I’ve had my mind on a google pixel (one of the used variety) for GrapheneOS but then i heard about Fairphones and I’m not sure which is preferable or if there’s any other options.
So there is a bit of a situation going on rn…
Google is going evil mode on locking down android devices to disallow sideloading. I think its fair to assume that this might end up also affecting bootloader unlocking for future pixel devices and even future firmware versions for older devices.
That being said i would generally not recommend pixels anyways because they are just not very repairable. Not having a swappable battery or even an SD card slot is just a hard blocker for me.
Fairphones are not cheap but also not super expensive, if bought used, so if thats an option for you then i would go for that. A used FP5 goes for ~400€ or less if you get lucky. The FP6 just came out so the 5 dropped in price.
In terms of OS, only pixels support GrapheneOS but i assume you knew that already. The Fairphones are supported by LineageOS, e/os, Ubuntu Touch and more. Until recently i would have recommended CalyxOS but the development on that has been paused until further notice so its not a good idea.
Hope that answered some of your questions :)
super helpful reply, thanks for sharing!
could you point to any TLDR on OS options for fairphones?
This kinda thing? https://forum.fairphone.com/t/operating-systems-for-fairphones/11425
At the moment im still running CalyxOS on my FP4 because the issue i mentioned in my last comment was announced fairly recently.
If development on CalyxOS continue i would very much recommend it above all the other options.If i decide to switch im gonna be trying out Ubuntu Touch for the first time soon. Ubuntu touch is a custom linux based OS that comes with waydroid which allows the device to run android apps in a sandbox. I havent tested this yet but from what i have seen it seems pretty nice.
For all the android ROMs (most of them being based on LineageOS) one important thing to consider is if they do OTA (over the air = self installing) updates. Some ROMs dont do this so you would have to manually flash updates through a computer+cable.
Some more info about LineageOS forks here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LineageOS#Forks
I can really recommend the Fairphone 3/4/5 with eOS, using them for more then 7 years now. The hardware is slightly more expensive due to their mission (fair traded minerals, sustainability, reparability). They are very good as second hand devices because of the cheap spare parts. eOS does everything you need, including banking apps.
I got a fairphone 5 earlier this year and am very happy with it. There is a version with /e/os installed but it was out of stock so I bought the android and it was really easy to install /e/os myself with no technical knowledge needed. I use f-droid for as many apps as possible. It has a version of play store (app lounge) for other apps, most of which have worked. For the odd one that didn’t, I’ve just added a shortcut to the mobile website for quick access. Theres no google pay but I can use the curve app fine with NFC so can even buy stuff, something I didn’t expect to be able to do.
I’m very happy with my FP 4 + Calyx OS, FP 5 seems like a fair generational improvement. I dont think any custom roms for FP 6 exist yet. If you’re in the US, Fairphone might be harder to get. In that case a Pixel and Graphene is a very good choice.
TLDR Fairphone if in EU, Pixel if in US
Just want to tack on for visibility as the TLDR isn’t accurate (kinda). Fairphone is sold in the US by a company called Murena, including the FP 6. The only hitch (at least when I ordered my FP 4 from them) was you had to be on T-Mobile’s network.
I’ll chime in and say the repairability a huge selling point for me as I work in an environment where I’m pretty rough on my phone. I legit ran it over with a forklift the other week, $100+ for a new screen (again sold through Murena), follow simple instructions on Ifixit, bam good as new.
I legit ran it over with a forklift the other week
I have to ask: what circumstance led to this particular incident?
So honestly the screen came unglued from its surround so had bout a new screen and put on a screen protector, which when laid face down becomes rather slick. Swung a hard turn and it slipped off without me noticing, backed right over it.
I will say too, if you have to order parts, order them from Murena (USA speaking). I got a the replacement from Daddy Bezos because 1 day shipping and I needed my phone (work), but the quality was lacking on whatever brand it was I got as a replacement. Brightness was muted, and even the responsiveness of the touch screen felt lacking.
A phone with battle scars!
Phone came out of nowhere then bam!
They have training videos we have to watch about random phone attacks… it’s a whole thing nowadays.
Just got an email from Murena that /e/os is available for the fp6.
That’s really a judgement call and my recommendation is that you decide what is most important to you:
- Morality of the company
- Repairability
- Security
- Hardware I am not putting privacy here since you can achieve it with both brands (fairphones are compatible with e/os and other LineageOS derivatives like iodéOS, which are privacy focused ROMs).
If your main concern is either having the best hardware or the best security, go with pixel. If it’s repairability or having an ethically produced phone, go with fairphone. I am a user of GrapheneOS on a pixel myself, but am thinking of going for a fairphone whenever this pixel dies. I didn’t particularly like the fairphone 5 due to its size and design, but I really like the design of the FP6, so maybe I’ll buy the FP7 when it comes out ;)