Your Phone Runs Google or Apple. Does It Have To? - eurotechguide - Independent analysis of European digital services and digital sovereignty.
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I replaced my Samsung S24 with a Fairphone 6 running /e/OS and used it as my daily work phone. Here's whether a de-Googled smartphone holds up for professional use.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/43965516

It is worth noting that both the hardware and software of Fairphone is heavily dependent on a Chinese company T2Mobile.

For those looking to avoid both US and Chinese companies, then the Jolla phone is the way to go.

  • Thorgrem@lemmy.worldEnglish
    13·
    3 days ago

    Nice. How does it work compared to Android? Do all apps work (bank, government, shops and so on)?

    • UNY0N@lemmy.wtfEnglish
      38·
      3 days ago

      I have eOS on the fairphone 5, and I have had zero problems with banking apps and the like.

      That doesn’t mean you won’t have problems though, I don’t use many of those kinds of apps other than a bank authentication app, and a few others for public transit tickets, etc. I also live in europe, milage may vary elsewhere.

      Keep in mind that eOS IS android, just with google telemetry removed. You can add a google account if you want/need to, at which point any android app should work as expected. That of course defeats the purpose somewhat, but even then eOS will still help you stay as private as possible by informing you about app trackers and using alternative services for location, etc.

    • 18107@aussie.zoneEnglish
      18·
      3 days ago

      Fairphone 6

      My bank app will install, but I can’t login unless I also install Google Play Services. The website works fine without.

      No issues with other apps. I do prioritise installing from F-Droid whenever possible.

      • FinnFooted@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        I use a different open source OS. Have you tried microG? Or is that already on e? Even if you have it, some parts might need configuring.

        • 18107@aussie.zoneEnglish
          2·
          2 days ago

          Yes, microG is on /e/OS by default. I believe my bank uses some of the security features from Play Services that aren’t in microG.

          I’m not 100% sure that it can’t be fixed, but it’s such a minor nuisance that I don’t think it’s worth my time to investigate.

    • illi@piefed.socialEnglish
      14·
      3 days ago

      Not /e/OS user, but it is Android - just degoogled. Uses microG as a replacement for Google services if I’m not mistaken.

      As for apps, I recommend checking out an app called Plexus on Fdroid - it’s an app where people report how apps work on alternative ROMs with either microG or fully degoogled. It’s pretty neat.

    • Aproposnix@scribe.disroot.orgEnglish
      7·
      3 days ago

      My bank app worked. I was very happy about it. My metro pass app also installed without issue and transferred my pass. Even government apps worked. Microg is useful for sure.