Purchase and use Pixel 8 with GrapheneOS installed by default from the vendor.

TitanMPro

I live in Japan.
I am considering using the new GrapheneOS + Pixel 8 configuration of smartphones.
I am wondering if I should buy a Pixel device with GrapheneOS installed by default directly from a vendor who sells them, or if I should buy a Pixel 8 directly from Google's website and install GrapheneOS myself.
If I were to purchase a Pixel 8 with GrapheneOS installed from a vendor, I would either purchase from a Japanese vendor called "No Sheep" or a German vendor called "NitroKey".
If you buy from No Sheep, you will be provided with detailed release notes in Japanese and an account on a Q&A board for the Japan where you can ask questions about GrapheneOS and privacy.
NitroKey will not provide detailed release notes for purchasers.
Should I buy a Pixel 8 with GrapheneOS initially installed from a vendor or buy a Pixel 8 from Google and install GrapheneOS myself?　
Please let us know your opinion.

No Sheep website:
https://fp.no-sheep.org/
NitroKey website:
https://www.nitrokey.com/

Phead

In my opinion you should buy it from Google directly and install GrapheneOS all by yourself to make sure your device is secure and has not been tampered with.

DeletedUser28

I would install it myself. That way to don't have to pay markup for someone to install it for you. It's really easy to install.

You don't need to buy from Google directly, just need to make sure that you can enable "OEM unlocking" to install GrapheneOS.

Relaks

Installing GrapheneOS is honestly easy, as long as you follow the instructions carefully: https://grapheneos.org/install/web
If you have another Android phone, you can just that one to install GrapheneOS onto your new Pixel. That's smooth sailing.

mmmm

Definitely install yourself! You already have membership of this board to help you, albeit not in Japanese. The release note are issued live here by the project. If you ask for help here you will be helped. You have no need for a middleman.

Eirikr70

Just like the others said : install it by yourself. It's easy, you can believe me : I made it ! ;)