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.
Discussion
You may find this write up interesting: https://blog.privacyguides.org/2022/04/21/grapheneos-or-calyxos/
Interesting. Many red flags about CalyxOS that I didn't know.
This is especially concerning:
"Privileged eSIM Activation Application
(...)
On GrapheneOS, the app comes disabled and you can optionally enable it after installing Sandboxed Google Play.
On CalyxOS, the app comes installed by default (regardless of whether you choose to have microG or not) and you cannot opt-out. This means that Google still has access to your hardware identifiers regardless of whether or not you need eSIM activation and they can be accessed persistently"
Thanks for educating me.
Here's another article if the first one peaked your interest: https://privsec.dev/posts/android/choosing-your-android-based-operating-system/
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.