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 love Graphene, because I seriously care about privacy. Everything works well but I also wasn’t a fan of having to find Google hardware. Second hand worked and next year I will consider the Motorola that will run Graphene.
Since you insist on Meta and Google Apps, you seem less concerned with hard privacy, so a Fairphone with e/OS could be a great choice. e/OS is nice too, I tried it for a while but found some laps in it’s privacy settings and I did not want to leak any location info to google.
If you don’t like it, you can revert to stock android, no problem.