Technology

We need hardware requirements so that not just pixel phones can get grapheneOS.

GOS has strict hardware requirements to increase security that currently only Pixels meet. They won't, and shouldn't, compromise their standards which would give you a weaker OS. Want GOS on other vendors? Convince those vendors to up their hardware game.

Requirements exist. It's just that device manufacturers don't seem to care.

I think it's more reasonable to look at Linux phones than GrapheneOS supporting anything beyond Pixels. I was hoping to get a Linux phone this time around, but they just don't support the basic features well enough. Hopefully my next phone will be a Linux phone, but we'll see.

Giving into Google hardware to escape Google software is a step I don’t want to take

Yeah, it's annoying. However, it's important to note that Google is generally really good about security, so it's not a surprise that their phones have a lot of cool security features.

I also didn't want to give Google money, so I bought a used Pixel and saved a ton of money. I got a Pixel 8 in like-new condition for <$400 on eBay after a big discount from an eBay sale, and I can expect 6+ years of updates (not just security updates, but OS updates). I'm really enjoying GrapheneOS so far. I guess I tangentially helped them, but at least my dollars_ didn't go to Google.

That said, CalyxOS and DivestOS are also fine projects, and I seriously considered using them instead.

My main issue with Pixels is their price, even the Pixel A. They are completely unaffordable new, and only hit below $300 when they barely have any support yet (or are used). I don't mind using an EOL phome because with short support like on phones it is unavoidable, but that would be after alreafdy overpaying.