I'm looking to get a custom ROM that has good compatibility with my device. Would you recommend /e/? I couldn't find a tutorial on how to install it with Linux but I don't think it should be that hard to figure out.
this post was submitted on 27 Jan 2025
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Privacy
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That seems like an overly black and white position over something that can be either quite valid or entirely nonsense depending on the situation and/or threat model.
Something's are just more secure and private then others. That's just a fact. For example, as of now GrapheneOS is the most secure and private consumer mobile OS. There is no gray area.
Now whether your threat model requires it, can be much less black and white.
But users here tend to gamify privacy and think they should get whatever the "best" one is. They tend to do whatever the most upvoted github list tells them to do.
Rarely do I see someone like yourself, who considers threat model.
GrapheneOS wins, but whether iOS is more private than CalyxOS or /e/OS I think is very gray, and depends on the threat model, and on most devices they are going to be a significant improvement in privacy, and often security, over stock Android.
And privacy may not be the only consideration when choosing a device.
Since my threat model includes mainly surveillance capitalism (and no evil maids or targeted attacks) I don't particularly feel like trusting a big tech that's running their own targeted advertisement system.
Personally I think if you look at what privacy features CalyxOS actually offers or read reviews from someone like kuketz you realize its pretty lacking in both privacy and security.
What Calyx does offer is a decently degoogled experience for people who don't have the budget, access, or want for a Pixel with GOS.
I understand your issues with Apple, that's fair. OTOH I think their offerings, such as private relay, RCS messaging by default, properly implemented sandboxing are objectively better privacy features then what most android operating systems can offer. They also are much more reliable in terms of security updates.
I also have had issues with Calyx using pretty obvious lies to market themselves such as saying the OS can't be tampered without your knowledge. Not that Apple doesn't have its fair share of blemishes.
And you think degoogling offers no obvious benefits in terms of privacy?
I do. I think its a bit overblown as none of these operating systems are completely degoogled.
I think its much better to focus on things like not having apps with privileged access this includes, a lot of peoples go to play services replacement, MicroG.
I can empirically say, that just switching from stock to a degoogled ROM gave me a significant battery boost. I have no idea what that thing was doing in the background, but it's already doing a lot less of that.
For microG... Until UnifiedPush becomes more widespread the choice between having your notifications go through FCM and halving your battery life is going to be a tricky one.