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My first iPhone (original SE) was a choice 95% because of its size and 5% out of curiosity for iOS. At that time (2016-17) when Androids had already started bal

My first iPhone (original SE) was a choice 95% because of its size and 5% out of curiosity for iOS. At that time (2016-17) when Androids had already started ballooning up. 12 Mini's new battery was insufficient and that is why I had decided to move to iPhone 14 and not just replace that battery as that would have not been good enough either. Original SE was my favourite, second was mini. If there is going to be a "private" enough Android (even if that is a bigger phone) with stricter Play Store and clamping down on rampant permission devouring by apps, I will stop buying iPhones. Because if I have to anyway buy jumbo phones I'd rather buy cheaper Androids. Had hopes from Nothing phone in privacy but they are into just gimmicks like funny lights on the back and all. But I don't think Google will do it or let it happen.

kelnos 2y ago
And I'm glad for that. I wouldn't trade all the crap on the Play Store (not to mention the ability to easily install from outside Play) for Apple's nanny-state App Store approval policies.
gaudystead 2y ago
You may want to look into Graphene OS. It comes with zero Google products preloaded (you can install them after the fact) and permissions controls are great. Ironically, the only hardware it works on though are Google Pixel phones due to their hardware security chip.
- crossroadsguy 2y ago
  I have looked at it. I don't want to deal with that. I would be happy to pay a premium if an OEM supports it. I neither have time nor patience/passion (more of this one) to tinker around anymore. Besides there is this risk of apps not working (esp. banking/finance apps) and then I will be screwed. And I have a Pixel 5 (as a secondary phone) and I am never buying another Google made/sold phone ever.
  - jcul 2y ago
    To be honest, graphene was probably the least tinkering of any ROM I've used. You can install it directly from chrome on their page and then you're basically done. If you choose to install play store, you just install it and that's it.

kelnos 2y ago

And I'm glad for that. I wouldn't trade all the crap on the Play Store (not to mention the ability to easily install from outside Play) for Apple's nanny-state App Store approval policies.

gaudystead 2y ago

You may want to look into Graphene OS. It comes with zero Google products preloaded (you can install them after the fact) and permissions controls are great. Ironically, the only hardware it works on though are Google Pixel phones due to their hardware security chip.

crossroadsguy 2y ago
I have looked at it. I don't want to deal with that. I would be happy to pay a premium if an OEM supports it. I neither have time nor patience/passion (more of this one) to tinker around anymore. Besides there is this risk of apps not working (esp. banking/finance apps) and then I will be screwed. And I have a Pixel 5 (as a secondary phone) and I am never buying another Google made/sold phone ever.
- jcul 2y ago
  To be honest, graphene was probably the least tinkering of any ROM I've used. You can install it directly from chrome on their page and then you're basically done. If you choose to install play store, you just install it and that's it.