Comparison of Android ROMs

Money is still going to Google cuz I bet the person selling it is going to use it towards a new pixel from Google.

there are some niche reasons to root, like just tweaking system things or using rooted-only apps

I've heard and seen folks say rooting Android is a huge security risk and adds an attack surface, but haven't seen anything to support the claims, really. Yes it's less secure for the average person, who doesn't know anything about security, to root an Android, but to say it's completely insecure without any supporting explanation (not you in particular, just in general when this is said) doesn't help. I like to imagine it like installing Linux and being told to trust the distribution you installed, but they disabled root and removed sudo because it's insecure.

The reason I root is actually for both security and privacy. Without it, I can't use custom firewall rules to restrict apps and system processes from reaching out to the internet or local network devices (AFWall+), have a local hosts setup (Adaway), run a VPN to my home network (Wireguard), and monitor all app network process calls (PCAPdroid) at the exact same time. It also prevents me from being able to create custom cron jobs and custom system changes I need that have only root access.

Being that I am also home 95% of the time with my phone on my person at all times, physical attack surface is less concerning for me, too.

With that all being said, the (assumed) excuse that "malware" is the security risk with root makes no sense to me because whether or not I have root access, phone malware probably doesn't need it in most cases since they're exploiting non-root things so that they can target the majority, not minority. Not to mention I rarely ever even install apps on the phone and most of my web surfing is done on my laptop, not my phone.

from buying a Samsung or Apple phone really. fairphone! https://www.fairphone.com/en/

And and what happens to your data if your phone gets stolen?

I've been using a Pixel 6a with GrapheneOS and the battery life is just fantastic. Sometimes I can go for a whole week without charging, but this is the exception. But under normal circumstances, I still get like 3 days of battery life. You don't need to be worried about that at all, battery life is even improved on GrapheneOS compared to the Stock ROM.

I guess with the amount of spyware you will not be running on GrapheneOS will certainly help you with battery life.

I've been using it for almost two years now, and I like it a lot. (small disclaimer, I'm running it on a OnePlus 5T, which is one of their so-called golden devices that it runs best on)

It's pretty much the next best thing after Graphene, if you don't want to buy a Pixel.

The guy who maintains it does an excellent job of documenting issues, what works on what device, what the system itself can and can't do, it's very transparent.

He doesn't overpromise either, and explicitely states that getting a Pixel with Graphene is the better option overall. Greatly appreciate the honesty.

I'll use it for as long as he'll support my device, and then we'll see if I switch to Graphene.

One important thing though: While you can install microG, DivestOS doesn't officially support it, and while most things work, some don't. SafetyNet, for instance.

hardened lineageos

LineageOS is great for customization and their own security updates. Its my daily driver. Definitely recommend it over any proprietary crap.

I mean from the privacy aspect.

That's kinda the point of using a pixel, y'know...

What do you need root for? Having root privileges exposed significantly increases attack surface and decreases security. You can use Shizuku on GrapheneOS if you want to, it requires adb and works on any Android ROM. Also, there is a way to get root on GrapheneOS, but I really don't recommend it.

one little inconvenvience for tonnes better security and privacy. r u possibly able to use a credit card in your phone case instead?

Can't you do that with a credit card?

Really? Do you have a link to that plz. I'd like to try it out on my lineageos phone.

The shutter sound is present regardless of global version, it was not added by asking community despite the risks, and there is a lot more to the project than that one part.