Hey, all. I just bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, and I would like to install a custom Android ROM on it. After a bit of research, my two options are LineageOS and Murena (aka /e/OS).
Does one have any advantages over the other? Or is it simply a matter of preference?
UPDATE: You will need a machine running Windows 10 or higher in order to successfully flash either ROM!
In my opinion I feel like /e/OS is too bloated and I don’t like the iOS inspired theme. If you prefer stock android you should choose LineageOS. BTW there is also a fork of LineageOS called LineageOS for microG, should you need Play Services.
As I understand it, LineageOS does have Google Play Services built in. The microG version is for if you wish to spoof those services for apps that rely on them if you choose to not use actual google background services (location, play store etc)
Not according to this comparison chart.
Google Play Services
None by default. It’s possible to install microG manually (LineageOS supports signature spoofing for microG since 2024). Alternatively, there are ROMs with microG preinstalled or one can add Google apps during the installation process, but this is not officially supported by LineageOS.
Where did you see mention or evidence of Google Play Services in LineageOS?
Yup, your just choosing between giving Google or microG privileged access to your phone. Both options aren’t great from a security or privacy perspective.
You have to flash an extra file if you need the proprietary Google Play Services, at default LineageOS is just stock android without it. MicroG is is indeed an open source reimplementation of GPS, so it spoofs your device as it has the real GPS installed.
Also it uses other (local) database of network locations (UnifiedNlp) so when using a maps app it will find your location faster and more accurate than only relying on gps (the positioning system, not Google Play Service) ;)
The major difference between those two for the majority of users will be the UI. /e/OS really targets iOS users who are concerned about their privacy and/or want to transition to Android. The UI has a lot of similarities to make that easier. LineageOS is much more similar to “stock” Android.
For a comparison of privacy and security features, you can check this chart.
That has been really helpful. Thank you!
You’re welcome. I just realised that site also has comparisons of other things like Linux distributions, browsers, messaging clients, etc. Cool resource.
If one has a more up to date Android version I’d go with that
/e/OS is an anonymity focused ROM with a lot of advanced tools. Lineage is just a simple degoogled (though not completely) ROM with some welcome features. Choose what suits your needs better.
Anonymity focused, eh? What sort of features does it have?
I’m not the right person to ask this question, mister/miss.
Mx, please. Thanks anyway!
What in the world is MX? MX Linux?
It’s a title. Like Mr or Mrs.
What does it mean though?
Well, in this context, it was my response to you saying “mister/miss”. I am non-binary, so “Mx” (pronounced “mix” or “mux”) is a more appropriate choice.
It also goes at the start of a name, so my full name would be Mx. Hellfire One O’Three (using my username as an example, so as to not give out my real name).
I suppose you could use “mistrum” instead, since it’s gramatically correct; but this isn’y widely used.
Built-in blocking of ads and trackers, ability to hide your IP and location, can download Google Play apps anonymously, and most apps have a privacy rating
You shouldn’t need Windows to flash it
You need Windows to run Odin. Fastboot doesn’t work for Samsung, and Heimdall hasn’t been updated for seven years.
