The CPUs in Pixels are kind of average because google uses their own design. So a highend Qualcomm or the like, will be better.

They are, but historically they've been at an unusually low price point for what they offer. I think the latest upcoming Pixel is the first to be priced more "normally".

They are not. I was very disappointed that it was a step down for pixel 10 pro over a phone I already had for five years.

They are mediocre in every way.

Used Pixels are awesome! I believe anything from the Pixel 6 to 10 is all supported, I know lots of people like the "a" series (like the 8a or 9a)

Because they don't have the TPM lock they want for enhanced security. It's a nonstarter for GrapheneOS devs and the reason only now they're starting to branch out. However they mentioned literally Qualcomm by name integrating it on their latest elite series, so I'm thinking more devices might be compatible in the future?

There are basically 3 types of OSs out there:

• Google-approved android (these come with Google apps, and most importantly Google services, which are basically what is going to BD doing the blocking for the cause Keep Android Open is concerned about. Google services already has some additional attestation stuff in, which many banks use, which only work if you've got a stock google-approved OS)
• Non Google approved android (generally based on AOSP which is the actually open source code Google publishes for android, these don't come with google services so they fail the play store attestation, generally people will be needing microg to use stuff like YouTube, which is basically a light google services replacement)
• Graphene OS (it gets its special category because it sandboxes apps so you can use Google services apps in a way that doesn't give them access to the rest of your system and therefore shouldn't be able to mess with what you want to install, best of both worlds but it's not foolproof).

There are a few other projects like /e/ but that's just AOSP with a coat of paint, graphene is a much more substantial change to how your phone locks down app access.

I think, they reason they did this is because the only chip rn beside tensor that is compliant with what standards graphene has is 8 elite gen 5.

Totally with you. For me a perfect phone consists of:

• Big Ass Battery (BAB) (Also make it changeable, so i can bring one with me and "charge" it in a second)
• Headphone Jack
• USB-C (Obviously)
• 60Hz Display (Once you look at 120Hz you can never go back so I dont want to, also it drains battery)
• microSD-Card (You can change, maybe with support to up to 1 TB just for funsies)
• 4G (It is more than enough. 5G also drains your battery)
• One Camera (Honestly still not over how goofy those 2+ camera sets look, they are even on cheaper phones nowadays)
• Latest Security Patches
• Normal sized and light (Have to be able to reach the top with one hand.)

I just want phones to last longer than a day again :(

Yeah, especially for modern phones. What good does the more powerful hardware do me? I don't do anything on my phone where I need more processing power. A higher quality screen is nice, but all modern phones have screens that are of a high enough resolution to not matter. Just give it a larger battery and I'm good.

Exactly. They need to make it cheaper so it becomes popular first, not prepare us for shocking price.

That seems concerning, considering I haven't seen Motorola make a "flagship" phone in years

don't they have their signature series,

I am using a Moto Razr 50u flip, and the have Fold phones as well.

let down by the years of support. I am. surprised Google. doesn't lean on them. about no Graphene phones though

If I'm reading the thread correctly, it seems to be Qualcomm that's gating the security features GOS requires in high end SoCs.

No I want flagship

Get used pixel. They are cheap

They've partnered with Motorola to make phones officially compatible with GrapheneOS, we apparently don't know yet if the phones will come preinstalled with it tho

The upcoming Moto devices won’t ship with GrapheneOS, but they will be fully supported by the project with help from Moto itself.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/08/motorolas-grapheneos-phones-will-launch-in-2027-priced-higher-than-pixels/

Eh ill do it. Fuck google

Yeah but pixels are actively fucking with sources for pixels now.
You also can't trust Google not backdooring hardware.

The only bad news - none of them are sold in US - otherwise I would buy it