Hello, I am considering de-googling my mobile experience. It seems like Samsung has bad security on their phones, which is why GrapheneOS is not available on Samsung phones, I guess. Ironically, google pixel phone is supposed to be the best fit for GrapheneOS.
So anyway, should I switch ? Ideally, I want to keep my phone. But my phone is quite old at this point, so I can consider buying a new phone. If I buy one, which one should I get?
Also, I heard call and mobile data does not work well on GrapheneOS and the like. How bad is it?
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Buy a pixel a or an older flagship.
8 pro, virtually identical to the 9 pro, is like $400 renewed on Amazon. It’ll be more powerful than your S8, but not that powerful overall. Not sure how it compares to an A series, worth looking in to.
GrapheneOS is the most stable OS I’ve ever used. I haven’t ever had any problems with it that wasn’t a result to its security features.
Samsung have great security, and the GrapheneOS team said multiples times that it’s one of the few manufacters that meet their security requirement. Unfortunately Samsung does not allow you to easily unlock the bootloader anymore and you CAN’T relock it after installing an alternative OS. This is the main reason why GOS is not available on Samsung device.
You can try LineageOS or /e/OS, both should have a build for your device but keep in mind that your security will be somewhat degraded. Your phone isn’t supported anymore anyways so it might be beneficial depending on your threat model. As LineageOS and /e/OS are way less bloated than Samsung stockROM you could benefit from better performance in several ways. I have revived a few device with LineageOS and DivestOS (RIP). If you buy a new one I would consider a Pixel 8A or 9 depending on how much you want to spend, they will benefit you from years of security updates.
From my experience I never had any issue with calls or mobile data on GrapheneOS nor any alternative ROM installed.
When it comes to de-Googling, you have many options such as LineageOS, CalyxOS, and a few more custom ROMs. GrapheneOS is good; however, Google Pixel hardware isn’t great. After running GrapheneOS for 2/3 years on Pixel 6 and 8, I ditched the Google Pixel series and got OnePlus 11 with LineageOS.
OnePlus makes some incredible phones.
Google Pixel hardware isn’t great
This is true, but if you’re coming from a Galaxy S8, a Pixel 9 will be a significant upgrade in performance. More comparable to an S21 or S22 as far as cpu performance goes.
OnePlus 11
Hasselblad!? Wow, I need to replace my Pixel, been on android phones since the first google phones. This looks like just the sort of thing I’m searching for. Thanks for posting.
Buy a used pixel. Don’t buy new.
graphene is only available on pixel phones which are not worth it.
install lineage and be happy.
Lineage is not de-googled I think?
it is. most people install google apps though to make it practical, but you can use it with microg or without google at all.
Ah cool! Would it work on a s10?
it works on most bootloader unlockable phones out there. either officially supported or unofficially but ymmv with them so vet them carefully before flashing your device with unofficial code.
the link the other guy posted can be used to search if a model supports it officially, and you can usually find unofficial builds on xda-developers or telegram channels dedicated to the model.
