1
0
mirror of https://github.com/privacyguides/privacyguides.org.git synced 2025-11-13 01:32:40 +00:00

update: Mention MTE in Google Pixel and GrapheneOS recommendations (#3137)

Signed-off-by: Jonah Aragon <jonah@privacyguides.org>
Signed-off-by: fria <fria@privacyguides.org>
Signed-off-by: Daniel Gray <dngray@privacyguides.org>
This commit is contained in:
redoomed1
2025-11-10 18:45:30 +00:00
committed by Daniel Gray
parent 5dc4a15c2f
commit 6fe04d10e7
3 changed files with 19 additions and 8 deletions

View File

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
---
title: "Mobile Phones"
title: Mobile Phones
icon: material/cellphone-check
description: These mobile devices provide the best hardware security support for custom Android operating systems.
cover: android.webp
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ End-of-life devices (such as GrapheneOS's "extended support" devices) do not hav
</div>
## Purchasing Advice
## General Purchasing Advice
When purchasing a device, we recommend getting one as new as possible. The software and firmware of mobile devices are only supported for a limited time, so buying new extends that lifespan as much as possible.
@@ -73,11 +73,15 @@ Beginning with the **Pixel 8** and **8 Pro**, Pixel devices receive a minimum of
</div>
Secure Elements like the Titan M2 are more limited than the processor's Trusted Execution Environment used by most other phones as they are only used for secrets storage, hardware attestation, and rate limiting, not for running "trusted" programs. Phones without a Secure Element have to use the TEE for *all* of those functions, resulting in a larger attack surface.
### Hardware Security
Secure Elements like the Titan M2 are more limited than the processor's Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) used by most other phones as they are only used for secrets storage, hardware attestation, and rate limiting, not for running "trusted" programs. Phones without a Secure Element have to use the TEE for *all* of those functions, resulting in a larger attack surface.
Google Pixel phones use a TEE OS called Trusty which is [open source](https://source.android.com/security/trusty#whyTrusty), unlike many other phones.
The installation of GrapheneOS on a Pixel phone is easy with their [web installer](https://grapheneos.org/install/web). If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself and are willing to spend a bit of extra money, check out the [NitroPhone](https://shop.nitrokey.com/shop) as they come preloaded with GrapheneOS from the reputable [Nitrokey](https://nitrokey.com/about) company.
The Pixel 8 series and later supports ARM's Memory Tagging Extension ([MTE](https://developer.arm.com/documentation/108035/0100/Introduction-to-the-Memory-Tagging-Extension)), a hardware security enhancement that drastically lowers the probability of exploits occurring through memory corruption bugs. The stock Pixel OS allows you to enable MTE for supported apps through Google's Advanced Protection Program or via a developer option, but its usability is quite limited. [GrapheneOS](android/distributions.md#grapheneos), an alternative Android OS we recommend, greatly improves the usability and coverage of MTE in its implementation of the feature.
### Buying a Google Pixel
A few more tips for purchasing a Google Pixel:
@@ -98,6 +102,8 @@ A few more tips for purchasing a Google Pixel:
, meaning that the longer use of the device the lower cost per day.
- If the Pixel is unavailable in your region, the [NitroPhone](https://shop.nitrokey.com/shop) can be shipped globally.
The installation of GrapheneOS on a Pixel phone is easy with their [web installer](https://grapheneos.org/install/web). If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself and are willing to spend a bit of extra money, check out the [NitroPhone](https://shop.nitrokey.com/shop) as they come preloaded with GrapheneOS from the reputable [Nitrokey](https://nitrokey.com/about) company.
## Criteria
**Please note we are not affiliated with any of the projects we recommend.** In addition to [our standard criteria](about/criteria.md), we have developed a clear set of requirements to allow us to provide objective recommendations. We suggest you familiarize yourself with this list before choosing to use a project, and conduct your own research to ensure it's the right choice for you.