What is this about?
Welcome! In this article, we are going to explore how different mobile operating systems compare. This includes their ability to stop/block tracking, turn off individual app permissions, and the Privacy features provided by the operating systems themselves.
Caution: I don’t own each device running each operating system to compare them in person. I am relying on information publicly available on the internet.
How does this work?
I will examine different operating systems (OS) in various categories. Each system can earn points: 0/10 in each category. At the end, I will list every device with its points, and then we can determine which OS performed the best.
Which systems will be compared?
We will be looking at the following operating systems:
Comparing the looks
This aspect is entirely subjective. Therefore, I will not assign points based on aesthetics. However, you can assign points yourself if you wish.
iOS
Google/Stock Android
Lineage
Graphene
Calyx
Lock Screen I was not able to find any image.
Which Company/People is the OS from?
It is important to know if the OS you are using is backed by a company or private people.
iOS
iOS is owned by Apple, a multi-billion dollar company driven by profit.
3/10
Google/Stock Android
Stock Android is a modified version of the open-source Android. The companies involved are profit-driven.
3/10
Lineage
Lineage is primarily community-owned and Developed by the community. It is open source.
10/10
Graphene
Graphene is primarily community-owned and Developed by the community. It is open source.
10/10
Calyx
Calyx is primarily Developed and maintained by a team led by Daniel Micay. It is a community-driven Project to some extent, but most of the development and directions are influenced by Micay. It has fewer contributions than Lineage or Graphene.
7/10
Scandals
This aspect is crucial as it reveals how each OS prioritizes your data Privacy.
iOS
Batterygate: Slowing down older iPhones to encourage users to buy new ones
Siri Privacy Scandal: Accidental activation of Siri led to conversations being sent to Apple
Antennagate: Holding your finger across the gap between two antenna segments could cause dropped calls, etc.
Bendgate: iPhones being susceptible to bending
2/10
Google/Stock Android
- This aspect is not easily rated. Why? Because each vendor has its own ROM and therefore its own scandals. Overall, these ROMs have had scandals, so I’ll assign a 3/10 because not all ROMs have had as many scandals.
Lineage
- Lineage has also faced Android’s stock security vulnerabilities, but they were fixed promptly.
10/10
Graphene
- Lineage has also faced Android’s stock security vulnerabilities, but they were fixed promptly. There was a scandal about the former lead developer acting oddly, and Louis Rossmann made a YouTube video about it.
9/10
Calyx
- Calyx has also faced Android’s stock security vulnerabilities, but they were fixed promptly.
10/10
Update Schedule
A good update schedule is crucial because security patches should not be delivered weeks later.
iOS
Major Updates: Once a year
Minor Updates: Every few weeks or months
Security Fixes: ASAP
10/10
Google/Stock Android
Major Updates: Annually, typically in the third quarter of the year
Security Patches: Monthly, but can vary between manufacturers
8/10
Lineage
Lineage follows a rolling release model, releasing updates on an ongoing basis.
Security Patches: Monthly
8/10
Graphene
Graphene follows a rolling release model, releasing updates on an ongoing basis.
Security Patches: ASAP
10/10
Calyx
- Updates with Security Patches and more: Monthly
8/10
Control over the OS/Applications
iOS
-You can “disable tracking” of some apps (which only (sometimes) makes you anonymous)
You can disable the microphone
You can disable the camera
7/10
Google/Stock Android
You can disable the microphone
You can disable the camera
5/10
Lineage
You can disable the microphone
You can disable the camera
You can uninstall every app
8/10
Graphene
You can disable the microphone
You can disable the camera
You can uninstall every app
You can disable network access for each app
You can spoof the storage for an app
10/10
Calyx
You can disable the microphone
You can disable the camera
You can disable network access for each app
You can uninstall every app
9/10
Telemetry
iOS
Apple collects data about you but claims not to sell that data. Whether you trust that statement is up to you. I would not trust such a company.
5/10
Google/Stock Android
Google and most other ROMs collect a significant amount of data about you. They also sell this data.
1/10
Lineage
Lineage does not collect much data about you. Upon installation, they collect an anonymous ID of the device (which changes upon factory reset), the device model, the version(s) of their software, the country of device registration, and the wireless carrier(s) to which the device is actively registered.
7/10
Graphene
Graphene does not collect any user data by default.
10/10
Calyx
Calyx does not collect any user data by default.
10/10
Software availability
iOS
You have the App Store available, where you can find most applications.
7/10
Google/Stock Android
You have access to the Play Store, and you can also install .apk files found on the internet.
10/10
Lineage
You have access to the F-Droid store, where you can find only FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) applications. If you want Play Store software, you need to get used to using the Aurora Store. Overall, this may not be as user-friendly for newcomers.
5/10
Graphene
Upon installation, you don’t have a pre-installed store. You need to manually install F-Droid and proceed from there. However, you have the ability to install Play Services and the Play Store in another profile.
6/10
Calyx
You have access to the F-Droid store, where you can find only FOSS applications. If you want Play Store software, you need to get used to using the Aurora Store. Overall, this may not be as user-friendly for newcomers.
5/10
Focus on Security and Privacy
iOS
Advertisements imply the best Privacy and security, but while the security is decent, Privacy is not as strong.
7/10
Google/Stock Android
The security is decent (unless you install random .apk files), but Privacy is lacking.
5/10
Lineage
The security is nearly the same as Stock Android, but Privacy is significantly better.
8/10
Graphene
The security is better than Stock Android. Graphene applies additional security patches, enables and integrates more sandboxing, and more. Privacy is also the best it can be.
10/10
Calyx
The security is nearly the same as Stock Android. Privacy is also the best it can be.
8/10
Results
Here are the total points and ratings for each OS:
Points
iOS
Company: 3/10
Scandals: 2/10
Updates: 10/10
Control: 7/10
Telemetry: 5/10
Software: 7/10
Security/Privacy: 7/10
Total: 41/70 58.57%
Google/Stock Android
Company: 3/10
Scandals: 3/10
Updates: 8/10
Control: 5/10
Telemetry: 1/10
Software: 10/10
Security/Privacy: 5/10
Total: 35/70 50%
Lineage
Company: 10/10
Scandals: 10/10
Updates: 8/10
Control: 8/10
Telemetry: 7/10
Software: 5/10
Security/Privacy: 8/10
Total: 56/70 80%
Graphene
Company: 10/10
Scandals: 9/10
Updates: 10/10
Control: 10/10
Telemetry: 10/10
Software: 6/10
Security/Privacy: 10/10
Total: 65/70 92.85%
Calyx
Company: 7/10
Scandals: 10/10
Updates: 8/10
Control: 9/10
Telemetry: 10/10
Software: 5/10
Security/Privacy: 8/10
Total: 57/70 81.42%
Ranking
Graphene
Calyx
Lineage
iOS
Google/Stock Android
Opinion
In my opinion, Graphene is the best custom ROM/OS choice for maintaining decent Privacy on your mobile Phone. If you don’t wish to install a custom ROM, Apple’s iOS would be a better option than Google/Stock Android.
However, installing custom ROMs has become easier, so I believe you can manage to do that.
But I think that X is the best, and you are wrong!
I’m glad to hear that! It’s essential for you to form your own opinion. Perhaps you love iOS/Apple and would never use anything else. That’s perfectly fine. I don’t intend to force you to use anything different or change your perspective. This article simply presents my subjective opinion and ranking.
If you’d like to discuss your thoughts, feel free to Contact me via my links.
Isn’t this completely subjective?
Most, but not all of it, definitely Y E S.