The Fairphone 4 will be launching across the pond. It will sport the /e/OS “deGoogled” ROM.

The past few days, I’ve seen more and more users mentioning flashing their devices or changing ROMs because they may have fallen down the rabbit hole.

Here is a quick list of different custom ROMs for Android phones. I don’t use any, so don’t take anything written here as endorsement or suggestion.

Alternative/Custom ROMS

In no particular order, these ROMs usually change the UX/UI and maybe add some security enhancements.

Privacy|Hardened ROMS

Security-wise, LineageOS is a start but (correct me if I am wrong) you need to unlock the bootloader, which is not great. These ROMs purport heightened privacy or “hardened” security.

  • iodéOS: “deGoogled” LineageOS fork, uses lots of blacklists for ad- and tracker-blocking. Sells pre-installed devices.

  • CalyxOS: Provides a fair amount of privacy. Limited device support. microG is optional. Uses F-Droid and Aurora Store.

  • DivestOS: Soft fork of LineageOS. “Hardened” with things like the Mulch WebView, uses F-Droid repositories for updates. Comes loaded with a tracker blocker, Mull browser, removal of proprietary blobs to reduce attack surface. ROMs available for many devices.

  • /e/OS: A “deGoogled” Android experience. Uses microG, no telemetry sent to Google, modified NTP and DNS servers, modified GPS service. Uses the “App Lounge” which combines the Aurora Store with F-Droid and PWAs. Has a tracker blocker. Requires you to have an @murena.io account for some functionalities.

  • Replicant: Android distribution with an emphasis on freedom and privacy/security.

  • GrapheneOS: Private, secure, hardened… has a long list of features. Updates are fast, exploitations are quickly mitigated, non-profit. Probably the most recommended, but Pixel-only.

shameless promotion

If you are just getting started, perhaps an introductory guide to digital provacy would be something you’re interested in. Let me know if you see mistakes, or want to propose updates for me to include.

  • radau@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I love grapheneOS but holy hell the pixels suck now. Two 5as and a 7 both with random screen issues. The first 5As screen died while sitting on my desk, you could unlock it with fingerprint and hear audio but just black screen. Ubreakifix fried the board during repair lmao

    • aadil@merv.newsEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      I’ve been having these kind of issues with the Pixels since the Pixel 1. At this point, I just don’t recommend a Pixel device to anyone.

    • IcePee@lemmy.beru.co
      1·
      8 months ago

      In the interest of balance. I’m rocking a Pixel 7 Pro with GraphineOS and, it’s been fine, so far. It does get light use, though.