this post was submitted on 24 May 2024
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We need hardware requirements so that not just pixel phones can get grapheneOS. Giving into Google hardware to escape Google software is a step I don't want to take. I'll take calyxOS or divestOS until then.
GOS has strict hardware requirements to increase security that currently only Pixels meet. They won't, and shouldn't, compromise their standards which would give you a weaker OS. Want GOS on other vendors? Convince those vendors to up their hardware game.
Yes, hardware requirements for Android need to be higher. That's the only way you get other manufacturers.
Requirements exist. It's just that device manufacturers don't seem to care.
I think it's more reasonable to look at Linux phones than GrapheneOS supporting anything beyond Pixels. I was hoping to get a Linux phone this time around, but they just don't support the basic features well enough. Hopefully my next phone will be a Linux phone, but we'll see.
Yeah, it's annoying. However, it's important to note that Google is generally really good about security, so it's not a surprise that their phones have a lot of cool security features.
I also didn't want to give Google money, so I bought a used Pixel and saved a ton of money. I got a Pixel 8 in like-new condition for <$400 on eBay after a big discount from an eBay sale, and I can expect 6+ years of updates (not just security updates, but OS updates). I'm really enjoying GrapheneOS so far. I guess I tangentially helped them, but at least my dollars_ didn't go to Google.
That said, CalyxOS and DivestOS are also fine projects, and I seriously considered using them instead.
My main issue with Pixels is their price, even the Pixel A. They are completely unaffordable new, and only hit below $300 when they barely have any support yet (or are used). I don't mind using an EOL phome because with short support like on phones it is unavoidable, but that would be after alreafdy overpaying.
Honestly the short 5 year from original release till EOL thing really fucking annoys me, but it's literally every phone on the market. I've looked, it's impossible to find a phone that doesn't force you to replace it every few years unless you go to a plain dumb phone that only supports voice calls and maybe basic SMS with no apps. That's just a nonstarter in this day and age.
Even alternative Android firmware like GrapheneOS and /e/OS are dependent on the stock firmware releases by the phone manufacturer so when the manufacturer goes EOL and stops releasing updates your alternative installs also are effectively EOL.
The only solution to this problem I've seen that seems like it has a chance is Linux Phone OS, but it still has several problems that make it unusable for most people (biggest one probably being that it provides absolutely terrible battery life).
It’s really revolting to be forced to change phones just because of this.
A phone should be secured for way more than this!
I mean realistically you would not be replacing the phone just because it hits EOL, maybe if you're wealthy and/or have a higher threat model.
It's 7 years now.
Although Americans typically keep their smartphones for 2.5 years, according to Statista, so 5 years seems more than long enough.
I would only buy a used one anyways. Even when they're pretty new you can get good deals on swappa, even for new in box ones
Have you priced out any comparable phones? They're practically a steal at their discounted prices.
Most people around me carry budget phones under $200. so no, far from a steal.
I mean, that's fine, but that absolutely does not make a $450 phone "completely unaffordable"...
Most people around me carry $1k+ iPhones.
You live in a richer area then. Most people where I live make less than 1k a month.
They're not rich, they're just stupid. They pay $25/mo or whatever for 80 years. It's not wealth, it's just shitty culture.
Well, too bad for them then. Taking a loan does not make a purchase easier, you pay even more anyway. So point still stands, a $450 phone IS an egregious lot, just not absolutely insanely so.
Yes, as I said, they're stupid.
No, it doesn't. And no, it's not. $450 gets you a SIGNIFICANTLY better device than $200. Probably 95% of available phones are well over $200. Just because you personally can't afford it does not make it "egregious".