I know that Graphene OS is the best OS for privacy/security on a Pixel, but I have both a non-Pixel phone. What is the second best ROM in this case? I know that Lineage still has some Google telemetry since it’s meant to be as close to AOSP as possible and not actually de-Googled. Maybe /e/ OS then?
Definitely. If you want as little Google in your phone as possible just regular LineageOS (that is, without microg) is an option, too. Just remember to install another store like F-Droid to manage your apps.
And just to avoid some confusion: LineageOS and LineageOS for microG are two separate projects on two different websites. Here’s regular LineageOS and here’s LineageOS for microG.
As for /e/OS… I find them a bit dodgy, to be honest. It’s essentially just rebranded LineageOS with slower updates. Then there’s the word “degoogled” plastered all over their website, but nowhere does it mention that many apps still use things like Google Push notifications, even though other, FOSS push systems are available.
To my understanding, the /e/ foundation’s purpose is to “democratize” privacy-oriented alternatives to Google’s ecosystem, not just Android, at a level the average user can understand. Even though I have to give credit to Purism for making a better work in that regard, Purism is of course more expensive for us and even more broadly unavailable or unreachable for “normal” peeps than /e/ OS, territory-wise. /e/'s OS can serve as an intermediary step in my opinion.