Considering moving to graphene OS because of google banning sideloading apps in the near future. I'm tech literate but have very little knowledge about alternative mobile OS.
How secure(private?) are sandboxed google apps? I will still need at minimum google play services (for android auto - actually might be willing to give that up, it sucks) and google play store (for apps I'm required to have by college/work - I can't think of alternatives for those). I'm working on degoogling as much as I can but also being realistic and not letting it stress me out. Do google services still work as intended or do they break sometimes? Does needing those defeat the entire purpose??
Are there known issues with texting, calling, voicemail? I already experience persistent issues currently texting apple users individually and in group chats (issues usually on their end ofc). This is my main concern, as well as other basic features working as intended without any hassle or extra steps on my part. I've seen posts on here about issues with RCS and that might be a deal breaker for me if that's an issue I'm guaranteed to run into. Also, will it mess with my phone carrier plan or settings at all? (sorry if that's a silly question)
I'm assuming I have to back up everything on my phone externally and then move it back after setting up graphene? I don't really have a lot to move so that's easy, all I can think of is contacts, photos.. actually I think that's it unless I'm missing something important?
What kind of conveniences will I have to give up? Like things I don't even have to think about because my phone just does it for me or makes it easy at the cost of my privacy. Is the learning curve or troubleshooting going to take a good chunk of my time or is it user friendly out of the box?
I currently have a pixel 7 and it's in good condition (minus a stripe of pixels not responding to touch) but I would consider buying a newer model used/refurbished if it has better compatibility or support.