Free and Open Source Software

The Fairphone 4 will be launching across the pond. It will sport the /e/OS "deGoogled" ROM.

The past few days, I've seen more and more users mentioning flashing their devices or changing ROMs because they may have fallen down the rabbit hole.

Here is a quick list of different custom ROMs for Android phones. I don't use any, so don't take anything written here as endorsement or suggestion.

Alternative/Custom ROMS

In no particular order, these ROMs usually change the UX/UI and maybe add some security enhancements.

• LineageOS – LineageOS Android Distribution: successor to CyanogenMod, a good place to start

• BlissRoms: Close to stock with "some" added privacy

• OmniROM: Android with custom enhancements

• ArrowOS: An AOSP project that is light and promises longer battery life

• Evolution X: Android 13 with the Pixel UI

• Paranoid Android: Android with custom enhancements

• PixelExperience: Another Android 13 with the Pixel UI

Privacy|Hardened ROMS

Security-wise, LineageOS is a start but (correct me if I am wrong) you need to unlock the bootloader, which is not great. These ROMs purport heightened privacy or "hardened" security.

• iodéOS: "deGoogled" LineageOS fork, uses lots of blacklists for ad- and tracker-blocking. Sells pre-installed devices.

• CalyxOS: Provides a fair amount of privacy. Limited device support. microG is optional. Uses F-Droid and Aurora Store.

• DivestOS: Soft fork of LineageOS. "Hardened" with things like the Mulch WebView, uses F-Droid repositories for updates. Comes loaded with a tracker blocker, Mull browser, removal of proprietary blobs to reduce attack surface. ROMs available for many devices.

• /e/OS: A "deGoogled" Android experience. Uses microG, no telemetry sent to Google, modified NTP and DNS servers, modified GPS service. Uses the "App Lounge" which combines the Aurora Store with F-Droid and PWAs. Has a tracker blocker. Requires you to have an @murena.io account for some functionalities.

• Replicant: Android distribution with an emphasis on freedom and privacy/security.

• GrapheneOS: Private, secure, hardened... has a long list of features. Updates are fast, exploitations are quickly mitigated, non-profit. Probably the most recommended, but Pixel-only.