I use Graphene OS. While you can run it completely de-Googled, in order to run Play Store applications Graphene OS takes the route of sandboxing Google Play services. This means that they run with the privileges of a regular application and you can deny it access to e.g. sensors.

Sandboxed Google Play is practically identical in functionality to its non-sandboxed counterpart from the stock ROM, and nearly all applications should work. I can confirm that WhatsApp works for certain, as well as my banking app.

Calyx OS is another one that uses MicroG as a replacement for Google Play Services instead, but I have not used it.

Due to the size constraints, there's not much to recommend (I am currently typing this on an iphone 7 lols). Since you mentioned GrapheneOS, which can only be installed on Pixel devices, I'd recommend the Pixel 7a. It's definitely bigger than an iPhone 7, but it is the newest Pixel device. To get a phone that's smaller that supports Graphene, I'd have to recommend a Pixel 5a instead. It's older but closer to the size you wish for. Pick your poison.

All 3rd party ROMs like LineageOS are usually bloated with bugs there and there. Wouldn't recommend!

This is just straight up not true. LineageOS is well maintained, it depends on which phone you have, and the more popular the phone, the better the support for it. Anything 3rd party comes with the risk of bugs, that's a trade-off, but to suggest it's "bloated" with bugs is patently false. Maybe if you're using a device from a manufacturer that's hostile to customroms, but I've never had any serious issues with anything I've run LineageOS on, and that includes a lot of devices.

As for the wallet, that's Google, which they said they want to get away from. I've also not had any issues using wallet on my phone running LineageOS.

Your comment is basically just telling them to use a Google Pixel straight out of the box, which is the opposite of what they asked. I'm not sure why this comment has been pinned (according to Liftoff).

There are lots of privacy oriented Android flavors out there. Most of them won't come with Google Play services installed. Any of them will be able to run any apps you need.

In my opinion, Google isn't bad at all when it comes to tracking and bloatware. They're much like Apple. It's the branded phones like Samsung that are absolutely horrible.

Anyway, check out the LineageOS Wiki: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/

It can give a quick overview of the devices which can easily install a custom ROM (OS). I heard good things about Fairphone

If you would like a dumb phone but still want to use some mainstream apps you could look into 'small' Android phones. I'm using the King Kong Mini 2 rn. 4" screen. Fits everywhere and feels a bit like a dumb phone. Still runs Android

It works well as a daily driver for me but I do also have an Android tablet for more screen intensive tasks like watching videos

The only phones that are deGoogled out of the box (Huawei, mostly), did't manage to deliver very satisfying experience, so no special recommendation from me.

However, there are options like /e/OS that provide easy to install, de-Googled Android installation, providing the phone is on their compatibility list. If I were in your shoes, I'd check one of such options and consider a phone from the compatilibty list they maintain.

For example:

https://e.foundation/e-os/

• One Plus 8
• One Plus 8 Pro

These phones are sweet, as far as I'm concerned.

I can recommend the fairphone

Google Pixel is no-brainer choice. Any pixel from 7th gen.

GrapheneOS is kind of nice if you don't hate setting everything up, but for example, Google Wallet does not work on it. Camera is somewhat trash. Myself I did not like it due to camera and google wallet functionality.

Ex-OnePlus user. Their software is buggy and shit. OnePlus used to be amazing but not anymore.

Mobile market sucks in terms of competition tbh... All 3rd party ROMs like LineageOS are usually bloated with bugs there and there. Wouldn't recommend!

Graphene OS is awesome. It's Android without Google - you can run all your apps, including Google ones, but have much more control over permissions.

The only reason I don't use it is because of how important contactless pay and android auto are for me.

Pixel phones come with a clean Android OS experience. I must tell it is worth to try, and you can even isntall Graphene OS if you want.

For size, look at the zenfone

https://www.asus.com/mobile-handhelds/phones/zenfone/

For the size constraints, I'd say the Asus Zenfone line might be what you're looking for. They run Android out of the box, one of the - if not the smallest device of the kind on the market and doesn’t feature most of the "innovations" set by Apple. Only downside to it is doesn’t have removable storage though you'll be used to that on the fruity side of the market.

Hi there! Hope you're enjoying your time on NSQ. Will you please edit your post title so that it contains your question? It's rule 1 in the sidebar. Thanks for posting!

Sounds like you keep you phones for awhile. Apple's good for that. Android you want Samsung or pixel, they gave 5 years support. Even if you decide on a different OS those being more popular will likely be better for this like lineage OS.

You can use gcaminator on the play store to downloadGoogle'ss official camera app

OnePlus, make the switch to OxygenOS.