Replacement of GrapheneOS by LineageOS procedure

Flyred

Hi all,

Now that the pixel 5 is not supported by GrapheneOS anymore, I will go back to LineageOS and install MicroG.
Does anyone know if I need to remove the non-stock key before flashing LineageOS ?
Because on the web installer page it is recommended to do it for going back to the stock OS but nothing is mentioned for the others OS's.

Thanks

Skyway

Flyred yes, remove the key.

AlphaElwedritsch

Flyred Now that the pixel 5 is not supported by GrapheneOS anymore,

Is it?
I thought they are under legacy extended support.
What is doing LOS better?

other8026

Just saying, LineageOS has its share of security issues. They have a history of being late on updates, make changes to the OS that are not secure, etc. A better option would be DivestOS, so I'd suggest looking into that. But, of course, the best option would be to get a newer Pixel so you can install GrapheneOS and get firmware updates.

Flyred

other8026 I know, I was also looking at /e/OS but both OS are stuck on android 13 for the pixel 5. So I'm wondering about the support for this device.

secrec

Always an interesting question... what is more secure, something out of date with strong/competent security enhancements? Or something actively supported but with more holes than a sieve?

LocaLola

secrec

That's precisely what I commented on here under my recent thread on size and weight (I find larger phones, so pixels from the 6/6a upwards completely impractical). Not everybody was happy about it.

But I do get the impression that Graphene is a more solid system in general than DivestOS, although the latter does seem to be the second-best option.
https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm

I'd say it's feasible that a Pixel 5 with Graphene now almost 1 year after it's last security update is more resistant to certain threats (but perhaps not all) than the latest updated version of DivestOS. Proof? None.

And then there is practicality and ease of use, where Graphene is probably a winner. It also has a stable channel, while DivestOS on Pixel 5 is only "Reported working" if I well remember. App compatibility is also key, and DivestOS is more of a gamble in this respect (or seems to be anyway).

As an added extra, Pixels from series 6 upwards seem to be plagued by issues that weren't perhaps that common with earlier phones, and Android 15 also seems to be more buggy than 14. That's purely based on comments here and on other sites like reddit.

Comparing GOS with normal stock android, which is often weakened by manufacturers and not hardened, doesn't really make sense at all. There will be many aspects where even an outdated version of GOS will be better(e.g. proper sandboxing). As for more recent vulnerabilities... those are a risk. But they are a risk with stock Android as well, because other manufacturers do not issue weekly updates like Google (not even monthly), and you may only get the latest Android version with a huge delay.

Another aspect I'm acutely aware of is that new phones have got so big that some people (like me) are turning away from them. GSM Arena lists almost a 1000 new Android phones released in 2023-2024, and less than 2% of them are below the weight of 170g, which is not that light at all. The Pixel 5 is the last lighter Pixel at 151g and may be one of the best options around if you need a smaller phone that's also not riddled with security and privacy issues. I may get myself one...

I'm now using a P4a 5G which is slightly larger and so a bit of a compromise for me, but it has a jack output, and is otherwise technically very similar to the P5. I bought mine refurbished at a good price when it still had support (which ended a few months before the P5's, so I did not get one last major update). I never had any issues with it. The 6a is the next smallest Pixel that still has support, but it's significantly bulkier, and apparently also has various issues like dropped calls with some carriers and an easily cracking screen. Also issues with Android 15.

Flyred

AlphaElwedritsch LOS is doing nothing better in particular except they still have weekly updates...

Carlos-Anso

Flyred
I would suggest, for that device, best to either stay on GrapheneOS while its still on extended support or move to DivestOS. I heard DivestOS may move to 14 soon.

Flyred

OK thanks for your suggestions, I'll wait little to see if DivestOS or /e/OS will update to Android 14.

Xtreix

Flyred Please note that /e/OS is based on LineageOS, but has various issues see : https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm

SovereignCopper

Best not to consider/e/OS at all with their lack of a proper update policy. Their WebView alone is sometimes not updated for months, let alone their rebranded copies of other apps.

I'm not sure if they do any hardening that's worth mentioning, but for sure you're best off with DivestOS in that area, too. Even many kernel security patches are automatically backported to older kernels by Tavi.

splattergames

LocaLola As an added extra, Pixels from series 6 upwards seem to be plagued by issues that weren't perhaps that common with earlier phones,

This is simply not true. Google sold very few Pixel phones before the 6 series. So few, that the Pixel 6 increased the market share by 380% compared to the previous series. The 6 indeed had its fair share of problems which were later mostly addressed with the 7, 8 and now finally 9. Claiming that the devices didn't have problems stems from the low distribution. See this extended warranty program or the swollen batteries in Pixel 3 and the widespread PMIC problems that I have experienced myself on a 3a and ranged from the Pixel 2 all the way to the 5.

secrec

LocaLola (I find larger phones, so pixels from the 6/6a upwards completely impractical)

I certainly appreciate variation in individual needs. I've got the same kind of issue that you have, just from the opposite point of view -- they're simply not big enough to be practical. This thing has to substitute for a laptop when you're on the move, so you need to be able to practically input data into it, and without sufficient screen width, its too hard to type into the virtual keyboard. Nexus 6 was the closest that google ever made to being input friendly, but now instead of maintaining or increasing the WIDTH so that the keys are wide enough to use, they've narrowed phones down and gone to idiotically tall screens. Just give me at least an extra 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch would be a dream. And it doesn't need to be so damned tall.

And while they're at it, instead of a camera bump, push the back cover further back to be flush with the camera and add in some more battery.

LocaLola

splattergames

Really good to know, thanks. I guess I must have been lucky, or perhaps the 4a 5G really is less affected by issues. It only has minor little quirks but none that would in any way limit its use or usefulness. I have seen comments from users complaining about refurbished Pixel 5s, which does make me think. And interestingly, it is not THAT cheap.
I have looked at the OnePlus 5, which is known to be a reliable device and still gets DivestOS support. It's cheap but also difficult to get over 7 years after its release.

There are specific and quite recent complaints about the 6a from where I live. So that seals it for me, even if I rise above the weight and size issue (which would mean I'd use the phone much less than a smaller one and would be forced to find alternative solutions). The later Pixels are all very definitely too big and heavy for me.

secrec

The only annoying issue that comes to mind with my Pixel 6 Pro is the odd behavior of the proximity sensor when on a call. Aside from that, its issue free.

Troubles with new Android versions are very normal. Every new major version requires some substantial adaptation. 3rd party software vendors need to work around various changes that can get in the way of expected behaviors. As far as big breaking changes, I've actually found that Android 15 was an incredibly smooth change.

LocaLola

secrec

I also made a very similar comment.
It looks as though phone manufacturers think that everybody uses their phone in the same way for the same things, and has the same lifestyle and needs. When was that ever realistic???

I completely understand people who instead of carrying a laptop prefer to carry a large phone and have a smaller mobile office. That's a professional need, and not a personal preference. I also know people who need a bigger phone because they don't need a laptop at all (privately) if their phone is big enough.

I really feel like you do: you NEED a kind of phone that simply does not exist. For personal use, I need (not just want) a smaller smartphone that fits into pockets and that's easy to carry in your hand for navigation (I'm outdoorsy). I need to be able to comfortably carry the phone with me without a bag. Although I could, I don't use phones as a mobile office, as none are big enough for my needs. I use a laptop (and a full-sized keyboard) and usually not on the move. And I use a feature phone for work calls (hardly ever used, people prefer e-mails).

I also fully agree about the camera island on Pixels. It makes the phones thicker, it is apparently more easily damaged, and it is also so unique that it clearly identifies Pixels (for better or worse).