Android
DROID DOES
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The main options right now (that are based on Android) are LineageOS, iodeOS, e/OS, and GrapheneOS. I believe CalyxOS wasn't maintained for a quite a while for various reasons (nothing controversial, just people moving on to do other things in life), but from their blogs it looks like they are coming back soon, which is neat!
As for the currently available options, LineageOS will have the best device support, but is close to stock Android, just without the Google bits (+ optional microG). iodeOS (pronounced something like "eeyoda") adds additional privacy tweaks to LineageOS and was created by French developers, and also has optional parental controls if you have a kid(s). e/OS, also based on Lineage, has an iOS-like launcher and is tied to Murena services, so if you enjoy those, it's a good option.
GrapheneOS is not based on LineageOS, and is only supported on Pixels currently due to the developer's insistence that other devices do not have the same level of hardware security. If you have a Pixel / they are available to you, it's a solid option. OOTB it's very barebones with few apps preinstalled, and by default it comes with Vanadium (Chromium-based browser) and Accrescent (alternative app store that is currently in alpha, so very early stages) and not much else besides your usual camera, settings, etc. The developer is quite paranoid and regularly speaks out against other open-source projects, which I would think is against the open-source ethos, but if you don't mind that (at least they're probably not some extremist who wants to kill babies), if you prefer something super minimal, and have access to a Pixel, GrapheneOS is a solid choice.
If you phone isn't supported by these, or if none suit your use case, avoiding the use of proprietary and privacy invasive apps is the best option. If you don't need social media for work (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.), remove them, or replace with Fediverse alternatives. Use a custom launcher, like Kvaesitso or Lawnchair. Use a FOSS keyboard, like Heliboard (and Whisper for voice input). Use a non-Google DNS, like NextDNS, PiHole, etc. to block trackers and other unwanted network requests. If possible, get friends and family to switch to Signal (for messaging, WhatsApp-like) and Matrix (for larger groups, Discord-like). Aim to install all apps with either F-Droid, Obtainium (git repos), or other alternative app stores.
Murena OS seems at the moment the best choice for what I intend. I may lose my banking apps but I can live with that,
e/OS is pretty neat. If it works for you, that's great! Could I ask why you prefer it over iodeOS, given that both are Lineage forks? Do you have a device that is only support by one and not the other, do you like Mirena's stock launcher, or perhaps their services, etc.?
p.s. For both e/OS and iodeOS, they have an online store where you can purchase devices with their OS preinstalled!
Your question made me think.
I came into contact with /e/OS indirectly after discovering the Fairphone. The concept made sense. I do not enjoy their approach to offering the services they do but I admit I am even less of a fan of the approach of IodeOS, with their parental control tools; I respect some people will want that, I just think it is not the correct nor the best.
Regarding phones, IodeOS does have quite the line-up but most of the models I'd consider purchasing are either out of stock or pricier than the GS6 Murena offers. In a perfect world I'd rather just buy the full pair of Fairphone+/e/OS and be done with but it is not a casual decision I am taking here and it is cash stressing.
Great overview! One thing to add here is this amazing comparison of the afrorementioned options: https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm
Regarding GrapheneOS, there are a few things that distinguish it from the rest:
I did not say it was entirely bad, but I would say that they have definitely rubbed some people the wrong way when it comes to how they treat other projects
That is true! Some of those are pretty cool actually!
Good point to mention! I did mean OOTB, sorry if that wasn't clear. I think that's a good thing, less bloat and a more curated software experience, but it's not for everyone
No worries @sbeak, I just wanted to add a bit more to your comment for the people who don't have experience with GrapheneOS or other FOSS ROMs. Also, now CalyxOS is back which it great :)
Don't shame baby killers. We are humans just as you!