Wild Bill

What phone brand do you like the best?

https://midwest.social/post/10198542

What phone brand do you like the best? - midwest.social

*In terms of privacy, customisation, camera quality, and battery time. For the longest time I have only used either iPhone or Samsung. I plan on switching to Android for the next phone I get, but I find that Samsung phones are often too big for me and put too much energy on camera quality (I don’t take many photos). I have started to look into brands such as Nokia and Motorola, and I would like to know what you guys think of them. Additionally, do you suggest any other phone brands aside from them? My biggest priorities are privacy and long battery time. Bonus if the phone can run LineageOS (I have excluded Graphene as they are only compatible with Pixel phones). Thank you for any answers. Cheers!

Mar 23, 2024 at 2:54pmWeb
Show threadWhereGrapesMayRuleMar 23, 2024
Conair was always my favorite
Show threadPanaXMar 23, 2024
I’ve always liked the Stromberg Carlson Fiddleback myself.
Show threadTCB13Mar 23, 2024
The irony of using Android is that if you want privacy and security you’ll have to buy a Pixel phone. Everything else is either less secure or harder to install alternative systems.
Show threadWild BillMar 23, 2024
In that case, would you not recommend Motorola? I’m not very well versed on their terms of privacy, and I really like the way they look and how seemingly good the battery is, but if it’s considered unsafe or full of malware then I might need to look other ways.
Show threadCausticFlamesMar 23, 2024

The problem is that GrapheneOS really, truly, actually is the only way to get even reasonable levels of privacy on a mobile device right now.

That sounds so much like a shill statement, and it seems that way from others too I’m sure. But its true. If you understand anything at all that happens under the hood of an operating system and android in general, GrapheneOS is the ONLY option for actual privacy and security. And the unfortunate part, is that only Pixels are supported by this.

Show threadWild BillMar 23, 2024
I will read more into this, but it sounds reasonable. If I were to get a Pixel, is there any particular model I should get or does it not matter? Does Graphene support all models?
Show threadBlackRingMar 23, 2024
GrapheneOS supports recent Pixels. I think right now they are supporting the 5a and later, with legacy and extended support back to the 4.
Show threadsugar_in_your_teaMar 23, 2024

In general, they stop providing updates when Google does. Check both to be sure, but newer is better if you want longer support.

I’m going Google will launch a Pixel 8a in a couple months so I can either get it or the 8 at a discount.

Show threadTrebachMar 23, 2024
For posterity and nuance, here's the answer from their site: Which devices are supported? but you're right for the most part.
GrapheneOS Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about GrapheneOS.

GrapheneOS
Show threadTCB13Mar 23, 2024

Read this: grapheneos.org/faq#device-support

Unlike others, Graphene has very strict requirements when it comes to devices to ensure you’re safe.

As usual if you’re looking to have any security (Verified boot) GrapheneOS + Pixel phone is the only options. I really don’t get it how come people in places like this are okay with having a phone with all their personal data and logins without verified boot. Stolen / lost phone and game over.

Calyx, for instance, isn’t as good as GrapheneOS, they do a lot of snitching on you (including to Google and Mozilla) and they overlook critical details such as this one allowing the OS to contact 3rd parties such as Qualcomm.

Other phone brands, let’s say Fairphone just don’t make thing right. Fairphone guys have been petitioned multiples times to open their platform and/or collaborate with projects such as GrapheneOS and CalyxOS so user can have private and secure phones but they don’t care.

CalyxOS does support the Fairphone 4 however that’s only due to the persistence and reverse engineering efforts of the CalyxOS project / community. If you decide to use it you won’t have a secure bootloader anymore due to a bug in Fairphone’s firmware that they choose not to fix. That’s how “fair” the “Fairphone” really is.

Here is more relevant information for you from here:

XTRA is technology offered by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. in the US and QT Technologies Ireland Limited in the European Economic Area to improve mobile device performance. XTRA downloads a data file from Qualcomm containing the predicted orbits of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites. Using the XTRA data file reduces the time the device needs to calculate its location, thus saving time and battery power when using location-based applications. Newer versions of the XTRA software also upload a small amount of data to us. We use the uploaded data for purposes described in this Policy, such as maintaining and improving the quality, security, and integrity of the service. XTRA uploads the following data types: a randomly generated unique ID, the chipset name and serial number, XTRA software version, the mobile country code and network code (allowing identification of country and wireless operator), the type of operating system and version, device make and model, the time since the last boot of the application processor and modem, and a list of our software on the device

Before you say this is the CPU’s fault, it isn’t, at least on its own. GrapheneOS also deals with this kind of stuff and has patches and options so you can block it.

GrapheneOS Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about GrapheneOS.

GrapheneOS
Show threadMazokuMar 23, 2024

Calyx does a lot of snitching on you

That is certainly over dramatic for what is in that article. All they do with Google is trivial things like updating your systems internal clock. A large portion of what is in that article is able to be disabled and prevented by not using Micro-G.

There seems to be massive beef and drama between Calyx and Graphene communities, I have no idea what any of that is about, but this dramatization doesn’t help.

Show threadTCB13Mar 24, 2024

That is certainly over dramatic for what is in that article. All they do with Google is trivial things like updating your systems internal clock

No it’s not… calyxos.org/docs/guide/…/network-activity/ and even if it “only” updating your clock, don’t you think that google adds that info to their database? I’m sure they’ll at least log your IP and try to cross with your other google queries to know who you are. Mind that with the IP you get an approximate location. It also contacts SUPL for GPS and Remote Key Provisioning that opens the door for you to become hostage of Google in certain situations.

There seems to be massive beef and drama between Calyx and Graphene communities, I have no idea what any of that is about, but this dramatization doesn’t help.

This is not dramatization, Calyx is good in some aspect, way better than everything else stock and whatnot, but they overlook important details as described before.

Network Activity

Explanation of the network activity on a fresh CalyxOS install

Show threadCausticFlamesMar 23, 2024
Grapehene has historically offered extended support, but for the longest support time the pixel 8 isnt a bad option. The 7a is also I think the king of budget phones right now but the 8 is on sale for a few hundred off the last I checked :)
Show threadTCB13Mar 23, 2024

And the unfortunate part, is that only Pixels are supported by this.

Because unlike the Fairphone guys google actually plays fairly and builds a decent phone with security in mind.

What phone brand do you like the best? - Lemmy.World

*In terms of privacy, customisation, camera quality, and battery time. For the longest time I have only used either iPhone or Samsung. I plan on switching to Android for the next phone I get, but I find that Samsung phones are often too big for me and put too much energy on camera quality (I don’t take many photos). I have started to look into brands such as Nokia and Motorola, and I would like to know what you guys think of them. Additionally, do you suggest any other phone brands aside from them? My biggest priorities are privacy and long battery time. Bonus if the phone can run LineageOS (I have excluded Graphene as they are only compatible with Pixel phones). Thank you for any answers. Cheers!

Show threadTCB13Mar 23, 2024

This isn’t about malware, it’s about how much you value your data and how likely it is for a mobile phone to be lost / stolen. GrapheneOS + Pixel phone is the only true option if you want any kind of ensure that even of the device is lost your data won’t be accessed.

Details here: lemmy.world/comment/8732695

What phone brand do you like the best? - Lemmy.World

*In terms of privacy, customisation, camera quality, and battery time. For the longest time I have only used either iPhone or Samsung. I plan on switching to Android for the next phone I get, but I find that Samsung phones are often too big for me and put too much energy on camera quality (I don’t take many photos). I have started to look into brands such as Nokia and Motorola, and I would like to know what you guys think of them. Additionally, do you suggest any other phone brands aside from them? My biggest priorities are privacy and long battery time. Bonus if the phone can run LineageOS (I have excluded Graphene as they are only compatible with Pixel phones). Thank you for any answers. Cheers!

Show threadCorngoodMar 23, 2024

GrapheneOS + Pixel phone is the only true option if you want any kind of ensure that even of the device is lost your data won’t be accessed.

I think that’s an exaggeration. You don’t need secure boot for your data to be encrypted. What secure boot prevents is someone modifying the device without your knowledge (e.g. to capture your keys).

Show threadTCB13Mar 23, 2024
Yes, and if they capture your keys what happens? They get to your data.
Show threadSir_KevinMar 23, 2024
I can’t speak for privacy interworkings but Motorola makes it very easy to unlock the bootloader. I’m a fan of Xiaomi as well but my current Motorola is doing everything I need it to do and wasn’t expensive at all.
Show threadTFO WinderMar 23, 2024

This irony shows the superiority of Google.

They monopolize without having intention of monopoly.

It’s admirable

Show threadhagelslagerMar 23, 2024
I don’t recall it was hard to install IodéOS on a Fairphone 4.
Show threadTCB13Mar 23, 2024
It isn’t, but it isn’t also secure. Your bootloader is easily compromised and people can get to your data in no time.
Show threadhagelslagerMar 23, 2024
True, since Fairphone’s focus seems to be on fairness in the hardware. I wish they were better on the software side as well.
Show threadTCB13Mar 23, 2024
Me too.
Show threadLWDMar 23, 2024

Fairphone should also work on the fairness side of things, because they dropped the headphone jack and, with a heavy heart I’m sure, started selling unfair Lithium Earbuds…

Their reasoning was, in part, people who bought their modular repairable phone said it was too big.

Show threadRogue1633Mar 23, 2024
I think if Fairphones get GrapheneOS support, it would be a no brainer for many. A phone you can repair yourself, which is fairly produced, with the safety and the absence of Google from GrapheneOS would be a good combo
Show threadFutileRecipeMar 23, 2024

I think if Fairphones get GrapheneOS support…

Then Fairphone needs to up their hardware security and software support. GrapheneOS has minimum requirements that vendors must meet for GrapheneOS to support them, and Fairphone doesn’t measure up. Only Pixels do, at the moment.

Show threadRoseMar 23, 2024
Why is this a problem? Buy one used if buying from Google is a problem. Then flash.
Show threadTCB13Mar 24, 2024
Yes, there’s no problem. I was just stating that the irony is that if you want privacy and security you’ll have to pick a google made device because the others will fail one way or another in some important detail.
Show threadMrSoupMar 23, 2024

The downside of Google Pixels is that they don’t have jack connector and sd slot.

But I accepted the deal just to use GrapheneOS. Sometimes the battery lasts 3 days without being recharged.

Show threadauthMar 23, 2024
another good place to buy a used one is swappa.com
Swappa

Swappa | Buy and sell used technology.

Show threadUndulyUnrulyMar 23, 2024

Unfortunately, buying from outside US, although possible, is a pain in the neck. You need agreement with the seller AND use a freight forwarder.

Swappa is a US-based marketplace. Sellers located outside the United States cannot create listings on Swappa. International buyers can buy on Swappa if they provide a US shipping address and use a US-based payment source.

Show threadsugar_in_your_teaMar 23, 2024

Yup, I honestly don’t care about the special features on the Pixel (esp camera), I literally only want it because of GrapheneOS and longer term software support.

I would love it if the GrapheneOS project made their own phone and supported it for a really long time. Maybe coordinate with Fairphone or something, IDK.

Show threadInternetCitizen2Mar 25, 2024
Same
Show threadTurtleTourPartyMar 24, 2024
Which pixel is getting you that battery life? My 6 has been struggling to make it through a day on GrapheneOS recently.
Show threadMrSoupMar 24, 2024

6a. Though I don’t use the phone that much, most of the battery is drained by Telegram FOSS.

Here are two old screenshots:

Show threadSeramisVMar 24, 2024
Do you use the google play services and/or the alternate user accounts?
Show threadMrSoupMar 24, 2024
No, I’m Google free for at least 5 years now. I only have Aurora Store for the PS App.
Show threadSeramisVMar 24, 2024

Ooh that might be why your battery is so good. The Google services do eat up a lot of charge it seems.

On the google free, I’m not perfect but I’m def conscious, and already am using mostly foss apps. The rest is just social media I can’t really avoid. Thanks for the proposition though!

Show threadSeramisVMar 24, 2024
Have 6a and I actually got the same battery results as you
Show threadcaesaravgvstvsMar 23, 2024

I’ve asked a similar question not long ago and the consensus was pixel, even though I had already ruled them out in my question.

I still haven’t changed phones but I’m leaning on a nothing 2a, since it’s reasonably priced for the storage that I want.

However, I’ve been looking at phones based on the specs I want and check XDA forums and see how active they are, in the hopes I get a phone popular enough that has long term community support

Show threadvikingMar 23, 2024

OnePlus.

I’d never buy Samsung again, they are full of bloat and make it excessively hard to unlock the bootloader and get root access or install an alternative OS.

Show threadTommy WangMar 23, 2024
@[email protected] @[email protected]
I had multiple OnePlus phones and I still think it's the best Android phone on the market with great CP. But I am currently using Moto X40, great experience too.
Show threadvikingMar 23, 2024
Oh that’s good to know, thanks! I’ve read that from the OnePlus 12 onwards there won’t be a localized OxygenOS anymore, only ColorOS, which is full of China-bloat. I’m still happy with the 10 Pro, but when the time comes and this holds true, I’ll be looking for alternatives.
Show threadmetaldreamMar 25, 2024
Samsung support is also a straight up scam. They straight up lie to your face about how they’re getting ready to send you a replacement, and then ghost you. I hope the feds sue them too but I’m not holding my breath. We filled a complaint with our state’s AG and fuck all came of it.
Show threadJoe BidetMar 23, 2024
pine64 because freedom.
Show threadMrSoupMar 23, 2024
You can’t just recommend Pinephone.
It is at best an half baked device.
Show threadsugar_in_your_teaMar 23, 2024

I’d love a Pinephone, but that’s not happening until it’s usable as a phone, meaning:

  • MMS
  • decent call audio
  • reliable wake up from suspend
  • decent battery life

I don’t even care about the camera working, fingerprint sensors, etc. I literally just want a phone that works reliably as a phone with super long term software support.

Show threadleanleftMar 29, 2024
it ha physical killswitchs. thats pretty appealing if u need that.
Show thread𝔫𝕖𝚖ƴ᥉Mar 23, 2024
@clark
Google Pixel with GrapheneOS
@privacy
Show threadebits21Mar 23, 2024

casts protect

iPhone

Show threadEntropyPureMar 23, 2024

In regards to stock systems, I agree.

Been stuck in the convenient ecosystem for a while, and I cope by telling myself Apple makes the bulk of its money with hardware and services. Not ads like Google. But if I would start over from zero, I think Graphene OS and Linux would be the way. But migrating the whole family away from our current Apple line up - I dread that challenge.

Show threadsugar_in_your_teaMar 23, 2024
Eh, you can always start with yourself. Let the rest make their own decisions.
Show threadPussistaMar 24, 2024
The thing about the Apple experience is that it doesn’t only integrate well among your own devices, but also others. Being isolated from that can be pretty challenging, especially if you are the only one in the family. Unless you come up with a whole marketing concept to make the change seem attractive to other (not techy) family members, you’d be cycling uphill.
Show threadsugar_in_your_teaMar 24, 2024

Can you be more specific?

I’ve heard this argument, but AFAIK the main things are iMessage and FaceTime. I don’t know about your family, but I generally don’t want FaceTime most of the time. I haven’t used iMessage, but it seems like Signal is a drop in replacement, and the benefits are compatibility with Android and desktop apps for Windows and Linux.

Perhaps the play is to switch one app at a time. That’s what I’m going to try to get ready to leave Android for Linux phones (assuming they’ll be daily-driveable at some point).

Show threadmetaldreamMar 25, 2024
There’s the little sm things like airdrop as well
Show threadsugar_in_your_teaMar 25, 2024

I guess there’s not a super convenient alternative, but maybe something like Syncthing would be close enough?

But yeah, any kind of data synchronization or resource sharing is a little awkward.

Show threadPussistaMar 25, 2024
iMessage and FaceTime are really not that relevant outside the US and, as you said, can be relatively easily replaced by Signal. As another commenter pointed out, it’s more about little things like Airdrop or iCloud’s all around seamlessness that cannot be matched by anything else I’ve tried. Family sharing alone would be a major loss if I were to switch. What Google or Microsoft have to offer in that regard is laughable in comparison (not that they’re any more “private”), and AFAIK, there is no FOSS alternative all of the iCloud family sharing functionality.
Show threadsugar_in_your_teaMar 25, 2024

Makes sense, thanks for elaborating.

I’ll have to look into the FOSS tools to see what could be a reasonable set of alternatives. Some initial thoughts:

  • KDE Connect - connects phone to Linux computer in an interesting way - easy to send files, see SMS, and a couple other things; it’s a bit chunky, but maybe something I could help with
  • restic - automatic backup for desktop; pair with Syncthing to automatically keep stuff on your phone synced with your desktop
  • Steam now has better family sharing, and you could set something like Plex up to handle video streaming for owned content

But each of these are a bit inconvenient compared to what Apple offers. I’ll think about it some more, and maybe I’ll try building something. My kids will be getting old enough to have phones in a couple years, and I’d really rather avoid Apple’s ecosystem, but their friends will likely all have iPhones so I’ll want a reason for them to prefer something else.

Show threadPussistaMar 26, 2024

I already use KDE Connect to exchange files with my Linux laptop and it’s not the best, but it’s good enough for the occasional thing.

Steam is not a solution IMO because it locks you in just as much as Apple while being clunky and giving you the illusion of choice. And it’s only for games. Family sharing on Apple products is more than games. If you’ve bought apps or subscriptions, you can share them with family members at no additional cost (if the app opts into that which is disclosed to you very clearly in the App Store). Screen Time is great to block apps above a certain age rating and to restrict or outright block purchases for children. Another thing is location sharing in the Find My app. I know there are many solutions for that, but I just like the UX in the Find My app a lot more.

About the Plex server, I’ve heard they’ve changed their TOS and are now pretty shady or something. Also, if I were to make a server like that, I’d be pirating stuff anyway which I already do through my go-to pseudo-streaming piracy sites.

I could see myself hosting a Synology NAS in the future, but that is still not as convenient or well thought out as the iCloud services tbh.

Show threadsugar_in_your_teaMar 26, 2024

sharing apps

Yeah, unfortunately that’s not possible (legally) without being the digital store owner (like Valve for Steam) or the seller of the app. Fortunately, we don’t buy apps, so it’s not an issue (everything we want to share is a free download, like Netflix or whatever).

But I think the rest should be possible, there just isn’t a nice, FOSS ecosystem for it.

Plex

I’ve never actually used it. I just configured minidlna to stream in my home, so I put my movies and whatnot on my NAS and it’s available on my TV. I set up a Samba share for my wife so she can upload/download whatever she wants, and it’s working well.