Switching to GrapheneOS, One Month Later!

UPDATE: I've made a follow up to this video! You can watch it here: • Living with GrapheneOS...
Recently I sold my iPhone due to it being too slow on iOS 16 and the battery being bad. I chose to get a Google Pixel because I wanted to try switching to GrapheneOS and use it as my main mobile OS. One month later, I've assembled this video to talk about my experiences with the OS.
Learn more about GrapheneOS: www.grapheneos...

[@torygeorge]

I luv the old days of flashing roms... my galaxy s3 was years ahead of its time because of the roms that were available, but your right in that there are so many software level features these days that you might miss out on if doing so. Back in the day you just needed the camera to work and for the phone to be snappy. Nowadays you may need a lot more

[@samk158]

Ahhhh the good old days

[@Ferne345]

I Bricked my S3 back in the days... RIP but the custom ROMs ran great until it happend

[@MR-nl8xr]

1:15 is why I stayed away from "rom boot loading" this whole time.

[@prateekpanwar646]

@@Ferne345 If it's bricked due to software, It's possible to bring it back from bricking as long as you have enough knowledge or help. I too locked bootloader with custom rom (stupid but to remove that red warning text) and bricked my only phone later when company told me I'll have to replace entire board. Researched and found group which used their oppo software to reflash with stock rom under $10.

[@prateekpanwar646]

Also the phone needs to be famous enough so you get so many internet forums and tutorials.

[@ghostmanscores1666]

This is the best and clearest of all of the graphene videos I've watched.

[@EverythingeeB]

Really?

[@edikaramuratful]

I agree

[@edikaramuratful]

@@EverythingeeB do you think it is worthed installing an unnoficial rom ? Whether it is lineage OS or any other degoogled rom if its unofficial?

[@EverythingeeB]

@@edikaramuratful Yeah, it's not a bad idea.

[@whatsupbudbud]

Coming from a Galaxy S10e, Pixel 6 with GrapheneOS is freaking awesome! They are continuosly updating the software as well, so something that didn't work before, i.e. Waze, now works almost perfectly.

[@EverythingeeB]

Yeah it is really nice. Hopefully GrapheneOS catches on more

[@WayBlesseded]

Waze is owned by Google ... can it be trusted? Is it really safer and more private than Google Maps/Navigation?

[@whatsupbudbud]

@@WayBlesseded As far as I'm concerned, can't trust either of them. That being said, Graphene OS allows to disable access to location and sensors while app is not used, so that covers both of them. And waze has cops and radars which is a must have for someone like me, schucks.

[@RhythmicSoundwaves]

​@@whatsupbudbudI'm considering getting the pixel 7 and want to install graphene os. I heard android auto doesn't work and was wondering if there is a way around it now?

[@whatsupbudbud]

@@RhythmicSoundwaves Sorry mate, haven't used neither Pixel 7 nor Android Auto, so can't help you there.

[@DomCobb1]

U used to be able to flash ROMs and root on OnePlus devices since the 9 pro. After that no new OP devices have ROM support due to no way to restore from a brick

[@Austinredstoner]

OnePlus 9 pro was the last device to get a custom ROM before it got destroyed/no custom ROM support. I don't recommend OnePlus anymore for that reason I recommend using Xiaomi.

[@phr3ui559]

really

[@monilsolanki3601]

Ironically you can do that everything on OnePlus 11 so saying last was op9 is wrong.

[@РусланБелов-и1й]

Soinds like a scary thingy

[@__Senpai_XD__]

​@@monilsolanki3601this happened because of the community members. He is right tho, after op merged with cos all the previous unbrick method, rom support were gone away. Only now after op11 was launched, some community members gave their all to revive oneplus legacy.

[@jjflash2611]

I flashed Calyx OS on my Pixel 4 and have use it everyday for the past 2 years. Love it. It uses Google Services anonymously through MicroG and I download from the Play Store through Aurora Store so never actually log in. I really don't care about text to speech or Google Pay so don't miss any of the Google Tracking Services draining my phone and stealing my information. Take your privacy back. Graphene and Calyx OS are the way to go.

[@SleepyPlayfulPup-lj4xv]

Your mobile operator is tracking your location always 😂😂

[@aibi5532]

​@@SleepyPlayfulPup-lj4xvthere's vpn for that

[@Nick-bo6rz]

Which has possibility of better longevity for future updates, Graphene or Calyx? And which is more secure.

[@Fungsabai33033]

@@SleepyPlayfulPup-lj4xv it’s less and less possible daily

[@xninja2369]

​@@SleepyPlayfulPup-lj4xvThey can't probably read your personal message and things on phone which play services can DEFINITELY do and yeah in extreme case your service provider can slow down or block some websites to preventing you from viste then but not so much..

[@JanWillemMoltzer]

the idea behind this software is that your privacy is guaranteed. Google Pay and Android Auto are directly linked to the Google servers. This is also the reason I don't use it. Maps is good for navigation and there are alternatives available.

[@The8BitPianist]

The banking thing is holding me back, but good to hear it worked well for you! I just wonder about paid apps I have on the Google Play store, but since you install the play store in this video, this seems to be no issue. Thanks for the concise video!

[@Bigdani30117]

I have like 7 different banking apps running fine. Some apps wont launch because of the hardening. All you have to do is enable "Exploit protection compatibility mode" (for each of those apps) and every singe banking app woks.

[@Christian.Charron]

Why not just bank via web browser?

[@Fortnite_Rizz]

Nah easy solution is to get magisk or kernelsu and then get play integrity modules and zygisk

[@ErwinSicot]

update : Android Auto is now available

[@rvh1999]

Is that another form of booting software?

[@luky7080]

props up for the Vista wallpaper on KDE, you got me

[@samsowden]

it was gut wrenching

[@phillipstreams]

I installed GrapheneOS on my new Pixel 8 Pro yesterday. I've set it up almost all the way with exactly 0 problems or roadblocks so far. I believe the OS has come a long way even since this video was posted.

[@Iraijus]

I bought a Pixel 9 Pro XL just so I can use GrapheneOS. It'll arrive tomorrow, so I hope it's supported soon.

[@ChrisPTY507]

Any updates? How did it went?

[@phillipstreams]

@@ChrisPTY507 I love it still. I've counted 4 apps that don't work: Chipotle, Spark Driver, Oldschool Runescape, and a banking app. But everything else is totally functional and I am very happy I downloaded Graphene.

[@Iraijus]

@@ChrisPTY507 I know you didn't mean me, but on my phone, it's been an amazing experience so far.

[@n-hexane8271]

@@Iraijus hey does the camera still take the best pictures? . do we loose a lot of google's post processing of the image through software. Do you recommend it?

[@NatanCanDraw]

This video gave me hope. Thank you.

[@stannygtech6537]

I've never heard about it. Thanks for the info, bro!

[@Saderue]

Thanks for the vid, banking apps are crucial to me so I‘m glad you mentioned them.

[@ZijZijnZijnZoons]

Longtime Android user. Strongly considering GrapheneOS. Based on this video, I think it's pretty close to what I want to get.

[@galaxyprojectiontechnologi3142]

do it bro!

[@mertsahin937]

1:16 that's the part you're looking for

[@gnulectures]

Great video man, I'm honestly considering a used Pixel as my next phone so I can run GrapheneOS. I was initially concerned about my banking app not working, but it works fine under LineageOS (as long as the phone isn't rooted) so if it doesn't work on GrapheneOS, I have a backup option.

[@DashRendar308]

I dont know about banking app since I have a separate phone for that, but I run Calyx OS on my Pixel 4 which is very user friendly and gives you updates very fast, like only a couple weeks after the official Android gets them. I have not yet accountered an App that does not run on Calyx.

[@DashRendar308]

I am using Calyx OS for two years now on my Pixel 4 and it is much smoother than google Android and gives you more battery life as well. Have not missed a single feature yet.

[@Nick-bo6rz]

Is this is compatible with the newer pixels like 6a and 7? And does it have better security than iOS?

[@DashRendar308]

Yes it is compatible with 6a and 7, its specifically developed for Pixel phones, the developers release regular updates for it. idk about iOS. @@Nick-bo6rz

[@MR-nl8xr]

I wish there was more funding for Divest OS. that way i could try out some the OS's there for my Pixel 7.

[@sCiphre]

​@@Nick-bo6rzgrapheneos is the best by far.

[@floydffrogfloydffrog7453]

I got a Pixel explicitly because I wanted to install GrapheneOS, in part because I assumed that a lighter OS would give longer battery life but also because of the pervasive Google thing. But after using the phone for a while I'm so pleased with how well the hardware and software work AND since reading that battery life is not improved under GrapheneOS I find that I'm less eager to try installing it. As well, let's face it the thought of re-installing all of the apps that I need is rather a disincentive especially since there's a chance that one or more may not work. So I remain undecided whether or not to give it a try. But I am happy that there's a choice.

[@gz625]

Lol it's a BS about battery. I have 6a and with graphene it's working like 30-40% longer. I easily can squeeze 2 days of work from phone.

[@openalternative]

​@@gz625, my Pixel 6 lives longer on stock PixelOS rather than on GrapheneOS. Not sure why.

[@tractorfactor660]

I bought Pixel 6a to test GOS. Well it worked surprisingly well two months I used it. I had problems only with one or two apps I use. Banking app worked well. Then I flashed CalyxOS which was even better IMO. No issues really, except camera apps suck on both. I used Google camera app on GOS and Calyx. Then I decided to test Pixel’s original Android as I was curious about all the fancy features.. I really don’t use them though. I’ve been stuck with the stock Android several months now, as it is hideous task to reflash and reinstall everything back again. I try to minimise my Google apps usage, but I know they’re listening me. Didn’t notice big difference on battery life between all these three OS versions.

[@zekiz774]

It depends on if you have GMS installed or not. If you do, there are reports of the SOT being shorter (can confirm it myself)

[@bakasenpaidesu]

Just use a different ROM

[@azeur3659]

You can bypass play integrity and safetynet using deny list and safetynet fix

[@bokexd3173]

1:15 not really samsungs had unlocked bootloader and flashing was pretty easy, I could download all drivers, tools, and files and install Android 12 on my Samsung Galaxy S3 in just about 10 minutes, you just have to follow the tutorial for the right model and it just works, these days it is completely opposite and google always had mostly the same procedure for installing roms on both nexus and pixel phones

[@Straw..]

you could root your phone with magisk and install the safteynet fix module but this voids the warranty

[@FlemthePub]

Clean review with great details and some funny bits. Thanks for helping me decide about Graphene OS.

[@himanshumeena539]

Thanks for giving clarity about this os

[@jedclampett6466]

I am saving this.... you shared a lot of valuable information... thank you

[@0secdox]

Some people today who aren't so much into "staying as private as possible" and just enjoy the progress Android has made have asked me why I would want to root my phone these days. In the past, many rooted for permission and access to settings that are implemented today. The last phone I rooted was my S3. Anyone have an opinion on this 🤔 Thank you in advance for reading my comment.

[@Μ4́]

You explained in welll Just the video i was looking for

[@jonny11bonk]

When it comes to interrupting the sideloading, it seems like the recoveries have some protections which just say an error will just loop back. Or maybe, I was just lucky when my phone lost a connection while flashing. I just rebooted it and it automatically went into the recovery since it couldn't boot anywhere else apart from the fastboot.

[@vladbintintan7659]

The other manufacturers not allowing you to root is wrong. The problem with a lot of other phones is that as long as they are supported people dont really bother to create custom roms(especially samsung, all of their recent international phones have unlockable bootloaders and are easily rooted but you can hardly find custom roms)

[@pinkmillk]

The funny part about it missing a bunch of features is that's how I felt about the stock pixel experience after coming from a Samsung note.

[@randomposterguy7097]

Note is trash

[@everlastingos]

Been running GrapheneOS some time now, will never go back to Iphone or stock Android.

[@EverythingeeB]

I'm planning on my next phone being a Fairphone 5 so I might consider /e/

[@everlastingos]

@@EverythingeeB Why using /e/ when you have GrapheneOS??

[@everlastingos]

@@Carahato Indeed! Don't understand that people don't understand that we need an Internet OS for web3, to own our own data, but is is okey :P

[@EvgeniX.]

@EverythingeeB if on a FairPhone maybe then try a linux like postmarketOS or such

[@enderpirate9887]

The thing about the keyboard situation on android is that the futo keyboard exists now which is pretty cool!

[@guineapig1016]

Correction: samsung does. Hold the up and down keys on the S22Ultra while the phone is restarting. It'll prompt you for a new OS install.

[@oskarek9310]

for me graphene os is amazing i got an pixel 6a with graphene os its really smooth and secure

[@alphamalluz7422]

What are the changes you notice? Wot about battery life?

[@briffee777]

Thank you for this review! It was clear and concise, and I am about to follow you down the rabbit hole! The phone's on its way, and I've read through the install docs which appear to be nearly nil! I'm glad it's not like the old days - I recall bricking a PDA or two. 😆

[@GunnedDownAtrocity]

thank you so much for this video. i was considering switching from lineage to graphene, but android auto is a deal breaker, so im really glad you brought that up. i could care less about the other features lost, but i really like having my gps up on the car's screen.

[@GunnedDownAtrocity]

maybe. i think that is actually a separate permission, but i cannot swear to it. honestly, after installing google camera (the difference in quality between the stock app and the google app is crazy on the pixel), google keyboard (tried half a doze other keyboards and every one made me want to throw my phone), and google maps (even with web activity turned off, it just tends to work better than waze), i kind of gave up on the privacy aspect of lineage and use it more for the augmented control i have over my phone vs google android. so, in short, i ultimately said fuck it and granted all permissions to have android auto work seamlessly. @nospamallowed4890

[@JamesMowery]

GrapheneOS is getting Android Auto support, just FYI!

[@stannygtech6537]

Awesome videos, bro! I like all of your videos!!!!!!!

[@EverythingeeB]

I appreciate that!

[@stannygtech6537]

@@EverythingeeB Do you have any social media?

[@maxmustermann7365]

Is it true that there is no Adaptive Charging on GrapheneOS? Therefore the battery should be on 100% over hours during sleep, which would decrease battery health quicker than necessary. Charging and unplugging before sleep is possible but inconvenient with 10% battery consumption per night on a Pixel

[@dhairya8238]

Is it true? Most likely not. Adaptive charging is part of AOSP and not just pixels. Any Android rom out there has adaptive charging so I don't think graphene would go out of their way to hold it out?

[@Moulay-IdrissSalhi]

I think there might be a way to fix google pay, by applying safetynet fix with magisk and installing a mod on top of that you can work google pay on it (it worked on lineage so idk if it might work on graphene..)

[@EverythingeeB]

The boot loader is not unlocked on GrapheneOS so that won't work.

[@mohammadnadeem5853]

Well the whole idea of switching to grapheneos would be to minimize your reliance on google. Using a google service and one that gets linked to your bank account and keeps track of your transactions would just defeat the whole purpose, wouldn't it? Its best to just use your smart banking card instead of relying on 3rd party wallets.

[@zekiz774]

@@mohammadnadeem5853No, because security is another aspect and GrapheneOS is more secure than the stock rom.

[@jmartz-ol5yp]

BINGO!

[@Daniel-hz6pt]

Don’t root your device, you’ll absolutely destroy the security model grapheneOS provides

[@JoeFitzgeraldrocks]

Appreciated this concise rundown on the features & drawbacks

[@stangurule2703]

Does graphene OS run smoother than the regular stock

[@MR-nl8xr]

I would say so. My biggest bother, is not the ones he mentioned in this video, but rather that it crashes on lots of apps for my fav store: F-Droid. I guess I will have to venture out to Aurora or something. 🤷‍♂

[@dafyddr8678]

Sounds like I want to use this GrapheneOS ! Tell me, do you know if it will allow call recording ? Great video btw and thanks.

[@izzyskywalkerr]

I rely on Google Pay's convenience and I need Android Auto compatibility for use with my Hyundai Elantra. Now Playing is a nice thing every now and again when I'm out somewhere and hear a song I like and call screening is the easiest way I have found to completely avoid about 99% of spam calls. If it weren't for those factors, I would flash my Pixel 7 Pro with GOS. I left my S22 Ultra for the 7 Pro when a widespread software bug basically turned the S22 Ultra into a paperweight since I needed a $1200 phone to do what I paid good money for it to do. I'd love to switch to GOS but for right now I'll stick with Google's stock image. Thanks for making this highly educational video! :)

[@rigierish3807]

You can make Google Pay and most of the features of the Pixel stock ROM work under GrapheneOS, you just have to root your device on top of flashing the ROM. Then, you flash a few Magisk modules and you're good to go. Most of the modules are about spoofing or faking the fact you're not using the Pixel stock ROM or that you're root, so you can use the services or install apps only made for this device/ROM.

[@hieroglyph321]

Nothing personal, but I hate Google apple pay peeps... you're always holding up the line waiting for you to sort your f@cking phones out while we just swipe a card 😂😂😂😂 seriously tho, stop that sh1t

[@willy_gooseling69]

@@hieroglyph321 nah they just dont know how to use it

[@hieroglyph321]

@@willy_gooseling69 Bad design then... happens so often... I repeat, stop that sh1t, you're holding up our lives 🤭

[@willy_gooseling69]

@@hieroglyph321 ??? It's not that hard to use, just that old people have trouble double pressing

[@NOUAMANE-F911]

I'am using RisingOs 5.2 on my Pixel 7a for 7 months, I don't see why people choose Graphene Os,it doesn't have nothing,when the other roms have everything specially RisingOs for me it focus on bringing always new features every update and also bring all pixel exclusive features available on the stock pixel rom,also bring every single thing to protect your privacy cause you can aslo disable Google play services and more if you use root acces and hide it,so big conclusion i don't see why not using other rom like RisingOs

[@pu239]

You can use google assistant to detect any song that is playing, on all smartphones, not just pixel

[@MR-nl8xr]

I can't believe this is actually a thing, for consideration on whether or not to get more Privacy on ones phone. Such gen z problems, I swear.

[@pu239]

@@MR-nl8xr it's not a privacy concern, it is button activated

[@MR-nl8xr]

@@pu239 Google OS not a privacy concern??

[@leesass3602]

Thank you, just what I was looking for!!!

[@TroubleDog54]

Very nice and simple video, thank you!

[@abta7187]

Don`t recomend to flash roms any problem and you got the brick, my last xiomi phone dies that way.

[@wews2047]

I have a questions. Does the banking apps still works? And for widevine level is it level 1 so we can still play hd vids for Netflix?

[@AI.Overlord.X]

Banking apps work. Enable compatibility mode and you're good to go.

[@JM-sn5eb]

So in graphen I can easily install Google camera and block it from accessing Internet? Will it work the same as in stock firmware?

[@EverythingeeB]

Yes

[@Ramotttholl]

Im really conflicted, i wanna either get this on a new Pixel or try a Fairphone5 with /e/os. but the main worry for me with the FP5 is its Batterylife it is even smaller then the Pixels.

[@gregbirger5810]

I'm a light user, but as a data point, I consistently get 3+ days of use between charges on my pixel 6a with GrapheneOS. Mostly voice calls and texting through Signal, no social media, very little GPS usage, lots of music streaming via bluetooth.

[@UnitedStatesSpaceForce]

If Fairphone shipped to the US I'd get it

[@Nick-bo6rz]

6a or the 7? I think in areas which have poor connectivity the benefit is the chip on the 7… Has quite a bit better reception extending battery life in those circumstances. Would you agree?

[@chind0na]

Let me try to help here. I remember changing I could take an older DoorDash app (driver) and have another app change the bundle id so there could be 2 app versions running in tandem. This can give you an idea to fix the wallet issue.

[@noc44]

Ability to fully control ALL permission of any apps should be essential functionality for every smartphones. Even in my opinion it's our right.

[@siyzerix]

Xiaomi is the other company that supports custom roms as much as google if not more. Your warranty isn't voided either from installing custom roms. And in xiaomi's case, they're often much cheaper than google with similar or better specs. Sure, the custom rom installation requires a lot more steps than graphene OS, but xiaomi gives you the tools to fully complete the steps. And you get far more choices.

[@Solarsystemrdffdfyyhh]

Really, I had so much trouble getting my note 8 pro to android 13. When did they start with rom support.

[@siyzerix]

@@Solarsystemrdffdfyyhh Xiaomi's always supported custom roms. that's why they have one of the best custom rom communities

[@Solarsystemrdffdfyyhh]

@@siyzerix my note 8 pro was hard to rom. The request was denied so I had to follow some guidelines only from India and went through that to get it unlocked. Then the only rom available for my note 8 was the pixel experience which I dint like. So I was just wondering what device you have so if I were to try it again I’d used that one.

[@siyzerix]

@@Solarsystemrdffdfyyhh I installed pixel experience on my mi mix 1. And I installed arrow OS on my poco x3 pro. Both were good rom's and extended the phone's lifespan. A classic is lineage OS. If arrow OS is available for you, its a good option too.

[@BussDee]

Thank you very much. I almost get rid of my smartphone and dont used it for ~10 years now ... but i got a wife and a young daughter now and i need some smartphone-functions to make our live a little bit easier. I will buy one of those now and try it. Thank for the short and easy to understand vid. Greeetings from Germany. #BussDee

[@EverythingeeB]

Glad this video helped you!

[@n-hexane8271]

based

[@allwellbud]

Great! I'll need this OS.

[@roigill]

Great voice bro, super calm

[@gregbirger5810]

GrapheneOS user on pixel 6a here. It's fantastic, and I would not consider going to stock pixel or any other smartphone, period. One comment - you can indeed get offline text-to-speech working, as I've done it. No ping back to google, as it is entirely offline. It took a bit of fiddling to get it initially set up, but since then it works well.

[@utubepunk]

How'd you do it?

[@gregbirger5810]

@@utubepunk I can't remember 100%, it was about a year ago when I did it, but I seem to remember having to allow internet access to gboard temporarily so it can download ~300 mb of voice, as well as activating the "faster voice typing" toggle in the Gboard settings. Once it downloaded what it needed, I disabled internet access for the Gboard app, and its worked fine since.

[@utubepunk]

@@gregbirger5810 Nice! Thanks!

[@Nick-bo6rz]

Does graphene os have any issues with connecting to regular cellular carries like at and t and Verizon / straightalk?

[@bsdslacker]

Been on graphene for 4 months, it's all good, no need to run anything else

[@KennySanchez68]

My main concern is being able to update to the next version of GrapheneOS. Will I have to plug it back into the computer and do this all over again to update or is it OTA?

[@EverythingeeB]

OTA

[@vkicheyoutube]

Is it safe to install on poco phones?

[@m7md_yt43]

You can bypass the safety net with magisk

[@yesdo8758]

There's a magisk module that can help with the safety net

[@freduah4253]

Why am I not surprise about RBC not working on that OS... I really want to try Graphene OS. I wonder if it's going to be possible to install it on other Android devices in futur.

[@nottjohn9418]

I've always gone down the LineageOS route but i like the idea of being able to grant/restrict permissions.

[@noone-ib4dv]

Banking apps issues. that can be fixed by turning on compatibily mode for that app in app info

[@sCiphre]

Not always. It's pretty tricky to pass Play Integrity attestation on grapheneos, and the level of leeway bank apps allow you varies. There's a crowdsourced table on their site and a link you can send to your bank's support to fix their shit and switch to Android hardware attestation instead, which is actually more secure.

[@txlv]

seeing ibrahim's iphone caught me so off gaurd 😭my name is ibrahim too

[@EverythingeeB]

Hi Ibrahim, I'm Ibrahim

[@garfeilf1886]

Does this OS bypasses android 13's data folder restriction? I'm really looking for an alternative that I can access data folder with normal apps as I don't want to downgrade to A10 anymore

[@EverythingeeB]

Nope. Its basically the same as stock AOSP in that regard.

[@GaneshMKarhale]

This is very important

[@ThatsDunban]

Awesome and informative video, thanks

[@merbudd]

"It's almost horrifying seeing how many permission Play Services has by default" yeah, almost as if it's the core that powers EVERY google app and a lot of system functions including maps, search, health, wearables, messages, etc...

[@fxeditors]

It is the core

[@humanperson3860]

You mentioned some users finding workarounds for android auto - do you know what community that was discussed in? I’d love to see their documentation

[@EverythingeeB]

github.com/SolidHal/Build-GrapheneOS-Microg-AndroidAuto-Oriole-Raven

[@RubberChickenMan007]

Yo, wtf am I looking at 😳. Can I get a lifeline and ask for an explanation? I'm not a tech bro.

[@BGraves]

Please hold my hand, random internet person​@@RubberChickenMan007

[@Bigdani30117]

@@RubberChickenMan007 you posted this a month ago. Android auto is now available in graphene by default lol.

[@RubberChickenMan007]

@@Bigdani30117 how does the contact import work? I just bought a 7 pro (coming from a 4 XL) and was wondering if data transfer from the 4 to the 7 (after installing GOS) was just like stock pixels in the past i.e. connect both phones via USB c cable and let the phone prompts do the rest.

[@TheDevarshiShah]

could you make in-depth video comparing GrapheneOS with CalyxOS?

[@EverythingeeB]

I don't have another Pixel unfortunately :(

[@TheDevarshiShah]

@@EverythingeeB I meant not side by side. But like using one for a week, and another one for another week, and then see which one suits and works better in different areas, mainly app compatibility and such.

[@openalternative]

CalyxOS is a scam. Don't even consider them.

[@TheDevarshiShah]

@@openalternative would you mind explaining above? ✌️

[@openalternative]

@@TheDevarshiShah , *Update Frequency.* CalyxOS has a track record of being slower to apply security and feature updates to its OS and core applications than other custom Android operating systems. Timely security updates are one of the most important factors to consider when determining whether an OS is secure enough for regular use, which is a requirement for privacy. In contrast to that, GrapheneOS manages to stay close to upstream and in some cases even deliver updates before the stock OS does. As an example, GrapheneOS's first Android 12 release was in October 2021, whereas CalyxOS moved to Android 12 in January 2022. *Sandboxed Google Play vs Privileged microG.* When Google Play Services are used on GrapheneOS, they are confined using the highly restrictive, default untrusted_app SELinux domain. As a result, you have full control as to what these apps can access via permissions, just like any other app you install. Additionally, you can selectively choose which profile(s) to install the Sandboxed Google Play in. microG is a partially open-source re-implementation of Google Play Services.1 On CalyxOS, it runs in the highly privileged system_app SELinux domain like regular Google Play Services, and it uses signature spoofing to masquerade as Google Play Services. This is less secure than Sandboxed Google Play's approach, which does not need access to sensitive system APIs. When using Sandboxed Google Play, you have the option to reroute location requests to the Play Services API back to the OS location API, which uses satellite based location services. With microG, you have the option to choose between different backend location providers, including shifting trust to another location backend, like Mozilla; using DejaVu, a location backend that locally collects and saves RF-based location data to an offline database which can be used when GPS is not available; or to simply not use a network location backend at all. Network location providers like Play Services or Mozilla rely on the MAC addresses of surrounding WiFi access points and Bluetooth devices being submitted for location approximation. Choosing a network location like Mozilla to use with microG provides little to no privacy benefit over Google because you are still submitting the same data and trusting them to not profile you. Local RF location backends like DejaVu require that the phone has a working GPS first for the local RF data collected to be useful. This makes them less effective as location providers, as the job of a location provider is to assist location approximation when satellite based services are not working. If your threat model requires protecting your location or the MAC addresses of nearby devices, rerouting location requests to the OS location API is probably the best option. The benefit brought by microG's custom location backend is minimal at best when compared to Sandboxed Google Play. In terms of application compatibility, Sandboxed Google Play on GrapheneOS is always going to be more compatible as it is the same code as what is released by Google. microG is a reimplementation of these services. As a result, it only supports the various parts that have been reimplemented, meaning some things such as Google Play Games and In-app Billing API are not yet supported. Larger apps, especially games, require Play Asset Delivery to be installed, which is currently not implemented in microG. Authentication using FIDO with online services on Android also relies on Play Services, and does not currently work with microG. *Privileged eSIM Activation Application.* Currently, eSIM activation is tied to a privileged proprietary application by Google. The app has the READ_PRIVILEGED_PHONE_STATE permission, giving Google access to your hardware identifiers such as the IMEI. On GrapheneOS, the app comes disabled and you can optionally enable it after installing Sandboxed Google Play. On CalyxOS, the app comes installed by default (regardless of whether you choose to have microG or not) and you cannot opt-out. This means that Google still has access to your hardware identifiers regardless of whether or not you need eSIM activation and they can be accessed persistently. *Privileged App Extensions.* Android 12 comes with special support for seamless app updates with third-party app stores. The popular Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) repository F-Droid doesn't implement this feature and requires a privileged extension to be included with the Android distribution in order to have unattended app updates. CalyxOS includes the privileged extension, which may lower device security. On the other hand, GrapheneOS officially recommends Sandboxed Google Play instead. Many FOSS Android apps are also in Google's Play Store but sometimes they are not (like NewPipe). In those cases, you can keep up with updates using RSS. *Profiles.* GrapheneOS significantly improves user profiles in multiple ways, such as increasing the limit of how many profiles you can create (32 instead of the standard 4), allowing you to log out of user profiles, disabling app installation, and notification forwarding. All of these improvements make it so user profiles can be daily driven without sacrificing too much usability. CalyxOS doesn't feature any improvements to user profiles over AOSP, and instead includes a device controller app so that the work profile can be used without needing to download a third party app such as Shelter. However, work profiles are not nearly as flexible (as you're limited to only one) and don't provide the same amount of isolation and security. *Additional Hardening.* GrapheneOS improves upon AOSP security with: *Hardened WebView:* Vanadium WebView requires 64-bit processes on the WebView process and disables legacy 32-bit processes. It uses hardened compiler options such as -fwrapv and -fstack-protector-strong, which can help protect against stack buffer overflows. APIs such as the battery status API are disabled for privacy reasons. All system apps on GrapheneOS use the Vanadium WebView which means that apps which use WebView will also benefit from Vanadium's hardening. The Vanadium patch set is a lot more comprehensive than CalyxOS's Chromium patch set which is derived from it. *Hardened Kernel:* GrapheneOS kernel includes some hardening from the linux-hardened project and the Kernel Self Protection Project (KSPP). CalyxOS uses the same kernel as regular Android with some minor modifications. *Hardened Memory Allocator:* GrapheneOS uses the hardened malloc subproject as its memory allocator. This focuses on hardening against memory heap corruption. CalyxOS uses the default AOSP Scudo Malloc, which is generally less effective. Hardened Malloc has uncovered vulnerabilities in AOSP which have been fixed by GrapheneOS such as CVE-2021-0703. *Secure Exec Spawning:* GrapheneOS spawns fresh processes as opposed to using the Zygote model used by AOSP and CalyxOS. The Zygote model weakens Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and is considered less secure. Creating fresh processes is safer but will have some performance penalty when launching a new application. These penalties are not really noticeable unless you have an old device with slow storage such as the Pixel 3a/3a XL as it has eMMC. Please note that these are just a few examples and are not an extensive list of GrapheneOS's hardening. For a more complete list, please read GrapheneOS' official documentation. Source: PrivacyGuides ORG.

[@Nrustica]

I used Google wallet tonight, that probably doesn't work in grapheneos either. Several of my banking apps are wonky AF in regular android. Having nfc payment compatibility will make it take off. Seems mean and lean

[@SashoSuper]

I don't use graphine os, but i was able to just deletete the play store thing like it is something normal to do. I don't know how it happened.

[@aname-kg3cb]

you disabled it probably. It is not for samsungs. My old moto g5s plus could do that. surprisingly, my nothing phone 2a can disable all of the google apps. Pretty cool but there is no graphene os for this phone as mtk processors suck ass

[@Nikzww187]

good review thanks

[@EverythingeeB]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheCunneen]

15 years ago I ditched windows fro Linux. Microsoft was becoming way to controlling not to mention the security problems having to constantly upgrade, update and virus scanning etc I'm at a point where I hate how Google controls everything about my phone . Even my phone contacts don't work without google enabled so I'm moving on.. I hope Graphene is my new Linux

[@Kali9030]

What about the messaging apps? like Messenger, WhatsApp etc?

[@rajeshkrishnan2945]

This is the most relevant video that one needs to watch! ❤

[@maximasforrester8689]

Can't you just use a pixel ui launcher and keep the graphene os?

[@Gucky-pi1uq]

Finally - everything which is tracking me does not work. I am fine with that! Graphene is a great choice beside of the analog world!

[@DroidEverything]

Gotta try that !!!

[@ulas-2023]

What about Ubuntu Touch and Replicant?

[@fellapuz3616]

Hows the battery backup on grapheneos?

[@johnmclaren3221]

Any changes in battery while on graphene on pixel 5 comparing to stock?

[@EverythingeeB]

I would assume yes because you don't have all those Google services running in the background

[@medleysa]

Yes battery is improved. It’s not earth shattering but it is noticeably better if you disable services and apps from running in the background

[@Aggressive.Mediocrity]

Custom ronlms don't have fm radio app

[@Hasmatix]

Can you enable 120hz

[@Rickkhry]

Hey wouldnt magisk bypass safetynet checks and make all the downsides of grapheneos disappear?

[@iffracem]

I'd love to give it a go, as I only use a mobile for 1. A fone (funny about that), 2. bluetooth music to the car stereo, 3. rarely a GPS map, 4. even more rarely, a camera. (there is no way on this planet I would trust Alphabet (who own Google and Android) or Apple with my banking details). But honestly, having to pay upwards of $1100 Australian for a base model Pixel to start with isn't going to happen. Apple or Samsung fanboi's might be OK paying that, but not this guy. The last mobile I had lasted 8-1/2 years, was still going great until I bragged about how long lasting it was and dropped it the next day, smashing it. That'll teach me. I fact I still have the first "smart phone" I ever bought, an Asus/Garmin that I got for it's great Garmin GPS mapping system and decent for the time sound I used on the motorbike. But nobody supports Android 2 any more, and 3G is going the way of the dinosaurs. Battery even still holds full charge, and it 's removable/replaceable. I'm definitely not part of the throwaway consumer society, I only change things when I have to, not to have the "latest greatest" shiny toy that honestly does not do very much, (if at all) better than the last model. Guess I'm a dinosaur as well.

[@genericdude6551]

I would prefer that all phones could be rooted and allowed to use whatever firmware one wants. But I am considering getting rid of my Galaxy S21 but only after confirming that a Pixel running Graphene is satisfactory for my needs.

[@xh4rmy]

wdym theres no way to make google pay work? there are magisk patches that are specifically made for devices to pass safetynet check + the banking app that was crashing doesnt work probably because of the same safetynet check

[@EverythingeeB]

GrapheneOS locks the bootloader after install and the devs have said that unlocking it and rooting the phone is not a good idea.

[@xh4rmy]

​@@EverythingeeBok yeah i see, too bad for tinfoil hat devs and their users

[@stannygtech6537]

I might try it.

[@everyone01]

Willing to do it myself, only issue is i have samsung phone and knox security will break

[@kevinwong_2016]

You can't install it on Samsung anyway💀

[@chris64k]

idek what google pay or android auto is so basically theres no catch. looks pretty good so far to me

[@markyfromars]

There might be Pixel Experience or ArrowOS for You device

[@paulobrien4139]

Is it actually simple to use for a newbie to smartphones? My Mum needs to upgrade phones because she only has a 3G device at rhe moment (the 3G network is being closed down on Australia). I want a simple OS interface where she is constantly getting updates & notifications - these are actually what 'throw' the oldies....

[@EverythingeeB]

I wouldn't say it's very simple for old people. Just use the stock ROM if you want them to not have any problems whatsoever

[@Whatreally123]

Last time i tried flashing a ROM, my banking app didnt work. So had to go back to factory rom. Hopefully that doesnt happen with Graphene OS.

[@Nick-bo6rz]

Let me know how it pans out my guy

[@Sajgi]

I am still amazed people install graphineOS and then install botnet from Google again. What's the point of installing graphineOS in the first place.

[@EverythingeeB]

The point is for sandboxing the app permissions. On regular Android, Play Services is treated as a privileged app and it has access to a bunch of horrifying permissions. GrapheneOS helps you limit the amount of perms GPS gets.

[@yohaneschristianp]

Choice

[@yohaneschristianp]

Also not installing Google apps as system apps matters, they are not privileged apps anymore.

[@Soawano]

R move 🐑 mode

[@justinw7323]

I have lineage os with Nikgapps core on my phone. So I can sync my contacts.

[@yourlocalfestivefurry354]

Can you still use the touch plate on the back to bring down your notif screen? that was my favourite feature about the pixel

[@EverythingeeB]

Yes you can! It is an awesome feature IMO. I will be sad to let it go when I upgrade from this phone.

[@yourlocalfestivefurry354]

@@EverythingeeB my new phone will definitely be a pixel with graph then :D

[@_Sepherial]

Can GrapheneOS be installed on a Samsung Note II?

[@TekkamanBlade4ever]

1) will this allow you to uninstall pre-installed stock apps (bloatware) that are normally uninstallable? 2) will this work on Samsung phones?

[@EverythingeeB]

Yes for 1 and no for 2