7d ago

Fairphone 5 with Android

I consider to switch to Fairphone from iPhone, what should I need to know? Is it possible to get it work without Google account? Or is it better to switch to another operating system as well?

9 comments

The fairphone 5 official ROM is bloated with about all the google app you can imagine. While it is possible to use it without google account, you will need one to install applications from the official google play store.
You can still use an Alternative store, like the aurora store (download it with f-droid) that can connect to the play store with anonymous token.
If you consider not using google account, I recommand you to install one of the following :
/e/OS, that has an ad/tracker blocker (that uses the VPN spot), micro G installed and configured (open source version of google framework) and a store that more or less is a fusion between aurora store and fdroid.
iodéOS : it has an ad/tracker blocker (that uses the VPN spot ) + microG configured.
CalyxOS, that will let you choose if you want micro G or not. It comes with the aurora store and fdroid installed.
lineageOS, you can choose if you want to have the google apps, micro G or nothing depending on the version you download.
If you choose an alternative ROM, you'll probably want to download a Gcam app to improve the pictures quality.
- There's actually an official version with /e/OS: https://shop.fairphone.com/fairphone-5-e-operating-system
- @kronarbob @Asfalttikyntaja There are some complaints about /e/OS (and Murena). Definitely explore one of the others first. @lineageos @calyxos @iode
  
  What are the complaints?
  
  Really ? I will check that, thanks.

I'm on an FP5 atm, was on stock Google for about half a year (without Google account) before switiching to CalyxOS, I have no complaints except maybe the camera which is terrible, caved in and installed Gcam, probably this one:
https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-suggested/
Be aware that I've never used an Iphone and I'm quite deep into the anti-evilcorp stuff, have been runnig customs roms for years and years, so I probably just don't know many of the cool features you can in exchange for giving up your privacy, so I don't miss them.
If you switch I'm happy to help / answer questions.
- Ok. I will continue to investigate this further and make my decision later. I would like to get away from those mega corporations, so I don’t think I have any problem with those cool and fancy features I might lose. My only concern is how to install some custom rom without ending up with expensive paper weight.

I'm using a Fairphone 5 with LineageOS and microG.
No issues so far but make sure all your apps work without Google or barely any Google.

9 comments