this post was submitted on 24 May 2025
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Privacy

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My current phone is 7 years old, does not support recent android versions, and battery life is becoming atrocious. This feels like right time to change my phone.

Currently, I know of & am considering 3 options:

  • Google Pixel
  • iPhone
  • Samsung Galaxy

I heard that Pixel is the best choice for privacy, despite it being Google^TM. Should I go with it, and install Graphene OS or similar options? The very fact that the name "Google" is attached makes me nervous. Also, I don't think I can trust android, so I would have to install Graphene OS or the like. In the case, app support would be lacking, though.

I am considering iPhone as well, since it has "reputation" of being secure. Of course, Apple can access my data, but that might be a good enough compromise? Honestly, I don't know. It's the best supported option as well - lots of apps support iPhone.

Galaxy is just the one that I am the most familiar with (my current one is Galaxy S8). I don't trust it, though. Do they even make good hardware nowadays?

EDIT: Turns out, Pixel phones are poorly supported by local telecomm companies. It is relatively cheap though. Still worth it?

EDIT2: I heard that data & message is fine, but the call quality is impacted by lack of VoLTE compatibility.

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[–] [email protected] 70 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (4 children)
  1. Pixel, and immediately install GrapheneOS.
  2. A Linux based phone, like the PinePhone or Purism 5, and run your Android apps (if desired) inside Waydroid.
[–] [email protected] 8 points 21 hours ago (1 children)
  1. Pixel, and immediately install GrapheneOS.

I am surprised Google still allows to open the bootloader, with all the bitching they have been doing towards sideloading apps, play integrity BS and making android more similar to iOS in general terms...

[–] [email protected] 3 points 16 hours ago (1 children)

Googles devices have always been able to have custom ROMs, I even had a Nexus 2 long ago and that was moddable.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 12 hours ago

Yeah, but you need to concede that their efforts to block "unofficial" users have strengthened as of lately... That's why I think they might do a Xiaomi move sooner or later.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 day ago

I didn't realize that Purism phones don't have internationally compatible modems. As someone who travels a lot, that's unfortunately a dealbreaker.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Por que no los e/OS with a Morena phone?

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 day ago

e/OS/ is often behind on Android monthly security patches by a month or more. Insecure and not very deblobbed of proprietary blobs, especially when compared to GrapheneOS.

[–] [email protected] 20 points 1 day ago

e/OS is miles behind GrapheneOS and even CalyxOS. I see no reason to go that route if you'll be much better served by any modestly modern Pixel phone and GrapheneOS.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Does GrapheneOS support inTune Company Portal and work profiles? I would love to switch but my work requires these to install teams and outlook

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

GrapheneOS affords you the ability to have completely isolated and distinct phone profiles, where you can install all your required work apps. They are installed separate from your main profile, kind of like second or third phone. No need for a completely different device.

GrapheneOS instantiates an improved version of this feature that Android already offers. It's a great way to keep things separate. I do the same. Who wants to stuff their pockets or bags with more phones?

You can read about that here.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

The best solution in that situation is to have a work phone and a personal phone. If your own private phone cannot install the work apps then it's up to your employer to ensure you have the tools you need for your work.
From an IT Security perspective that is what your employer should want too as that allows them to confiscate the phone if letting you go.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 22 hours ago (2 children)

If your own private phone cannot install the work apps then it's up to your employer to ensure you have the tools you need for your work.

Tell me you don’t work in a non-union job in the USA without telling me you don’t work in a non-union job in the USA.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

Well, you couldn't pay me to be in the USA