With the recent news of Apple disabling iCloud encryption in the UK I’m wondering if now is the time to switch from iOS to GrapheneOS, however I have a few questions before I consider switching.
Firstly I know the ideal way to use it is without Google play services, however it looks like thats needed for my banking app (which also apparently only works under the owner profile so I don’t have the option of having a separate profile for Google play apps). I believe it would also be needed for notifications on Whatsapp and Facebook messenger (I know they’re shit but I can’t convince everyone else to move). In terms of how much data Google/Apple can harvest how does GrapheneOS with sandboxed Google play services compare to iOS which I believe also sandboxes all apps by default? I’ve always used iOS previously so I don’t fully understand what Google play services does on stock Android or how much better the sandboxing truly makes it.
Secondly what are the best options for backups? It seems like seedvault is USB only, ideally I’d like to be able to backup to my home server. The main thing would probably just be my photos and Whatsapp messages if its not possible to do full device backups.
I also have a couple of questions about the pixel hardware. There’s currently an offer on so I can currently get a pixel 7a for £280, that seems like a good price but I know the pixel 9a is releasing soon, is the 8a likely to drop much in price after that? I don’t know how quickly the prices drop but considering the 8a is currently £500 I can’t see it dropping to <£300
Also I hear a lot of good things about the pixel cameras, is that still the case with GrapheneOS or is that just because of Google’s proprietary camera app? I’m not a massive camera user so its not a deal-breaker either way.
Lastly, I know this will mostly be speculation but I’d be interested in people’s thoughts on the future of GrapheneOS and alternatives with stuff like the play integrity API. Do you think it will get to the point where 90% of apps no longer function or do you think most developers will ignore it?
If GrapheneOS doesn’t look like it will meet your needs, LineageOS w/microG may be best for you.
The main issue is that the learning curve is higher to get it to a state that’s a balance between security and privacy. You have to learn how to install it for your device, set up root with Magisk or the like, install modules that allow your device to pass/bypass google’s SafetyNet Device Assestation, install the module to avoid connecting to google via GPS, set up AdAway, AFWall, Blocker, LSPosed if needed, and get android auto set up if needed. That’s not even including all the device-specific tweaks you’ll end up needing/wanting, or how to manage updates. It’s a lot of work, but in the end you get a phone that acts like a computer you control instead of an “appliance” that works against you.
LineageOS sucks at security, weakens Android’s security model, doesn’t deliver full security patches, to name a few of the problems. Better an updated iPhone and save your files locally than switching to Lineage
PS: I know I’ll get a lot of hates for saying that but I’m being honest
Does LineageOS let you bypass the strong authentication in the play integrity API? That’s probably my main concern with switching over as the main apps I use could become unusable in the future. GrapheneOS is probably a better fit for me at the moment but I have considered other options
Not exactly, no. For instance, I don’t use the Google Play store (i use Aurora Store instead), but I have gotten Android Auto working on my phone. What Google features you’ll be able to get working also depend on the device and android version.