I suspect the issue people have is that it is not possible for the average user to confirm that a block like that is working 100%. Seen as google control the OS they can just route their traffic around a block like that if they wish. Sending the data over 4g would mean you don't even see it on your network traffic logs. There are a number of reviews suggesting it intermittently lets aupposedly blocked traffic through too, but the biggest issue maybe the way it works. As far as I can see, it acts as a VPN, but that means it won't work well with other VPNs, which is another way the traffic can leak. Basically, installing an app like that doesn't degoogle your phone at all, it just makes you feel like you've stopped your data leaking.

Maybe read up on their FAQ (1)?

iOS has privacy features built in. It has iCloud private relay which is essentially a VPN, and has dynamic IP and MAC addresses to limit tracking. You can also install profiles to modify your DNS however you want, just like on android without a jailbreak.

I'm trying to that it is easier to be more private on android by setting methods such as DNS66. dns66 acts as a VPN so It can't be blocked by network providers. it is hard to setup measures to protect you privacy on ios and there are not many reliable methods in place on IOS without jailbreaking

Probably - but not as easy as your android device. Ask the black hats if they prefer their victim on iOS or android - it should help identify the most insecure device.

Technically that would make it expressly LESS secure. Is that your aim?

Regarding privacy, Apple does end to end on the vast majority of their services. Their servers are set up using a unique, physical key, that is then broken so once running, no one can get to the data.

Apps are sandboxed. Most every sensor or feature is gated behind a user setting to allow/deny.

But the most critical, Apple is a hardware company. The lions share of profits come from hardware. Google is an ad service/data manager. Probably one of the biggest reasons they dove right to amassing market share by licensing the OS to everyone outside Apple. It certainly helps their vested interests.

Trust whomever you like, but most things are true to their nature. Whether you want to believe it or not.

It makes the stock pixel seem so bloated with all the non-removable google apps. Like why can't I remove the pixel buds app?

I never had any issues with the motherboard on my 5A, but I gave up on it after destroying the screen twice. I have a 6 now but it's annoyingly large, top heavy, and I have to keep it on LTE only mode to have decent battery life.

Ehhh, technically but its hard for them to tell if your able to switch back before turning it in. And if it doesn't boot then well... It's not going to be much of an issue then. Also it is a bit legally grey if companies can void you warrenty solely for installing a custom ROM.

It shouldn't but, ya know capitalism

Depends on the brand. Xiaomi will (in most cases) service the phone even if the bootloader was unlocked and os changed, you just need to restore it to stock state. I haven't personally tried this, but I heard multiple stories confirming this.

Saying privacy is better on Android is literally insane, I can't think of a less private OS (talking about the version installed by manufacturers). Even Windows has some catching up to do to be as invasive.

Android is AOSP, it has no Google at all. Don't confuse OEM ROMs and Android Open Source Project. As someone with GrapheneOS I can only laugh when someone calls iOS more private

Android is a very secure system

Except for the ridiculously powerful permissions you need to give most system-type apps in order for them to function (i.e. read and paint over all screen content) because the accessibility APIs are shit, and password manager APIs too fragmented to be useful.

Sometimes the policy of “you will use our API and you will be happy” is actually beneficial for users.

Chromium is open source, too, but so many projects putting all their eggs in the same basket gives Google carte blanche to push any standard they want as a new de-facto standard before the rest of us can decide on whether it's ready or needs changes or is just bad.

I don't see any bloat on my lineageOS phone.

Do you know you can just use the private dns option if you are on Android > 9. I use nextdns too.

It’s almost impossible to buy a phone with plain android on it. Google’s version on the pixel is nice to use, but a privacy nightmare

Install From Dev's who make userbuilds with actual devices. Who said to install roms from a random dev.

And how can we be sure it's doing what it says? It's software, on most phones you don't control software that is running above apps layer.