Getting started

Kat

Hello!

I want to buy a google pixel phone, which do you recommend?
Where should l buy from, a retail store or other?
Do I have to remove original settings before installing graphene0S?
Also, can someone provide me step by step guidance on how to install graphene0S?

Any advice would be appreciated, please go easy on me, I'm a tech rookie! lol

Thanks,
Kat

de0u

Kat I want to buy a google pixel phone, which do you recommend?

https://grapheneos.org/faq#recommended-devices

The FAQ contains other information that may be useful as well.

vtek

Kat As far as installation and set-up, read the docs.

Regarding where/what to buy, if you live in the US, then consider Cape (that's a referral link if you want a discount). You can grab a 9a for pocket change with GOS installed, if you choose, and have what i think is the best, no-contract carrier in the US regarding security/privacy. I see at the moment they're pretty well sold out of everything, but my experience is that they tend to re-stock fairly quickly. You can always contact them and ask.

nandohyphen1

Kat I want to buy a google pixel phone, which do you recommend?

I'd recommend anything from the Pixel 8 series and up. For sure the 9 series.

Kat Where should l buy from, a retail store or other?

Depending on where you live, the Google Store or Best Buy are the two best places. To be able to install GrapheneOS, the phone MUST be Carrier Unlocked and OEM Unlockable.

Kat Do I have to remove original settings before installing graphene0S?

No, you can just install GrapheneOS following the instructions

Kat Also, can someone provide me step by step guidance on how to install graphene0S?

The instructions on the website are the ones to follow. They are very easy to do. You can also YouTube videos of people installing GrapheneOS so you get an idea of how to do it, but I ONLY recommend following the instructions on the website. Videos tend to be out of date or miss key information. The official website is your best bet.

ClickClickDrone

If you have a tight budget, go for the Pixel 10a or 9a, both of them will get 8 and 7 years of support, respectively.

Avoid buying older phones; you'll have to replace them quicker once support ends.

I'd recommend buying directly from Google if you don't have privacy issues, because you can then be sure you got authentic (untampered) hardware.

Kat

Thanks! I'm ok with spending $ for quality and security, so should i go with the newest generation?
Do you ask them to give you the phone without software so that you install graphene0S? Or do you uninstall their factory software first? then install graphene? How do you install graphene, do you buy from a website?
Sorry, I need step by step basic help, thanks!

Kat

vtek Thanks, I'm in Canada. Do I go to a best buy, or buy directly from google?
What factory software is on it when you get it? How to uninstall? What do you think of motorola?

Kat

Also, I saw some discussions about motorola here. is this company better/more secure than pixel?

nandohyphen1

Kat Motorola isn't yet supported by GrapheneOS. Only Google Pixel phones. Motorola phones are expected to be available in 2027.

Kat

nandohyphen1 Follow the instructions on Graphene0S?

Have any of you looked at the AbovePhone? It has linux tech and graphene0S
I don't see a lot of discussion here about it, wondering if people here have bought the AbovePhone?

nandohyphen1

Kat I'm in Canada too. I have a Pixel 9a coming from Best Buy. I'd go Best Buy. Just get a fully unlocked phone.

Kat What factory software is on it when you get it?

Just basic apps, Messaging, contacts, phone, files, etc. You can install everything else. Just watch some videos. :)

Kat How to uninstall?

If you decide to uninstall, the instructions are here

nandohyphen1

Kat Follow the instructions on Graphene0S?

Yes.

Kat Have any of you looked at the AbovePhone? It has linux tech and graphene0S
I don't see a lot of discussion here about it, wondering if people here have bought the AbovePhone?

My current 6a is an Above Phone. They are quite over priced. I'd install myself. After converting currencies, I paid just over $1,000 CAD for my 6a which I could have bought myself for $500 CAD at the time

Johnnyloans

Kat AbovePhone

So many tech rookies have install grapheneos just fine with the easy web installer.

Above phone is a pixel phone with grapheneos + a big $ markup. Installing gos is as easy as clicking a few buttons.

Pixel 9, 9pro, 9pro XL have more issues with the phone's esim breaking.

Kat

nandohyphen1 Ok thanks, that's what i thought.
Are you installing linux on the phone or is graphene0S enough?

Kat

If $ was no problem, which pixel would you guys choose and why?

nandohyphen1

Kat If $ was no problem, which pixel would you guys choose and why?

If I could get any Pixel, I'd get the 10 Pro. But my budget allowed me to buy a 9a, which is good enough for me.

nandohyphen1

Kat you can't install Linux on a phone, although the GrapheneOS kernel is basically Linux, I believe but I'll let someone else who's more technical explain it.

nandohyphen1

Videos I recommend you watch;
How to install GrapheneOS

Back to Stock Android on Google Pixel

Considering GrapheneOS? Quick Tour + Useful Settings

Duress PIN on GrapheneOS

I Tried to Brick my GrapheneOS Installation so You Don't Have To

Security Preview Releases

Private Space