 |
| GrapheneOS |
自從中華電信於2024年6月30日關閉 3G 網路之後，使用近三年的 Punkt MP02，收訊變得非常不好，經常無法撥接電話，或者是收發訊息；向中華電信反映後得知，可能原因為中華電信並未建立 Punkt MP02 的資料，導致系統無法辨識手機的機型，進而影響收訊。
因此便開始尋找下一台功能型手機(feature phone)，之前預購的 light phone 3 需等到明年二月才會出貨，且 light phone 主要使用者為家中的未成年子女，並非自己，而市面如 Punkt MP02 支援 Signal 加密通訊的功能性手機幾乎沒有，因此只好轉向智慧型手機(smart phone)。
自己關注 GrapheneOS 已經有一段時間，之前一直希望可以買到中古的 Google Pixel Phone，以安裝這個專注於隱私的作業系統，但中古市場上不易找到 Pixel Phone，因此只好等待降價時再購買非當季的機種，近期手機價格落到新台幣 15,000 元以下，因此便購入人生的第一台 Pixel。
購入之後，便依照 Side of Burritos 的介紹，將作業系統刷成 GrapheneOS，並依照相關影片細部調整內部設定，包含安裝 Google Play Store 的替代品(如. Aurora Store, Drodi-fy 與 Obtanium)、同步私有雲通訊錄的 DAVx5 與(最重要的) Signal Messenger，最後則安裝啟動器 Unlauncher，使操作頁面轉變成類似 Punkt MP02 與 Light Phone 的文字介面。
使用 Pixel 至今約一周，對於電池續航力感到滿意(畢竟有 4,575 mAh)，以我少量使用的情況，其電力至少可維持四天，且 Actua 螢幕非常漂亮，雖然自己很少會盯著螢幕看超過兩分鐘，中華電信收訊也改善了很多，通話品質則和 Punk MP02 不相上下。不滿意的地方，當然是它的體積與重量，畢竟已經習慣 MP02 袖珍的體積，Pixel 不容易放在口袋中，即便放入也非常沉重，這可能需要花一些時間來重新適應。
後續買了 Pixel 原廠保護殼與螢幕保護貼，並且買了 Apple Earpods(USB-C) 有線耳機，作為長時間通話的利器，畢竟不想長時間拿著如此重的手機，手會痠。依照 GrapheneOS 的官方文件，作業系統應該至少可以支援至 2030年10月，想想也是挺棒的。
After Chunghwa Telecom shut down its 3G network on June 30, 2024, the reception on my Punkt MP02, which I had been using for nearly three years, became very poor. I frequently couldn't make calls or send/receive messages. After reporting this to Chunghwa Telecom, I learned that the issue might be due to the carrier not having Punkt MP02's data in their system, making it difficult for the system to identify the phone model and affecting reception.
This led me to search for my next feature phone. The Light Phone 3 that I had pre-ordered won't ship until February next year, and the Light Phone is primarily for my underage children, not for myself. Since there are almost no feature phones on the market that support Signal encrypted communication like the Punkt MP02, I had to turn to smartphones.
I had been following GrapheneOS for quite some time, hoping to find a used Google Pixel Phone to install this privacy-focused operating system. However, finding Pixel Phones in the used market was challenging, so I decided to wait for price drops on non-current models. Recently, when the phone price fell below NT$15,000, I purchased my first Pixel.
After the purchase, following Side of Burritos' guide, I flashed GrapheneOS onto the device and made detailed adjustments to internal settings, including installing Google Play Store alternatives (such as Aurora Store, Drodi-fy, and Obtanium), DAVx5 for syncing private cloud contacts, and (most importantly) Signal Messenger. Finally, I installed the Unlauncher launcher to transform the interface into a text-based one similar to Punkt MP02 and Light Phone.
I've been using the Pixel for about a week now and am satisfied with the battery life (it has 4,575 mAh after all). With my minimal usage, the battery lasts at least four days. The Actua display is beautiful, although I rarely look at the screen for more than two minutes. Chunghwa Telecom's reception has improved significantly, and call quality is comparable to the Punkt MP02. The dissatisfying aspect is, of course, its size and weight. Having gotten used to the MP02's pocket-sized dimensions, the Pixel is difficult to carry in pockets, and even when it fits, it's very heavy. This might take some time to get used to.
Subsequently, I bought a Pixel original protective case and screen protector, along with Apple EarPods (USB-C) wired headphones for long calls, as I don't want to hold such a heavy phone for extended periods as it causes hand fatigue. According to GrapheneOS's official documentation, the operating system should be supported until at least October 2030, which I think is quite impressive.
