I'm scared of going back to GrapheneOS, convince me otherwise

ron

I used to have GrapheneOS installed on my phone and it was going great, until I had to factory reset my phone. Right around that time, there was no workaround for the Revolut app yet, so I had to go back to OEM Android by Google. This is obviously not optimal, because it feels like google with privileged permissions is a parasite living in my phone. One app that didn't work as well was a german app called "Payback", but I don't really care if I can use it or not.

So there's a workaround for Revolut. What is stopping me?

What scares me are the what ifs:
What if Revolut decides to suddenly bring another idiotic update? What if other apps that are essential to me will not work anymore?

In the end I want my phone to work and to not get a headache after a new app update breaks its functionality. I am aware that I have to ask myself if I really want to trade in privacy for reliability (and therefore convenience).

Because of that, I am playing with the thought of getting an iPhone because it is the next best phone after GrapheneOS (screenshot in case you don't have a X account) and seems to be the Phone for what I desire. I am really used to android though...

In an ideal world GrapheneOS would somehow manage to get the play integrity api going, so I wouldn't have to write this post right now. But this seems to be wishful thinking from my side.

What are your thoughts?

cupcake-alibi

It seems like Revolut recently started blocking GrapheneOS again (https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/17714-revolut-mobile-finance-not-supported-on-devices-with-custom-firmware-problem). And I've read that the GrapheneOS team recommends not to use Revolut due to poor security (I forgot in which post I read this). I have been considering switching to Revolut for some years, but not anymore. I wouldn't bet on Revolut becoming reliable again.

I recommend to switch to another bank (one that doesn't ban GrapheneOS). Although I understand moving away from Revolut may be too difficult/not worth it. In the end this dilemma is about your priorities: GrapheneOS vs Revolut.

ron

cupcake-alibi
I feel like other banks could do the same. It kind of feels like a matter of time until they do... Switching bank wouldn't be that big of a problem, just the worry that this could happen to other banks as well... I might be too paranoid :D

jackFang

The way I see it, if you go private route, Revolut is going to miss a customer, so they should be the ones trying to fix it, not you getting stressed. If it was me, I would switch banks with apps that work with smartphones, or alternatively if none works - just use their website.

On an iPhone note, if you always wanted to get one. Go for it, if you don't like it then come back to Android.

cupcake-alibi

ron I feel you. Revolut isn't the only app banning GrapheneOS or custom ROMs. I do think, however, that anti-competitive and monopolistic companies are getting more attention lately (take PewDiePie's recent videos for example). So my hope is that in the next few years the pendulum will swing back.

As jackFang mentioned, some banks don't require an app, so find out if that's an option for you.

Another idea: you could proactively setup multiple (free) bank accounts as backups in case you main one suddenly blocks you.

ron

Well I thought about it for a bit and my conclusion is the following:

I am staying on stock OS. It feels a bit excessive to set up multiple Bank accounts. And yes, some banks don't require an app, but those are mostly the ones that will cost me an unjustified monthly fee or do not offer the features I need for good money management.

I will definitely observe the developments around GrapheneOS, because I really want to switch one day. I hope that on that day, there will be a solution that can make me worry less about app developers adding unnecessary checks that might brick those apps on GrapheneOS.

WestQuester

ron

I would humbly submit that the same rationale for not adopting now will be true in the future as well. There is always a risk that an app will add something that make it fail to work on GOS and you'll never switch in the future.

So rather than worry about the possibility (which may or may not happen), what if you used it for now, and if it does happen in the future, switch back to stock? That way you can gain definite benefits now rather than worry about possibly losing the benefits in the future (which may or may not happen).

Up to you of course, but thought I'd add this perspective.

ron

WestQuester Thank you for your perspective on my little problem :)! I am currently in the process of de-googling the stock OS to my liking (e.g.: using a different search engine). Once my current Pixel is in the range of being eol (less than one year left), I'll get a new phone try GrapheneOS on it.

ron

Another update:

I decided to make the switch to GrapheneOS again. This convinced me: https://youtu.be/qnL5GuLUHzw?si=AuYk0d6i7v_l43a7&t=388
I mean I live in the EU, but this doesn't mean I can trust Google now :D.
Revolut seems to be working for now, so wish me luck :). I'll either dual-wield or switch to iPhone, once my banking apps stop working on GrapheneOS. Thank you all for your advice!

Blastoidea

+1 for change banks.

Screw ‘em.

SgtSurehand

Blastoidea I'd say screw everyone. Those that don't respect you, don't deserve your respect.