Resistance users tell us why they don't regret

Using Android, the Google operating system involves using a series of services beyond Play Store: the search engine company puts its whole infrastructure so that, for example, notifications reach our mobile in time. However, the Android open source roots open A range of possibilities beyond the Google garden.

With many concessions that are lost along the way, of course. Who used a ROM without the “gapps” can certify it. However, there are users who They prefer to opt for a clean and telemetry system of great technology Even sacrifice the comfort that Google provides: it is possible, even beneficial to win a few hours. It is the experience of some of these daring. We talked to several users who have decided to go through this process and, as they tell us, they are more owned by their devices

Why run away from Google? Reasons to sacrifice a lot

Google dodging Android is not an easy taskBecause the user must opt ​​for a modified version of the operating system. And that, obtaining standard on a new device is complicated by poor availability. However, there are many reasons to make this effort, according to witnesses.

First of all, murder (an Android Xataka reader) underlines that the Main reason to get out of Google This is the “data harvesting” in which an Android becomes with the services of the American company. There are studies that demonstrate it, even the Foundation E (Group that develops a ROM that the user uses) goes further.

Likewise, our advanced reader and our user points to philosophical reasons: his preference is open environments, and considering that iOS (now it is more open in the European Union) has never been, He had no more alternative That opt ​​for / e / bone. Reasons which are even policies: research European technological independence, which the user considers as relevant “American initiatives to geographically limit the use of devices”.

This release of a Google controlled ecosystem is cheap: “The installation of a Roma without Google in an existing terminal is cheaper than buying a new iPhone.” Although personalized ROMs are down, there are still options. / E / OS, used by murder It is one of the most popular; Others such as Galpheneos also offer on the open source side.

Our second reader, Jesús Ballesteros (jrbalesteros05), choose the Ultrasecure ROM which is installed in the Google Pixel, the above -mentioned graphens. What are your reasons to stop according to Google? The monopoly of the signing of the search engine and the deterioration of the web. As he says, he considers Google “an advertising monopoly” and responsible for the state of the current website given by its advertising model. He declares that Google has “no respect for the confidentiality of its users”.

An Android without Google is possible

As we know, Google nourishes Android many functions which not only serve the userBut directly affect the operation of the operating system. Without Google, for example, notifications do not arrive in the same way: American company puts its servers and technology to prevent notifications from maintaining “awake” devices (with the resulting battery consumption).

Therefore, designing an Android without Google is complicated, but not impossible. Some concessions must be made, as well as Find a substitute for some of its services and applications. In this sense, murder It started with lines 22.1 and did not know how to adapt without Google Services: / E / OS of Murerena offers services in the European cloud that relieve those of Google (assessment, backup, multimedia and cards).

However, What is the strangest is the search engine. “Murena's integrated search engine needs improvements.” It has not been able to return to Google Asissant, due to the absence of a European alternative: Murena has one in development, but is remote.

What have other concessions made with the European ROM? He has not found an alternative to Google Pay, so he has decided to make NFC payments at the moment. Now, the most notable absence comes from the multimedia side: “Dailymotion is not comparable” in YouTube.

In grapheneos, Jesus also lacks Google: “What cost me the most cost the maximum is to get a good alternative to Google Maps”. Currently, American organic cards, which he considers decent for public transport, although he recognizes the superiority of the cards.

The difficulties continue, especially for him for the safeguarding WhatsApp. Without Google's services, you cannot download it on Google Drive, and this ends at one point, WhatsApp itself restricts the use of the application. “I would say that if it was not for that, Google would no longer have,” said the user.

Bet on free software at all levels: Use F-Droid as an application store, Newpipe to replace the YouTube application, Fairemail (for GMAI) and Syncthing (reader relay) which are “less invasive and without advertising”.

And a second life for any mobile

Opt for Android without Google Systems in existing mobiles is one of the great advantages, to allow extend the lifespan of devices. In addition to certain “collateral” advantages in terms of performance and battery. Of course, as long as some of our devices are compatible with these alternative versions.

In the case of / E / OS, our reader authorized Android 12 to Android 14, without buying a new device. Using a northern oneplus, you noticed in the alternative rom Better battery consumption: Before it reaches the end of the day now. This may be due to GMS escape (Google Services), also to use simpler applications. Regarding performance improvements, murder Does not notice a substantial improvement.

This user thinks that There is no reason for an Android without Google if it is not for “responsible consumption”. And his next step, definitely: consider that a “European Android terminal” is viable and valid, in particular, he will bet on a pre-installer terminal. What options do you have? A Fairphone 5.

By modifying the sidewalk, the user emphasizes that the system comes “with the minimum”, something that can be seen in the Internal memory space. And this indicates improvements in battery life: by default, with greater control of the system, it is easy to obtain more battery than in the default Android of its terminal.

As we have seen, the abandonment of the Google ecosystem in Android is a decision motivated mainly by the search for confidentiality and greater control over personal data. Although the road implies certain concessions, such as the search for alternatives to consolidated applications and the absence of certain comforts, users find various advantages. Their experience shows that Android without Google is not only possible, but but Open the door to a more conscious mobile use and, for many, more satisfactory.

Cover image | Google Image 3 With Photoshop Edition

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