My current phone is 7 years old, does not support recent android versions, and battery life is becoming atrocious. This feels like right time to change my phone.

Currently, I know of & am considering 3 options:

  • Google Pixel
  • iPhone
  • Samsung Galaxy

I heard that Pixel is the best choice for privacy, despite it being Google^TM. Should I go with it, and install Graphene OS or similar options? The very fact that the name “Google” is attached makes me nervous. Also, I don’t think I can trust android, so I would have to install Graphene OS or the like. In the case, app support would be lacking, though.

I am considering iPhone as well, since it has “reputation” of being secure. Of course, Apple can access my data, but that might be a good enough compromise? Honestly, I don’t know. It’s the best supported option as well - lots of apps support iPhone.

Galaxy is just the one that I am the most familiar with (my current one is Galaxy S8). I don’t trust it, though. Do they even make good hardware nowadays?

EDIT: Turns out, Pixel phones are poorly supported by local telecomm companies. It is relatively cheap though. Still worth it?

EDIT2: I heard that data & message is fine, but the call quality is impacted by lack of VoLTE compatibility.

  • cy_narrator@discuss.tchncs.de
    0·
    4 个月前

    You should consider buying a flip phone and only put in SIM card when you need it, assuming you can acquire SIM card without your name on it where you live

    • Giddy@aussie.zoneEnglish
      0·
      4 个月前

      Does GrapheneOS support inTune Company Portal and work profiles? I would love to switch but my work requires these to install teams and outlook

      • anamethatisnt@sopuli.xyz
        0·
        4 个月前

        The best solution in that situation is to have a work phone and a personal phone. If your own private phone cannot install the work apps then it’s up to your employer to ensure you have the tools you need for your work.
        From an IT Security perspective that is what your employer should want too as that allows them to confiscate the phone if letting you go.

      • chirospasm@lemmy.ml
        0·
        4 个月前

        GrapheneOS affords you the ability to have completely isolated and distinct phone profiles, where you can install all your required work apps. They are installed separate from your main profile, kind of like second or third phone. No need for a completely different device.

        GrapheneOS instantiates an improved version of this feature that Android already offers. It’s a great way to keep things separate. I do the same. Who wants to stuff their pockets or bags with more phones?

        You can read about that here.

    • kratoz29@lemm.eeEnglish
      0·
      4 个月前
      1. Pixel, and immediately install GrapheneOS.

      I am surprised Google still allows to open the bootloader, with all the bitching they have been doing towards sideloading apps, play integrity BS and making android more similar to iOS in general terms…

      • toastmeister@lemmy.ca
        0·
        4 个月前

        Googles devices have always been able to have custom ROMs, I even had a Nexus 2 long ago and that was moddable.

        • kratoz29@lemm.eeEnglish
          0·
          4 个月前

          Yeah, but you need to concede that their efforts to block “unofficial” users have strengthened as of lately… That’s why I think they might do a Xiaomi move sooner or later.

      • N.E.P.T.R@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        0·
        4 个月前

        e/OS/ is often behind on Android monthly security patches by a month or more. Insecure and not very deblobbed of proprietary blobs, especially when compared to GrapheneOS.

      • youmaynotknow@lemmy.ml
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        4 个月前

        e/OS is miles behind GrapheneOS and even CalyxOS. I see no reason to go that route if you’ll be much better served by any modestly modern Pixel phone and GrapheneOS.

    • Dzso@lemmy.world
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      4 个月前

      I didn’t realize that Purism phones don’t have internationally compatible modems. As someone who travels a lot, that’s unfortunately a dealbreaker.

  • St3alth@lemmy.mlEnglish
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    4 个月前

    In my opinion, the Google Pixel with GrapheneOS is considered the gold standard in terms of security and privacy. While I am not fully knowledgeable about its capabilities, it offers a comprehensive suite of security features.

    The iPhone is also a viable option. You can easily swap between iCloud to a more secure encrypted provider for both cloud storage and photo backups. Additionally, any notes application can be replaced with a more secure alternative.

    Samsung phones can support a range of operating system images that can be flashed, including LineageOS. However, I am not fully aware of all the available options.

  • kungfushoe@lemmy.world
    0·
    4 个月前

    Please note: You must buy the “Unlocked - Works with any carrier” version of the Pixel via Googles website (or from a reputable source that ensures it is/was not carrier locked). Anything else will have a permanently locked boot loader and no way to install Graphene.

    • irotsoma@lemmy.blahaj.zone
      0·
      4 个月前

      Depends on the carrier and the specific deal. I have a Pixel 7 Pro from T-Mobile. And it was able to be unlocked after one year of service in good standing. T-Mobile has traditionally been pretty good about that, though that kind of thing often shifts once companies have major mergers. And the Sprint merger screwed them up in a lot of ways that are still working their way down to customers losing services and features.

    • ShankShill@sh.itjust.works
      0·
      4 个月前

      I got my Pixel 7 from T-Mobile… The OEM unlocking toggle shows up in developer settings. An internet search implies I have a unicorn.

    • someacnt@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      0·
      4 个月前

      Oh my, that sounds difficult. What does “permanently locked bootloader” mean? I was just going to buy at local phone shop…

      • YarrMatey@lemmy.dbzer0.com
        0·
        4 个月前

        “Permanently locked bootloader” means you can’t unlock the bootloader so you can flash a different OS. If you can’t unlock the bootloader, you can’t flash. A lot of phones are like this, like Samsung’s galaxy series. I got really fucked by Samsung with the S10 because of this. You need to buy a specific type of phone and security patch if you want to flash. I went with the Pixel bought unlocked from Google so I could use GrapheneOS. It was very easy to unlock the bootloader and then relock it back. I noticed you said the pixel does not have good reception in your country, I would look more into this before going with it if this is the case.

        • floofloof@lemmy.ca
          0·
          4 个月前

          You have to look for the unlocked version though. They usually sell for a little bit more but it’s worth paying the extra.

      • N0t_5ure@lemmy.world
        0·
        4 个月前

        Actually, if you buy a Pixel, you need to get the “google edition” version, which google sells directly. If you’re buying used, specifically search for the “google edition” version. I have a Pixel 6 Pro running Graphine OS and I love it. It’s not difficult to install.

  • thatonecoder@lemmy.ca
    0·
    4 个月前

    Just to let you know, GrapheneOS uses AOSP (the base Android system) and sandboxed Google Play Services, making it compatible with 90% of all Android applications. From what I’ve heard (don’t take my word for it), the apps that have the least compatibility / more breakage are banking ones.

    • Brujones@lemmy.world
      0·
      4 个月前

      While this tends to be true, the vast majority of the banking app incompatibilities are overcome with a simple app-specific toggle.

        • corn@reddthat.comEnglish
          0·
          4 个月前

          The other answers are correct but I have not gotten cashapp to work. I use an old phone connected to my current phone via hotspot on the rare occasion I need cashapp.

          I still recommend GrapheneOS regardless, almost everything else works with nothing more than minor tweaks. If you want something that “just works”, you’ll run into some hangups. Privacy unfortunately has a cost.

        • Brujones@lemmy.world
          0·
          4 个月前

          Exploit Protection Compatibility Mode. It’s a setting that relaxes this particular security enhancement for a given app.

          It’s worth knowing that NFC payments do not work with Graphene currently.

            • Brujones@lemmy.world
              0·
              4 个月前

              Not currently. It will require Google to’allow’ tap-to-pay on Graphene. Other NFC functions work fine.

              For my use, it’s not a big deal. Tapping my card is easy enough

              • idefix@sh.itjust.works
                0·
                4 个月前

                Thanks for the explanation. Unfortunately this is a major feature for me. I just don’t carry cards anymore

                • Brujones@lemmy.world
                  0·
                  4 个月前

                  That’s fair. Privacy and security generally come at some cost of convenience. Everyone has their own personal balance.

    • Novaling@lemmy.zipEnglish
      0·
      4 个月前

      The banking app thing is unfortunate, but then I kinda realized that I don’t really need them anyway. I have all the features I need in browser, and text notifications set up for when I spend money.

      The wallet not working REALLY sucks, but if I look on the bright side that’s one less thing Google knows about me and my spending.

    • Ulrich@feddit.orgEnglish
      0·
      4 个月前

      It does not “use” AOSP, it’s built on AOSP, like every Android device.

      AOSP is like the foundation of any Android OS.

  • teehexe@lemm.ee
    0·
    4 个月前

    Not advice, just an anecdote I switched to grapheme (pixel 8a) not long ago and its really great I haven’t even been tempted to go back. I think its a great choice

  • MajesticElevator@lemmy.zipBanned
    0·
    4 个月前

    GrapheneOS tested and I ended up going back to Apple.

    It’s good in concept but in reality you’re just forced to used play services because most apps require it, but you lose mobile payment and access to some apps because you’re not running a whitelisted OS. App makers don’t give a fuck because custom ROM users are fewer than Linux users, and we all know most software and games don’t give a fuck about Linux users.

    Stock GrapheneOS also feels like a jump in the past in terms of UI and accessibility. I felt like I was always going out of my way to make it somewhat usable.

    The Pixel also has a battery that doesn’t last long and poor charge retention on idle (Android phones do be like that though). I found out that many tasks cause it to heat a lot. Something like updating an app takes ages and shows visual bugs, like no progress indicator.

    I hate Apple but at least I trust that they don’t sell my data to everyone, and they have a good UI.

    If the end it’s about how much you’re willing to trade your convenience for privacy. I realized I wasn’t ready.

  • rirus@feddit.orgEnglish
    0·
    4 个月前

    What apps do you need? Do you know that app support is lacking on GOS or just think it? I would go with Pixel8a and GOS.

  • JamesBoeing737MAX@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    0·
    4 个月前

    In EU, I would recommend a xiaomi. Cheap, bootloader unlockable (which breaks security a little since you cant relock), but they are a gamble in terms of reliability.

  • SilliusMaximus@mander.xyz
    0·
    4 个月前

    I think you’re mixing privacy with security, iPhone is secure but it’s not private, it’s slighty more private than Google Android but not what would you call private.

    Samsung can soft brick your phone so basically backdoor.

    Google Pixel with custom ROM like GrapheneOS or CalyxOS is considered to be best in terms of privacy.

    Another cheaper alternative if you don’t want to give money to Google or spend too much is Motorola G32, G42, G52 with CalyxOS but to unlock bootloader you have to make account on their website.