I'm surprised that people are choosing Calyx over Graphene in 2023.
Graphene is more secure, more private, easier to install, and has better app compatibility with it's sandboxed google play services approach (when compared to microG).
Discussion
Doesn't the sandboxed gplay services come with some usability or speed trade-offs?
I've been using #grapheneOS with sandboxed google play services, everything runs smoothly,.
No performance issues, regular security updates.
I've been using Graphene for a couple of weeks and don't know much about CalyxOS, but the idea of using something open-source like microg over (sandboxed but still closed) google service is very appealing.
Maybe I'm getting something wrong, but if free software is crucial for you ethically, CalyxOS may have an edge in this aspect.
You must use google to not use google, which is an irony. #[2]
Definitely ironic.
Many have questioned it.
Detailed explanation here as to why the project (and it is an open source project not a business) uses Pixel as the standard... but it is possible to fork and tailor for other devices if you're keen to map the hardware for that device at own risk.
Almost got there with my Samsung S10, but some stubborn aspects that couldn't be overwritten by flash. So went with the standard.
It's about the sandboxing and about removing the os from 'collaborating' with apps to pipe your information who knows where. You can watch the traffic to verify the difference.
I'm not graphene support or really involved but I do like it enough to use as daily driver for last two years... and run foss/secure apps on top.
Funny story--I had a galaxy S3 some years ago that I put lineage OS on. Do you know what happened to it? It got stolen. There is some kinda moral to that story--you can free your phone all you want--but all it takes is a person to steal it and its just as bad as google stealing your data.
100%
I flashed a Pixel 4 with GrapheneOS two years ago and haven't looked back since.
I'm now on my second edition, a refurbished Pixel 5, it just works.
Today I reflashed the old Pixel with 'default' Google Bloat... and yuck, it feels like you're being assaulted by the phone at every turn. Google this. Google that. All the apps sharing data with each other and with the panopticon, whether you like it or not.
Never tried Calyx but I got the sense that compromising between privacy and conveniencee meant larping while leaving the back door open wide.
You might find useful tutorials on #grapheneOS by Side of Burritos
I align much more with the vision of the Calyx Institute than the ridiculous behavior of Daniel Micah, but Graphene is the better product for sure.
Yeah ain’t that the truth lol
You made my point succinctly, thank you.
It's easy to get distracted by grumpy devs but in the end it's the product that matters. Toxicity isn't always bad and can provide valuable defence against the slow creep back to panopticon. I'm thankful for toxic bitcoin maxis, for grumpy samourai devs, for all the cypherpunks writing code to help us exit the digital prison. I have family and friends for love, I need devs to resist the system not become my pals.