What should I know with phones for GrapheneOS

Questions
1

I want to get a second phone to have GrapheneOS on it, so I will be buying a second hand Google Pixel 8. What should I know to avoid when buying it second hand, what things should I avoid, what should I look for?

For example, I hard something about what kind of carrier you get it from, if I should go for a Pixel of just another kind of Android phone.

And if any one could help further, what are some good separations from my normal iPhone that I should move to this phone? Would it be some of my online aliases? Or more personal stuff/irl stuff? Total newbie here!

2

The most likely issue you’ll find with a secondhand sale is whether the phone is Bootloader Unlocked or not. Some carriers (mostly in the US from what I’ve heard) lock down the phones to prevent alternate OSes from being installed, and the lock might not be removable even if the physical device is separated from the carrier.

Only Pixel phones are currently supported

Also, it’s GrapheneOS, not GraphiteOS (unless graphite is some other, more obscure OS I haven’t heard of?).

3

Thank you for noticing! I changed my spelling mistake. Do you know how I can spot these kinds of things in the US?

4

Buying second hand phones makes you vulnerable to a supply chain attack, involving compromised hardware (although it is pretty much unlikely). I’d reconmend buying a brand new one directly from Google whenever possible.

Also make sure it is unlocked, not tied to a specific carrier.

The grapheneOS’ site has extensive documentation about their OS. You should probably go thorough them befire buying Pixel, and find out whether it suits your needs.

5

What price range are you looking at? 9a or 10a might be a better deal based on support time.

For example, buying pixel 6 for $100 is worse than buying Pixel 10a for $700 because the 6 is out of support in a year and the 10a is out of support in 7 years. 10a actually goes for $400-450 open box on eBay in USA so it’s probably the best option for price to performance.

Of course if immediate price is a blocker you will be forced to go cheaper.

Listing that says factory unlocked/bootloader unlocked /fully unlocked will work. Can also message seller. Anything from Verizon avoid.

6

Price range is not that high, I want to try it out first. I found a google Pixel 8 for 220, witch is around my price range. What do you think?

7

I’d go for it and also make sure to explicitly ask the seller that the phone is carrier unlocked AND bootloader unlocked.

8

What if I am not able to contact them myself?

Also, is there any way to emulate the OS to try it before I use it?

9

If you’re buying it used, there’s really no other way to confirm. Especially if you want to know if it’s bootloader unlocked.

I don’t know about emulating the OS. Maybe you can get a past supported pixel version, install GOS on it, and test drive from there.

10

Unlocked Pixels with free shipping if you dont mind using a credit card / Paypal

Check if the IMEI has been reported stolen