Which phone do you need for GrapheneOS?
GrapheneOS does not run on every phone. That is a deliberate choice, not a limitation. We explain why only Pixel qualifies and which model suits your situation.
Which phone do you need for GrapheneOS?
GrapheneOS does not run on every phone. That is a deliberate choice, not a limitation. The hardware requirements are strict because security starts at the hardware level. This article explains why, and which Pixel model suits you.
Why only Pixel?
GrapheneOS places two hard requirements on hardware:
Titan M security chip. This chip, developed by Google and present in all Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 onwards, stores cryptographic keys that are physically inaccessible to the rest of the system. Even if the operating system is fully compromised, the keys inside the Titan M remain safe.
Verified boot with user-configurable keys. On standard Android, verified boot is tied to the manufacturer’s key. GrapheneOS replaces that key with its own — so the system verifies on every boot that GrapheneOS is intact and has not been modified. This is technically only possible on Pixel devices.
Fairphone, Samsung, OnePlus — however good on other fronts — do not offer this combination. GrapheneOS therefore does not support them, and that will not change.
Which Pixel model?
Pixel 9a — best value 2026
Tensor G4 chip, Titan M2, updates until ~2032 — €399 new at Coolblue
The Pixel 9a is the primary recommendation for most users. Same chip as the Pixel 9, lower price, large battery. No UWB — not relevant for most people.
See also: Which Pixel for GrapheneOS? for a full model comparison.
Pixel 9 series — current generation
Tensor G4 chip, Titan M2, updates until ~2031
| Model | New price | Screen | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9a | €399 | 6.3” | Best value, no UWB |
| Pixel 9 | €477 | 6.3” | UWB, slightly better camera than 9a |
| Pixel 9 Pro | from €679 | 6.3” | Better camera, more RAM |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | from €659 | 6.8” | Large screen, longer battery |
All Pixel 9 models are security-wise identical. The differences are screen size, camera and UWB — not security.
Pixel 8 series — best value
Tensor G3 chip, Titan M2, updates until ~2030
| Model | New price | Wireless charging | UWB | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 8 | €500–600 | ✅ | ✅ | Compact with wireless charging |
| Pixel 8 Pro | €700–800 | ✅ | ✅ | Better camera, temperature sensor |
| Pixel 8a | €400–500 | ✅ | ❌ | Cheapest Tensor G3, no UWB |
Pixel 8 vs 8a — the honest comparison:
Security-wise they are identical — same Titan M2 chip, same update period. The practical differences:
- Wireless charging: both have it (7.5W Qi). No difference.
- UWB: Pixel 8 has Ultra-Wideband, 8a does not. Relevant for digital car keys and precision location — for most people not important.
- Camera: minimal difference (f/1.68 vs f/1.89 aperture). Barely noticeable in practice.
- Price: 8a is ~€100 cheaper new, larger difference refurbished.
Choose the 8a if UWB plays no role in your use — wireless charging is present on both. Choose the Pixel 8 if you want UWB or a slightly better camera. Choose the 8 Pro for the best camera in this generation.
Pixel 7 series — budget
Tensor G2 chip, Titan M2, updates until ~2027–2028
| Model | New price | Refurbished | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 7 | €300–400 | €200–280 | Solid entry model |
| Pixel 7 Pro | €400–500 | €280–350 | Better camera, larger screen |
| Pixel 7a | €280–350 | €200–260 | Most compact and affordable |
The Pixel 7 series is still fully supported by GrapheneOS. The update period ends earlier than the 8 and 9 series — keep this in mind if you want to use this device for several years. Always check the current support status at grapheneos.org.
New or refurbished?
Buying new and installing yourself is the cheapest option. GrapheneOS offers a web-based installer that handles the process in 15–30 minutes. See the installation guide for step-by-step instructions.
Buying refurbished is fine — the hardware is identical. Make sure the device is unlocked and not carrier-locked or blocked by an enterprise MDM policy.
Purchase checklist
Check before buying:
- Is the device carrier unlocked?
- Does the IMEI check out — has the device not been reported stolen?
- Can the bootloader still be unlocked? (Some enterprise devices block this)
- What Android version is on it? (Does not matter for installation, but useful to know)
Summary
| Model | New price | Updates until | Choose if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9a | €399 | ~2032 | Best value — primary choice |
| Pixel 9 | €477 | ~2031 | You want UWB or slightly better camera |
| Pixel 10 | €629 | ~2032 | You want the newest chip |
| Pixel 9 Pro / XL | €659–679 | ~2031 | Camera and screen size matter |
| Pixel 8a | hard to find | ~2031 | Secondhand budget option |
| Pixel 7 / 7a | €200–350 secondhand | ~2027–2028 | Short-term use, limited budget |
GrapheneOS makes each of these devices significantly more secure than the factory installation. The model matters little for security — choose based on use and budget.
Ready to start? Read the installation guide for step-by-step installation.