Google has so far allowed installing apps without their explicit permission. So it's much higher on freedom index, imo. And there's no obligation to use Google cloud apps. There's alternative for every Google cloud app.
replyAlso, Pixels have unlocked bootloaders and Android is open source to the point where third parties can and do make alternative OS distributions.
replyAnd it's necessary to have a second phone to actually use any of that while maintaining access to one's banking app.
replyThe hardware is nominally open only because they enforce participation in their software ecosystem via other means.
> And it's necessary to have a second phone to actually use any of that while maintaining access to one's banking app.
replyPartially accurate / misleading at most.
I have a phone that can be unlocked, and I will lose access to my banking app (among other things I require) if I do so.
replyIf your “partially accurate” objection is that I didn't describe a perfectly universal experience, I will be greatly disappointed.
What does “unlocked” mean, here?
replyAre we talking about root checks? Bootloader unlock?
Vouching your comment from dead to reply in good faith:
replyyour bank’s app sucks, tell them they suck,
and or use the webapp.
Tens of thousands of financial institution apps work A-OK on GrapheneOS,
that is my objection.