Rooting vs iPhone? (Google privacy)

[TheGermanEngie]

Hi LTT -

 

Which would be more secure, a rooted Android with great community support (LineageOS, or some other custom ROM) or an iPhone? Talking about user data and privacy side of things. Google is kinda known for wanting to get to know you. My main concern when I switched from android to iOS was security and Google not sniffing all my data, location, voice, etc. It's done some weird shit in the past which seriously creeped me out. Like pre mapping my destination as I step into the car. And actively listening through my microphone, asking me if I wanted the lyrics to a song playing in CVS. When my phone was off. From what I've heard Apple does the same kind of user research but not to the same extent.

 

I do really miss Android though. I loved the flexibility and true customization which simply isn't here on iOS. Which should I do? Also can I just not install the google apps when flashing a custom ROM to leave google out of the equation entirely? Or just leave stock android and disable as much google as possible....

[kelvinhall05]

I know I love my Xiaomi Mi A1 switching from an iPhone 6. Forgetting performance and the broken things on the iPhone, I love how it has more features, is a very good looking phone, and comes with Android One. I also love that I can tinker around with it more than an iPhone. I haven't tried custom ROMs yet, but I've had it rooted for a while now and I've recently started messing around with Linux on my phone.

 

So if you can't tell, my vote goes to an Android phone.

[AskTJ]

On Android, you can explore more through the phone than an iPhone. You can go through directories and root the phone, and have endless possibilities.

 

I only like Apple because of their phone cameras. If those were replicated on an Android phone, it would be a quick purchase for me. 

[TheGermanEngie]

25 minutes ago, kelvinhall05 said:

I know I love my Xiaomi Mi A1 switching from an iPhone 6. Forgetting performance and the broken things on the iPhone, I love how it has more features, is a very good looking phone, and comes with Android One. I also love that I can tinker around with it more than an iPhone. I haven't tried custom ROMs yet, but I've had it rooted for a while now and I've recently started messing around with Linux on my phone.

 

So if you can't tell, my vote goes to an Android phone.

Security wise though, does it have a bunch of google crap that monitors you? That's my main concern...

[orbitalbuzzsaw]

Stock Android has almost no telemetry IIRC not to mention the fact that it's absolutely awesome.

[Egg-Roll]

Like others have said Android for options, I personally wouldn't trust Apple, but that's just me (I don't like nor trust Sammy either). For security options I would still choose Android because Apples closed source scares me so long as you can keep your droid up to date with security patches it will always win.

1 hour ago, AskTJ said:

I only like Apple because of their phone cameras. If those were replicated on an Android phone, it would be a quick purchase for me. 

Camera people like me have other opinions about that... 

 

1 hour ago, TheGermanEngie said:

Security wise though, does it have a bunch of google crap that monitors you? That's my main concern...

You can't escape google, so embrace it... Disable what you can and enjoy knowing your privacy is only getting invaded by one company and not 2. If you can't accept that smash all phones you own disable your internet shut off all smart devices including your computer and never leave your house.

[kelvinhall05]

9 hours ago, TheGermanEngie said:

Security wise though, does it have a bunch of google crap that monitors you? That's my main concern...

From what I can tell, not much more than my iPhone. It's basically location and the Google assistant, both of which can be disabled.