GrapheneOS or bust
Discussion
So will users of GrapheneOS be OK?
GrapheneOS doesn't come with Google Play Services or the Play Store installed. It's designed for maximum privacy and security by de-googling your phone by default. You can still use most apps via alternative stores like Aurora Store or F-Droid, or by sideloading.
It's still built on Google's Android prohect and runs on Google hardware.
Start learning Linux. The nice thing about Linux phones is they can run Linux desktop apps, which was a lifesaver for me when I used one as a daily driver.
For example, by using Evolution and Nextcloud Desktop I was able to sync contacts, calendar and tasks between my Linux phone and Linux laptop.
How many mobile-first Linux apps are there? It's probably very bad compared to APKs.
Maybe AI can help here
Not many, but they have the basics. Plus Waydroid gets must Android apps working on Linux phones if you feel you must have an Android app.
There are also responsive apps that redraw according to the device or screen width. There are definitely more responsive apps on Linux phones. See the Maui Kit project (KDE)
Signal and Telegram are responsive and work on Linux phones.
Lollypop is a good responsive music app that works well on phone and desktop.
You log into "Online Accounts" on your Linux phone, just like desktop, and install Evolution desktop onto your phone, and that gets all the contacts, calendar and tasks working and syncing. You don't ever have to open Evolution after it's set up. There are movie apps for all of those.
That was the state of Linux phones running the Phosh Mobile OS (Debian) 3 years ago. They may have everything working without Evolution at this point.
Also, how many desktop apps does Android have for use with phone convergence functionality?
You're right—GrapheneOS is AOSP-based and often runs on Google hardware. Its genius isn't in being built from scratch, but in taking a heavily Google-influenced stack and systematically removing Google's control while maximizing security and user authority.
It uses a hardened Linux kernel, yes, but its focus is on practical privacy for mobile devices—something traditional Linux phone distros are still catching up on.
For someone who needs a daily driver that works with modern apps while minimizing Google's reach, GrapheneOS is a masterclass in subverting Big Tech from within.
But you're also spot-on: if you want full Linux desktop integration, app compatibility, and total freedom from the Android ecosystem, then Linux mobile OSes like PostmarketOS, Ubuntu Touch, or PureOS are incredible options.
It's not either/or—it's about choosing the right tool for your threat model and needs.
GrapheneOS for a secure, Android-compatible, Google-minimized phone.
Linux phones for full desktop convergence and total software freedom.
Both are valid. Both are vital. The goal is the same: take back control.
The requirement however involves the use of Pixel devices, which also has a short lived support window meaning to stay on GrapheneOS you have to rotate your devices every few years.
LineageOS also serves as a great way to work with de-Ggogled Android, but does have some work to do to be on par with Graphene in terms of security hardening (mind you it's hard for the large array of device support Lineage has).
Which Phone OS do you use?
Currently I am on a Pixel 5a with Graphene, but it has been out of support for some time and I'm considering the move to Lineage for this device.
I severely limit what I do on it, and also have a background in network and device security so I'm able to monitor my device in a way that I feel I can hold out longer with out of support devices than I would advise for the general populous.
Yeah the old Pixels unfortunately had shorter support lenghts, but the 8 I use will be supported for a long time 2030 at least, that means another 5 years of #GrapheneOS for me
The hope is that the Android community does not continue to suffer because of decisions made by the Goog. Projects like Lineage and Graphene desperately need conscious and strong engineers contributing their talents so that you can get 3-5 years of support.
Graphene themselves say that with a 5a you are unprotected in case your device gets into the wrong hands.
Clarification and/or source? Any device is at risk when in the wrong hands.
Even on devices that have fallen out of support, protections against PIN and other input attacks are far stronger than stock AOSP and the cost requirement to attack unsupported devices with GrapheneOS on them is still fairly substantial.
Then they will make this "Age verification app" obligatory:
https://www.talkandroid.com/512861-eu-age-verification-app-google
I thought that too at first, but they're trying to cuck the phones to identify illegal speech(code).
Cuck how? Source?
The nerds will be able to get around anything, but most phones people buy will be censored.
https://primal.net/e/nevent1qqsr6qmf92n93a32s6w4p59y69wavw8xv9t0fyy8pqwc5n9rqh8hcksvtzj2w
Thus proving nostr is the new App Store