CalyxOS got the most recent security patch (as of now, July 2024) on 3rd of July, and rolled out to Stable on the 5th. This patch was released on the 1st of July. I will be honest and say this barely made it, but as noted above, they are very timely with updates.
If we are talking strictly Play Services, then Calyx meets this criteria. It uses microG instead ofc, and it is opt in. The user has a choice to disable it on first setup.
No Play Services, so no system modification required.
So based plainly on the criteria, I have no reason to believe Calyx shouldn’t be recommended. At least for criteria 2, it actually beats DivestOS since DivestOS does have a handful of devices without bootloader relocking (example - Devices - DivestOS Mobile).
CalyxOS gives F-Droid special privileges to streamline app updates, installs, and uninstalls.
This is totally useless and dangerous. F-droid basic perform background updates like a charm (no need to even open the app and no long download time like Obtainium and Aurora Store), this with only the autorisations to install apps.
Also, I wouldn’t say Microg is “opt-in”, as it is the recommended option.
When you first start your phone, you will be given several options for the microg implementation on your device.
We recommend the default option, microG enabled, no Google Account, push notifications enabled.
BTW, I see no point in recommending CalyxOX, as Divest OS already supports a wide range of phones.
Just as a side note, the criteria list of things a product or service should have to be considered, checking all things on the list does not mean it will be recommended.
I based myself on the documentation, which still points out that F-Droid is privileged, but I have now learned that Calyx actually sponsored F-Droid Basic, so good to know.
Great, but saying you cannot run Youtube is a bit misleading. Sure, you cannot run the Youtube app, but the web app works very well.
BTW, does Calyx still has a privileged microg ? DivestOS doesn’t, which I think is a better way of doing things. Microg doesn’t need sensor access for exam
Well, it’s been a while since this thread was updated. What is the state if CalyxOS these days? Maybe this subject should be revisited and considered. Or, maybe PG could reach out to Calyx with their concerns
I realize it is not as good as grapheneOS. However, considering DivestOS just ended, maybe PG should reconsider listing it, with a disclaimer on it’s disadvantages. The reality is that many people cannot afford Pixel devices, and I think PG needs to consider that fact. A great recommendation (grapheneOS) isn’t useful if someone can’t actually use it.
CalyxOS supports only 6 devices more than GrapheneOS, it really is not a big step forward but if you find to have one of those devices then it could be a nice stock replacement. If you own a Pixel GOS is a no brainer.
DivestOS didn’t even compete with CalyxOS. Divest had broad device support, which was a big reason why it was suggested. Calyx supports just a few more devices compared to GrapheneOS (all of those are insecure though). DivestOS’s place would be better suited for LineageOS IF ANYTHING because they at least have some common focus on device compatibility despite the neverending list of issues with LineageOS.
I’m not a custom ROM user so I don’t have a favorite in this fight.
But from an objective perspective, if CalyxOS meets all PG’s requirements and is usable on more devices than GOS I don’t see why it would be excluded.
Signal and SimpleX are both recommended. So is Tuta and Proton. Why not two Custom ROMs that offer better privacy and security than the stock OS’s on the devices they support?
Especially with the backing of the Calyx Foundation providing a level of likely longevity and support resources most FOSS projects inherently lack.
I can’t comment on whether CalyxOS should or shouldn’t be recommended, but @Breeze7846 still has a good point on affordability. Buying used Google Pixels are cheap-ish upfront, but if you account for how long they’re guaranteed to last you still run into an affordability issue because you’ll continuously need to play catch-up in buying phones more regularly. I wrote a more in-depth price comparison for anyone interested.
There was a thread on budget android hardware that didn’t reach an ideal conclusion. If Pixels are too expensive you were left with choosing between a Samsung Galaxy or DivestOS. Seeing that it’s now dead, maybe CalyxOS could take it’s place?
A Pixel 8a can be had for something like 350 USD which comes out to less than 5 bucks a month for the 6 years and 4 months that it will be supported from now. Frankly that is quite accessible to most people even if the flagship Pixels are significantly more expensive. It makes much more sense to run a genuinely secure and private OS like GrapheneOS on that than to buy a marginally cheaper device running CalyxOS.
Signal and Simplex have both strengths and weaknesses compared to each other. Which is not the case for CalyxOS. It under-performs in most metrics to iOS, PixelOS, and even to OneUI.
Only accurate in first world countries, and if you buy used you typically cannot split into multiple payments so it’s a big investment, and in something that won’t even have a warranty because it’s used.
Please explain what you mean by first world countries, it’s an outdated term which referred to the US and its allies during the cold war. It’s not clear what countries you are referring to.
I fail to see how a cheaper device with zero privacy or security is better than a slightly more expensive device. Although I think 350 USD is great value for what you get.
In my country, a brand new Pixel 8a with warranty is selling at around $600 ± $50, not $350.
If money is the problem for the person, compared to Galaxy A16 5G that’s selling at $180 with 6 years support, or a year old phone A25 at the same price, but with 4 years support left and a lot better spec. These phone are no brainer to get a decent secure phone that can be used for a long time. And the price also goes down by the time, while the stock support time goes up, custom ROM makes much less sense, unless the benefit is real like GOS.
Pixel is not selling here officially, and also not many place around the globe, so the price goes up depending on the importer.
It certainly is. No need to exlcude iOS. By your metric iOS is just as bad as PixelOS. They only have first party tracking and its to the same degree. OneUI is worse but it still provides a better foundation for a reasonably good setup than CalyxOS.
(And I’m talking about the OS itself, excluding OEM services for a fair comparison. Many of the issues with stock os, that people criticise are entirely opt-in features/services)
