Additional question on installing GrapheneOS on Pixel 5...

What Android version should be installed on a Pixel 5 before attempting an install of GrapheneOS ?
It currently has Android 12, and Google is wanting to upgrade it to Android 14.

Background:
A friend gave me a Pixel 5 that they no longer use - I have also recently purchased a Pixel 8a. While I have been Android user for maybe 10 years, this is my first time using GrapheneOS.

I want to test install GOS on an older Pixel phone before attempting on a brand new Pixel 8a.

The Pixel 5 has Android 12 installed. I do not believe I can easily install Android 13 on it - but could install Android 14 on it before attempting GOS install. I just dont know what version of Android is supported on a legacy GrapheneOS install on a Pixel 5.

Thanks -TerrapinX

    TerrapinX What Android version should be installed on a Pixel 5 before attempting an install of GrapheneOS ?

    From the Web installer page:
    "It's best practice to update the device before installing GrapheneOS to have the latest firmware for connecting the device to the computer and performing the early flashing process. Either way, GrapheneOS flashes the latest firmware early in the installation process."

    I would just update to latest official version and start from there. Web installer should flash Android 14 based legacy extended support release.

        KleinesSinchen

        Thank You!

        I read through the docs - I am certain something threw me off that I read and second guessed things while I was getting the Pixel 5 updated.

        TerrapinX

          12 days later

          TerrapinX It makes sense to use it to raise your confidence with installing and try it out a bit, but please bear in mind that the Pixel 5 doesn't support the current version of GrapheneOS. You can't test the current GrapheneOS experience but rather the experience from before Android 15 in October and our many improvements since then. Android 15 QPR1 was the next major release from last month with nearly as many changes under the hood as Android 15 and some more user facing changes too. You can look through our release notes for our initial Android 15 release from mid-October and the ones since then to see the major GrapheneOS changes since then.

            shbsssn We strongly recommend avoiding end-of-life devices in general regardless of OS choice. DivestOS didn't make it safe to use end-of-life devices and neither does GrapheneOS. There's no good choice beyond replacing it with a fully supported device. Getting basic security patches for firmware and drivers is important. It's also not the current GrapheneOS release on the legacy extended support devices.

                shbsssn You should buy a used phone with several years of support remaining. A used Pixel 7a or the Pixel 8a are good examples. The Pixel 8a is still very recent and therefore not widely available as a used device but it will be the best option soon due to hardware memory tagging support and the 7 years of support from launch.

                    GrapheneOS Would you recommend more to buy used Pixels, than new ones in general too? Or only if not having enough money? And you mentioned in another reply, that you used a Fork for the new upcoming Gallery App, which App did you use?

                    • de0u replied to this.

                        shbsssn
                        Ok? My comment was back in September, long before DivestOS ended.

                            Dumdum True. I did not pay attention.

                              • Dde0u

                                • Post #19

                                DeletedUser67 Would you recommend more to buy used Pixels, than new ones in general too? Or only if not having enough money?

                                The warranties are typically better on the new ones! And they generally have better features. The 8 series has MTE, and the 9 series has a better fingerprint reader.

                                But a used Pixel that still has at least two years of support remaining can be a good value, if it's in good condition. One issue with used devices is that it can be difficult to evaluate battery health before buying, and having to change a battery can negate the cost savings of an older device.

                                But the 4's and 5's are out of firmware support and thus not secure.