Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.
In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.
much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)
I really wanted GrapheneOS, but ended up with /e/OS on a fairphone because I refuse to give Google any more money.
After replacing the default launcher with Lawnchair, I'm pretty happy with it. The physical switch (remapped to control the torch) is a nice touch.
The only reason I don't use GrapheneOS is because of thte tight coupling they have with Google's hardware.
Motorola announces partnership with GrapheneOS.
https://motorolanews.com/motorola-three-new-b2b-solutions-at-mwc-2026/
They are currently in talks to use Verizon phones.
Edit: whoops that was Motorola, my bad.
It's not that they have a deal with Google, it's that Google's hardware security is best bar none except maybe iPhone. They are working with other manufacturers to get these security requirements for new phones so Graphene can be put on them.
Why, because you can't afford it (reasonable), because you think it helps Google (unreasonable), because you think it's a privacy risk (unreasonable), or because it feels icky (unreasonable)?
The profits from Pixel hardware sales are a drop in the bucket for Google. I'm pretty sure the only reason it exists is so they can have insight and control over the hardware ecosystem, as without it they'd be driven by whatever Samsung wants to do.
The walled Android ecosystem is where they make the bulk of their money, and Graphene actively pulls people away from that and to something objectively better. Graphene is fully de-Googled and safe from their spyware, and exists outside of their business model. Using and promoting Graphene actively hurts Google, even if you have them $1k for a phone.
Also, there are plenty of cheap second hand pixels on ebay, and Google doesn't see a penny from those sales. Recycling is good for the planet anyways.
Worth it. Try any Samsung phone with Google's shit and Samsung's shit on top: I swear you these one are practically unusable, like you carrying an bloated mini-ad-computer with you. A implanted bug in your teeth or ass would hurt probably less then this. Before I use any of those, I rather use a "dumb" phone again.
Debloating an S10 was removing a long list of shit. I have seen the list only got longer with the newer models indeed. But one can survive, with the right tools.
Maybe, you could buy a Motorola as well in the near future.
https://motorolanews.com/motorola-three-new-b2b-solutions-at-mwc-2026/
Buying new is still screwing yourself over. Buy second hand and take advantage of all the fools thinking they have to upgrade every year.
But then I wouldn't have been able to make this meme.
Most used pixels are oem locked verizon ones. They say unlocked, but they only mean carrier unlocked.
You can check the model number to tell if it's an OEM. I got my last phone off Swappa which allows you to filter by stuff like model number and condition.
this, especially as graphene seems to support devices outside of when google would
I couldn't do it myself. Ended up going Fairphone and Calyx instead. Just patiently waiting for Calyx to start releasing again.
I'm on the same boat; FP4 + CalyxOS. Do you know have they (Calyx) confirmed anything about the projects future? Last I heard was in around december, and things were quite uncertain back then.
They're getting closer. Last update was end of Feb. Most of their updates seem to about security stuff I don't understand, but it's nice to see they're working on it.
I hope they're not ending the project. They were pretty comfortably the best Graphene alternative but you'll need security updates.
They're still working on it. Getting closer and closer to releasing again. No timeline unfortunately though.
True. The OG GrapheneOS alternative was DivestOS, which actually pulled a lot of features from Graphene. Still so sad that project ended
I still have my CAD $210 Google credit from Google because they throtted my Pixel, and I might let it expire because I want a Fairphone instead.
I'm glad that GrapheneOS exist, and it's sad that they are the exception and not the rule.
I think projects like CalyxOS and LineageOS should adopt some feature from GrapheneOS like contact/storage scopes, sandboxed Google Play Services, Network and Sensor toggles.
At the same time, I think GrapheneOS needs to reevaluate their presence in social media.
but seriously, drop the smart phone entirely.
While a terminal solution, that's not a real solution. I'll agree replacing everything 1:1 isn't the way we should go. But, we have the technology and infrastructure to enjoy having a mini-PC we can hold in our hand while also maintaining our privacy and avoiding enshitified applications.
It doesn't have to be a zero-sum game.