Besides GOS, what OS is most secure/privacy-focused?

7y6tif87igy

I have a spare phone (ok, a few) but they are not Pixel phones. So, what is the next best OS that is privacy-focused? I used LineageOS in the past years ago - is that still good?

Thank you.

NoahRaketic

7y6tif87igy iOS will be your next best bet, followed by Pixel OS. On any other Android phone your most secure and private option will be the stock OS (assuming it's not end-of-life).

LineageOS and its forks have important security issues.

dhhdjbd

I am pretty sure the opinion on that is essentially none, since they all do not have up-to-date security patches

Mikeg

Pixelbuilds

gristle-cause

Not many great options remain. DivestOS would've been your answer a few years ago. But that project's been shuttered for over a year. If it's still new enough to still receive OEM security updates, probably stock OS.

LineageOS is the only alternative ROM I'd ever consider even mentioning, as there are certain EOL devices that may be abandoned by the OEM but continue to be maintained through Lineage. But that's admittedly harm reduction to yield a worse end product than the cheapest android you can buy at Walmart

gk7ncklxlts99w1

Relevant thread: https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/20464-is-grapheneos-the-most-secure-os-in-the-world

SovereignCopper

@gristle-cause
https://axpos.org has continued where DivestOS has left off. The dev has had help from Tavi where necessary, too.

Like DivestOS, it's based on LineageOS + (backported) kernel patches + a subset of GrapheneOS's security hardening + some (GrapheneOS) privacy/security patches + WebView with a Vanadium patch subset.

You can request support for your device if it's supported by LineageOS and if you're willing to put in the work of monthly testing.

I think the documentation is clear about the downsides, too.