So I still need to buy a Google phone to get it? No thank you.
Buying a used Pixel is economical, environmental, and likely doesn't support Google. Pixels are the only secure and open android devices that could work for the project and meet the extensive requirements[2]. This is because GrapheneOS takes real steps to protect user privacy and security, not features that degrade security and don't increase privacy. You are going to be doing much more against Google by using GrapheneOS because it comes with 0 google services by default and takes advanced steps to protect you from all apps and services you install.
If you are still not willing or able to purchase a Pixel, GrapheneOS has a partnership with Motorola to help them create compatible devices which will be available soon[3].
[1] Privacy and security on computing devices need to become far stronger to protect people from pervasive violations of their rights. https://xcancel.com/GrapheneOS/status/2044440381803069778#m
[2] https://grapheneos.org/faq#future-devices
[3] https://xcancel.com/GrapheneOS/status/2028448871374803007#m
That said, Google's hardware is behind their competitors and they've had a lot of problems in the past few years. The Pixel 8 Pro has hardware WiFi problems, the 9 and 10 are both minor updates with prices that are far too high, the 10 is eSIM only, etc.
The prime difference between P8 pro and P9 pro is that the newer one is nearly a usable size (just about fits in a pocket now). The battery also got substantially better in two ways: on mobile data (when you're on someone's WiFi, odds are you're also near a charger) you get 33% longer use time on all variants of the P9 and 55% on the P10 and P10p (9 to 12 and 14 hours, respectively), and hours of use per 30 minutes of charging went up from 4.6 for the P8 to 6.3 for the P9(p) and 6.2 or 7 for the P10 and P10p, respectively
The rest is indeed relatively minor but it's not an unwelcome upgrade. Prices didn't change much when buying second-hand 1.5 years after release, when the newest devices are out and nobody cares about the generation-before-last despite >5 years of updates remaining (plus however long you think it's fine without updates)
It's true that the SoCs are not that great for an expensive flagship phone, but the trick is buying a Pixel halfway the cycle, when the prices go to mid-range. For instance, currently in my country:
- Pixel 10 is 350 Euro off (currently 549 Euro).
- Pixel 10 Pro is 360 Euro off (currently 739 Euro).
- Pixel 10 Pro XL is 360 Euro off (currently 939 Euro).
- The Pixel A series are less interesting currently, because it's still early in the cycle, but the 9a is 200 Euro off (349) and the 10a is 120 Euro off (428). It's a shame that they switched to last-gen SoCs and modems now on the A-series now.
I know that the Pixel 100 is coming soon-ish, but the 10 series have floated around those price points since 5-6 months after the release.
the 10 is eSIM only
Looking at my P10P with physical SIM. I guess you are in the US?
Interesting. What do you think are reasons for google to run Pixel then?
Not being sarcastic here, but what links you shared (thank you) say imply there are almost no benefits for Google to run Pixels and as we all know, Google is not a company doing charities.
Get millions of users using their services. The average person who buys a Pixel will likely go all in with the Google ecosystem giving Google every word they type, every message to a loved one, every search. It's a data gold mine.
I doubt they sell Pixels at a loss, but even if they did they could make up for it like how Amazon does with kindles.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2026/04/28/price-of-...
I think they also use pixels for testing android and such which is why they keep it secure and open.
I still don't want a pixel, so I went with a used ebay phone and installed lineageos.
Everything else is meh, bad, or atrocious.
Next year we'll have Motorola flagship(s) to choose from. Can't wait.