Pixel 9 or Samsung S24 FE? Privacy-wise

CoolEdge

Hey, so I'm a newbie to the forums but I've been watching Graphene for some time and finally have the chance to try it out. My carrier, ATT, is offering to let me trade in for either a Samsung S24 Fan Edition or Pixel 9. I've gone through most of the specs and tbh it's still a tossup for me, but I wanted to know about the possible privacy concerns among both of them.

I was looking at this post made by the official GrapheneOS account that is making me think it might actually be safer to get a Pixel 9, even if I may not be able to unlock it immediately due to it being connected to my carrier.

Is it better privacy-wise to get the Pixel 9, which is more directly connected to the stock Android (from what I gathered), or is it better to get Samsung (which is a little more detached from Google)? Any opinions help! :)

Xtreix

CoolEdge The Samsung S24 FE is no less "detached from Google" , it runs the same privileged Google services as the Google Pixel 9 with the original operating system plus Samsung's privileged services,

If you want security and privacy, the only good choice here is GrapheneOS on the Pixel 9, and the device must not be locked by the operator.

FlyingStars_

Pixel 9 if you want GrapheneOS support. Check https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/main/carriers/README.md to see if your carrier supports BL unlocking. If not, you might not be able to install GrapheneOS even AFTER THE CARRIER LOCK IS LIFED

CoolEdge

Just wanna say thanks guys, you all confirmed what I was thinking (that the Samsung OS would literally be both Samsung and Google's OS and privacy issues slapped together).

FlyingStars_ , in the bootloader page you sent it says this:

"AT&T does not allow you to unlock your bootloader until your phone is network unlocked, and AT&T has a history of refusing to network unlock phones for zero reason. However, some recent posts on XDA have claimed the AT&T Pixel 9's bootloader can be unlocked if you set up the phone without an AT&T SIM inserted."

From what I saw tho, people are talking about the Pixel 9 Pro XL (apparently also offered by AT&T, which has an artificial blacklist apparently. Yikes!). Is it worth the gamble to go for it?

Hake

ATT Will let you SIM and bootloader unlock the phone after it is paid off + has been active on ATT for 90 days. If you must get it from ATT, you can install GrapheneOS after you meet both these obligations.

A stock pixel 9 and a Samsung anything will both track you in ways GrapheneOS never could or will, but the Pixel 9 physically protects your data from attackers better than the samsung. Get the Pixel 9 if security is your main focus.

DeletedUser203

"Pixel 9 or Samsung S24 FE? Privacy-wise"
Neither with stock android are a privacy good choice.
With the Pixel9 (unlocked from any carrier and unlockable bootloader), you have the choice to keep stock android or install GrapheneOS. The whole point of an " upgrade " is to keep you locked to your carrier, for their benefit, which will also prevent GrapheneOS being installed.
Personally, I would decline the offer, buy a device direct from Google and use their mad trade in offers on the P9a Google were offering me £186 on my p6a against a new P9a, I nearly buckled....

SgtSurehand

CoolEdge since you are already on contract and you pay off the value of the phone monthly, why not flip it a little bit and buy a new phone from Google, Amazon, you name it, and pay for it in installments (I do that, not that I don't have the money), that way you won't feel the burden as much.

FlyingStars_

CoolEdge I don't think you will save much from the carrier thing anyway. I agree with SgtSurehand that maybe it is a good idea to purchase an unlocked pixel phone and you can flash GrapheneOS immediately instead of waiting for 1 or 2 years after the carrier lock is lifted.

CoolEdge

I like that idea too, but I'm already in a contract with them so I decided I'll just do it with them anyways. Regardless, I wanna thank everyone here because you guys have helped me make the decision to get the Pixel 9! I can't wait to join this awesome community (either now or in a little while)! 💛