cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/49112030
this post was submitted on 08 Jul 2026
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Honestly, the ability to install whatever the fuck I wanted was the last thing tying me to android phones.
You'll still be able to sideload things on Android, including from unverified developers. There's a once-off setup that makes you wait 24 hours though. https://www.theverge.com/tech/897420/android-sideloading-unverified-developers-process
Let's not use "sideload", as you're just installing apps.
True - I just stuck with Google's naming for consistency.
I absolutely agree that you should be able to install anything on a device you've paid for. Unfortunately, the world's been moving away from that for years, and I'm not sure what we can do to avoid it.
I think if you remove yourself from any tech forums they'll get the message.
doesn't that require a google account or am i remembering that wrong?
Doesn't Android require a Google account anyway?
It does if you want to use any Google apps or services. But Android itself can work without.
nope not mine at least (i think). stock android
For now, yes
As someone with a phone which is not supported by non-android projects. What is the alternative here?
we need hardware that allows to unlock and relock the bootloader after installing alternative operating systems. then you can use grapheneOS and others on your devices. i think motorola is already making steps towards this. i remember reading articles about it.
Fairphone
What is the alternative here for Americans?
So there is no option without just buying a new handset? Obviously I'll just have to use the adb way to get my apps until I can buy a different handset I guess
How is e/os these days? Last time I checked it wasn't that good.
My Pixel 6A died from water damage two weeks ago. Bought a Fairphone 6, flashed /e/ and relocked the bootloader. For a slightly tech savvy person really easy to do. So far, everything works fine including 3/3 banking apps. I didn't install any Google made apps and except for the gboard keyboard and Android Auto I don't miss anything. Both could be easily installed, but I'll try to stay away on purpose. I'm really happy and can recommend! :)
Thanks for the post, specially good about the banking apps! How did you install them, anything specific?
I just installed them via Aurora Store (FOSS alternative to Google Play). No tweaking required.
From what friends tell me. Its really good
aside from various used models (OnePlus 6, Pixel 3a, various old Xiaomi devices, etc.), the Fairphones are your best bet when it comes to Linux phones (as you specify non-Android based projects). The Jolla phone might also be something worth looking at!
iodeOS, e/OS, GrapheneOS, and CalyxOS (they've come back, hooray!) are all great options if you want a degoogled Android ROM (but is still based on AOSP, so not fully independent) and are well supported on the Fairphones and Pixels, as well as a few other devices. These degoogled ROMs are the best option we have now, mobile Linux needs more time in the oven, and will give you more control over your device compared to stock Android! (don't let perfect be the enemy of good and all that)