I am looking for a new Android smartphone (currently on iOS).

Obviously I read about GrapheneOS as the „Gold Standard“ of alternative OS. But the downside is that it only runs on Pixels. Which is kinda weird to buy a device from a company you want to „boycott“ (de-Google).

On the other hand I kinda like the approach of Fairphone: most parts are easy repairable, parts are available and cheap compared to Google and Apple. But the downside here is that it isn’t supported by GrapheneOS, doesn’t have the most capable hardware for the price and probably won’t get 7 years of updates like the Pixel 8a in comparison.

So that leaves me with a „analysis paralysis“: I have to choose a device and a CustomROM.

/e/OS does seem interesting but I read some comments that it isn’t that secure like GrapheneOS. I don’t need that high-level of security but it should be significantly more than stock Android to be worth all the hassle by installing/using a CustomROM. On the other hand I don’t want to sacrifice every comfort for the sake of the last bit of (theoretical) security.

Did someone go down this path as well recently and can share some experiences? Maybe there is even some better alternative.

  • Dr_01000111@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    google pixels sadly are the best device for any custom ROM. if you really don’t want to use google and your willing to sacrifice some performance and quality of life I’d recommended the fair phone 5 with /e/os. it is easily repairable and has I think 7 years of support. ofcorse it sacrifices a few qol things of most modern phones like the top end displays or the best photo quality and it costs the same as a google pixel 8 but its all ethically sourced and is a extremely good project and product. I’d reccomend watching reviews first “not Linux tech tips” the software updates fixed most of their issues anyways.

    • en1gma@lemmy.mlOP
      0·
      11 months ago

      I thought about it too but I don’t see any other benefit buying a used Pixel besides that it isn’t a new phone from Google.

      • Battery life will be shorter already
      • It isn’t the newest model so it won’t get the longest period of updates
      • єχтяανɒgαηт єηzумэ@lemm.eeEnglish
        1·
        11 months ago

        The Pixel 8a is more affordable vs the 8 and 8 Pro. The 8a comes in at $499, while the 8 cost $699 and the Pro runs $999. The 8a still has an amazing camera, the battery will give you no problems, and it’s not a MASSIVE device like most phones these days. It’s probably the best way to get on Graphene OS at a reasonable price point.

      • inlandempire@jlai.lu
        1·
        11 months ago

        But do you really need update from Google if you’re planning on installing a custom rom ? Genuine question, I thought your security updates would be handled by /e/ or graphene or whatever you choose

        • RvTV95XBeo@sh.itjust.works
          1·
          11 months ago

          Not necessarily, they’ll get some OS updates after google pulls the plug, but they’ll stop getting firmware and other hardware-specific updates.

          Per GrapheneOS:

          Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5 are end-of-life and shouldn’t be used anymore due to lack of security patches for firmware and drivers. We provide extended support for harm reduction.

          https://grapheneos.org/releases#changelog

      • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
        1·
        10 months ago

        1. Battery life isn’t a given - I have a 2018 flagship that still runs most of a day because it runs DivestOS instead of battery-eating Google rom

        2. You can replace a battery for little

        3. Updates are over-rated. Yes, they can be important, but if your security is layered as it should already be, it’s just another piece of the puzzle, not the only barrier.

        4. Graphene does a great job trying to keep it updated.

  • DetachablePianist@lemmy.ml
    1·
    11 months ago

    If you buy a new Pixel and then run an alt rom like graphene or lineage, you’re most likeley costing Google money. I believe they manufacture the Pixel at a small loss because they expect to make their money back harvesting and selling your personal data. Denying them that should mean you get decent hardware at a fair price, without really “supporting” Google as much as you fear. I could be wrong, but I’ve definitely seen that mentioned before.

    • DynamoSunshirtSandals@possumpat.io
      1·
      11 months ago

      Hopefully the next Fairphone closes that spec gap. I could easily live with 2022 specs for a long time, giving plateauing performance gains, as long as the phone is supported with updates.

      Of course, I would also kill for a headphone jack and a 5.4-5.8" iphone mini-sized screen. It’s so frustrating that I want to buy a fairphone but the compromises are too much.