I use it because it’s open source, degoogled, and hardened. I don’t know about the accusations against the founder but I’m not going to downgrade my security over it.
degoogled
promotes the Android walled garden utilities by Google (Trustlets, etc)
promotes Google phones
Promoting Google phones is def a major issue I have with it. I just happened to already have one and wanted to continue to use it without all the Google shitware and “services” they force on them. I’m planning on voting with my wallet for my next phone, but I already paid for this hardware and want to use it for as long as I can.
I think the reason that Graphene OS only uses Google Pixels is because they offer the most hardware security out of any phone. To be honest I don’t think its too much of an issue because obviously installing Graphene OS onto the phone will completely degoogle the device.
You’re correct. I personally disagree with the idea that buying hardware from Google for this is a good thing though. I’d rather buy slightly less secure hardware that I feel aligns more with my ideals and not need to hack it.
Haven’t watched the video, but I’ve had interactions with Daniel Micay and… Not exactly pleasant. Very sure of having the one true way™ and unwilling to consider people may have slightly different threat models. Got accused of being an astroturfer for CalyxOS instead (Have never used it, my arguments aimed at Puri.sm-style hardware switches). Am still using Graphene, because it comes closest to my needs, but the whole thing sure left a bad taste in my mouth (and I steadfastly abstain from conversations where Micay is likely to get involved). But then, I’ve similar experiences with OpenBSD, Exherbo Linux, and pulseaudio and systemd. There is a type of developer that manages to force their vision on a project with singular zeal, but is very unpleasant to even slightly challenge. Your only real choice is to subscribe to that vision to a potentially uncomfortable degree, or to dismiss the project.
I had no idea these issues existed before I decided to switch to it. It leaves a sour taste in my mouth as well. The only thing that makes me glad is installing Graphene was a stop gap so that I felt comfortable continuing to use this phone. My plan was to switch to something else with my next hardware choice and this helps solidify that decision.
