1 year running GrapheneOS.
Great OS, really allows you to build your own Android adventure. The switch from iOS was hard at first, but it's ancient history now.
Of course, my family hate me for not having iMessage but GFY 👍
#grapheneOS
Discussion
I’m gearing up for that switch. What’s been the toughest?
The UX compared to ios is gonna be lacking
That's always understood.
and if you go without google play services its gonna take some adjustments, like figuring out that all of the sudden google maps don't really work well inside because the phone doesn't see the gps satellites etc
no real deal breakers, just convenience tradeoffs
Yes, was gonna mention this too.
For me, I started out with no Play Services. But after understanding how the GoS team has sandboxed Play Services, I decided to still use Play Store and even some Google Apps, but using heavily locked down permissions (eg. I installed Gboard with zero network access).
Finding a balance is key to sticking with it!
Yeah, I would say the toughest is having ongoing conviction in why you're switching.
I've had many moments of weakness, to be honest. What helped me stick with it was the realization that with iOS, you really don’t have full control over your device - it's not yours!Apple can simply choose to restrict access to certain apps. Whenever I feel tempted to return to the "botnet" , I remind myself of this.
On the more general usage side, you will definitely need to accept the following:
- No more Apple Pay. Google Wallet does not function.
- Android Auto is wonky af!
- Messy UX as nostr:nprofile1qqswlew3yr0ses5slf6gwflmgkkysl926drdfu3f82cxn68srlz3nqgpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduq3samnwvaz7tmjv4kxz7fwwdhx7un59eek7cmfv9kqz8thwden5te0dehhxarj94c82c3wwajkcmr0wfjx2u3wdejhgve4fay mentioned. You'll find yourself needing a mishmash of replacemt apps all with different visual styles etc, I initially found the lack of consistencey to be jarring. Something I got used to. Patientce and try new apps.
👀
I switched to Graphene after seeing how bad the telemetry was on my Samsung S23. Phoning home to Google and Samsung a lot
So I downgraded to a Pixel 9 PRo and have been happy
Kinda gay that we still have to buy phones from the enemy to be free
💯. I support Graphene, and hope development moves across a wide variety of hardware platforms. Wishes are nice, but votes with currency get the job done.
It does not help that Samsung and others locked their phones down.
I remember when it was easy to hack IOS. Those days are long gone, the battle continues. 👍
I think it’s likely that Google has a hardware back door in the Pixel in spite of Graphene’s efforts, just a suspicion though. Broadcom too. The only privacy we likely have is the desire for the governments of the world to maintain the illusion on privacy in the populace.
Every hardware partner they've (Graphene) reached out to thus far has either flaked out on them or were found to be providing a solution deemed insufficient in regards to security.
One day there will be a Graphene phone, and that will be the day I stop buying Pixels; using stock Googledroid on my 9 Pro currently, originally out of necessity due to getting my older 6 Pro fixed for data recovery, now out of desire to run through the freebies before switching over.
Losing Face Unlock is going to suck hard though.
Facelock was terrible on Android. Even on samsung flagship phones. Iphone did face unlock the best
Why not go to graphene now? My only issue was my samsung watch didnt work
Face Unlock aside (which is a minor gripe), I'd also need to buy a Pixel Watch in order to continue using Google Wallet via my Spritz card.
That's been THE sticking point, Graphene is perfect for me otherwise; having every single app on one profile after having segmented profiles on GrapheneOS for my main and Bitcoin/Nostr shit feels wrong now.