1) run agama
2) click settings
3) enable experimental features
4) save settings
5 ) exit agama
6) restart agama