How good is GrapheneOS? This is the best ROM for privacy!
Introduction:
Do you have a keen interest in enhancing the privacy of your Android phone? One of the most effective methods to achieve this is by using a custom ROM like GrapheneOS. But is it worth the effort? Here’s a comprehensive review to help you decide.
Who is GrapheneOS?
GrapheneOS offers unparalleled privacy and control over your Android smartphone. While it may not be as widely adopted as other options due to its lack of profitability, it stands out for its robust privacy controls.
Installation and Setup:
Installing GrapheneOS is surprisingly straightforward. With tools like the Android Flash Tool, the process becomes even more accessible. However, it’s essential to ensure your device is recognized in fastboot mode to avoid any hiccups during installation.
Compatibility and Support:
GrapheneOS primarily supports Google Pixel phones, ensuring regular security updates. While older Pixel devices may be compatible, ongoing support is uncertain. Unfortunately, devices from other manufacturers are not compatible, limiting options for users seeking enhanced privacy.
Privacy Features:
GrapheneOS excels in privacy features, notably by excluding pre-installed Google Apps and services. This significantly reduces data collection and potential security vulnerabilities. Moreover, the ability to sandbox every app enhances privacy from a practical perspective.
Enhanced Controls and Security:
GrapheneOS offers granular permission controls, allowing users to restrict app access to various resources, including internet connectivity and device sensors. Additional features like per-connection MAC address randomization and PIN scrambling further bolster device security.
Browser and Application Alternatives:
GrapheneOS replaces standard Google applications with more privacy-focused alternatives. Vadium browser offers a secure browsing experience, while sandboxed Google Play provides functionality with limited data access. Unique applications like Auditor and a modified camera app contribute to overall device security.
App Ecosystem and Trade-offs:
While GrapheneOS prioritizes security and privacy, users must embrace alternative app ecosystems like F-Droid. This may involve trade-offs, such as a smaller core app lineup, but offers a broader range of privacy-focused options.
User Experience and Performance:
Despite cutting out Google services, GrapheneOS delivers a smooth and seamless Android experience on Pixel hardware. However, users may encounter limitations with NFC payments and some banking applications.
GrapheneOS is a compelling choice for users seeking enhanced privacy and security on their Android devices. While it requires some technical know-how and may involve trade-offs, its robust privacy features and seamless user experience make it a worthwhile option for privacy-conscious individuals.
If i want a de-googled device I'll just buy a Huawei handset
That was very well researched video! I've been using GrapheneOS for a very long time and probably couldn't have made a better video lol. Btw, I think the reason why GrapheneOS supports only pixels, besides relocking with user keys, is because it uses pixel's secure element (forgot what it's called) that doesn't have a comparable alternative in other phones.
What are your thoughts on Pixel experience and Project Elixir custom roms?
I am sure If they want to, they can hack into any OS they want.
They = Cia, Fbi, Governments, especially american agencies
Only works on pixel
F-Droid and Aurora store aren't generally recommended by the folks in the community if you can help avoid them. There are different security issues with both.
Hei, i installed on my pixel and i have problem with the battery
Samsung apps help me de-google quite a bit but Im yet to find a decent alternative to google maps or google waze. It would be good if Microsoft / Garmin / OS would step up. I dont rate OsmAnd
GrapheneOs is Amazing 🔥
Try iodeOS & e-OS
restricting google is ok .. how about whats app etc etc etc
Very solid review! I use GrapheneOS for more than a year and it's a very seamless experience.
Hey there !!! Thank you for the content that you provided us !
I have 1 question that is often regarding GrapheneOS.
How do you handle banking apps since they are part of play store ??!
What about google feature drop updates ?
Does google pay work with this OS?
Pixel Experience Rom Is End 🥺
Is Google wallet usable?
Make the title "de google your pixel", grapheneos project is just pixel circlejerk who exclusively only support pixels and wont support any other phone even if its possible.
Not for me, but it's cool that there are alternatives on android
Nice video. A few things to note that were missing from the video:
1. The phrase "custom ROM" is kinda outdated and makes people think of relatively unstable hobby projects from back in the day. Graphene sets much higher standards for itself and has a whole team working under a non-profit structure.
2. If you want the Google Camera app, you can just install it from the Play Store directly – a modded camera APK is only necessary if you don't have Google Play installed.
3. You can actually sync your Google contacts with the contacts app if you sign in to a Google account and allow the contacts permission. Again, this requires Google Services to be installed (which you'd want to do anyways if you're looking to sync data).
4. The Aurora Store is unnecessary for those with Google Play installed. If you have Play installed, it can already see all the apps you have on the device – you don't gain any privacy from using Aurora at that point instead of just using Play with a burner account.
Be sure to read the FAQ on the GrapheneOS webpage if you plan on using it. The Matrix/Discord are the place to go for help.
Whats the phone being used in the video?
You may want to revise the contacts app restricted to only importing a file.
I would like to use this comment to describe my experience with GrapheneOS so far.
I used Sony Xperia smartphones until 2020, my last one was a Sony Xperia XZ Premium from 2017.
Then I became aware of the topic of data protection and GrapheneOS through YouTubers like The Hated One.
That's why I bought a Google Pixel 5 in October 2020, as it was the latest Pixel device at the time and only the Pixel series is supported by GrapheneOS.
I don't think the web installer and the Google Play Services sandbox even existed at the time, but following the command line instructions wasn't difficult either.
I was quite taken with the operating system back then, especially the fact that the annoying switching off of pointless telemetry options was simply a thing of the past.
And since then, many features have been added, such as sandboxed Google Play, web installer, Android Auto support, memory tagging, USB-C security, the secure camera app, very fast, monthly security updates, fast migration to new Android versions and many other things that I have now forgotten.
I'm currently using a Pixel 8 with GrapheneOS and don't notice anything that I'm really missing. The battery life could sometimes be a little better, but that's probably mainly due to the GMS.
Why do you guys care about privacy? Not like any of you guys or drug dealers or part of a mafia
There is a phone number visible on 9:47, which you might want to censor as this is a privacy focused video
always good to know it.
oh wow, google really hasn't touched the default AOSP apps since 2016
I really love Graphene OS. The project works really well! But you'll need to put some time in it…
Or buy an iphone 😂😂😂
Hey, is there a way to backup the stock OS data and then import it to Graphene OS/CalyxOS?
Been thinking about changing the Rom on my Pixel 7a for a while now.
Would look forward to an answer 🙂
Kinda ironic how Google with Pixel somehow steals more data from its users than Chinese brands do.
I personally wouldn't recommend Fdroid to anyone. I got a notice that my password and personal information were found in the dark web from this app.