[5tern1]

So I heard about this android "no sideloading" thing and i didn't quite get it. They want to get rid of Fdroid or other options to install things?

In case they actually do it, are there alternative android versions that will still allow it? I never actually looked into google-free phones because it's... Comfy with Google. But maybe it's time

[BustaMarx]

As I understand it, they have backed down on the proposed side-loading restrictions, but they seem to be committed to an "ID verification" regime for app developers.

Non-G00G alternatives like GrapheneOS, /e/ and LineageOS are out there. I use Lineage as they have a good number of devices that they support so it's easier to find unlocked and refurbished phones. My main beef with Graphene is that (for now at least) they only run on Pixels, which makes getting one much more expensive, but their security model is the best IMO.

[bitform]

So I heard about this android "no sideloading" thing and i didn't quite get it. They want to get rid of Fdroid or other options to install things?

In case they actually do it, are there alternative android versions that will still allow it? I never actually looked into google-free phones because it's... Comfy with Google. But maybe it's time

There is LineageOS which is basically de-googled Android?

Hoping this might be my way out wih a samsung galaxy 21 with a cpu that allows for rooting

[SynAck]

There's also OxygenOS that is used on OnePlus phones, which is a Chinese variant of Android that (seems to be) a bit less Android-y when it comes to data collection and all that rot. It still uses the Google Play store and stuff though, so I dunno how much better it really is under the covers, and it's also only available for OnePlus phones. There's a bit more control over the settings and being able to turn off or disable all the AI crap that everybody seems to be cramming into their devices these days.

I made the jump from Samsung to OnePlus earlier this year, and I'm really enjoying the switch. Then again, OnePlus phones aren't cheap so this may not be a viable option.

[Buny]

I just read that Graphene is going to support Motorolas too soon. which is great, because Moto makes a great low end phone. At least for north america, where such things are rarer. Huewi, Xaiomi, etc. aren't sold here.

I've seriously considered trying /e/OS several times, but I really like the camera app in my Pixel. Though my next phone I forsee being degooged whatever it will be.

There is also a few different Linux phone flavors, but as with anything Linux, their functionality is "alright."


::EDIT::
News about Moto-Graphene:
https://motorolanews.com/motorola-three ... -mwc-2026/

Meanwhile, here are some linux phones:
https://itsfoss.com/linux-phones/

I like Pine64. I have a pinetime for myself and a pinecil for a friend. Never any of their beefier products though.