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?
[1]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38411194
[2]: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.tasks/
I think you should start by verifying what phones/bands your operator/network supports. From that list you can check which devices support alternative ROMs.
GrapheneOS is for Pixel phones and is viewed as the "best bet" right now for a variety of reasons. It ships without GSF or alternatives. That may lead to some issues with a handful of apps. I might be wrong here, but I think there are still some tap-to-pay apps that won't work on GrapheneOS and maybe banking apps (??? double-check that claim).
If you don't go for a Pixel and still want to change ROMs, there are options: Lineage, Calyx, /e/, Omni. Bliss, Arrow, iodé, Divest, Replicant, Paranoid, Pixelexperience,...
If that doesn't float your boat, any phone can be partially degoogled without root access. Ok, "degoogled" is a strong word here... But, using ADB you can get rid of lots of Google stuff in terms of apps, the underlying Google services will remain. That is a good starting point though. If you can handle a partially degoogled device without maps, YT, play store, etc., then moving to another device will be easy.
Even after degoogling, many apps will still be available. Signal provides the APK on their site, Anki can be used for Japanese, Aurora store helps out a lot here.