Since I need to run a few apps that won’t work on LineageOS (because dumb developer security stance), I need to buy a “regular” android device that includes all the google “services”.
Ideally, it should be a cheap second-hand phone that will still receive security updates for a long time.
Are there bands that are better (well, “less worse”) than others from a privacy perspective?
I definitely second this. From what I’ve read, graphene’s sandboxed google services work a little more seamlessly compared to microg.
Edit: you might want to be careful with secondhand, though, regarding locked bootloaders. An unlocked bootloader is necessary and is NOT the same as “carrier unlocked”
I had bad luck and ended up with a Pixel 2 that was carrier unlocked, appeared to have an unlocked bootloader but was some special Verizon version that did not allow flashing. Fuck you, Verizon.
Yuuup, Verizon is exactly what I was getting at lol. They seem to be the most common refurb/second hand devices.
Do you know how to access developer tools in Android/GrapheneOS to do that (lock/unlock bootloader)?
In settings - about phone, tap the build number tab at the bottom like 7(?) times. That’ll enable the developer section back in settings, and there’s a bootloader option there, OEM unlocking.
THANK-YOU!!! Ugh, couldn’t find that trick anywhere. Prolly should have YouTubed it a long time ago 😮💨
No problem, glad I could help!
Do you know why someone might have a problem with using Fdroid. Use to be able to use it but now it will never download or install updates and I can’t install anything anymore. Its got me really puzzling how to walk things back to where I used to be able to
I’m not really sure, apart from fdroid needing permission to install apps. I don’t use fdroid, at least not directly. Most of my apps are installed through obtainium.
I figured it out. It was trying to route traffic through Tor for some reason which I have no need for. Problem solved, thanks though.
Had it too. Uninstalling and reinstalling fixed it for me.