/e/OS, from the Murena project, is de-Googled Android aimed at people who will not use a command line. There is an app store, an optional cloud, and phones sold with the system already installed. The default setup uses microG. That is an open reimplementation, and some features, such as push notifications, still go through Google’s servers unless you turn them off. “Nothing talks to Google” is not true of a normal /e/OS phone.
/e/OS builds are often based on an older Android version than stock, so read the Android version and security patch date on the phone in your hand before you trust it. Easy and current are different goals.
Use it for a low-risk second phone, after you check the patch level. e.foundation
Before you buy a Murena phone, open the settings and read the Android security patch date. If it is many months behind, look for a more current device or system. microG can be limited. Do that if you do not need push. The Murena cloud is optional and it is another account. /e/OS is the right recommendation for someone who will never flash a Pixel and who does not have an attacker. It is the wrong one for that attacker.
