I appreciate that for some iOS users cost and/or inconvenience of a second device may prevent, but a pixel 8a with graphene may be a way for many. Be careful to avoid Verizon and other models with a locked bootloader. Again, if two devices are feasible, doesn't have to be daily driver. Begin to free yourself from the walled gardens, and start enjoying the wonderful world of FOSS!
Discussion
In saying that, Pixel phones are not cheap devices in themselves.
I totally get this, especially if it needs to be a second device at least for awhile. I like working with computers, but I still find the need for my old iPhone at times. For example, the wonderful open source Organic Maps while great and sufficient most of the time, just isn't as good at providing directions with public transit in an unknown city. Back to the cost, I got my pixel 7a for $250 USD before tax and a case during one of Amazon's sales last year. At this time an 8a during hopefully a future sale would probably make the most sense. Or find a fellow graphene user at a bitcoin meetup upgrading to a newer model willing to pass on an older pixel at a good price, just to try it out.
So, I should have to buy one type of device because it’s the only device you can relock the bootloader and still boot using a custom AVB key.
If you tried that on any other Android device, you would brick it, that’s the point of AVB, so you have already made a compromise before you have even flashed anything.
Now that you’re limited to one OEM, you now have to learn at least a basic understanding of flashing ROMS, only to see a lovely warning every time you boot up. Not as bad as the warning from an unlocked bootloader, but still bothersome.
Naturally this last side effect is rather minute, since you would only see it on boot, but I still like to mention it because it further reiterates that buying a pixel and flashing graphene isn’t really an answer either.
Don’t even get me started on SElinux. 🤣
Thank you for your reply. These are good points! Yes, I don't like being limited to one manufacturer (Google 😜). I think there's a chance that other manufacturers may provide a device with these capabilities, especially if there's increasing demand. But even without another option, and having to do without some iPhone conveniences, I'm happy at this time for the greater freedom to use my pocket computer the way I choose. I've taken the transition from an iPhone quite slow, but now mostly only take the old iPhone away from home on a trip. Definitely a learning curve, and no friends or family have followed yet, but they're not nostr bitcoiners yet either 😉. As far as the boot warnings, I kind of like them as a badge of honor, with Google getting their logo in, but finishing with Graphene's.
No doubt. I can respect your choice, I just like to get it all out there for people to see so they can make a better and more informed decision.
If that level of privacy is important to you, it’s no one else’s place to say whether it’s a good thing or not.
Personally, I have enjoyed the iOS ecosystem and see no reason to go back to Android even if there are features I miss, and my iPhone affords me plenty of protection for my needs.