Privacy centric devices stateside for low cost?

2026-03-30 21:49 UTC

Howdy folks, I’ve been working on getting more privacy, and I want my phone to be next. I just wish that the pixels and fairphones were cheaper, especially the fair phone. I know grapheneOS can be considered one of the more secure builds, but are there other more budget friendly devices known stateside that can run alt OSs?

Replies (5)

@lemmyng@lemmy.world 2026-03-30 21:57

[There's the PinePhone](https://pine64.com/product/pinephone-beta-edition-with-convergence-package/) and [Pinephone Pro](https://pine64.com/product/pinephone-pro-explorer-edition/). Other than that, there's [LineageOS supported phones](https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/)

Open ##2426853
@versionc@lemmy.world 2026-03-30 23:45

Honestly, the Pixel is probably your best option. Consider getting it second-hand if you can, or try to snag the Pixel 9a on sale. GrapheneOS has entered a partnership with Motorola, so maybe a cheaper option from their line of phones will be available in the future.

Open ##2426854
@Trickle8305@hexbear.net 2026-03-31 00:00

GrapheneOS isn't one of the _more_ secure builds, it's the most secure. A used previous gen Pixel can be had for a very low price. The 10a was also recently released for $500 new. Pixel 9 pro used is around $400. Pixel 8 pro used is around $300. I don't know if a more budget friendly option exists without a contract.

Open ##2426855
@undefinedTruth@lemmy.zip 2026-03-31 09:14

The answer is to get a used Pixel. With a bit of looking around you may be able to find some pretty good deals. The Pixel 8a is the sweetspot is my opinion. OEM minimum support until May 2031 and old enough to find at a very good price. But not that old for its battery to very likely be busted.

Open ##2426856
@merde@sh.itjust.works 2026-03-30 21:52

☞ https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/ https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/tree/main/brands

Open ##2426857