My Phone

My Phone

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My Phone

I Asked:

Good morning everyone!!

i am planning to buy a mobile phone based on android, for calling, instant messaging(XMPP, Session, Simplex), Navigation(OSM), so everything FOSS. Running apps from FDroid. No Google. Good Camera, battery.

So what device i can get? Maybe i can root it without much hassle. Please suggest some good devices, i don’t want to fund organizations who do not care about their customer privacy.

i feel Murena are doing good, but for india it will cost too much.

DeepSeek said:

Good morning! It’s great to see you prioritizing privacy and FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) for your next phone. Since you want a Google-free experience with a good camera, battery, and support for FOSS apps (FDroid, XMPP, OSM, etc.), here are some solid options within India:

Best Privacy-Focused Android Phones (2024)

1. Fairphone 5 (Best for Repairability & Long Support)

  • Why? Fairphone focuses on ethical sourcing, long-term updates (up to Android 18+), and modular repairability.
  • Pros:
    • 5+ years of software support
    • Easy to root/unlock bootloader
    • Good camera (Sony sensors)
    • No Google by default (can install /e/OS or LineageOS)
  • Cons:
    • Expensive (~₹50K+ if imported)
    • Limited availability in India

2. Pixel 6 / 7 / 8 (Best Camera + Custom ROM Support)

  • Why? Google Pixels have the best custom ROM support (GrapheneOS, CalyxOS, LineageOS).
  • Pros:
    • Excellent camera (even without Google apps)
    • Strong community support for de-Googling
    • GrapheneOS (best for security) works flawlessly
  • Cons:
    • Bootloader unlocking is easy, but Pixel 8 (Tensor G3) may have some limitations
    • Google hardware (but can be fully de-Googled)

3. Nothing Phone (1 or 2) (Good Balance of Price & Performance)

  • Why? Decent hardware, clean Android, and good LineageOS support.
  • Pros:
    • Affordable (Phone 1 ~₹20K used, Phone 2 ~₹35K)
    • Good battery & performance
    • Active modding community
  • Cons:
    • Camera is average (but GCam ports help)
    • Bootloader unlock voids warranty

4. Samsung Galaxy (A Series) + LineageOS

  • Why? Samsung’s mid-range phones (like A54) have good hardware.
  • Pros:
    • Reliable hardware, good battery
    • LineageOS support for some models
  • Cons:
    • Knox tripping = warranty void
    • Some bloat even after de-Googling

5. Used OnePlus (6/7/8) + LineageOS

  • Why? Older OnePlus devices have great FOSS support.
  • Pros:
    • Cheap (OnePlus 6 ~₹10K used)
    • Strong custom ROM scene (LineageOS, /e/OS)
  • Cons:
    • Aging hardware
    • Camera needs GCam for best results

Best OS Choices (After Unlocking Bootloader)

  • GrapheneOS (Best for security, Pixel-only)
  • CalyxOS (Pixel & Xiaomi devices)
  • LineageOS (Widest device support)
  • /e/OS (Good for de-Googled experience)

Avoid These Brands (If Privacy is Priority)

  • Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI has deep tracking, bootloader unlock is a hassle)
  • Realme/Oppo/Vivo (Heavy bloat, poor FOSS support)
  • Apple iPhone (No FOSS alternative, locked ecosystem)

Final Recommendation

  • Best Budget Option: Used OnePlus 7 Pro + LineageOS (~₹15K)
  • Best Mid-Range: Nothing Phone 1 + /e/OS (~₹20K)
  • Best Premium: Fairphone 5 or Pixel 8 + GrapheneOS

Would you like help with specific rooting/unlocking guides for any of these? 😊

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