Any privacy-focused phone picks?

Questions
1

My father promised me that, this year, he will buy me a new phone. I’m from Brazil, and because he finds a Google Pixel far too expensive, he didn’t even promise me to buy one. As such, GrapheneOS or CalyxOS are both out of the table.

And I’m trapped in a Catch-22 situation. With those issues, there is also the fact that I can’t switch to a dumb phone because I rely on my phone banking (yes, I have a bank account while being a minor) and communication.

With that out of the way, I want good choices for privacy-focused phones that can be bought in Brazil (because I don’t know if he’ll buy an imported phone). It can’t be too expensive, or else my dad just won’t buy it for me.

2

Look into the base model iPhone 17. They added memory tagging this year and the graphene devs have called it the second best option after graphene for privacy and security.

2 Likes
3

Would the pixel 9a not be an option? Not sure of the availability or price in Brazil.

1 Like
4

That is true. I would go with either of those options. The P9A with GOS is also a very good budget option.

5

not that i disagree with you, but wouldn’t an iphone 17 be out of budget if the pixel is too for them?

4 Likes
6

It would be best to define the upper limit to determine what the best possible option would be.

7

Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer. It depends on when he finishes his credit card payments, and he doesn’t guarantee anything. I’d say it can range from $99 to $299. Any options?

8

It would. It’s even more expensive than a Pixel, and it’s not like he’ll pay even more.

9

you can find a used pixel A model for that price range, and load it with grapheneOS. i even saw a base pixel 7 for less than 200 USD. just do your own research to make sure they’re completely carrier unlocked so you have no issues with bootloader

10

Google pixels are not officially sold in Brazil Learn about devices & services available in your region - Google Store Help . There’s a heavier import cost attached to them because of it. iPhones don’t have this problem and some of them (the 16e) are actually manufactured in Brazil.

1 Like
11

I’m from Brasil too and AFAIK, and someone correct me if I’m wrong, your best option would be an iPhone. Even an used one would do. I was in the same situation as you, trying to import a Pixel but it’s too expensive for the hassle and risks. Went with an iPhone 11. It’s still supported and is relatively private, in comparison to stock android. My only complaints are the required apple account and some iOS customization stuff. Other than that, it is kinda ok.

12

If waiting is an option, there is speculation that GrapheneOS is going to support more devices, but that news is some months old at least, and no more info has been published in the meantime. Also, it could take months or even years for it to be effectively released.

13

It’s a good choice to make considering your optuons with it unable to import a pixel

just FYI I have worked and are updating my project (see Suggestions for System app replacements for upcoming adb script (Targeting stock android)) for replacing stock apps to FOSS with the open door to do further debloating on your device to improve privacy and security, I’ve even got the name for it

I was gonna share it under the Project Showcase and not say anything but It’s still not being approved to show it off properly and don’t wanna spoil further beyond this point

1 Like