Due to some damaged hardware, it’s about time for me to get a new phone. For my next device, I’m looking to use use LineageOS

Does anyone have suggestions for a used device with good LineageOS support? I’m looking for something decent but not too expensive with good compatibility. Any other tips for a new user?

  • darkknight
    8·
    1 year ago

    Have you looked into grapheneos? They support some older pixel versions. I’ve been using it on a 7 pro for about a year and prefer it to lineageos. Specially if you use apps that require play services to run.

    • Iron@beehaw.org
      1·
      1 year ago

      [edit: this was meant to be a reply to another post, which I can’t find anymore now, not sure what happened. still learning my way around Lemmy / Jerboa…]

      GrapheneOS is designed to preserve the security model Android was built around, which also means you do not get root access (but neither does Google as it’s completely independent). This is the reason it can only be installed on Pixel phones, as they’re the only ones that allow you to re-seal the boot loader after installation, preserving the security chain. I’ve been using it for years now to great satisfaction: it feels very solid and secure, yet is surprisingly functional (all apps I need work fine, including tricky ones like banking with NFC payments).

      LineageOS allows you to root it, which is great for poking around, but it also implies breaking a lot of Android’s security guarantees.

      If you value security and privacy above all, get a Pixel and install GrapheneOS. If you want to mess around freely even if it means being slightly less secure, go for LineageOS.

    • Manbart@beehaw.orgOP
      1·
      1 year ago

      Yeah, I’m not committed to LineageOS, it just seems like the most well known/default option in this space. What do you like about Graphene?

      • luckless@beehaw.org
        2·
        1 year ago

        I’d say ease of use is up there, lot’s of apps just won’t run without google services. Graphene has the ability to run google apps within a strict sandbox, which can be great paired with separate profiles for different purposes. It’s really clean and user friendly, while still putting security and privacy at the forefront. I quite enjoy the default app as well, except for the messaging service, which I find lacking in basic features.