this post was submitted on 27 Dec 2024
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Privacy
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Not sure on this one.
The auditor is to make sure you are installing an authentic version of graphene. That it is not a modified version that has been tampered with (e.g., backdoors).
Automatically enables MAC randomization. This can help with being tracked on public networks. Fingerprinting techniques have gotten better though with deep packet inspection and even measuring radio characteristics. I've seen demos of two brand new and identical models of iPhones being distinctly picked out due to variances in the radios during manufacturing.
Doesn't help with advertisers tracking behavior based on IP. VPNs help with "blending-in" by putting multiple users behind the same IP. Provider matters here. Needs to be a VPN provider that won't just sell your data or cave to law enforcement. Mullvad is my preference. Paid with crypto. RAM only logs. That said, use Tor or I2P for anything you don't want subpoenaed.
For additional tips:
I've been eyeing Graphene for a while now but I'm not really a tech person. I fumbled my way through installing and doing basic tweaks on Linux Mint but I don't know the first thing about coding or programming. Is that kind of knowledge a must for this OS or is it more dummy friendly? And what's a good cheap phone to grab to start messing with it and getting familiar, do you have any recommendations on that front?
It's almost the same as plain Android, only with the Google services removed or locked down, and additional security restrictions and permissions control. Most apps work without any additional configuration, unless they're doing something unusual.
The only supported devices are Pixels, so take your pick from the list: https://grapheneos.org/faq#supported-devices
No programming knowledge required.
Graphene only supports Pixels due to the titan chip. The versions with "a" are cheaper. Check when they go end of life to find the cheapest if you care about updates. So probably the 6a or 7a if you want at least 2 years of updates.
It's pretty dummy friendly. Accept that some things may not work or will work differently (Most notably tap to pay is a no go AFAIK,) and be willing to learn if something comes up would probably be how I describe it. The only problem that might turn up that an app that you need doesn't pass gOS' security checks, but there's an app level setting to lessen security restrictions if it's something you NEED.
Otherwise, meh? Flashing back to stock is super easy via a google web tool if you don't like it. (I had to for a trip, Ticketmaster was being wonky and all my shows were ticketmaster haha. I've never had a problem before with the Ticketmaster app so IDK if it's an ongoing thing or not)