Ask HN: I lost my phone. I want to degoogle. What should I do?

7 points

3 years ago

I think I forgot to take my phone out of my pocket before a bike ride. I can't contact the phone with Find My Device.

Fortunately, I am in good shape.

* I saved my 2FA secrets in KeePassXC and have backup codes.

* My KeePassXC database key derivation is at least 3 seconds long on my desktop, and I've still rotated all of the passwords I can.

* I lost about a week's worth of pictures. Sad, but okay.

* I use Matrix/Element and signed out of the session that existed on my phone.

* I previously backed up my task list.

* I don't really store anything else on my phone.

* I locked my phone out using Find My Device, and I am prepared to remotely wipe it.

So this Ask HN is not about trying to recover my life after a devastating loss. Thank goodness.

Instead, I want to take this opportunity to degoogle. [1]

These are my requirements:

* I need a phone that can make phone calls and text, preferably on one or more of the major cell networks. Preferably on Verizon and friends.

* I need a data connection. And Wi-Fi.

* I need a browser.

* I need Matrix/Element.

There are some additional things I want that I am willing to sacrifice if necessary to degoogle:

* A map and navigation app.

* Signal.

* My task list app. [2]

* An app to learn Japanese.

* A few other various Android apps.

What will fulfill those requirements? Can I go so far as to get a Linux phone? Is GrapheneOS the best bet? What phone do you think I should get?