Can you install graphene on an old expired pixel?

Paranoid

Sorry for dumb question but I could not find a answer.
I was hoping to spend less than a hundred on a old pixel and install graphene. I just need a device to call and text. Don't care about anything else. I don't use phone a lot.

treequell

You can, but there's no point in buying and end-of-life device to install GrapheneOS. GrapheneOS is focused on improvements in privacy and security, but by using an end of life device, you are achieving no privacy or security whatsoever, regardless of whether you are running GrapheneOS or not. So it defeats the purpose of the OS.

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

csis01

treequell That's not exactly true. Just because "support" has ended, doesn't suddenly make the whole thing get hacked. Whatever security benefits were added by the OLD version of grapheneOS still makes it more secure than the factory system image that is even older.

In fact, even just by disincluding the gservices crap improves security.

matchboxbananasynergy

csis01 The device is still missing months, if not years of critical security updates. Those devices are not secure and cannot be secure regardless of what OS you run.

@Paranoid Look for a Pixel 6a if you want a cheaper device. Maybe even used. I don't know what your budget is, but that's probably the best bang for your buck.

csis01

matchboxbananasynergy The device is still missing months, if not years of critical security updates.

You're missing the point. Its still the most secure option FOR THAT DEVICE.

matchboxbananasynergy

csis01 If a device is not receiving extended support releases from GrapheneOS, it doesn't even get the AOSP patches anymore. In those cases, something like DivestOS may be a better choice.

With that said, we need to be clear about what using an EOL device entails. They are insecure, plain and simple. We should under no circumstances be recommending that people buy already EOL devices or somehow insinuate that just because you're installing GrapheneOS you're somehow way better off.