this post was submitted on 05 Jan 2024
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Hi everyone, I’m looking to possibly simply my smartphone setup. I would really love to keep it as a utility: phone, text, camera, GPS, web browser, notes, email, music player. Im think of switching to local NextCloud backup system as well. I currently have an iPhone but used to flash ROMs on Android phones, so I would be willing to do that again for more privacy options and less unnecessary changes to the OS.

I have looked a little into it, and I’m wondering about getting a couple year old Pixel and putting GrapheneOS on it. I also searched a little and came across the Purism Librem 5 that has physical kill switches and sounds neat; a little pricy but I’d be willing to pay if it lasts a while and has good privacy options.

What are your thoughts? Are there other hardware suggestions or setups that you like? The idea of FOSS is appealing because it seems like the money aspect seems to skew the priority of smartphones.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago (11 children)

I would let your wallet decide.

phone, text, camera, GPS, web browser, notes, email, music player

GrapheneOS and the Librem 5 can handle this. If I hadn't bought a phone at the end of 2022 I'd likely go for the Librem 5 unless a used Pixel could be acquired.

I think the only thing you will lose with GrapheneOS is tap-to-pay, if you even use that. Beyond that, if you don't install GSF or even microG on the device you're already doing a lot in terms of privacy. You have to look into whether things like Uber would work without GSF (I don't use Uber so I can't check).

Are there other hardware suggestions or setups that you like?

I was going to set up a Nextcloud server, but ended up just using Syncthing. I thought I would need that full suite of services, but it turns out my workflow just needs a few directories. I use Markor to take notes and write drafts. Before, I did editing on my phone, but now I wait until I am sat down in front of a computer. Syncthing can run on an old Raspberry Pi and requires very little upkeep.

Another suggestion is to use something like UAD to debloat most any Android phone. It is a bit of a preview of what to expect from many alternative ROMs. You need to switch to OSM and use a different calendar app and possibly a different camera app, contacts, keyboard, etc. and you'll notice very quickly that...nothing really changes except maybe battery life.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago (4 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

No, but the guy publishes some great articles in regards to privacy and security. privsec.dev is another one I recommend.

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