Hi,
First time posting on here. I thought I would share my experience with Graphene OS and ask a few app related questions. I am not particularly phone savvy (I do not understand half of the security measures listed in the docs!) but wanted a bit more control over my OS and security after being fully entrenched in Google. Perhaps this will inspire other Android/Google users to try Graphene.

Device : Pixel 8 Pro
Daily Apps : Barclays (UK), Duolingo, WhatsApp, SMS, Phone, Email
Other Apps : GWR, Nest, Pixel Buds, Drive, Maps, Photos

Install via the web guide was extremely easy and only took around 10 minutes. I tried it about a year ago then got cold feet, perhaps a useful addition to the guide would be how to revert back to stock with links to stock roms (if you feel that is appropriate) just to give new and noob users a bit more confidence in taking the plunge.

I am a google account holder, its just easier and all the apps work well in GOS. I installed the Google versions of all apps mentioned above and allowed Play services to run in the background. OK, so its not a completely privacy centric install, but that's not what I was after. Its basically everything I had on stock OS, but with the following benefits:

Secure
No spam (I installed Brave over Vanadium after reading reviews, but this is one of my questions)
All the Google services that run in the background are not installed (and boy are there a ton of them on the P8pro)
Battery life is magnificent now, runtime of nearly 4 days without losing any connectivity.
Bluetooth, pixel buds, car hands free etc.. all seamless.

There are a few things that are missing/niggling, which i can live without and understand the reasons why (after reading through here). But just for clarity I should point out these items:

No FaceID (but fingerprint is excellent and secure)
No AI related extras (such as the new circle to search)
No thermometer (i guess you could install it, but its useless)
Slightly slower browsing experience due to the setup.
Duplicate apps (i.e. camera which is required by GOS). I installed OLauncher which suits my taste, activity and can hide apps.
Password manager doesnt import into Vanadium (or Brave). I have Bitwarden as a primary manger now which was duplicated in Google previously.

Overall, I am a convert and will not be reverting back to stock. I do have a few questions please if you would be so kind to offer an opinion.

Browser. I picked Brave over Vanadium. Assume this is a good call, though i understand you can adblock Vanadium with the right DNS. Are there alternatives for good safe browsing?
SMS. Google messages is good and has RCS support, the alternative would be signal. Happy to hear opinions on this and which would be better.
Phone app. Google dialler is OK and has some nice AI features, but don't really use or need them. I do have visual voicemail which is important. I did try Truecaller many years ago as a spam blocking dialler. Again happy to hear suggestions on good apps.

Thanks all :)