Delete any app/which pixel?

[deleted]

My need is a bit niche, but I've been looking more towards GrapheneOS as it seems like it may solve the problem for me.

I want to fully dumb down my smartphone to the extent that I don't have a play store or a browser. Essentially, I would load apps only through adb. Ofc GrapheneOs is only supported properly on the Pixel series. To unlock the bootloader on my smartphone is a mission I'm not bothered with in order to root it, which may also solve my problem. This is why I'm looking into GrapheneOS.

A few questions:

Is the Pixel 5 still worth getting at this point for GrapheneOS?
Can I easily delete any app I want, including all the app stores and browsers?
If I end up using an older Pixel that is no longer supported properly, what are the negative implications that I really need to worry about?

MetropleX

[deleted]

Is the Pixel 5 still worth getting at this point for GrapheneOS?

Can I easily delete any app I want, including all the app stores and browsers?

If I end up using an older Pixel that is no longer supported properly, what are the negative implications that I really need to worry about?

Which devices are recommended?

We strongly recommend only purchasing one of the following devices for GrapheneOS due to better security and a minimum 5 year guarantee from launch for full security updates and other improvements:
Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel 7
Pixel 6a
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6
Deleting app stores/browsers

You can delete app stores and browsers, however if you are referring to the 'Apps' app and Vanadium then while you can, this will have a detrimental effect on the system for which you cannot seek support. All first party system applications are provided for a reason and as part of the OS. To remove them would effectively mean not running GrapheneOS.
Obsolete/Legacy Handsets

Your device will be left vulnerable to OS, firmware, kernel and vendor code exploits.

[deleted] To unlock the bootloader on my smartphone is a mission I'm not bothered with in order to root it

I may be misunderstanding your statement, but if you root a device with GrapheneOS, it is from that point no longer running GrapheneOS which will be validated with the use of the Auditor app and again no further support can be sought or provided from us.

[deleted]

MetropleX
Thank you very much for the prompt and detailed response. It looks like Vanadium is baked into the OS then. Would GrapheneOS simply fail to run if these apps were removed?

MetropleX

[deleted] no but the OS would be unstable, I am not by any means telling you what to do, just clarifying the purpose of our community portals and our position if you choose to proceed.

By all means install it and experiment. My advice would be simply not to do it on a production device (daily driver).

What you do and the experience you have beyond that is entirely your prerogative.

[deleted]

MetropleX
Okay, thanks for the advice. Could you please explain what you mean by unstable? I don't really understand what you mean.
I would use adb to install apps instead of through any of the pre-installed app stores or browsers.

unwat

[deleted]

As a general rule most people on the forum discourage removing system apps. There's no reason to remove Vanadium because it doesn't do anything if you're not using it. However, you might notice you can still disable Vanadium from settings. Here's a thing the lead developer said:

disabling system browser after installing another providing the intents is fine, disabling system camera is broken due to apps using the intents only it can provide

You can install stuff via ADB if you want.

alex_herrero

If you leave the files apps, you can still install apps through a USB, so you need to explain your threat a little more.