this post was submitted on 15 Jul 2024
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Privacy
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Pixel is a popular choice with peeps!
Any information you would like to share with us on why you went with Graphene vs. others?
Any quick pros and cons you would like to share?
https://www.kuketz-blog.de/grapheneos-der-goldstandard-unter-den-android-roms-custom-roms-teil7/ This author made a series about custom roms (unfortunately only in German, but Firefox has a built in translation function) where he tested what data was sent in the first 24 hours of using the custom roms without installing any new apps or changing the settings. To summarize it: Most custom roms still build up a connection to some Google server (like a SUPL server for example) and some custom roms have rather bad security practices (like waiting for a month before rolling out security updates). GrapheneOS is the only custom rom that doesn't connect to any google servers and has exceptional security (even better than Stock Android).
I know this wasn't directed at me, but I use a Pixel + GOS
Pro: I keep my bootloader locked and just hit a button for updates.
On LOS, you could go through some kind of relocking process each time, but updates are pretty darn frequent. As a result I ran around with an unlocked phone... Which is honestly stupid.
Con: It's really not a cheap route. New features on GOS like android auto require you to have a fairly newer pixel. They do drop out support as time goes along too. If you get a pixel 7 or 8 now you can expect something like 7 years support. What I'm saying is, if you get some Pixel 5 today, you aren't getting all the updates...
Also android auto disconnects somewhat frequently while I drive. I can't blame GOS entirely, android auto is a weird app, and aspects of it are head unit dependent... But my LOS experience was flawless.
I feel like the pixel 8 is in a good sweet spot right now for remaining update support, price, features, etc.
I'm sure it varies by country but I got two upgrades from my carrier during blackfriday deals and my total monetary commitment per 256GB pixel 8 works out to $240 CAD over 2 years while lowering my monthly plan fee and increasing my data cap compared to before on my BYOD plan.
Extremely cheap for what I would argue is an ideally sized (maybe a bit big) flagship phone.
1000% worth it to get grapheneos. I've said it before and I'll say it again, its LIBERATING to feel in control of your own device again.
Edit: regarding your AA disconnects, my s10 on Samsung's stock android had disconnects too over the course of several years and many updates;, AA just kinda sucks tbh.
I got a 7a and the $300 price is already hard to swallow. Pixel 8 is still fairly new and VERY expensive, I don't see how this can be a good deal. Granted, they're not available in my country officially so no carrier plans. But even if they were - I would much prefer to buy my device outright.
Seems to me (and that doesn't mean much) to be the most secure / well updated option. GrapheneOS on a Pixel runs GREAT for me, I honestly expected a buggy experience from a custom ROM.
Also, my grandmother could install it (this was especially enticing, I was worried about having to flash an OS, didn't want to brick a phone).
You get a lot of flexibility when it comes to installing Google Play Services. What I do is install any app that needs gplay services to a separate user profile with them installed.
I honestly don't have any cons, I'm completely satisfied with it, I can't see myself switching back to an iOS device or trying stock Android.
I can think of two cons, although they don't bother me (not sure if this applies to every ROM available):
You miss out on some features / apps that come with stock android, such as AI features.
AOSP apps are installed out of the box, but aren't wonderful for day-to-day use IMO. I recommend Fossify and You Apps