One of the most common concepts in the Android world are the famous ROMs, a modified software that allows us to offer a different vision of Android that Google and manufacturers launch on their devices. Changing the ROM on Android is not an impossible or difficult task, the only requirement is that the manufacturer allows the bootloader to be unlocked.
Goole is one of the manufacturers that allows you to do this easily on its Pixels, hence many ROMs are tested on the phones of the big G. In fact, this is just what the German company specialized in cybersecurity has done, Nitrokey.
The safest Android on the planet
Nitrokey announced the NitroPhone 1, which they promote as the most secure Android smartphone on the planet, thanks to a custom ROM known as GraphenOS.
The firm used a Pixel 4a to install the ROM whose pillars are security, privacy and ease of use.
The firm even has a quote from Edward Snowden recommending the use of GraphenOS.
One of the reasons why the German firm also uses a Pixel is due to its security chip known as Titan M, which encrypts the device against sophisticated physical attacks. They also clarify that the verified boot system is not modified with this ROM.
But one of the most attractive things about the NitroPhone 1 is that there is no integration with Google Play Services, so there is no follow-up by the Mountain View company. However, to avoid problems with the applications that need them to function, the company allows them to be installed as a sandboxed app without special privileges.
Also, GraphenOS has protection against application tracking, so it is impossible for these programs to access IMEI, Mac, serial number, SIM card, ID, etc.
Finally, all bloatware or pre-installed Google apps are removed.
The company ensures that this is the perfect phone for professionals who handle sensitive data on their phone, people who love Android but want to avoid aggressive Google tracking, journalists, activists and members of NGOs.
The equipment can be shipped anywhere in the world. It costs 630 euros, about 15,000 pesos at the exchange rate.