De-Googled!

A nonconformist alternative to Big Tech devices

(Photo Credit: Privacy Portal)

I finally did it. I decided to replace my Google Pixel 8a Android phone and its stock Android operating system, based on Android Open Source Project (ASOP), with GrapheneOS, also ASOP, but without Google’s proprietary additions. The result is a more private and secure phone and operating system. Users experience a familiar user interface and desktop environment, but with a minimalist selection of installed apps. If you like lean and mean, GrapheneOS as alternative to stock Google Android on your phone might be your thing.

If you’re scratching your head, wondering why any sane person would want to install a different operating system on his or her phone? You would not be alone in questioning my rationale or sanity. I can think of two Joans, dear to my heart, who’ve already either questioned one or the other why I’ve done this. Let’s just say, I’ve long chosen alternative paths in my life rather than those most traveled. In the case of choosing between two mobile phones, I don’t like having just two options, which to me is similar to choosing between Tweedledee and Tweedledum.

That said, I felt as if I spent too much time on my phone, not communicating, but surfing and reading trivia, when I should have devoted more time to writing and keeping up with reading the classics I should have read 50 years ago.

My eccentricity concerning technical devices, operating systems, and the like
date back to 2000, when I first began experimenting with Linux distributions (aka distros) based on the Linux kernel, created in 1991 by Finnish-American software engineer Linus Torvalds, also creator of Git, a useful tool for programmers who develop software.

It’s also part of my aversion to Big Tech and overall underhanded corporate greed. If you’re old enough to remember when Microsoft became an anathema and Apple emerged as the cool alternative with its own operating system, software, and revolutionary hardware designs. (Who can forget the very cool Power Mac G4 Cube?) I soon became tired of Apple’s iThis and iThat among other marketing strategies, despite its superb hardware. I also became less enthused about MacOS and its file manager.

Then, along came Google. Initially, it was also one of the cool companies with its Mountain View headquarters known as “the campus.” In its first decade, Google became famous for its search engine, browser, mail, and maps, among other products. Inevitably, the corporate mindset replaced the laid-back campus and flex-time culture, and ultimately, Alphabet became its parent company. As much as I initially loved Google and Chrome, I became concerned about the company’s dubious practices such as data mining.

Returning to GrapheneOS, after researching it more closely and reading numerous reviews, I couldn’t wait to try it out. Thanks to Graphene’s installation web page it was a surprisingly easy task. First of all, Graphene designed its software specifically for Google’s Pixel phones and recommends installing it on more recent Pixel phones.

Why just Pixel? Because according to Graphene, the phones have built-in security unparalleled by other Android phones and Graphene is all about providing users with privacy and security.

Although Graphene specifies using Pixels for the installation, it also recommends which operating systems (including specific Linux distros) and browsers to use on your computer to install via the web install option or with the traditional command line installation if you’re comfortable using a terminal. (However, numerous users have installed Graphene on other Android phones as well as on Linux distributions and browsers not recommended.) I used Fedora Linux, which wasn’t on the list, but had no difficulty with the installation. Some users have even installed GrapheneOS on their tablets.

As I wrote above, my phone is a Pixel 8a, and before that I used a 3a and a 5a. Each time I upgraded, I imported my apps, settings, and added new apps. At one point I had over 140 apps, many of them from Google preinstalled. I now prefer my devices lean and only install those apps I need and know I’ll use. I do the same with my laptops.

In my opinion, Google’s Pixel mid-range priced phones, such as the 7a, 8a, and 9a, are the best buy for your hard-earned buck. If you own a Pixel and are uncomfortable with security issues, such as data mining, you might consider replacing Google’s preinstalled stock Android with GrapheneOS. You’ll immediately see similarities as I’ve already mentioned. Another bonus is you can install apps from other stores as well as from a sandboxed version of Google Play Store if you’re set on using certain apps. However, Graphene’s stringent security measures might affect whether the apps you download and install function as they do with stock Android. In some cases they might not function well or at all.

If you prefer stock Android phone and are okay with Google’s app bloat and intrusive data mining practices, Graphene might feel too restrictive and not for you. You’re not alone. If it ain’t broke, why fix it?

As with anything new and different, there’s a learning curve. My experience using Graphene has been partly one of trial and error. Yet, after just a few days, I’ve become increasingly comfortable with my Graphene phone and plan to keep it as my daily Pixel phone driver. I love its minimalist interface and security features, especially during these times when you never know who might take offense of what you write and post on Substack.

In his review in WebProneNews, Matt Milano recommends it to GrapheneOS to the following users (quoted below):

• Journalists

• Activists

• Whistleblowers

• Users with an elevated threat risk

• Anyone who wants to improve their security and take back their privacy

According to Rado Minkov in an 2021 Phone Arena article, NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden uses Graphene and quotes him saying: “The iOS and Android operating systems that run on nearly every smartphone conceal uncountable numbers of programming flaws, known as security vulnerabilities, that mean common apps like iMessage or web browsers become dangerous: you can be hacked.”

For further information see the following Graphene Reviews:

If you ‘re more interested in learning more about GrapheneOS and its advantages and disadvantages, you can find plenty of information online. Below, I’ve included a sample selection of reviews:

Stephen Perkins, with Android Police, tells readers “everything they need to know” about GrapheneOS.

Jordon Palmer of Tom’s Guide compares two Google Android alternatives, /e/OS and GraphenOS, and provides the pros and cons of each.

Matt Milano of WebProneNews also provides a detailed overview of what Graphene is and how it works.

Calvin Wankhede’s review in Android Authority describes his own experience with GrapheneOS.