If you're looking to move away from Google services and reduce your reliance on Google's ecosystem, a "degoogled" phone is a great option. These are smartphones that either come without Google apps and services pre-installed or can be modified to remove them. Here's a breakdown of your options, including hardware, software, and considerations for purchasing a degoogled phone:

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1. Phones That Come Degoogled (Pre-Installed with Alternative OS)

Some companies and projects offer smartphones with degoogled operating systems out of the box. These typically replace Google's Android (which is deeply integrated with Google services) with privacy-focused alternatives.

• Purism Librem 5


• OS: PureOS (a privacy-focused Linux distribution)


• Features: Hardware kill switches for privacy (camera, microphone, Wi-Fi, etc.), no Google services, fully open-source.


• Pros: Strong focus on privacy and security, supports convergence (can be used as a desktop).


• Cons: Expensive (around $800+), slower hardware compared to mainstream phones, limited app ecosystem.


• Where to Buy: Directly from Purism’s website.


• Pine64 PinePhone / PinePhone Pro


• OS: Multiple privacy-focused OS options like Manjaro, Ubuntu Touch, or postmarketOS (no Google services).


• Features: Hardware kill switches, affordable price, designed for tinkerers and privacy enthusiasts.


• Pros: Very affordable (starting around $150–$400), highly customizable, community-driven development.


• Cons: Not as polished or powerful as mainstream phones, may require technical knowledge to set up and use.


• Where to Buy: Pine64’s oficial store.


• Fairphone (with /e/ OS pre-installed)


• OS: /e/ OS (a degoogled version of Android with alternative apps and services).


• Features: Modular and repairable design, sustainable production, privacy-focused OS.


• Pros: Easier to use than Linux phones, supports many Android apps via microG (a privacy-friendly Google services replacement), ethical manufacturing.


• Cons: Limited availability in some regions, hardware not as cutting-edge.


• Where to Buy: /e/ Foundation website or Fairphone store (may need to flash /e/ OS manually on some Fairphone models).


• Murena Phones


• OS: /e/ OS (degoogled Android).


• Features: Often rebranded Samsung Galaxy devices with /e/ OS pre-installed, focuses on privacy while maintaining usability.


• Pros: Familiar hardware with a polished degoogled OS, microG support for some Google-dependent apps.


• Cons: Limited device options, availability varies by region.


• Where to Buy: Murena’s official website.

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2. Custom ROMs for Existing Android Phones

If you already own an Android phone or want to buy a popular device, you can install a custom ROM to remove Google services. These ROMs are community-developed operating systems based on Android but without Google's proprietary apps and tracking.

• LineageOS (with or without microG)


• Description: A popular custom ROM based on Android, stripped of Google apps by default.


• Pros: Wide device support (Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, etc.), active community, lightweight and customizable.


• Cons: Installation requires unlocking the bootloader and flashing the ROM (technical process), no Google apps unless you manually add them.


• microG: A lightweight, privacy-friendly alternative to Google Play Services, allowing some apps to work without full Google integration.


• Supported Devices: Check the LineageOS website for compatible models.


• GrapheneOS


• Description: A security- and privacy-focused OS based on Android, with no Google services by default.


• Pros: Hardened for security, regular updates, supports sandboxed Google Play Services as an optional install.


• Cons: Limited to Google Pixel devices, requires technical know-how to install.


• Supported Devices: Google Pixel 4a and newer (recommended for official support).


• Where to Learn More: GrapheneOS website.


• CalyxOS


• Description: Another privacy-focused Android-based OS with optional microG support.


• Pros: User-friendly installation, supports Google Play Services in a sandboxed mode if needed, good balance of privacy and usability.


• Cons: Limited to Pixel devices and a few others (e.g., Fairphone, Xiaomi).


• Supported Devices: Check the CalyxOS website for compatibility.


• Where to Learn More: CalyxOS website.


• /e/ OS


• Description: A degoogled Android fork with alternative apps and cloud services.


• Pros: Easy to use, comes with pre-installed privacy-focused apps, microG support.


• Cons: Limited device support for custom installation (better to buy pre-installed from Murena or Fairphone).


• Supported Devices: Check the /e/ Foundation website.

Note: Flashing a custom ROM voids warranties on most devices and carries some risk (e.g., bricking your phone if done incorrectly). Always follow official guides and back up your data.

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3. Manually Degoogling a Stock Android Phone

If you don’t want to flash a custom ROM, you can minimize Google’s presence on a stock Android phone by disabling or removing Google apps and services. However, this won’t completely eliminate Google’s tracking, as some services are baked into the OS.

• Steps to Degooogle Manually:


• Disable Google Apps: Go to Settings > Apps, and disable (not uninstall) apps like Google Play Store, Google Maps, etc.


• Use Alternative Apps: Install privacy-friendly apps from F-Droid (an open-source app store) or other trusted sources.


• Browser: Firefox or Brave.


• Maps: Organic Maps or OsmAnd.


• Email: K-9 Mail or ProtonMail.


• Cloud Storage: Nextcloud or Syncthing.


• Avoid Google Account: Don’t sign in with a Google account on the device.


• Disable Google Play Services: If possible, use tools like ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to disable Google Play Services without root (requires some technical knowledge).


• Limitations: Some apps rely on Google Play Services to function (e.g., push notifications), so usability may be affected. Without a custom ROM, you can’t fully remove Google’s background processes.

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4. Things to Consider When Choosing a DeGoogled Phone

• Hardware Compatibility: Not all custom ROMs support every device. Check compatibility before buying a phone to flash.


• Technical Skill: Flashing ROMs or using Linux phones like the PinePhone may require technical know-how. Pre-degoogled phones like Murena or /e/ OS devices are more beginner-friendly.


• App Ecosystem: Without Google Play Store, you’ll rely on alternative app stores like F-Droid or Aurora Store (for accessing Play Store apps anonymously). Some apps may not work without Google Play Services, even with microG.


• Budget: DeGoogled phones range from affordable (PinePhone) to premium (Librem 5). Custom ROMs are free but require time and effort.


• Region: Some degoogled phones (e.g., Murena, Fairphone) have limited availability outside Europe or the US.

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5. Recommended Starting Points

• For Beginners: Buy a pre-degoogled phone like a Murena device or Fairphone with /e/ OS. They’re user-friendly and require no technical setup.


• For Power Users: Get a Google Pixel and install GrapheneOS or CalyxOS for a balance of privacy, security, and usability.


• For Budget Users: PinePhone or PinePhone Pro offers a cheap entry into degoogled phones, though it’s more experimental.


• For DIY Enthusiasts: Pick a device supported by LineageOS and flash it yourself.

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6. Where to Buy or Learn More

• Pre-Installed DeGoogled Phones: Check Purism, Pine64, Murena, or /e/ Foundation websites.


• Custom ROMs: Visit LineageOS, GrapheneOS, or CalyxOS websites for installation guides and supported devices.


• Community Resources: Forums like XDA Developers or subreddits like r/degoogle and r/privacy for support and recommendations.

By choosing a degoogled phone, you’re prioritizing privacy and control over your data. If you have specific needs (e.g., budget, region, or technical comfort level), let me know, and I can narrow down the options further!