
My Phone
- Atul
- Technology , Web , Free software , The big o community , Android
- July 11, 2025
Table of Contents
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? 😊