CalyxOS Review | 3 weeks with a DeGoogled Phone - (**I now only recommend GrapheneOS**)

[@sideofburritos]

🚨 At this time, I only recommend GrapheneOS if you have a Google Pixel. Here's a link to my GrapheneOS playlist - kzbin.info/aero/PLHvdaysg3bMyYwJAcxbFUY9YqKKC0Dtrd

[@itsnothimorisit]

Thanks for these great series of videos on Graphene and now Calyx. Great channel 👍

[@sideofburritos]

You're welcome and thanks! Learning a ton making these videos and getting to mess around with the different mobile OS's

[@Tom-ik5sc]

Dang, this is exactly the review I was looking for. Most of what you said was what I was already thinking, based on my own research. But I'm glad to hear it confirmed by someone who's actually used Calyx and other OSs. I'm about to make the plunge, and I think Calyx will be my first swing. It seems like a good option for newbies, who want ease of installation, use, and compatibility. Later, I might "upgrade" to more private OS options, if Calyx isn't as good. But for now, Calyx seems a good starting point.

[@sideofburritos]

Hi there, I should probably take this video down, add a pinned comment, or make a new video. Since this review, my only recommend OS at this time is GrapheneOS. Sorry for the confusion this one might have caused. GrapheneOS with sandboxed play services offers more compatibility + better security. The web install is also much easier to use. Here's my most recent review on GrapheneOS + Android 13 if you're interested - kzbin.info/www/bejne/epPWo4Ong76EfKM

[@Tom-ik5sc]

Thanks for the update. I just watched the video you linked. Graphene is one of the others I am considering. Would you consider the installation (to a Pixel 5) to be fairly straightforward and easy? And is it's compatibility and privacy better than Calyx etc? Thanks for your thoughts!

[@sideofburritos]

Yes, the process will be very similar regardless of which Pixel you have. GrapheneOS is more the more secure OS which means better privacy. Their implementation of Sandboxed play services also offers greater compatibility compared to microG. Hope that helps!

[@diotitus]

​@@sideofburritosHey if you don't mind me asking, could you tell me why you recommend GrapheneOS as the only option over CalyxOS? I'm not hating on either project and I personally like both, but I was just curious on why.

[@goodcitizen4587]

Just got my Pixel 4a (128gb) this week. $270+20 on Ebay. Installed GrapheneOS (web method... very easy). I will probably stay on it as I'm like you. I also prefer limited notifications. And the battle for privacy is a top concern with the way things are going.

[@sideofburritos]

🙌 great call on that! Glad to hear everything went smoothly as well (you also got a great price on your phone)

[@goodcitizen4587]

@@sideofburritos I'm thinking of getting another one, as a backup or just to run wifi apps on it. Going with ting mobile for $10/mo plan. Unlimited but only 1gb data.

[@sideofburritos]

@@goodcitizen4587 That's not a bad idea, and for $10 a month for a plan, you really can't beat that. It's also fun having 2 phones so you can mess around with different OS's without having to blow away your main phone.

[@oldaccount7463]

Keep the vids coming!

[@djentaman7009]

I have GrapheneOS on a Pixel 6 Pro and so far been running great. However, USB audio isn't working in some strange cases - even after checking the settings & permissions. 1 example is when I connect my galaxy buds, It connects fine & I'm able to listen to music etc. However, whenever I try to make phone calls through signal - Signal doesn't pick up my galaxy buds and I'm forced to use the earpiece of the phone or just have the call on speaker. The other Issue I run into is whenever I'm in my truck, my truck does NOT want to pick up the bluetooth signal of my pixel. It's a relatively newer truck and I've connected recent newer iphones and my cousins Galaxy S21 with no issues. My pixel? Won't connect. Other than that, the OS is solid!

[@sideofburritos]

Hmm, that is an odd one. It's tough to say, especially using the Pixel 6 which is pretty new hardware still. It could also be a bug with Signal not picking up the headphones. I've noticed a few oddities on the 6, but then they go away when an update comes out. Are you able to hear audio if you open the browser on the phone and watch a KZbin video? If you can, that would be the issue is specific to Signal. Since you mentioned you're able to listen to music, I'm guessing it might be specific to signal. You could also try completely removing Signal and reinstalling the app. --- BT audio in the car, now that's an odd one. I paired my 6 in my car, but then I noticed a few days later that it somehow disappeared from the BT menu in my car 🤷‍♂️. I had to pair it again to get it to work. I would try rebooting and then making sure it's in discover mode? I know those are two basic options, but your best bet just might be to try again after future OS updates.

[@djentaman7009]

@@sideofburritos Actually - I'm glad to report that the most recent update received fixed the issue! Also, regarding signal - I found out that Signal didn't have access *allowed* for the sensor. The update did fix the BT issue with my truck, though. I absolutely love this phone after being with apple for so many years.

[@sideofburritos]

Thinking of switching to a degoogled OS? ☎ *Forgot to add this in the video - Android Auto does NOT work with CalyxOS.

[@Jen97135]

My OEM unlocked pixel 4a came in 🙌🙌🙌

[@sideofburritos]

@@Jen97135 🎉🎉🎉🥳🥳🥳

[@mikehawk7307]

Is it possible to just connect with Bluetooth and stream music like that?

[@TheUnique121000]

Proton aosp rom is nice on pixel 4a5g

[@BeingHamsa]

yes to the micro G details video thank you so much.

[@sideofburritos]

You're welcome!

[@ErikTheHeathen]

I'd love to see more personalization and customization tutorials on Calyx OS. Seems like all the content out there on it is how to install

[@sideofburritos]

Hmmm, anything in particular you'd be interested in? Were you thinking more security or appearance? It's tough when it comes to customizations, as a lot of that is up to personal taste.

[@TheBoomshine]

@@sideofburritos I think more on security would be good. Like where you were unsure about microG. But thanks for all that you do regardless.

[@sideofburritos]

@@TheBoomshine absolutely. I started researching that topic and realized it's going to be a bit more involved than I thought. But I absolutely plan to do one in the future

[@jogon1255]

Yes! MicroG!

[@rushi7312]

Me: has my phone in DND 24/7 350/356days/year. Also me: spends 12h/day in front of a screen 😑

[@Michael-it6gb]

I tried installing CalyxOS on my Motorola and now it is dead(bricked). After installation process it kept asking me to lock the bootloader so after couple of attempts I locked it and now it's stuck in a fastboot bootloop. So the oem is locked, can't unlock it, and the OS is corrupt. Thank you Calyx. In ALL the decades I've installed any OS or Firmware I have never ruined the devices EVER, I was ALWAYS able to re-install the corrupt software. This is the first time I cannot. Even Lineageos which was a freaking headache to install and bricked for a day was finally working after some research. You guys have ruined my phone. Throughout the years I've install Firmware and Operating systems (Windows or Linux) and have never bricked anything. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? Just happen to stumble across your OS and ruined the phone completely. Can't flash anything, can't sideload in recovery because it keeps telling me the signature is wrong. Thanks guys, really great work. Whoever invented Fastboot mode needs a medal for going FULL R.

[@Mboy556]

As you describe it, I see CalyxOS as an absolute win! Just wondering if the LineageOS is any worse or... what is with it?

[@sideofburritos]

The pro of LineageOS is that it supports more devices. The major downside why I won't use it on a personal device is that it does not support verified boot. Without verified boot the chain of trust is broken at boot. This link has some great info on verified boot - source.android.com/security/verifiedboot

[@nemonada3501]

Looks good, although I like the bare-bones approach of GrapheneOS better and I'm gonna stick with that. Also I don't want Google services so it makes more sense for my use case.

[@Designer_TopG]

I'm down for a side of burritos ! And main dish , a good smart phone lol :)

[@FrostyDeagz]

Duck duckgo isnt as good as it used to be true brave search instead

[@coder2003]

I can't leave google services, but google should working hard to make android lightweight, android is take more RAM

[@mi3somn]

About the privacy... apple will only collect usage data if you allow them. When you set up your iphone, you can choose if you want to share data or u dont

[@sideofburritos]

*Will only collect the optional usage data if you disable it. Data is still sent to Apple servers regardless, and your phone makes connections to those servers. (Update checks, NTP, App Store etc.)

[@godofredo0409]

lol. That is BS to be honest. Are you even sure even if you didn't allow them to collect your data that they didn't collect it? lmao

[@m4t7eo]

​@@godofredo0409 monitoring a network and packets is not that hard.

[@randomperson6875]

Yes 🙌🏽

[@sideofburritos]

🙌🏽

[@user-tv7zg1je2c]

Side Of Burritos - do you know of any intent based firewall you can use on Calyx or graphene? I could not find a lot of info on those types of firewalls, and from what I could find it sounded like you needed to have root access which I have always been told is not advisable for those roms.

[@agraciadaromerosoto]

Graphene's native network permission blocks intents so if you use that there is no need for anything else.

[@jrr3787]

No tts is a deal breaker for me.

[@wildyato3737]

what's hate to say both OS doens't support to my device..

[@craigconway4093]

GrapheneOS no longer supports my perfectly good Pixel 3 XL.

[@robi8020]

Since your conclusion is based primarily on MicroG, you should have been clear through your negative conclusion that MicroG is an optional install when setting up the phone for the first time. You said CalyxOS was not for you because of MicroG... why didn’t you just reinstall CalyxOS without it?

[@sideofburritos]

I suppose I could have been more clear on this point. When it comes to CalyxOS or GrapheneOS (without microG or Google Place Servies) GrapheneOS is the more secure OS. I mention in my install tutorials (forgot to mention it here) that if you aren't going to enable microG when installing CalyxOS then you should just use GrapheneOS. The appeal of CalyxOS is its seamless compatibility and ease of use for anyone who might be hesitant about transitioning away from a stock OS device. I would still stand by my negative conclusion even without having microG installed. Either way still a great OS and a WAY better choice than a phones stock OS.

[@viktorg8346]

@@sideofburritos there are two things to be mentioned. I am also looking to slowly move to more private OS and so far calyxOS seems like a better option for one important reason: grapheneOS works only on google's pixel phones. Whatever is the reason that's not very well diversified. I am myself reluctant to move to another google product. Partially to mitigate possibilities of bad intentions on google side but mainly because AMOLED screens give me eye strain. Another point is: how much security of calyxOS is compromised when compared with GrapheneOS? Will this anyhow affect the end user? Because the way you describe it sounds like CalyxOS is some loose open door for any hack or attack while it's not the case: it's still as safe as stock android. That is: very safe.

[@sideofburritos]

@@viktorg8346 It is a bit counterintuitive to move to a Google device, but the pixels are some of the only phones with a solid hardware baseline. Most phones don't support unlockable/relockable bootloaders. Don't get me wrong, CalyxOS is still a great OS. While I don't think it's as secure as GrapheneOS, it's still a much better choice over the stock OS. It's worth noting that besides the Xiaomi Mi A2 all the other CalyxOS supported devices are Pixels.

[@fetB]

what about other phones. Even low end pxiels are like 500 buckas

[@mikehawk7307]

I don't think I will ever be able to root my phone and install Calyx OS. Seems like every pixel I buy the boot loader is locked and the OEM unlocking is grayed out.

[@sideofburritos]

Especially when buying used, it can be tough to find one. If you don't mind buying directly from Google, those ones support OEM unlocking. When I buy used, I ask for a screenshot of OEM unlocking before purchasing it. I've been burned too many times on an "unlocked" phone.

[@Trash_Panda_Manifesto]

@@sideofburritos Would you mind giving a quick explanation of what this person's comment means to a laymen? If I want to purchase a phone and install Calyx OS, how to I avoid not being able to install it? If I buy new, will this ever be an issue?

[@mrcvry]

Graphenes manual has instructions to unlock the unlocking. Mine was gray at first too. Perhaps there is something in the manual you did not try.

[@mikehawk7307]

@@mrcvry Thanks for the reply. And I will give it a go. Thanks.

[@hackvice]

How about a CRDROID revew?

[@mikehawk7307]

Just installed and so far, it is really snappy and responsive. I do however have a question. I am noticing that it says Background app download when I swipe down. Is that something I need to get rid of somehow?

[@sideofburritos]

Hi there, that should disappear after a while. Sometimes that shows up until the background download is completed.

[@Alamodem]

You said calyx has verified boot. But a bit later you said you wouldnt use it. I may have misunderstood.

[@sideofburritos]

CalyxOS does have verified boot, but for me personally, I prefer GrapheneOS. If I needed Google services I might use CalyxOS since microG comes bundled with it, but I don't need it for the apps I use.

[@tktheflamingsword50]

10 years ago phone's worked better with custom OS

[@BeingHamsa]

For both Graphene and CalyxOS can I still use facebook and instagram and have privacy? super newbie here. thank you.

[@sideofburritos]

Can you use them, yes. Is it good for your privacy, no. It depends on what your threat model it. For most people, using a de-googled OS (in my opinion) is 85% of the battle. If you use apps like IG or FB, it's not the end of the world. A good middle ground would be to use the browser based version of the apps. That way when you close the tab your connection to the service is over.

[@testosteroneinc.3800]

Facebook is even WORSE for your privacy! 😏

[@TheDevarshiShah]

which one is faster when it comes to updates deliver, be it OS or security? Overall, which one is more active? Also, does Calyx support banking apps, as some don't work on Graphene.

[@sideofburritos]

My only recommendation at this time is GrapheneOS.

[@TheDevarshiShah]

@@sideofburritos other then points mentioned in the video, what other things you think is better provide by Graphene, as compared to Calyx?

[@sideofburritos]

@@TheDevarshiShah the best way to explain it is by what they have listed on the Features, Usage, and FAQ pages on their site - grapheneos.org/.

[@TheDevarshiShah]

@@sideofburritos yeah true. Though could you make an indepth video? Kind of like part 2 of this one!

[@mikehawk7307]

So what is a good map service that will work with Calyx OS? I have tried a few that is installed on Calyx natively and they seem to really suck.

[@sideofburritos]

I personally like Magic Earth. It's worked really well every time I've needed it.

[@orangepill5799]

pixel 3 isn't the way to go in 2022, right?

[@sideofburritos]

Nope, it's not. If you're on a budget I would check out the 5a, or possible the 6a depending on what you want to spend.

[@orangepill5799]

@@sideofburritos thanks man :) I want to sell my iPhone 13 and buy a cheap pixel 5a now! Ready for privacy 🍻

[@ironrobin]

I'm using pixel 3a in 2023 it works great

[@pjc3163]

Anyone have any issues with Aurora App store? After initially installing apps it just fails to update any existing apps on your phone and then doesn't allow any new installation of new apps. I had the same issue when I had GrapheneOs on my Pixel 6 Pro. Talk about frustrating!

[@sideofburritos]

Hmm, that's very odd. Are you using the anonymous account option? Depending on the app, you might need to go into settings -> Networking and enable "Insecure anonymous session"

[@pjc3163]

@@sideofburritos Yes I am using the anonymous settings. I'll try out your suggestion... TIA

[@pjc3163]

No luck, still the same. Fdroid is working fine

[@pjc3163]

I've tried both grapheme and calyxos twice each with fresh installations. Aurora initially allows me to install some apps and then stops with failure message. It won't update existing apps installed on my phone either. F-droid works, no issues. Maybe a good incentive to go fully FOSS!

[@pjc3163]

OK I think I found the problem; ExpressVPN. I turned off the VPN and Aurora Store works again!

[@natsufire1667]

Hows the camera quality with stock google cam, graphene os and calyx cam?

[@sideofburritos]

While I didn't compare calyx, I did make this video recently on gcam vs GrapheneOS camera - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4TZeX6cbs2rl9E hope it helps!

[@natsufire1667]

@@sideofburritos well, installing stock camera app will help ,in custom roms? I mean custom rom camera vs stock unroot camera , so the difference is gcam, even on custom roms to have the same quality? And tha ks for replying

[@sideofburritos]

@@natsufire1667 You're welcome. Yes, if you install gcam on a custom OS you can expect similar quality since you're using the same app.

[@natsufire1667]

@@sideofburritos what bothers me kinda of using custom rom is, does google image processing only works with like stock rom, since its custom rom, was thinking google image processing wont work. Just a noob stand point.

[@Trash_Panda_Manifesto]

@side of burritos Does the carrier you have matter? I have Xfinity mobile and am thinking of purchasing a Pixel 6 so that I can install Calyx but I would hate to pay all that money for nothing. Thank you!

[@sideofburritos]

Hey! Nope, you should be good to go. I don't know if Xfinity mobile uses SIM cards or not (make sure you have the right size, nano-sim on the GP6), but you can just plug it in and go. With my carrier, I just plugged in my SIM, and I was good to go. If you buy a used phone, I would suggest calling your carrier after to make sure everything looks OK on their end. You want to make sure you don't have a dirty IMEI that was marked as stolen or something.

[@Trash_Panda_Manifesto]

@@sideofburritos Thank you for the thorough reply! I have a Pixel 6 coming today. I already went to Comcast and unlocked my current iPhone. And the phone I purchased is brand new so I should be able to just pop in the SIM and I'm good to go?

[@Trash_Panda_Manifesto]

@@sideofburritos Using my old SIM card won't mess up any of the security elements that I am trying to obtain in the first place? Google won't be able to somehow link the phone to me because of the old SIM?

[@Trash_Panda_Manifesto]

@@sideofburritos I received my Pixel. They said I could unlock it (actually that it would come unlocked) but once I had the phone, they then told me I would have to wait 60 days before they could unlock it. It makes no sense but I ended up returning it because by that time, I would be beyond the return time frame. Just an FYI in case anyone every asked the same question I did.

[@sideofburritos]

@@Trash_Panda_Manifesto Thanks for the heads-up, good to know. Sounds like the best option is to buy directly from Google instead of dealing with the carrier timeframe restrictions.

[@Trash_Panda_Manifesto]

Does anyone know if the carrier you have might prevent you from using a Pixel with Calyx? I have Xfinity mobile and I wouldn't want to buy a phone until I know it will work. Thanks in advance for any help!

[@austin3154]

Leave Xfinity Mobile, you'll thank me later.

[@mercyveritas1125]

Have u really degoogled if u are still on utube??

[@holthuizenoemoet591]

Does anyone know if its possible to set this up on a OnePlus 6t ?

[@sideofburritos]

Unfortunately it's not, only Pixels are supported. grapheneos.org/faq#supported-devices

[@growing367]

1:30 they mine ur habits

[@wturber]

I stopped watching. The constant cut zooms or driving me nuts.

[@harshaangadi9334]

will Gpay works fine on CalyxOS with MicroG on it on Pixel 6 ? Could you please confirm if you know as I m using GrapheneOS with sandbox - Gpay is not working.

[@mrcvry]

Why using a privacy OS and giving google your id and all shopping habits back with gpay? Better pay with cash.

[@larsthorwald3338]

Clearly, Android 12 is from the devil.

[@srrgmail]

thanks

[@sideofburritos]

You're welcome!