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> There is almost no point in buying an ecosystem-dependant device and then trying to cut off the ecosystem dependency Android works fine without the Google bi

> There is almost no point in buying an ecosystem-dependant device and then trying to cut off the ecosystem dependency Android works fine without the Google bits. Make sure to get a device which is supported by an AOSP-derived distribution like LineageOS and you're almost there. Install the alternative distribution, do not install any Google services (i.e. skip the 'gapps' or Google apps), install F-droid or Aurora Droid, done - you'll end up with a device running free software (apart from the radio firmware and any driver blobs used in building the distribution). If you need software from the play store there is Aurora Store, an alternative front-end which can be used without a Google account. If some of that software needs access to the Google Services Framework (indicated in the listing as 'gsf-dependent' or something along those lines) you can install microG, an in-progress but remarkably functional free software implementation of such. I've been doing this for about 10 years now and never had the impression I missed out on anything by not using a stock distribution with a Google account - the opposite is true. Batteries last longer since there is less background activity, devices have a far longer useable life span by virtue of the distribution being kept up to date.

nazgulsenpai 5y ago
I bought a Pixel 2 XL brand new from Amazon for $140 two weeks ago and installed LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) and using F-Droid and Aurora Store. I ended up reflashing to LineageOS with MicroG to get one stubborn app to function properly but it is a fast, functional, and a significantly more private experience for a budget price and about an hour or two of work.
- hef19898 5y ago
  Did the same with my old Pixel 2, just put CalxyOS on it. Personally, while ecosystems are quite convenient, I am really fed up with what they became. All I want is an OS that gets critical updates, but other wise just runs without any strings attached on hardware I own. Give my good mobile websites and a privacy-oriented browser for everything else. I guess big-tech just won't be able to make a living in such a world...
cies 5y ago
Yes. This is the best story now for a somewhat feature packed privacy respecting phone. The other options like Purism's Librem are not there yet. Want to go one step further: use a laptop which you connect to the internet over burner phone's tethered internet connection, using a self-hosted VPN or Tor.
gpvos 5y ago
According to the article, you can also reduce the vast majority of Google communication by disabling all Google apps and services. You need a phone that allows that (I have a Fairphone 2). Not as watertight as LineageOS, but easier for most people, at least for me. Then indeed use F-Droid and the occasional app from sources you trust via Aurora Store. Very usable as a main phone.

nazgulsenpai 5y ago

I bought a Pixel 2 XL brand new from Amazon for $140 two weeks ago and installed LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) and using F-Droid and Aurora Store. I ended up reflashing to LineageOS with MicroG to get one stubborn app to function properly but it is a fast, functional, and a significantly more private experience for a budget price and about an hour or two of work.

hef19898 5y ago
Did the same with my old Pixel 2, just put CalxyOS on it. Personally, while ecosystems are quite convenient, I am really fed up with what they became. All I want is an OS that gets critical updates, but other wise just runs without any strings attached on hardware I own. Give my good mobile websites and a privacy-oriented browser for everything else. I guess big-tech just won't be able to make a living in such a world...

cies 5y ago

Yes. This is the best story now for a somewhat feature packed privacy respecting phone. The other options like Purism's Librem are not there yet. Want to go one step further: use a laptop which you connect to the internet over burner phone's tethered internet connection, using a self-hosted VPN or Tor.

gpvos 5y ago

According to the article, you can also reduce the vast majority of Google communication by disabling all Google apps and services. You need a phone that allows that (I have a Fairphone 2). Not as watertight as LineageOS, but easier for most people, at least for me. Then indeed use F-Droid and the occasional app from sources you trust via Aurora Store. Very usable as a main phone.