Should I use GraphenenOS for my new Pixel 9a in my user behaviour?

M-Reimer

With the battery disaster with the Pixel 6a, I decided to better replace it. Especially as, with the forced update, the runtime got pretty close to unusable. My new Pixel 9a just arrived yesterday. Now I'm unsure if I should replace Android with GrapheneOS right away. I do value my privacy a lot but I also need a stable, reliable, device that does the tings I want and like, which will, of course, result in a compromise between comfort and privacy.

Currently I use "stock Android" with "Netguard" firewall to block internet access from some apps. I also have a big list of disabled apps and replaced many apps with open source ones. I do not use Google cloud. I use Davx5 to sync contacts and calendar to my own server.

In fact I do use my phone more for surfing the web and playing small games than actually using it as a phone. I probably do one actual phone call per month. Most communication is done via WhatsApp. Yes, this is such a "compromise" situation but that's not going to change.

As I use games regularly whenever I'm waiting for something, ... and my games do sync via Google Play, I'm wondering if I would still have major benefits from GrapheneOS if I want to run the "sandboxed play services" all the time? I don't really feel like wanting a second profile for that as I would need them nearly everytime anyway.

Another point is buying apps. I do buy apps that I like every now and then. All them are on Google Play Store and I also plan to buy more in future. So I will need Google Play Store to get and update my apps. Will Google Play Store be able to run without major limitations in the "sandboxed play services" environment?

What about DRM? Will Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, ... still support HD video?

Does someone have positive experience with the payment app "Sparkasse Mobiles Bezahlen"?

other8026

M-Reimer Currently I use "stock Android" with "Netguard" firewall to block internet access from some apps.

GrapheneOS's network permission does a better job of blocking apps' network access.

M-Reimer my games do sync via Google Play

This works on GrapheneOS if Google Play is installed.

M-Reimer I'm wondering if I would still have major benefits from GrapheneOS if I want to run the "sandboxed play services" all the time?

Yes. On the stock OS, Google Play and other Google apps have privileged access. On GrapheneOS, they're all normal user-installed apps. The differences in access between the two are pretty crazy when you look into it.

GrapheneOS users enjoy more privacy from Google even if they have Google Play and other Google apps installed on their phones in their owner or "daily driver" profile.

M-Reimer I don't really feel like wanting a second profile for that as I would need them nearly everytime anyway.

No need. Nothing wrong with having just one profile.

M-Reimer Another point is buying apps. I do buy apps that I like every now and then. All them are on Google Play Store and I also plan to buy more in future. So I will need Google Play Store to get and update my apps. Will Google Play Store be able to run without major limitations in the "sandboxed play services" environment?

Yes. You can buy apps and in-app purchases work fine too.

The only thing I'd have to mention, though, is that some apps use Play Integrity to check if the OS on the phone is the one from the manufacturer and is certified by Google. GrapheneOS isn't certified by Google. It's a anti-competitive feature that they're trying to pass off as a security feature. Some apps will refuse to run. I rarely see reports of games not working, but it can happen.

M-Reimer What about DRM? Will Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, ... still support HD video?

DRM works fine. I haven't tried Amazon Prime Video, but Netflix works. Don't recall ever seeing reports of Amazon Prime Video not working. There's no reason HD videos wouldn't work either, so if videos aren't in HD it would be because of an app or remote server restriction. I have never seen anyone report that video quality is restricted by those apps on GrapheneOS.

Xtreix

other8026 You were quicker than me to reply.

M-Reimer Does someone have positive experience with the payment app "Sparkasse Mobiles Bezahlen"?

No idea personnaly, I've never used this app. If you want contactless payment and you live in the EU (which seems to be the case), I use Curve which works perfectly, but thanks for the share.