this post was submitted on 16 Nov 2021

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Privacy

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Which smartphones are most private? Is a Google Pixel + GrapheneOS really the most private way? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by nVZWmCa67Tq0SQkXPR@lemmy.ml to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

16 comments fedilink hide all child comments

What are the most privacy respecting smartphones to buy, I am also looking for the one which respects your privacy the most. So far going to privacy communities esp on reddit, I often see Google Pixel + GrapheneOS being recommended.

But the thing is I don't really trust Google with privacy, as we have seen they are last one to respect privacy. What if Google has some backdoor in the hardware that cannot be changed? And the problem with the more privacy respecting OSes for mobiles like GrapheneOS, CalyxOS etc are that they are only supported for Google pixel phones.

So I am really confused here.

all 24 comments

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[–] R51@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I hear lots of great things about Graphene but it's only able to run on Pixel phones. I have a LineageOS installed on my phone & I have full control over the firewall, and there's no google on it. Got the phone a year ago, battery still lasts 2 days of occasional use. It's amazing how nice a phone feels without ads, constant upload/download, and unneeded background services running.

Basically, and even with Graphene, the biggest security risk for a phone is the person using it. I wish it were more turn-key but the tracking with cookies is just the tip of the iceburg.. apps like to track too and if you need an app outside of the free-open-source-software circle you should know how to control its access to the internet.

[–] moe@feddit.nl 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That last part is where Graphene shines IMO, as every time you install an app you have the choice of natively allowing network permissions that you can change at any time. I agree with you on Lineage being great for an extra layer of privacy especially for the average person.

[–] R51@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

o cool I didn't know that. I use AF Wall as my firewall GUI on Lineage. I do have to give it root to update the tables though.

[–] moe@feddit.nl 2 points 1 year ago

I use TrackerControl (TC) on my Lineage devices for this. Will look into AF Wall, thanks!

[+] TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (3 children)

[removed by mod]

[–] GenkiFeral@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

can't you stick to the OS and hardware (facts) and leave politics/opinions outta this? the community does matter if you need help, but how in the hell do they know your race, sex, or politics unless you wear them on your sleeve?

[+] TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml -1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (2 children)

[removed by mod]

[–] GenkiFeral@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

My rights end where yours begin and vice versa. My main point will always be "you do you" or "good fences make good neighbours" or don't trespass on my property or in my mental space. Values differ from individual to individual - even within close-knit families or within causes. As long as you don't infringe upon another's freedom (I include all animals - wild and domestic), you should be able to do as you please. Both Left and Right have one thing in common - both try to shove their values ("decency") down the throats of others. Fuck you both equally. If that (do as I say) mindset isn't offensive, then i don't know what is! Be as this or that as you like, but preaching to me when I don't wanna hear it is going to breed resentment. That is you wasting my time and mental energies. Live by your own values and if I see that you are content, healthy, and successful in one manner or another, maybe I will adopt some of your ways WITHOUT your saying one word to me. Proselytizing or 'teaching' me is so often rude.

[–] Cerov2@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

The question is "which smartphones are most private?" Not "which OS community is the least toxic?" Seems you have your reasons for hating on Graphene, but you've totally lost the plot here. Save that rant for a question thats actually asking about it, please. In the end, if it works and its the most private, thats what is going to matter the most to the end user.

[–] nVZWmCa67Tq0SQkXPR@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 years ago

Sorry for a late reply. The grapheneOS seems to have a problem with not a very welcoming community but their OS is still good with all the security and privacy features that it comes with? If it is not Google Pixel + GrapheneOS that is the most private way of using a mobile phone then what is the most private way? I see this set up recommended in almost every privacy community including this thread.

[–] moe@feddit.nl 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

mimimimimi I don't care, it's secure, I like the features. Separate the creation from the creator.

[–] Ilandar@aussie.zone 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Do you trust the creator, though? He is an absolutely deranged and extremely spiteful individual.

[–] moe@feddit.nl 1 points 1 year ago

Deranged and spiteful? Yeah I'd trust that. Spite and grit are the only ways that a huge project like GOS can be maintained so well. If you want me to swap make your own secure Android distro.

[–] moe@feddit.nl 1 points 1 year ago

Anything with as few data points tied to you is the most ideal. How far are you willing to go for privacy, and what are you using the devices for? If you absolutely need to run an Android ROM on mobile, GOS or even just a carefully setup LineageOS device would be your best bet. If you can live without a cell phone choose to do so.