trappatoni Even without a screen protector, the fingerprint reader feels a bit unreliable. I’m wondering:
Has anyone else using GrapheneOS on a Pixel 7a experienced similar problems with fingerprint recognition?
Pixel 8a has the same issues, idk if it uses the same sensor but an incompatible screen protector will not work on any device. Consider the Pixel 9 and above which have a more secure and more accurate ultrasonic sensor.
Althrough I wouldn't upgrade just because the sensor the Pixel 8a compared to Pixel 7a is an upgrade, it has +3 years of updates, memory tagging and some improvements here and there like a higher refresh rate screen. Same camera though. But at this point you should consider the Pixel 9a which has a huge battery and a bit better (albeit still underwhelming) charging speed + 1 more year of updates. Find detailed comparisons of specs on sites like gsmarena.com.
trappatoni Does the fingerprint reader on the 8a work better with GrapheneOS?
I don't think it depends on the OS, but regardless there must not be much difference between the the devices. Someone should confirm.
trappatoni Any screen protector recommendations where the fingerprint is consistently recognized on first try?
Even without a screen protector you don't always get consistent readings, it all depends on a multitude of variables and factors whether it works or not.
I have a regular glass screen protector on my P8a and it consistently fails to read my finger, sometimes even 5 times in a row (which results in getting locked out). I don't believe removing the protector would increase the accuracy that much to justify risking that the screen will scratch or the chance it'll break. Consider adding your fingerprint multiple times.
trappatoni Battery life on my 7a with GrapheneOS hasn’t been great. I’ve tweaked quite a bit (background restrictions, battery saver, disabling features), but it still drains faster than expected.
Has anyone noticed better battery life on the Pixel 8a with GrapheneOS? Or is it about the same?
Depends on how much I use the modem, how many apps/profiles are running. It can drain fast if I'm not careful, but I'm already at 95% batter and around 120 cycles. Plus I only charge to 80% to save battery health. It's fine, I got the phone about a month ago and it never died on me yet. I set it to enable battery saver at 30% but at that point I'm already home or on my way. I don't use my device that much. Restrict screen refresh and mobile data plus background usage if you want better results. There are a bunch of threads on the forum. If you're in an area with weak 5G coverage it might be worth turning it off so the device wouldn't try much harder to connect. Again check out the 9a or higher.