 Dear Fedi friends. I am choosing an alternative OS for my phone and looking into Graphene. Does anyone here have any experience with Graphene? What do you think about it? What are the risks and benefits? Would be so happy to hear your thoughts! Thanks 16 comments
 @triskelion @Xeniax Ah, it's been great so far! Coming from iOS, it's been way easier than I expected it to be. Granted, I do still rely on some Google software. But I think that's totally fine.  @Xeniax I used Graphene for months as my main OS and still consider going back to it, but default to iOS for security. Quick points: -Have a clear vision of what problem you're trying to solve by using GrapheneOS. If you install Graphene but don't change some other habits that may be related, its utility will be limited. -Graphene is mostly viable, but certain apps simply won't work as they require validations that Graphene won't/can't pass. Mostly bank and other finance apps, but also Hulu. -Google Play Services vs. alternative app stores like F-droid have benefits and drawbacks. In particular, F-droid's signing mechanism has drawn criticism (including from outfits like Signal). -One of the strongest controls I've instituted is using private DNS so I can see and control a lot of the calls the phone makes. Easy to set up with a service like NextDNS, but can also roll your own. -If DNS feels a bit too far, check out PCAPDroid as it can provide some separate functions. @Xeniax No problem; if you have further questions, please feel free to hit me up. Graphene's web installer is super convenient, btw. Really slick/easy install experience. Thank you for your research work!  @neurovagrant @Xeniax @Xeniax I would also like to use a more secure OS on my phone. I might even get around to installing it, but one thing is holding me back. I don't use new phones, it's beyond my financial means. I buy refurbished ones, for myself and my family. Graphene, Sailfish and the like have a very limited selection of devices, often ones that almost no one here uses. I don't even know anyone who uses minority brand phones. @neurovagrant thanks! I am usually threat-modelling before shifting to new tools, but this time I admit its more of a lifestyle/ethical choice for me. @silhouette thanks a lot! I dont think my banking app needs google services so far. Need to check. But seems its the best option for a Pixel phone :)  @Xeniax@mastodon.ml I think @kaia@brotka.st uses GrapehenOS and also installed it on the phone of their parents. Maybe she can write down her opinion.  @Xeniax@mastodon.ml I use grapheneos and I like it. you might have to prepare some stuff with your sim, everything else should work. as always check your bank apps tho  @Xeniax I've read that tap to pay functionality doesn't work, but that pretty much everything else does. You may want to try using F-Droid exclusively for a month or two before switching over. @Xeniax i hope feedback of why i did not choose graphene is welcome! |
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