Can I still use Google apps and Play Store on LineageOS?

Yes, LineageOS allows optional installation of Google Play Services or the lightweight microG alternative. However, this is optional—LineageOS ships without Google integration by default. The Google Play Store can be accessed through microG or Google's official Play Services framework if desired, though some apps requiring Google certification may require workarounds.

Is LineageOS safe and is it legal?

Yes, LineageOS is legal and safe. It's based on Android's open-source license (Apache 2.0 for AOSP). LineageOS is community-audited and open-source, meaning security researchers can review the code. However, it lacks official manufacturer support, so security patches depend on community volunteers. Google's official Android includes manufacturer-specific security certifications and hardware-level protections (Knox on Samsung) that custom ROMs may not have.

Will I lose warranty or brick my phone installing LineageOS?

Installing LineageOS requires unlocking your bootloader, which voids manufacturer warranty on most devices. However, the process is reversible—you can reinstall the original Android and lock the bootloader to restore warranty (though this may not succeed). The risk of bricking is low if you follow official guides, but it requires technical knowledge. LineageOS officially supports 200+ devices with step-by-step installation guides.

Why would Google make Android a closed platform in September 2026?

Reports from 2026 discussions suggest Google may be restricting Android's openness, which has increased interest in LineageOS as a long-term alternative. LineageOS remains fully open-source and community-controlled, making it a future-proof option for users who want to avoid dependency on proprietary systems. The community maintains support for older devices that manufacturers discontinue, extending device lifespan indefinitely.

Android vs LineageOS

Q: What is LineageOS and how does it differ from standard Android?

LineageOS is a community-maintained custom ROM built on Android's open-source code (AOSP). While Android is Google's official OS with integrated Google services, LineageOS removes Google's proprietary apps and telemetry by default, giving users full control over their device. LineageOS provides source-code transparency and extends device support to 10+ years, compared to Android's typical 3-5 year manufacturer support window.

Updated May 5, 2026

Android

Google's official mobile operating system powering 70%+ of global smartphones

Mainstream users, business professionals, gamers, and anyone wanting hassle-free access to Google services and the broadest app ecosystem

LineageOS

Community-maintained custom Android ROM focused on privacy, longevity, and user control

Privacy-conscious users, developers, Android enthusiasts, those wanting to extend device lifespan beyond manufacturer EOL, and users rejecting data collection

Short Answer

Android is Google's official operating system used on billions of devices with integrated Google services and regular manufacturer updates, while LineageOS is a community-driven custom ROM based on Android's open-source code that prioritizes user privacy, customization, and device longevity without Google services.

Our Verdict

Choose Android if you want seamless Google integration, official manufacturer support, access to Google Play Store's full ecosystem, and don't want to deal with technical installation processes. Choose LineageOS if you prioritize privacy, want your device to last 10+ years with community updates, require deep customization capabilities, and are comfortable with technical installation and community support.

Android8.3

6.7LineageOS

Choose Android if

Mainstream users, business professionals, gamers, and anyone wanting hassle-free access to Google services and the broadest app ecosystem

Key Differences at a Glance

🔹

Development Model: Official OS by Google vs Community-maintained custom ROM

🔹

Google Integration: Android wins (Full Google Play Services, Gmail, Drive, Photos built-in vs No Google services by default; optional microG)

🔹

Privacy & Tracking: LineageOS wins (Minimal tracking; no mandatory cloud sync vs Extensive data collection for personalization)

See all 7 differences

Key Facts & Figures

Metric	Android	LineageOS	Diff
Average Update Support(years)	2-3	—	—
Software Support Years(years)	3-5 years	—	—
Starting Price (2026)(USD)	$150-200 (budget models)	—	—
Global Market Share	70.5%	—	—
App Store Apps Available

Key Differences

Android

Attribute

LineageOS

Official OS by Google

Development Model

Community-maintained custom ROM

Full Google Play Services, Gmail, Drive, Photos built-in🏆

Google Integration

No Google services by default; optional microG

Extensive data collection for personalization

Privacy & Tracking

Minimal tracking; no mandatory cloud sync🏆

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Last updated: May 5, 2026AI generated

Choose LineageOS if

Privacy-conscious users, developers, Android enthusiasts, those wanting to extend device lifespan beyond manufacturer EOL, and users rejecting data collection

All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated May 2026.

3-5 years OEM support; varies by manufacturer

Device Support

10+ years community support; 200+ devices official🏆

Limited (Knox on Samsung, etc.); bootloader locks

Customization Level

Unlimited; full root access; full source code control🏆

Android 16 (2026)

Current Version

LineageOS 23 based on Android 16 (2026)

Pre-installed; no technical knowledge needed🏆

Installation Barrier

Requires unlocking bootloader, flashing ROM; technical skill required

Development Model

Android

Official OS by Google

LineageOS

Community-maintained custom ROM

Google Integration

Android

Full Google Play Services, Gmail, Drive, Photos built-in🏆

LineageOS

No Google services by default; optional microG

Privacy & Tracking

Android

Extensive data collection for personalization

LineageOS

Minimal tracking; no mandatory cloud sync🏆

Device Support

Android

3-5 years OEM support; varies by manufacturer

LineageOS

10+ years community support; 200+ devices official🏆

Customization Level

Android

Limited (Knox on Samsung, etc.); bootloader locks

LineageOS

Unlimited; full root access; full source code control🏆

Current Version

Android

Android 16 (2026)

LineageOS

LineageOS 23 based on Android 16 (2026)

Installation Barrier

Android

Pre-installed; no technical knowledge needed🏆

LineageOS

Requires unlocking bootloader, flashing ROM; technical skill required

Full Comparison

Attribute	Android	LineageOS

Average Update Support(years)	2-3	—
Current Base Version(Android version)	Android 16	LineageOS 23 (Android 16 base)

Software Support Years(years)	3-5 years	—

Starting Price (2026)(USD)	$150-200 (budget models)	—

Hardware Manufacturers	50+ manufacturers	—
Available Apps (Play Store)(millions)	3.5+ million	Limited (sideload only)

Global Market Share	70.5%	—

App Store Apps Available(millions)	3.5 million (Google Play)	—

Average Software Update Delay(months)	6-12 months (varies by OEM)	—

Foldable Device Availability(models)	Samsung Galaxy Z, OnePlus, others available	—

On-Device Privacy Processing(percent)	Varies by manufacturer	—

Global Market Share(%)	71.5%	<0.5%

Maximum Device Lifespan Support(years)	3-5 years	10+ years

Official Device Support(devices)	1000+ models actively updated	200+ official devices

Data Privacy Tracking(data collection level)	Extensive (ads, analytics, personalization)	Minimal (offline-first)

Root Access(enabled)	Requires unlock (manufacturer dependent)	Full root by default

Installation Complexity(skill level required)	Beginner (pre-installed)	Advanced (bootloader unlock, flashing)

Android

LineageOS

Average Update Support(years)

2-3

—

Current Base Version(Android version)

Android 16

LineageOS 23 (Android 16 base)

Software Support Years(years)

3-5 years

—

Starting Price (2026)(USD)

$150-200 (budget models)

—

Hardware Manufacturers

50+ manufacturers

—

Available Apps (Play Store)(millions)

3.5+ million

Limited (sideload only)

Global Market Share

70.5%

—

App Store Apps Available(millions)

3.5 million (Google Play)

—

Average Software Update Delay(months)

6-12 months (varies by OEM)

—

Foldable Device Availability(models)

Samsung Galaxy Z, OnePlus, others available

—

On-Device Privacy Processing(percent)

Varies by manufacturer

—

Global Market Share(%)

71.5%

<0.5%

Maximum Device Lifespan Support(years)

3-5 years

10+ years

Official Device Support(devices)

1000+ models actively updated

200+ official devices

Data Privacy Tracking(data collection level)

Extensive (ads, analytics, personalization)

Minimal (offline-first)

Root Access(enabled)

Requires unlock (manufacturer dependent)

Full root by default

Installation Complexity(skill level required)

Beginner (pre-installed)

Advanced (bootloader unlock, flashing)

Visual Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes

Pros & Cons

Android

5 pros3 cons

Pros

Google Play Store with 3.5+ million apps and games
Seamless integration with Gmail, Google Drive, Photos, Maps, and ecosystem services
Official security updates for 3-5 years depending on OEM
Pre-installed on 1.5+ billion active devices globally
Hardware manufacturer optimization and custom features (One UI, MIUI, OxygenOS)

Cons

Extensive data collection and tracking for Google's advertising platform
Device support ends after OEM commitment expires; many devices stuck on old versions
Fragmentation across manufacturers complicates security patching

LineageOS

5 pros3 cons

Pros

10+ year device support through community; no artificial obsolescence
Zero Google telemetry by default; offline-first design philosophy
Full root access and 100% customizable UI/kernel modifications
Official support for 200+ devices including older flagships (Pixel 3-9 Pro, OnePlus 3-13, Poco F5)
Optional microG integration for Google services without full dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

LineageOS is a community-maintained custom ROM built on Android's open-source code (AOSP). While Android is Google's official OS with integrated Google services, LineageOS removes Google's proprietary apps and telemetry by default, giving users full control over their device. LineageOS provides source-code transparency and extends device support to 10+ years, compared to Android's typical 3-5 year manufacturer support window.

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Full Comparison

Attribute	Android	LineageOS

Average Update Support(years)	2-3	—
Current Base Version(Android version)	Android 16	LineageOS 23 (Android 16 base)

Software Support Years(years)	3-5 years	—

Starting Price (2026)(USD)	$150-200 (budget models)	—

Hardware Manufacturers	50+ manufacturers	—
Available Apps (Play Store)(millions)	3.5+ million	Limited (sideload only)

Global Market Share	70.5%	—

App Store Apps Available(millions)	3.5 million (Google Play)	—

Average Software Update Delay(months)	6-12 months (varies by OEM)	—

Foldable Device Availability(models)	Samsung Galaxy Z, OnePlus, others available	—

On-Device Privacy Processing(percent)	Varies by manufacturer	—

Global Market Share(%)	71.5%	<0.5%

Maximum Device Lifespan Support(years)	3-5 years	10+ years

Official Device Support(devices)	1000+ models actively updated	200+ official devices

Data Privacy Tracking(data collection level)	Extensive (ads, analytics, personalization)	Minimal (offline-first)

Root Access(enabled)	Requires unlock (manufacturer dependent)	Full root by default

Installation Complexity(skill level required)	Beginner (pre-installed)	Advanced (bootloader unlock, flashing)

Android

LineageOS

Average Update Support(years)

2-3

—

Current Base Version(Android version)

Android 16

LineageOS 23 (Android 16 base)

Software Support Years(years)

3-5 years

—

Starting Price (2026)(USD)

$150-200 (budget models)

—

Hardware Manufacturers

50+ manufacturers

—

Available Apps (Play Store)(millions)

3.5+ million

Limited (sideload only)

Global Market Share

70.5%

—

App Store Apps Available(millions)

3.5 million (Google Play)

—

Average Software Update Delay(months)

6-12 months (varies by OEM)

—

Foldable Device Availability(models)

Samsung Galaxy Z, OnePlus, others available

—

On-Device Privacy Processing(percent)

Varies by manufacturer

—

Global Market Share(%)

71.5%

<0.5%

Maximum Device Lifespan Support(years)

3-5 years

10+ years

Official Device Support(devices)

1000+ models actively updated

200+ official devices

Data Privacy Tracking(data collection level)

Extensive (ads, analytics, personalization)

Minimal (offline-first)

Root Access(enabled)

Requires unlock (manufacturer dependent)

Full root by default

Installation Complexity(skill level required)

Beginner (pre-installed)

Advanced (bootloader unlock, flashing)

Visual Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes

Requires technical expertise (bootloader unlock, ROM flashing, recovery mode)
Reduced app compatibility for services requiring Google Play certification
No manufacturer-specific optimizations; camera performance may lag OEM versions

Android vs LineageOS

Android

LineageOS

Short Answer

Our Verdict

Key Differences at a Glance

Key Facts & Figures

Key Differences

Related Comparisons

Related Articles

Explore Entities

More Software

People Also Compare

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Pros & Cons

Android

Pros

Cons

LineageOS

Pros

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources & Learn More

Wikipedia

Videos

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Cons