this post was submitted on 30 Nov 2025
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I mean it's not just that. Probably not even mostly that. Security is really not great on Android far beyond the AI. I've been running Android for years and probably won't change until Linux with LUKS is a reasonable alternative, But from a hardware level on through to the software, there are so many holes in the OS and ways to access privileged information. Even the top end of the Samsung line is largely rootable at this point, not without concessions, mind you, but as far as an enemy getting a phone and gaining access, or the company itself getting your data even without AI, I'd probably be concerned enough for ANY military org not to allow them to be used.
Apple has a hell of a lot of issues, might even be overly friendly with Israel, but from a security standpoint, it's probably safer for secrets than android at the moment.
I really just want an encrypted portable linux device with a cellular modem. I don't even care if it can SMS or VOLTE, I just need it to run a secure chat client, support Bluetooth headphones and last all day on a charge.
You aren't going to get such a device enabled on the american cellular networks. The duoploy wont allow it. You would have a better chance creating a new network that doesnt need cellular technology. something that behaves more like a cordless phone that uses whatever wifi, packet radio, reticulum node, etc as the base. You wouldn't be able to get a straight phone number without a VoIP subscription but thats also not a terribly big problem as phone numbers are a terrible idea in 2025 anyway. We should have revocable keys exchanged at will that are unique to each contact. Either side can block communications effectively that way at any time and you couldnt just call them from a different number or sell the key to a different scammer or something.
Really, a 5G capable phone running linux isnt a big enough goal. Mobile communications needs a profound shift away from the legacy model.
and meanwhile, the american supreme court is ruling on terminating online access due to piracy today. I wonder what they'll rule....
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2025/12/01/daily-briefing-music-piracy-supreme-court-stockton-shooting-world-aids-day/87505607007/
I can get a data sim card and put it in a laptop right now. It's just an inconvenient form factor.
What exactly is insecure about running GrapheneOS?
Or even stock OS on a Pixel? Has any of the conspiracies about Google Play Services ever been proven?
You mean besides the fact that the IDF has been selling ICE software specifically to compromise android phone and now they're forbidding their own forces from using Android...
That's not much of a stretch IMO, but you do you.
I mean, Google came out and said what they are going to do. its hardly a conspiracy theory.
What part? The fact that they no longer will be providing Pixel-specific source code?
Who else has been providing the literal OS source code for their devices?
I'm talking about the conspiracy where Google is monitoring your every move, reading all your encrypted messages, and providing backdoors to government entities.
Then you're in luck, because that's something you can already have by now! Just get yourself one of the more recent-ish phones that are well supported by PostmarketOS. The things Linux phones struggle the most with these days, are the more traditional phone-things, such as text messages or calling, which may not be ready for production, as they say (although, both texts and calls have actually worked well for me as of late). But if all you want is a pocket Linux computer/PDA, and intend to carry another phone for calls and texting, that's something you can have, for the grand price of an old, second-hand phone. I've been loving my (LUKS-encrypted) OnePlus 6T, and I do actually use it for calls and texts as well!
If all I needed was five hours worth of battery would be a great fit.
Both post-market and nix are great options if you want to run a really old phone, but neither one can last even half a day.