5mo ago

Buying a Pixel 7 Pro, install Custom ROM or stay on default?

I've been using China/Xiaomi Phones for the longest time and hated the installed Android Version because all of the clutter, bloat and privacy concerns. Now I am about to buy a Google Pixel 7 Pro.

What do you guys think, is a Custom ROM needed or should I just stick to the Default with Adguard and Disable some Google Apps to get a similar Experience?

Just hoping to get some Opinions. :)

26 comments

GrapheneOS is where it's at

Personally I stopped custom roms a while back. I'm not hardcore in the anti-google camp though.
If you are, obviously custom roms will be all you should be looking at. Tons of good recommendations in this thread already.
If you're not in this camp though, the default pixel experience has been great for me and might be for you. I find it the least annoying of the oem experiences (not cluttered in features I'll never use, simplified settings menu where I've never had to use the search on since it all made sense etc).
I'd say use the stock rom for a few weeks. If you hate it, custom roms are always there for you.

LineageOS, LibeageOS+Microg and GrapheneOS would be good Custom roms.
It really depends on your use case.
- LibeageOS
  For a second, I thought there was a LineageOS fork named "LiberaceOS" and now I'm sad there's none...
  
  Sorry for my misspelling. 😊
- I've been using LineageOS on my Pixel 7, and it's been great. As much or as little Google stuff as you want, plus more direct control. Updates are easy, overall would recommend.

One of the best Roms for a Pixel is Grapheneos. Personally I use a Pixel 7 pro with it and it works great.
- How safe is it to install grapheneos -- can you brick the phone?
  I have a used pixel 3 but I've never tried such things
  
  You practically cant brick it with the very simple Web Installer.

I wouldn't use any Android device with the stock ROM if you have the option. Custom ROMS will give you more control over your device, less bloat, and often longer software support.
- Last time I tried custom ROM my bank account app wouldn't work
  
  Time to get a better bank, then :)
  
  Interesting. I've been rooted and running custom ROMs for a decade at this point and have never had an issue with banking apps.
  
  I use LineageOS + microG and the Sparkasse app works at least

If you dislike bloatware, the GrapheneOS is for you. My favorite smartphone experience ever, really.
- I'm loving it too! I am finaly feeling as if I am (mostly) in controll of my phone

I'd say stock pixel Roms are a better experience than most custom Roms. That being said, if you have privacy concerns, grapheneOS is right there.
Personal choice, IMO. I don't miss any of the features I gave up except for AI call screening.

GrapheneOS

Stock is fine. If you want a different "feel", try a launcher. And get a system Ad Blocker.

Depends on your security and privacy postures.
From least private to most: stock, CalyxOS, GrapheneOS.
Security from updates on all three should be mostly comparable, as long as they keep receiving security updates, and you install them. However, CalyxOS has custom code, and tends to be slower to implement the updates.
I skimmed this comparison, and it seems pretty on point.
Some features are proprietary and, therefore, only available on stock. Personally, I went CalyxOS. I don't miss any of the stock features, but built-in ai is useless for me. My security and privacy postures are evolving, and I may go GrapheneOS next phone. Not sure yet.

I hope you're aware of xiaomi.eu, where they host debloated, community-developed ROMs.

xiaomi phones has long been supported in android forums. Just unlock bl, flash recover and flash a different rom.

CalyxOS just works, is completely deGoogled and has better battery life because less shit is running by itself in the background. If you need any Google apps, you can install them voluntarily via the Aurora store (a version of the play store that strips serial numbers etc from communications with Google's play store servers).
All my banking apps and work apps function, though I couldn't get Pokemon go to work.
- Does that include Google wallet?
  
  Unknown, I don't want to run Google apps more than I have to. I only run photos and keyboard, both with network access completely blocked by the built-in firewall.

26 comments