My current phone is starting to annoy me after 7 years of usage (Xiaomi Note 8 Pro) and I’m thinking of finally getting a new one. With that in mind, I’m considering setting up a De-Googled OS as well, but there are a few things that I cannot compromise on:
- Google Maps (I need the live traffic data when in a hurry, otherwise CoMaps is very nice)
- Banking Apps (I’ve checked them in the GrapheneOS list and they do seem to work)
- Instagram (it sucks I know, but I like not being a hermit)
- Company Portal & Teams (absolute garbage, but I need it for work)
If any one of these aren’t guaranteed to work, then it’s not an option for me right now.
If they do work, which De-Googled OS should I go for? GrapheneOS does seem like the most private one and maybe the most likely to remain worked on and supported for a long time, but it means that I’m going to have to buy a Pixel, probably a refurbished one.
Lastly, if I install another OS and regret it, is it possible to install the stock OS again?
Edit: Also, what happens after Google’s “Unverified App” decision has passed, will this affect these alternative OS?
I’ve been running GrapheneOS for several years now and I love it, and currently run it on a Pixel 9 Pro XL. Super easy to install and use. With respect to the things you can’t compromise on, you should be fine if you run the sandboxed Google Play services. I will say that my banking app updated a while back and now will not work with GrapheneOS, saying something about a lack of security, which I assume is because they probably added checks for stock android, so YMMV. If you buy a used Pixel, make sure you get one with an unlockable bootloader. Carrier phones have locked bootloaders, along with carrier locking, and when they unlock them they just unlock the carrier aspect so that you can use them on other carriers, and the bootloaders remain locked so you can’t wipe the OS and install another, so you have to make sure you get one with an unlockable bootloader. Some ebay sellers advertise this, making it easy to find what you need. If you ever want to revert to stock android, it is an easy change. Google’s “unverified app” decision does not affect GrapheneOS’ ability to sideload apps, as it is a completely different OS.