I have been an Android user for 13 years now. After using almost every Google service possible I am going down the privacy rabbit hole lately. Gmail -> Proton Mail, Chrome -> Firefox, Keep -> Notesnook, Google Search -> Kagi, …

I am currently using a Galaxy S23 with as few Google apps as possible (and focussing mainly on open-source apps). I am familiar with rooting (I was a CyanogenMod user back in the days), but today I want to use the phone without tinkering and problem solving. I also like to use a smartwatch and banking apps, so GrapheneOS is a no-go unfortunately.

So it is “Stock” Android (or Samsung’s Android ) vs. iOS for me. Is it better (in terms of privacy) to use an iPhone or stick with an Android phone with an system wide ad-/tracking Blocker (I use Adguard)? It seems there are more privacy-friendly/open-source apps on Android.

  • Vexz@kbin.social
    21·
    1 year ago

    Afaik on Android smartwatches (and the OP said he uses a smartwatch) don’t work (properly?) without the Wear OS app. And the Wear OS app doesn’t work without Google services. This means the OP can’t live without Google services at the moment.

    • hanke
      2·
      1 year ago

      microG is an open source implementation of the google play services. If it is compatible with wearOS I am not sure, but it might be.

      I have a Garmin activity watch and it works with no issues. Also had a Samsung one that worked well. Though none of those are wearOS devices.

      • Vexz@kbin.social
        1·
        1 year ago

        I’ve read that there’s no way around Google services if you use a WearOS watch. Not even MicroG is a solution. Anyway, the OP didn’t mention what type of smartwatch he uses. So if it’s not a WearOS smartwatch he should be fine I guess. :)