Instantly Boost Your Privacy by Ditching Google Android and Apple iOS

De-Googled Android OS Options for Privacy: /e/ OS, CalyxOS and GrapheneOS

Mobile devices and operating systems are the ultimate test for trying to find a balance between privacy and convenience.

Smartphones are by their nature intrusive and will become more so as behavioral biometrics becomes more mainstream (more on that below). If you’re a privacy conscious person, hardening the privacy on your mobile devices is worthwhile. For some, tweaking settings will be sufficient. But giving a non-standard mobile OS a look is valuable even if it sounds daunting.

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We took the plunge in 2020 with /e/ OS, a de-Googled mobile operating system. We purchased the phone directly from the /e/ foundation (link) pre-loaded and configured on a Galaxy S9+. Earlier this year, we made a change and switched to a Google Pixel running CalyxOS. We purchased a pre-configured device directly from Private Phone Shop.

Below we’ll explain the reason for the switch and how these privacy-first operating systems stack up. We also provide an overview of another major player, GrapheneOS and reveal the controversial reason why we chose not to use GrapheneOS.

Please note that is a very high level overview of privacy friendly mobile operating systems. This is intended for beginners curious about alternatives to Google Android and Apple iOS. It is not a definitive guide or a detailed comparison tool.

What is a De-Googled Android OS?

Put simply, a de-Googled Android OS is a version of Android that removes Google software and components. The aim is to provide a more privacy-focused Android experience without relying on Google's ecosystem. Specifically, it removes or replaces:

• Google Play Services

• Google Play Store

• Pre-installed Google Apps

• Google’s tracking and data collection systems.

There are several reasons someone might opt for a de-Googled Android OS:

• Privacy: Reduces data collection and tracking by Google, Apple and other third parties affiliated with the Big 2.

• Control: Gives users more control over what's installed and running on their device.

• Security: Some de-Googled ROMs like GrapheneOS offer enhanced security features.

• Open-source: Relies more on open-source alternatives to Google services.

• Minimalism: Provides a cleaner, less bloated mobile OS experience.

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Why the Switch: Trying Something New

/e/ OS was a great beginner mobile OS because it struck a reasonable balance between usability and privacy. With /e/ OS, we could access most of our necessary apps, though not all.

But four years is an eternity in the mobile device world. It was time for a change and our curiosity got the best of us. After hearing more about CalyxOS, we wanted to explore a different de-Googled OS and compare the experience. So, we made the switch.

An Overview of /e/ OS