This is completely anecdotal, but I feel like using GrapheneOS has increased the lifespan of my phone. Or rather I should say, has allowed me not to have to upgrade as often in order to maintain acceptable performance.
I am still using a Pixel 4a 5G as my daily driver, and couldn’t be happier.
I think the reasons are twofold:
- Ongoing model support and release activity
- Changing the way I use my phone
In regard to point 2, what I mean is that it has allowed me to dodge bloated OS updates, as well as forced me to use (usually) more performant FOSS alternatives to my previously relied upon apps. Additionally, because it encourages me to adopt a more secure mobile lifestyle, I’m also not using my phone for more intensive (and often more invasive) media and games.
What are your thoughts?
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I cannot comment on GrapheneOS extending the longevity of my phone (I just haven’t been running it long enough), but I did notice an increase in battery life.
I was running stock Android for 4 months after buying a 6a, and the battery life was pretty abysmal. Now, the battery lasts quite a bit longer and I feel like I have a phone that can actually be used longer in between charges.
As to your second point, yeah, I completely agree. It’s not unlike my decision years ago to ditch Windows and run Linux exclusively. I found myself in a different ecosystem that took a bit of time to get really comfortable with, but the motivation for more privacy and control over my pc outweighed some of the initial hurdles I experienced. Eventually, I found myself more at home in this new environment - so much so that I wouldn’t even think about reverting back to Windows.
In this day an age, any attempts to gain some sort of control over one’s privacy and security is going to be met with certain challenges and sacrifices, but I think the eventual benefits will far outweigh any initial annoyances that usually come with any change in habit.
I agree. I’m temporarily using a non-Graphene OS phone after my Pixel accidentally took a tumble through the washing machine and realize how not at home I already feel on a stock android set up with Google services.
They only support devices a year past their end of life. That’s not much better than stock. Other ROMs like DivestOS and Lineage do a better job of long-term support.
