After hesitation, I opted to go full on the "privacy above all" path - out of curiosity if it was possible and bearable. So no root, no GFS or substitute at al

After hesitation, I opted to go full on the "privacy above all" path - out of curiosity if it was possible and bearable. So no root, no GFS or substitute at all. Only tracer free apps (except my bank) and using browsers. I use a set of privacy add-ons (canvas fingerprinting etc) for wandering on the web and the "WebApps" app to isolate the web sites I use regularly and where I need to log into my account. Then the TrackerControl app lets me allow or block connections per app and by destination. Of course, this choice implies to renounce certain services without a web version, but I'm happy with the tradeoff (less time spent procrastining by consuming social networks content). It's a bit annoying at first but I paid $80 for this secondhand phone (including a good new battery). Within weeks I didn't notice anymore that speed difference with a native web app. That difference of speed exists, of course, but I'm fine with the whole tradeoff. Not being at all a security expert, I did my best - following advice found on the net. How far is my privacy better protected though? I can't really know - that's my only true frustration. I see very few ads and they look poorly targeted. Well, sorry for the long post, this was just to mention another possible path: no GSF or substitute at all, no root.