Having used iOS my entire life, the switch to GrapheneOS will be a big change. I have learned over the past year about Android, GrapheneOS, and apps to use. I managed to find most of the apps I was looking for, but there are some I struggled with. I had trouble finding privacy respecting, open source apps for the following categories (I’ve listed what apps I did find, but want to see if there are better alternatives.)

  • Local AI: For AI I was able to find MLC LLM, but the iOS version is a bit broken so I’m unable to confirm if it’s what I’m looking for. I want something capable of running Llama 3. This was by far the hardest category to find an app for.

  • Backup: I found Neo Backup and Seedvault. I want to be able to backup files, photos, app data, etc.

  • IDE: I was only able to find Neovim (which I’m not even sure is an IDE). I primarily code with Python (but also code in Java as well as others), and I want to be able to run quick scripts when I’m out and about.

  • Torrent: While torrenting on a phone isn’t necessary, it has certain scenarios when it’s useful. If this is a major hole in privacy and security, I don’t mind leaving this off my list. I found LibreTorrent as an option.

  • Local file sharing: This is one I’m most curious about. I want a way to share files between my Linux computer and phone. LocalSend and Warpinator seem to be tied as far as popularity, maybe I can get some insight here. I want it to be strictly over the local network.

  • Network monitoring: This is nice to have for a variety of reasons. I want something like Wireshark for Android. I couldn’t find many great options, but I found Vernet.

  • eBook reader: I’m sure the option I picked here is fine, but I wanted a second opinion about Libera Reader.

  • Terminal: I’ve heard a lot of different opinions for terminal emulators for Android, so please put up a good case for whichever one I should go with. Neovim is apparently (technically?) a terminal emulator. I’m increasingly confused about what Neovim actually is. I also found Termux and I eventually found too many options to find a clear choice.

  • Movies: Because many movie streaming services are privacy invasive, I’m looking for an ethical way to watch movies. I found Stremio which I have never heard of before. This isn’t a topic that gets covered very often.

I am aware of AlternativeTo, and it’s what I used to find some of these trickier apps, but nothing beats hearing first hand experiences. Thank you all for your help!

  • mad_asshatter
    1•6 months ago

    For file sharing

    X-plore

    has ssh, webdav, can scan for nfs & cifs shares.

    Terminal

    Termius

    ssh, sftp, terminal, etc also, for backups, there’s a sync to desktop feature, plus rsync…

    For torrents I use Real-Debrid (web, app is wonky)

    Stremio works well, but you’ll need an RD account or it’s moot.

    • The 8232 ProjectOP
      2•6 months ago

      Thanks for your suggestions! I guess I hadn’t checked if there was already a backup service built in. I checked out the Linux app for Stremio, and it’s largely just a privacy respecting catalog given that you need to pay for the underlying streaming service, unless you torrent of course.