I’ve had my mind on a google pixel (one of the used variety) for GrapheneOS but then i heard about Fairphones and I’m not sure which is preferable or if there’s any other options.
So there is a bit of a situation going on rn…
Google is going evil mode on locking down android devices to disallow sideloading. I think its fair to assume that this might end up also affecting bootloader unlocking for future pixel devices and even future firmware versions for older devices.
That being said i would generally not recommend pixels anyways because they are just not very repairable. Not having a swappable battery or even an SD card slot is just a hard blocker for me.
Fairphones are not cheap but also not super expensive, if bought used, so if thats an option for you then i would go for that. A used FP5 goes for ~400€ or less if you get lucky. The FP6 just came out so the 5 dropped in price.
In terms of OS, only pixels support GrapheneOS but i assume you knew that already. The Fairphones are supported by LineageOS, e/os, Ubuntu Touch and more. Until recently i would have recommended CalyxOS but the development on that has been paused until further notice so its not a good idea.
Hope that answered some of your questions :)
I can really recommend the Fairphone 3/4/5 with eOS, using them for more then 7 years now. The hardware is slightly more expensive due to their mission (fair traded minerals, sustainability, reparability). They are very good as second hand devices because of the cheap spare parts. eOS does everything you need, including banking apps.
I’m very happy with my FP 4 + Calyx OS, FP 5 seems like a fair generational improvement. I dont think any custom roms for FP 6 exist yet. If you’re in the US, Fairphone might be harder to get. In that case a Pixel and Graphene is a very good choice.
TLDR Fairphone if in EU, Pixel if in US
Just want to tack on for visibility as the TLDR isn’t accurate (kinda). Fairphone is sold in the US by a company called Murena, including the FP 6. The only hitch (at least when I ordered my FP 4 from them) was you had to be on T-Mobile’s network.
I’ll chime in and say the repairability a huge selling point for me as I work in an environment where I’m pretty rough on my phone. I legit ran it over with a forklift the other week, $100+ for a new screen (again sold through Murena), follow simple instructions on Ifixit, bam good as new.
I legit ran it over with a forklift the other week
I have to ask: what circumstance led to this particular incident?
So honestly the screen came unglued from its surround so had bout a new screen and put on a screen protector, which when laid face down becomes rather slick. Swung a hard turn and it slipped off without me noticing, backed right over it.
I will say too, if you have to order parts, order them from Murena (USA speaking). I got a the replacement from Daddy Bezos because 1 day shipping and I needed my phone (work), but the quality was lacking on whatever brand it was I got as a replacement. Brightness was muted, and even the responsiveness of the touch screen felt lacking.
A phone with battle scars!