Alternative ways to use a SIM card

John564479

I am wondering if I should use the SIM card in my phone. Based on the research I have done I have narrowed it down to the following options

Use a smartphone with SIM card in fligh mode with data and WiFi calling +VPN (altough the WiFi calling is bypassing the VPN)
Use a smartphone with no SIM card, mostly rely on public Wifi+VPN and use a mobile hotspot (Acer Connect Enduro M3 5G router) with a SIM card (in faraday bag when not in use) as a hotspot + VPN when theres no public WiFi.
Use a smartphone with no SIM card, mostly rely on public Wifi+VPN and use a secondary smartphone with a SIM card in a faraday bag + VPN when theres no public WiFi and for calls
Use a smartphone with no SIM card, mostly rely on public Wifi+VPN and use a secondary dumb phone with a SIM card in a faraday bag for calls

Toughts suggestions

de0u

John564479 It really depends on what you are trying to achieve!

I suspect (albeit without evidence) that 90% plus of GrapheneOS users pop a SIM card into the device and don't do anything about cellular tracking. I also suspect not more than 50% use a VPN. Finally, I suspect probably 95% of GrapheneOS users are not on this forum.

Your needs may be different, but to avoid spending money and time on things that you don't need it may be useful to start off by inventorying what your needs are, then what would be nice, etc.

How important is it that when a family member tries to call you your phone will reliably make some kind of noise and that you'll be able to speak with them? That might argue for the "pop the SIM card in" approach.

Edit: on the other hand, if you are an investigative journalist working on stories about criminal gangs and what is being discussed is the device you carry only when you're working, that might be completely different.