Hi. I too have found myself asking questions like this when I had phones that had custom ROMs.

tell me what Graphene has stronger?

When I looked into this, I found that Graphene is hardened and is more secure while other ROMs spec into the privacy aspect only.

I still keep my list even though my current device/chipset is not supported by these ROMs.

Alternative/Custom ROMS

In no particular order, these ROMs usually change the UX/UI and maybe add some security enhancements.

• LineageOS

• BlissRoms: Close to stock with “some” added privacy

• Evolution X: Android 13 with the Pixel UI

• Paranoid Android: Android with custom enhancements

• PixelExperience

• OmniROM

• ArrowOS

Privacy|Hardened ROMS

Security-wise, LineageOS is a start but (correct me if I am wrong) you need to unlock the bootloader, which is not great. These ROMs purport heightened privacy or “hardened” security.

• iodéOS: “deGoogled” LineageOS fork, uses lots of blacklists for ad- and tracker-blocking. Sells pre-installed devices.

• /e/OS: A “deGoogled” Android experience. Uses microG, no telemetry sent to Google, modified NTP and DNS servers, modified GPS service. Uses the “App Lounge” which combines the Aurora Store with F-Droid and PWAs. Has a tracker blocker. Requires you to have an @murena.io account for some functionalities.

• GrapheneOS: Private, secure, hardened… has a long list of features. Updates are fast, exploitations are quickly mitigated, non-profit. But, Pixel-only.

• CalyxOS: PAUSED

• DivestOS

I felt the same way, then I was asked to set one up for someone because we bought it as a group gift. It was so comfortable to use and not at all what I expected. It wasn’t even a great one, just a basic Kobo model. I ended up buying the same model and used it for years. My partner got me a new one and she has my original that still works like day one 14 years ago.