nemozone

When we consider the realm of Android-based operating systems, two names that often come up are DivestOS and LineageOS. Both operating systems offer unique advantages and have distinct focuses. However, understanding the core differences between them can help users make an informed choice about which system best aligns with their needs.

What is DivestOS?

DivestOS is a free operating system based on the Android mobile platform. It's essentially a soft fork of LineageOS and has a specific focus on enhancing user security and privacy while also supporting older devices. The operating system removes as many proprietary Android components as possible, striving to include only free software. It's also important to note that DivestOS builds are signed with release keys, allowing bootloaders to be re-locked on many devices.

DivestOS offers a wide array of key features:

Monthly security updates for all supported devices, and an automated patch checker for Linux kernel security issues. Support for bootloader relocking, which has been tested and found to work on several devices.

The inclusion of the Mulch hardened Chromium WebView, which provides enhanced security features and can be updated independently of the system image.

A powerful tracker blocker that blocks over 900,000 advertising and tracking servers, increasing the privacy level for users. A privacy-oriented browser (Mull), based on Mozilla technology, hardened against fingerprinting techniques thanks to the Tor uplift project and arkenfox-user.js project.

A focus on Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS). Inclusion of F-Droid, an app catalog specializing in the delivery of FOSS apps.

Additional tools like a free space eraser (Extirpater) and an open-source real-time malware scanner (Hypatia) for Android. What is LineageOS?

LineageOS is also an Android-based operating system, designed for smartphones, tablet computers, and set-top boxes. It primarily consists of free and open-source software and is known as the successor to CyanogenMod, which was discontinued in December 2016.

Key Difference

While both DivestOS and LineageOS are based on Android and include free and open-source software, their focuses diverge significantly in terms of security and privacy.

DivestOS' main objective is to maximize user privacy and security, with features like tracker blocking and malware scanning. The operating system also removes as many proprietary Android components as possible, and the bootloader can be re-locked on many devices.

In contrast, LineageOS, while also offering open-source software, doesn't have as much emphasis on these security features. This can potentially introduce additional attack surfaces, particularly through breaking verified boot and userdebug builds.

In terms of privacy, DivestOS takes a stand against using microG, a lightweight implementation of Google Play Services. The argument is that using microG still communicates with Google's servers and can compromise user privacy. On the other hand, LineageOS doesn't have this strict stance against microG.

In conclusion, the choice between DivestOS and LineageOS depends on your specific needs. If privacy and security are your top priorities, DivestOS might be a better choice. On the other hand, LineageOS might be suitable if you're looking for an open-source Android-based OS with a broader device support.

References:

Wikipedia. (2023). DivestOS. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DivestOS. Wikipedia. (2023). LineageOS. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LineageOS. Reddit. (2023). DivestOS vs LineageOS vs /e/. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/PrivacyGuides/comments/r7gnso/divestos_vs_lineageos_vs_e/ DivestOS Mobile. (2023). Home. Retrieved from https://divestos.org/index.html