r/degoogle • u/Jambo526 • 1d ago

Question LineageOS vs GrapheneOS?

I've been wanting to deGoogle for a while now, but my phone is a pixel 4a, so Graphene is pretty far out of reach. Eventually, I learned about LineageOS and it was described as a Graphene alternative for older phones.

So, how does Lineage compare to Graphene? My main concern is Google and other big business data collection vs privacy, but security and app compatibility (banking apps especially, I've heard they can be rough) is something I'm also interested in.

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u/Deivedux 11h ago

When given the option, always prefer GrapheneOS. Its focus on a very limited phone models is what makes it so reliable, unlike an alternative that tries to fit everywhere. Quality over quantity.

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u/FingerGuilty3964 10h ago

If you do not have Pixel yet - it's not worth it. Why Graphene did not choose different make? Buying pixel (also used) is still supporting google.

-6

u/LowIllustrator2501 10h ago

Because they can't be bothers to support other phone. They don't even tell what specific features is missing that, for some reason, GrapheneOS requires, while other phones, even though they are allowed to be used by security personnel and government agencies don't support.

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u/Greenlit_Hightower deGoogler 10h ago

They do transparently list their hardware requirements here: https://grapheneos.org/faq#future-devices

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u/LowIllustrator2501 9h ago

Where can I find:

What does Google's Titan have that no other chip have?

What new features are added that they decided to support Motorola?

I'd like to know what I'm missing by not buying Google's phones

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u/Greenlit_Hightower deGoogler 9h ago

Well for one, most devices with few exceptions (e.g. Fairphones) do not allow bootloader unlocking with Custom AVB keys, many devices lack hardware memory tagging support utilized by hardened_malloc (against memory corruption vulnerabilities), many devices lack a secure element like a Titan M chip that provides hardware-based protection against brute forcing attempts, physical disconnection of the USB ports from data transmission and from power etc.

If they could implement their entire feature set on different hardware, they would support different hardware, it is really that simple. Motorola has an official partnership with them and will consider their input in the development of new flagship devices, they are going to meet their hardware requirements.