I have an Android phone/tablet. How can I get things done without dicking around?
Android in a Box — Run Android applications on any GNU/Linux operating system.
1 File transfer over USB
Usually, this means “file transfer over MTP,” which is the native/default USB protocol for filesystem access. AFAICT this is OK on Windows and surprisingly tedious on macOS. Linux is usually OK, but sometimes modern devices don’t work with the OS.
Mac users have the Google native app File Transfer, but it’s awful. Maybe try instead: Ganesh Rathinavel’s OpenMTP (source).
If you are looking at transferring books because your tablet is an e-reader, you can use Calibre which has in-built connectivity.
But shouldn’t FUSE allow this to just work as part of the normal desktop Finder experience? Archlinux thinks so.
On Linux, this works by simple-mtpfs. simple-mtpfs
is provided in homebrew. Installation and usage are minimalistic to the point of sullen:
doesn’t give errors or much feedback. And in fact, if something goes wrong, it can fail silently in confusing ways (the folders always show empty).
Try
to run it in the foreground with verbose feedback, which seems to work fine.
This app also worked on macOS in the past, but I am not sure if it does anymore because of the ongoing quagmire that is macFUSE.
Contra the manual, on macOS the usual unmount command works.
Or just quit.
Alternative: go-mtpfs
works great for me, although I had to manually install.
2 Alternative distros
3 Comparison of Privacy-Focused Android Distributions
Below is a comparison table of leading privacy-focused Android operating systems: GrapheneOS, /e/OS, LineageOS, CalyxOS, DivestOS, and CopperheadOS. These are the most widely recommended alternatives for users seeking enhanced privacy and security on their mobile devices.
Feature | GrapheneOS | /e/OS | LineageOS | CalyxOS | DivestOS | CopperheadOS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Website | grapheneos.org | e.foundation/e-os | lineageos.org | calyxos.org | divestos.org | copperhead.co/android |
Primary Focus | Security & Privacy | Privacy, Usability | Customization | Privacy, Usability | Security & Privacy | Security & Privacy |
Base | AOSP | LineageOS | AOSP | AOSP/LineageOS | LineageOS | AOSP |
Supported Devices | Pixel only | Many (Fairphone, etc.) | Many (196+) | Pixel, Fairphone, Moto | Many (legacy too) | Pixel (recent) |
Google Services | Optional, sandboxed | microG (default) | Optional, not included | microG (default) | Not included | Not included |
Security Hardening | Advanced (kernel, memory, app sandboxing, verified boot) | Minimal | Minimal | Some (verified boot, regular patches) | Kernel hardening, verified boot | Hardened kernel, secure boot, regular updates |
Privacy Features | Network/sensor permissions, minimal connections, hardened WebView | De-Googled, cloud alternatives, privacy ratings | De-Googled, user control | Tor integration, privacy apps | Blocks tracking, ad networks, minimal telemetry | Privacy guard, anti-tracking, ad-blocking |
Ease of Use | Technical users | User-friendly | Intermediate | User-friendly | Intermediate | Intermediate |
App Compatibility | High (sandboxed Play Services) | High (microG) | High (if GApps flashed) | High (microG) | High (F-Droid, no Play Services) | High (F-Droid, no Play Services) |
Updates | Regular, fast | Regular | Community-driven | Regular, fast | Regular, even for old devices | Regular, fast |
Notable Limitations | Pixel-only, minimal UI | Not security-hardened | No verified boot, less secure | Fewer hardening features than GrapheneOS | Small dev team, fewer features | Commercial, limited device support |
3.1 Key Takeaways
GrapheneOS: Best for users who want the highest level of security and privacy, but only available for Google Pixel devices. Recommended by security experts for its advanced protection features.
/e/OS: Focuses on privacy and usability, suitable for everyday users who want a de-Googled experience with cloud alternatives and a friendly interface.
LineageOS: Offers broad device support and customization, but lacks advanced security hardening; best for users who want control and updates for older devices.
CalyxOS: Balances privacy and usability, supports microG, and is easier for non-technical users; available for Pixel, Fairphone, and some Motorola devices.
DivestOS: Prioritizes privacy and security, supports many legacy devices, and is maintained by a small team; ideal for those wanting to revive older hardware with privacy in mind.
CopperheadOS: Commercial, hardened security OS for recent Pixel devices, with a strong focus on privacy, regular updates, and enterprise features.
4 Alternative app repositories
4.1 F-droid
No frills open-source repository: F-droid
4.2 microG
MicroG is a free software re-implementation of Google Play Services and other proprietary Android components and libraries.
4.3 APKPure
APKPure is faster and more complete than F-droid, but has had security breaches.