7 Things You Should Know Before Switching to GrapheneOS

Here's a summary of the article and the seven key points mentioned about switching to GrapheneOS:

Summary: The article discusses GrapheneOS, a secure, privacy-focused mobile operating system based on Android. It highlights the benefits of switching to GrapheneOS, its features, compatibility, and user experience. The article also addresses potential concerns and provides information on reverting to standard Android if desired.

The seven things you should know before switching to GrapheneOS:

1. Compatibility: Currently only supported on Google Pixel devices (Pixel 3 or newer) due to their strong hardware-based security features.

2. App compatibility: Most apps are compatible, but some may require alternatives. A sandboxed version of Google Play can be installed for popular apps.

3. User interface: Similar to standard Android, but with enhanced privacy controls and a decluttered, ad-free experience.

4. Regular updates: Frequent security updates are provided to protect against the latest threats.

5. Community support: A dedicated community of users and developers is available to offer help and tips.

6. Reversibility: It's possible to switch back to standard Android if you don't like GrapheneOS.

7. Privacy and security features: Includes end-to-end encryption, revocable permissions, randomized MAC addresses, and strict app data access controls.

I love graphene as much as the next guy, but this article is pretty terrible. Badly researched, just spitting out talking points that are either flat out wrong, not the point of graphene or just scratching the surface. Look up the graphene homepage, if you actually want useful info.

It Feels Almost Like Android... But It Isn't

So what is it?

Can someone give an example of an app that doesn’t work? I always hear about apps that do work, but is it mostly banking or some other category that doesn’t work typically?

I would love to make the switch, but I am certain that absolutely zero of my government mandated apps will run on this thing.

While it's not nearly as customizable as an Ubuntu kernel, it's still easy to make your GrapheneOS look and feel exactly how you want it to, within reason.

WTF is it supposed to mean?

Does android auto work? Last I herd it did not...

Most important thing for some people: the battery of the pixel sucks balls

If you want to know if an app works, you can start here: https://plexus.techlore.tech/ Still a young project so contributions are welcomed!

If you don't have a Pixel like me, you can check out: https://e.foundation/ Runs since 3 years on my Fairphone 3 and gets better with every update

Unfortunately, Tinder doesn't work and that is helpful to get in touch with the ladies. That app is too hell bent on location data which GOS handles more privately.

NFC should work, it is just scheduled to be deactivated after 3 months if not used for security reasons.

I think GOS is very user friendly and has many positive privacy and security enhancements. I would like to see if they can surpass sandboxed Google Play and officially support other repositories and updaters like Accrescent. Also, a standard way of securing traffic beyond encrypted DNS would be good such as a tor client like Orbot.

Looking into the Veilid ecosystem might also be a source for further development ideas.

As a GrapheneOS user, I approve this message.

For how long will the older pixel phones be supported? Is it worth it to buy a cheaper older model like pixel 6 and have graphene in it?

Cause I'm not giving more than 200-300 for a phone. I'll stick to cheap android phones that lack nothing compared to expensive phones for my needs.

Tried to switch to graphene for a bit. Way too many apps don't work in it.

Android Auto is borked and most camera features

NFC payments also don't work. Non-starter for me

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