Post #2579345

2026-05-07 18:58 UTC

I went Graphene a while back and can’t be happier with it. I’d still love to see a real Linux phone that really works and really has native Signal/etc apps but since buying a pinephone years ago to tinker with it, I’m not holding my breath. If anyone here has fears/questions about installing/using it, I can give you basics. NOT an expert, but installation was the easiest thing I could have imagined, took MAYBE 10 minutes literally following their official guide.

Replies (7)

@echo@lemmy.ml 2026-05-07 20:03

The software for linux phones is pretty much there. Gnome and KDE mobile are surprisingly capable. There’s built in apps for every basic thing you’d need on a phone like a dialer, SMS app, camera, etc. plus all the normal apps adapted to work with mobile like the calculator and maps apps. The only real limitation is with the hardware. I have no idea why all new linux phones launch with specs from a decade ago. You can get a better experience by flashing ported Postmarket OS to an Android phone like the Nothing phone or a OnePlus 6t. It shouldn’t be like that, no idea why it’s impossible to just have a linux phone with decent specs and a good camera on par with modern flagships.

Open ##2579344
@kryptonianCodeMonkey@lemmy.world 2026-05-07 21:28

I have company managed apps on my device. Teams, Outlook and Authenticator. Any idea if there might be any friction there with Graphene? It’s really the only thing from holding me back and I can’t really justify experimenting if it’s going to break things

Open ##2586663
@lemmyng@lemmy.world 2026-05-07 19:14

Agree. On my fifth anniversary with GrapheneOS and it still kicks ass. The Pixel phones on the other hand still leave a lot to be desired as reliable hardware. My 8 Pro is the best of the ones I’ve owned, but not by much considering my Pixel 6 Pro had a shitty Tensor modem, and my Pixel 4 XL had a spicy pillow. The sooner GrapheneOS moves to Motorola, the better.

Open ##2586837
@k0e3@lemmy.ca 2026-05-07 22:41

This might be a silly question, but do you think it would be a good idea for me to first set up my old android phone with my bank and authenticator apps before I make the switch in case some of them don’t work?

Open ##2588468
@eli@lemmy.world 2026-05-07 21:37

I'm about to make the switch myself. I have a Pixel tablet and a P9 Pro. I swapped my tablet over just so I can test things out. I want to deGoogle completely. No play store. So far I've had to make a list of all my apps I have on my phone and go one-by-one seeing if there's an apk for it somewhere outside of play store, and if not, then if there's an alternative app, and then website or PWA it is. I've come to realize I have a lot of unnecessary bullshit on my phone to begin with. Think I'll make the switch this weekend, just need to find a few more alternatives to specific apps.

Open ##2859091
@akwd169@sh.itjust.works 2026-05-08 11:47

Does signal not work on grapheneOS? Im bound to end up on graphene in the very near future but im trying to prepare myself for the conveniences ill be giving up, I know tap to pay is one, and bank apps proba ly wont work (but online banking in a browser works fine for me) Is there anything else like that?

Open ##2859092
@lietuva@lemmy.world 2026-05-07 20:33

Any functionality you miss from the stock rom?

Open ##2859093