The Pixel 6 for everyone who hates Google
A Pixel 6 (Pro) without Google? What sounds a little crazy, the manufacturer Nitrokey has managed. The NitroPhone 2 (Pro) cell phone dispenses with Android and Google tracking and should be particularly secure. Updates will be distributed until 2026.
NitroPhone 2 (Pro): New Pixel phone without Google
The makers of the NitroPhone 2 (Pro) grabbed the Pixel 6 (Pro) from Google to bring it back onto the market without Google software. Instead of Android 12, the alternative GrapheneOS is used. According to the manufacturer, updates to the software should be distributed by 2026. The delivery takes place in a sealed box (source: Nitrokey).
If necessary and at an additional cost, interested parties can indicate that the new NitroPhone without microphones, cameras or other sensors to get to them. In this way, privacy can be increased as physical eavesdropping is no longer possible. Telephoning is then only possible via a headset.
If no modifications are made, the NitroPhone 2 is a Pixel 6 in terms of equipment, while the NitroPhone 2 Pro is a Pixel 6 Pro. It comes accordingly smaller cell phone on a diagonal of 6.4 inches, the larger variant at 6.7 inches.
In the video: That’s what we think of the Pixel 6.
With NitroPhones, apps generally only run in a sandbox. It is coming only open source software for use. If desired, the original Google Play Services can be installed in a sandbox without special privileges.
NitroPhone 2 (Pro): More expensive than the Pixel phones
For the NitroPhone 2, 899 euros are required to start, and delivery is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2022. the Pro version costs 1,255 euros and will be available from the end of January. For comparison: the Pixel 6 costs 649 euros and the Pixel 6 Pro 899 euros.