Hello, I am considering de-googling my mobile experience. It seems like Samsung has bad security on their phones, which is why GrapheneOS is not available on Samsung phones, I guess. Ironically, google pixel phone is supposed to be the best fit for GrapheneOS.
So anyway, should I switch ? Ideally, I want to keep my phone. But my phone is quite old at this point, so I can consider buying a new phone. If I buy one, which one should I get?
Also, I heard call and mobile data does not work well on GrapheneOS and the like. How bad is it?
The Galaxy S8 was a good device (I had one) but you’re right it is insanely old at 7 years.
You should absolutely ditch it though because as best I can tell, it hasn’t received OS updates and Security patches since 2021.
Keep in mind if you do switch to GrapheneOS you will want to look into a Pixel, which have an OEM support period of 7 years (meaning they will continue to receive security updates). For example if you got a Pixel 9 you will get support until August 2031.
GrapheneOS also committed to do additional “harm reduction” security updates for many devices to extend the support beyond that period.
I am now conflicted. Some say that pixel is not great a device, but you are saying pixel is worth for GrapheneOS. How should I evaluate my needs and choose?
Honestly everyone is different and so has different needs. I have been running on my main devices CalyxOS for a couple years then switched to GrapheneOS after buying a Pixel 6A and the only downside I have with this device is battery life which is not amazing. They have improved that significally with their last gen devices (Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL) and it doesn’t seem to be an issue anymore while still not be really better than the competition. I have also run other OS on secondary devices and honestly didn’t cared about their security as much as my main device.
Your device hasn’t recieved security updates for more than 3 years now, so if you don’t feel afraid, or in danger of being hacked with a strong negative impact on your life installing LineageOS or /e/OS on your device will not be stupid as you will benefits from newer security patches and feature updates. You will lose some protection such as the unlocked bootloader but for some people it’s okay.
You don’t need maximum security but you will probably benefits from it. If your phone is still running well and that you don’t wan’t to change it yet it is okay. If you feel like it’s important for you to upgrade your security by upgrading your phone consider buying a relatively new model that will have at least 4-5 years of security updates, since it looks like you’re keeping phone longer than most people does. You can lose freedom and buy an iPhone. Or buy Google hardware and ditch their software. If you want to buy a Samsung, a OnePlus or whatever and flash LineageOS on it I think you’re better keeping your phone with LineageOS for a bit longer. You can also debloat a OnePlus, etc but it won’t be as degoogled as you may want it to be. Still more secure than flashing LineageOS on a currently supported device. Remember that Privacy ≠ Security.
That’s my opinion I am not a security expert