this post was submitted on 31 Jul 2024
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Privacy

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Hey, all. I just bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, and I would like to install a custom Android ROM on it. After a bit of research, my two options are LineageOS and Murena (aka /e/OS).

Does one have any advantages over the other? Or is it simply a matter of preference?

UPDATE: You will need a machine running Windows 10 or higher in order to successfully flash either ROM!

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 3 months ago (1 children)

In my opinion I feel like /e/OS is too bloated and I don't like the iOS inspired theme. If you prefer stock android you should choose LineageOS. BTW there is also a fork of LineageOS called LineageOS for microG, should you need Play Services.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (3 children)

As I understand it, LineageOS does have Google Play Services built in. The microG version is for if you wish to spoof those services for apps that rely on them if you choose to not use actual google background services (location, play store etc)

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

Not according to this comparison chart.

Google Play Services

None by default. It's possible to install microG manually (LineageOS supports signature spoofing for microG since 2024). Alternatively, there are ROMs with microG preinstalled or one can add Google apps during the installation process, but this is not officially supported by LineageOS.

Where did you see mention or evidence of Google Play Services in LineageOS?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

Yup, your just choosing between giving Google or microG privileged access to your phone. Both options aren't great from a security or privacy perspective.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

You have to flash an extra file if you need the proprietary Google Play Services, at default LineageOS is just stock android without it. MicroG is is indeed an open source reimplementation of GPS, so it spoofs your device as it has the real GPS installed.

Also it uses other (local) database of network locations (UnifiedNlp) so when using a maps app it will find your location faster and more accurate than only relying on gps (the positioning system, not Google Play Service) ;)

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (1 children)

The major difference between those two for the majority of users will be the UI. /e/OS really targets iOS users who are concerned about their privacy and/or want to transition to Android. The UI has a lot of similarities to make that easier. LineageOS is much more similar to "stock" Android.

For a comparison of privacy and security features, you can check this chart.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

That has been really helpful. Thank you!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

You're welcome. I just realised that site also has comparisons of other things like Linux distributions, browsers, messaging clients, etc. Cool resource.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago

If one has a more up to date Android version I'd go with that

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

/e/OS is an anonymity focused ROM with a lot of advanced tools. Lineage is just a simple degoogled (though not completely) ROM with some welcome features. Choose what suits your needs better.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Anonymity focused, eh? What sort of features does it have?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

Built-in blocking of ads and trackers, ability to hide your IP and location, can download Google Play apps anonymously, and most apps have a privacy rating

[–] [email protected] -3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I'm not the right person to ask this question, mister/miss.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Mx, please. Thanks anyway!

[–] [email protected] -3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

What in the world is MX? MX Linux?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

It's a title. Like Mr or Mrs.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Well, in this context, it was my response to you saying "mister/miss". I am non-binary, so "Mx" (pronounced "mix" or "mux") is a more appropriate choice.

It also goes at the start of a name, so my full name would be Mx. Hellfire One O'Three (using my username as an example, so as to not give out my real name).

I suppose you could use "mistrum" instead, since it's gramatically correct; but this isn'y widely used.

[–] [email protected] -2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

I'll stay with mine. Bad and intentionally bad advices happen yk? I don't want to accept an advice about something I've never heard before and then suddenly get attacked for it everywhere.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 3 months ago (1 children)

You shouldn't need Windows to flash it

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

You need Windows to run Odin. Fastboot doesn't work for Samsung, and Heimdall hasn't been updated for seven years.