Hi all – what’s the current advice/recommendation for non-Pixel users?
I’m leaning towards LineageOS, but the unlocked bootloader is a concern. e/OS and IodeOS don’t instill me with much confidence either. CalyxOS isn’t maintained anymore, according to its website.
I can’t afford to switch to a Pixel, so please don’t suggest that.
What device do you have?
What’s your phone model and Android version?
If it’s still receiving updates, just keep the stock OS and try to use the phone as little as possible. I’d also try to use apps like Signal, etc.
Whichever phone you have and compatibility with ROM’s is the big factor here, but there’s a privacy vs. security trade off that makes the decision more complicated than simply what works.
I’ve said before I have a midrange Samsung phone.
I’ve taken the opposite approach with it. Advanced Protection is enabled, Samsung Auto-Blocker is enabled, if I can block or disable something I don’t like I’ve probably already done it.
But I’m also stuck on the Samsung ROM and while I liked F-Droid and am fully against how Google is implementing verification and the bypasses, I currently can’t side-load anything.
Most of my personal stuff is on Apple or Linux, I mainly use the Samsung for work and I wouldn’t really call it private. But I’m pretty sure it’s still in the top percentile in terms of privacy and security. If for no other reason that I try to keep up with updates and dig through settings that impact privacy or security where possible.
Use whatever you have.