HONEST COMPARISON
Buy a GrapheneOS Phone or Install It Yourself?
GrapheneOS is free, and anyone with a compatible Pixel can install it. So why buy a phone that already has it? Here's an honest look at both options, so you can pick the one that suits you.
Installing GrapheneOS yourself
GrapheneOS has an official web installer that walks you through it from a computer, usually in under an hour. It's the cheapest route if you already own a compatible Pixel.
- You'll need: a supported Pixel that isn't carrier-locked, a computer and a USB cable.
- You get: stock GrapheneOS, which you then set up yourself: apps, permissions, backups and security settings.
- Best for: people comfortable following technical instructions.
Adding our Security Suite to your own phone
Installed GrapheneOS yourself? Our Software Flash Key adds our Security Suite on top, remotely: the dead man's switch, duress PINs, remote wipe, USB data blocking and more, plus Threema, Mullvad VPN and a private eSIM. See every feature on our security features page.
Buying a phone that's ready to use
Our PF Secured GrapheneOS Device arrives with GrapheneOS and our Security Suite already installed and configured by hand in Queensland.
- You get: a new Pixel with years of security updates ahead, set up and checked before it ships, plus a Private IP Data eSIM with 10GB, 6 months of Mullvad VPN and a Threema licence key.
- Best for: people who want it done properly without the technical work, or who want someone to ask before and after they buy.
Side by side
- Cost: installing it yourself is free if you own a Pixel; the Flash Key and the ready-made phone cost more but add our Security Suite and included services.
- Effort: DIY takes time and some technical confidence; the ready-made phone works out of the box.
- Security features: stock GrapheneOS is excellent; our Security Suite adds the wipe and anti-extraction protections on top, either on your own phone or ours.
Not sure which Pixel to use? Read which Pixel is best for GrapheneOS, or see all our encrypted phones in Australia.
Privacy First is not affiliated with the GrapheneOS project.