Hi,
First time posting on here. I thought I would share my experience with Graphene OS and ask a few app related questions. I am not particularly phone savvy (I do not understand half of the security measures listed in the docs!) but wanted a bit more control over my OS and security after being fully entrenched in Google. Perhaps this will inspire other Android/Google users to try Graphene.

Device : Pixel 8 Pro
Daily Apps : Barclays (UK), Duolingo, WhatsApp, SMS, Phone, Email
Other Apps : GWR, Nest, Pixel Buds, Drive, Maps, Photos

Install via the web guide was extremely easy and only took around 10 minutes. I tried it about a year ago then got cold feet, perhaps a useful addition to the guide would be how to revert back to stock with links to stock roms (if you feel that is appropriate) just to give new and noob users a bit more confidence in taking the plunge.

I am a google account holder, its just easier and all the apps work well in GOS. I installed the Google versions of all apps mentioned above and allowed Play services to run in the background. OK, so its not a completely privacy centric install, but that's not what I was after. Its basically everything I had on stock OS, but with the following benefits:

  • Secure
  • No spam (I installed Brave over Vanadium after reading reviews, but this is one of my questions)
  • All the Google services that run in the background are not installed (and boy are there a ton of them on the P8pro)
  • Battery life is magnificent now, runtime of nearly 4 days without losing any connectivity.
  • Bluetooth, pixel buds, car hands free etc.. all seamless.

There are a few things that are missing/niggling, which i can live without and understand the reasons why (after reading through here). But just for clarity I should point out these items:

  • No FaceID (but fingerprint is excellent and secure)
  • No AI related extras (such as the new circle to search)
  • No thermometer (i guess you could install it, but its useless)
  • Slightly slower browsing experience due to the setup.
  • Duplicate apps (i.e. camera which is required by GOS). I installed OLauncher which suits my taste, activity and can hide apps.
  • Password manager doesnt import into Vanadium (or Brave). I have Bitwarden as a primary manger now which was duplicated in Google previously.

Overall, I am a convert and will not be reverting back to stock. I do have a few questions please if you would be so kind to offer an opinion.

  • Browser. I picked Brave over Vanadium. Assume this is a good call, though i understand you can adblock Vanadium with the right DNS. Are there alternatives for good safe browsing?
  • SMS. Google messages is good and has RCS support, the alternative would be signal. Happy to hear opinions on this and which would be better.
  • Phone app. Google dialler is OK and has some nice AI features, but don't really use or need them. I do have visual voicemail which is important. I did try Truecaller many years ago as a spam blocking dialler. Again happy to hear suggestions on good apps.

Thanks all :)

    de0u Thanks. I did use that when i tried GOS about a year ago but had an awful time finding and installing the stock ROM. I cant remember why, in the end i had to go back to a previous android version and manually update.

        Twindad That doesn't sound right. In my experience, the web installer for stock Pixel OS from Google is, dare I say it, even easier to use than the web installer for GrapheneOS. If you have any issues with either, we'll be happy to help you through the process.

          Twindad I'm not sure why you had an awful time finding and installing the stock OS and wound up having to go back to a previous android version and manually update from there. The link to Google's web flashing tool (which is what you use to install the stock OS) has always been provided in the instructions on the GrapheneOS website that explain how to replace GrapheneOS with said stock OS.

            Thanks for your replies all. I genuinely cant remember what the issue was but the flashing tool was not recognising my device or build (i think it was a pixel 6). Either way, I'm sticking with GOS on my P8pro as its awesome.

              Twindad

              • Regarding your browser question, did you try Mull? Hardened firefox you can install on Android. Slap Ublock origin in extensions and it gives you great browsing experience. This is my daily browser running in private mode all the time, so you can accept cookies knowing it will get rid of them once you close the app. You can pin private browsing on your Home Screen from Settings app

              • Regarding duplicate apps - I understand certain apps are embedded into the OS like Vanadium. So it might be hard to uninstall just by a button. Perhaps in the future we could have "build your own GOS" in docs with easy to follow steps on what components you want included. Then you can flash it yourself