Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

GrapheneOS

GrapheneOS is an open source privacy and security focused mobile OS with Android app compatibility.

GrapheneOS

GrapheneOS Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether GrapheneOS is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • GrapheneOS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-21

Features & Specs

  1. Enhanced Privacy

    GrapheneOS provides robust privacy features by limiting app permissions and extensive endpoint isolation, which significantly reduces data mining capabilities.

  2. Security Focus

    Designed with a strong emphasis on security, GrapheneOS incorporates advanced defensive technologies, including hardened memory allocators and enhanced sandboxing.

  3. Regular Updates

    GrapheneOS frequently receives security patches and updates to ensure your device is protected against the latest threats.

  4. Open Source

    Being an open-source project, GrapheneOS allows for transparency and verification by the community, ensuring no hidden backdoors or malicious code.

  5. Improved Performance

    With a streamlined and optimized operating system, users often experience improved performance and battery life compared to stock Android.

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Videos

GrapheneOS Review: Your BEST Secure & Private Mobile OS!

THIS is the most private and secure phone on the planet - GrapheneOS review and how to install

First GrapheneOS Review

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about GrapheneOS and what they use it for.
  • GrapheneOS reccommended for domestic abuse victims
    Zero Google services are shippsx by default, but you can install Play Store and Services in a sandbox and it has minimal privacy problems, depending on the permissions you give it. Their docs are really good, not only for their phone but for learning about privacy and security: https://grapheneos.org You could still install an app that spies on you on grapheneos because it has 99.99% android app compatibility, so... - Source: Hacker News / 2 days ago
  • Volkswagen started blocking GrapheneOS users
    Graphene is not a kind of Android. It doesn't even advertise itself as such: > GrapheneOS is a privacy and security focused mobile OS with Android app compatibility [https://grapheneos.org/]. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Apple Removes iPhone Vibe Coding App from App Store
    It's refreshing that projects like https://grapheneos.org/ that let you take control of your device again at least to some degree. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • F-Droid: "Keep Android Open"
    A good opportunity to donate[1] to the GrapheneOS[2]. [1] https://grapheneos.org/donate [2] https://grapheneos.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Android/Linux Dual Boot
    That's already happening today. https://grapheneos.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Keep Android Open
    No matter how this turns out, I'm sure GrapheneOS will make a smart effort. https://grapheneos.org/ But long-term, Android is such a massive code base, and was designed more for surveillance and consumption, than for privacy and the user's interests. I think getting mainline Linux on viable and sustainable on multiple hardware devices is warmer, fuzzier foundation. (Sort of a cross between Purism's work on the... - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Google's Requirement for Developers to Be Verified Threatens App Store F-Droid
    Well, it may be time for GrapheneOS https://grapheneos.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Pixel 10 Phones
    >Give me a Pixel & all the Google stuff but without Google https://grapheneos.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago
  • Pixel 6a gets a mandatory Android update next week with battery reduction
    I rather take my chances with googles hardware but good software (or even amazing with https://grapheneos.org) than guaranteed awful samsung software. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Google Pixel 4a old firmware is gone, trapping users on the buggy battery update
    Would grapheneos (https://grapheneos.org/) help with this? I am using a pixel 4a as a "house phone" so it is plugged in all the time but I wonder if I should upgrade. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • /e/OS: A complete "deGoogled" mobile ecosystem
    False marketing. They are one of the least "deGoogled" ROMs out there[1]. If you want the only real "deGoogled" OS that prioritizes security and privacy, use GrapheneOS https://grapheneos.org/. [1] https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • FTC Pushed to Crack Down on Companies That Ruin Hardware via Software Updates
    > Smartphones are a tragedy itself. Security theatre destroyed it. If you're willing to buy a new device, then I recommend getting a Pixel on sale and flashing it with GrapheneOS[0]. No rooting required. Read up on it when you have a chance. Also, if you install the sandboxed Google Play Services layer (which doesn't require any Google account logins and has very limited access to the device) you will be able to... - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • WhatsApp forces Pegasus spyware maker to share its secret code
    Just so you know: https://grapheneos.org/ and https://signal.org/ do exist! - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • LineageOS is currently installed on 1.5M Android devices
    It might be worth to switch to GrapheneOS if you have Pixel phones: https://grapheneos.org/ It is a more serious project than LineageOS in the sense that they take security very seriously and they take their development more professionally too. There are no disadvantages to using GrapheneOS compared to LineageOS. You can see a comparison here: https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Recommendations for an Android repair shop?
    If it still powers up but just won't boot you could try installing https://grapheneos.org/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Iphone Vs Android
    On 4thgen Pixels and up you can install GrapheneOS which is a security and privacy focused Android build. It does not come with any Google services pre-installed but you can put them on. https://grapheneos.org/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Are you happy
    Yes... Will also de-google it cuz we can install GrapheneOS and also close the bootloader. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Apple Confirms Governments Using Push Notifications to Surveil Users
    I'm sure you did your research. I'm writing for other readers who are interested. There are a few alternatives, more can be found but this is a selection of the most prominent offerings. /e/OS: https://e.foundation/e-os/ GrapheneOS: https://grapheneos.org/ LineageOS: https://lineageos.org/ CalyxOS: https://calyxos.org/ PostmarketOS (based on Alpine Linux rather than Android): https://postmarketos.org/ (for some... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Escaping Duopoly: Best 5 Linux Smartphones Without Performance Security Excuses
    GrapheneOS is under active development and has interesting privacy and security features. https://grapheneos.org/ https://grapheneos.org/features. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • F-Droid version of KDEConnect uninstalled by PlayProtect
    One way to be a little less constantly violated by your phone is to run GrapheneOS, instead of iOS or ordinary Android: https://grapheneos.org/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • GrapheneOS based on A14 is now out!
    And is in alpha testing, please come help! Anyone is free to help test the alpha release by changing their update client channel to Alpha and visiting the matrix room: Https://matrix.to/#/!AUltSswJuGkDFXqGti:grapheneos.org?via=matrix.org&via=tchncs.de&via=nitro.chat. The release notes can be found here: Https://grapheneos.org/releases#2023100800. GrapheneOS is a privacy and security focused operating system with... Source: almost 3 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of GrapheneOS

GrapheneOS has increasingly garnered attention in the mobile operating system landscape, particularly from users concerned with privacy and security. Based on the content analyzed, it is apparent that public opinion generally views GrapheneOS as a formidable alternative to mainstream mobile operating systems like Android and iOS, especially for those who prioritize protection against surveillance and data breaches.

Security and Privacy Focus

GrapheneOS is frequently praised for its robust security features, a major point of differentiation from competing operating systems such as LineageOS and CalyxOS. Articles and forum discussions often highlight its development pedigree under Daniel Micay, emphasizing the meticulous security enhancements beyond the core Android Open Source Project (AOSP) base. The OS is heralded for delivering an Android experience that strips away Googleโ€™s pervasive data collection practices, earning endorsements from high-profile figures like Edward Snowden, who regard it as a top choice for securely configuring smartphones.

Product Compatibility and Usability

While security is a hallmark of GrapheneOS, it does not come at the expense of usability. The operating system maintains compatibility with Android applications, ensuring users have access to a broad ecosystem of apps. Pundits and forum posts alike note that users can run Google applications if desired, albeit through a sandboxed Google Play Services layer that limits data exposure, thus preserving privacy without sacrificing functionality.

Adoption and Community Engagement

GrapheneOS has seen a growing community among tech enthusiasts and privacy advocates. This is evident in posts recommending it as a viable solution for enhancing the security posture of devices, particularly Google Pixel phones. Its appeal extends to those utilizing older hardware, offering a feasible option for breathing new life into dated devices while enhancing their security practices.

Critiques and Limitations

Despite the general positivity, some discussions note limitations regarding device compatibility, as GrapheneOS primarily targets Pixel devices. This focus could alienate users of other popular phone brands. However, several commenters advocate purchasing used or refurbished Pixels as a workaround, thus sidestepping the need to support Google financially while benefiting from the secure environment GrapheneOS provides.

Market Positioning

In the broader context of mobile operating systems, GrapheneOS stands out for its professional and rigorous approach to software development and security implementation. It is often juxtaposed with other privacy-focused platforms like /e/OS, Ubuntu Touch, and postmarketOS, yet it distinguishes itself through a more methodical integration of privacy protections.

Conclusion

The reception of GrapheneOS as a secure and privacy-centric mobile operating system is largely favorable, reflected in its growing recommendation bases and mentions in security-focused articles. It is perceived as a leading option for users looking to escape the data-centric models of conventional mobile operating systems without compromising on usability or app access. For those tech-savvy individuals ready to engage with its unique ecosystem, GrapheneOS represents a significant advancement in mobile privacy and security.

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Is GrapheneOS good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss GrapheneOS here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.