About Our Phones

Let’s learn more about our phones, the difference between CalyxOS and GrapheneOS and the many benefits of owning a privacy focused phone.

Balance Between Privacy & Practicality

CalyxOS

CalyxOS is a modified Android 11 operating system that focuses on providing user privacy.  It is maintained by the Calyx Institute whose mission is to develop tools that anyone can use to build “privacy by design” into their internet access.

If you are taking your first steps into a privacy-orientated device, and wish to retain as much functionality regarding apps, then our recommendation is to use CalyxOS with microG. You can also setup CalyxOS without microG if you so wish.

This setup provides a good compromise between privacy and functionality because many popular apps like Google Maps and services like push notifications are supported.  Find more about CalyxOS on the projects website.

Privacy By Design

Google Play Services, all Google and bloat apps (carrier apps, manufacturer apps, Facebook, Amazon etc.) have been completely removed from the phone. These type of apps and integrations are found on almost all vendor provided phones, but not on CalyxOS.  In addition, CalyxOS has am advanced built in firewall and permissions manager allowing you to block an apps access to your data sharing that with Big Tech firms.

microG

CalyxOS provides the option to install microG during the setup process.  This service is open source and sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.  It mimics the useful portions of Google Play Services while at the same time preventing identifiable data from being sent to Google and other companies.

Highest Level of Security and Privacy

GrapheneOS

GrapheneOS is a modified Android 11 operating system that focuses on providing user security and privacy.  It is actively maintained by a dedicated community of developers and is considered by many as the most secure consumer Android operating system available.

It substantially improves the security of the Android operating system and privacy of the apps running on it.  The OS deploys technologies to mitigate whole classes of vulnerabilities and makes exploiting the most common sources of vulnerabilities much more difficult.

If you are looking for a higher level of privacy and security, and are comfortable making more compromises on the types of apps you use on your phone.  Our recommendation is to use GrapheneOS.  Find out more about GrapheneOS at the project’s website.  

Focused on Security

GrapheneOS makes improvement to Android’s security model including device and service encryption, app sandboxing, removal of unused legacy code, hardened memory allocation, and code improvements that remove whole classes of vulnerabilities. Check out GrapheneOS’s list of Features.

Privacy Ensured

Google Play Services, all Google and bloat apps (carrier apps, manufacturer apps, Facebook, Amazon etc.) have been completely removed.  These type of apps and integrations are found on almost all vendor provided phones, but not on GrapheneOS.  In addition, GrapheneOS has a built in firewall, private webview, advanced permissions manager where you to block app access to all phone sensors, your data and with Big Tech companies. 

Comparison of CalyxOS and GrapheneOS

CalyxOSGrapheneOS
Android Version1111
Google Play StoreNo, Aurora Store and F-Droid apps can be installed as replacementsNo, Aurora Store and F-Droid apps can be installed as a replacements
Install same apps found on the Google Play StoreYes, available on privacy focused Aurora Store appYes, available on privacy focused Aurora Store app
Purchasing AppsNo, neither Aurora Store or F-Droid have this functionalityNo, neither Aurora Store or F-Droid have this functionality
Previous Google Play Store purchases workMost apps will work if installed through the Aurora Store and you log into your Google AccountMost apps will work if installed through the Aurora Store and you log into your Google Account
App Subscriptions (e.g. Spotify) No, this functionality is not in the Aurora Store or F-Droid appsNo, this functionality is not in the Aurora Store or F-Droid apps
Google Play ServicesNo, not installedNo, not installed
Functionality of apps and services that rely on Google Play ServicesmicroG can be enabled and used with out without a Google account

No, microG and Google Play Services cannot be installed
Operating system updatesYes, security patches until May 2022, fixes to operating system code and kernel regularly after May 2022
Yes, security patches until May 2022, fixes to operating system code and kernel regularly after May 2022
Privacy modelImproves Android privacy model, overall privacy will still depend on the apps and services installed by the user
Improves Android privacy model, overall privacy will still depend on the apps and services installed by the user
Security modelMaintains Android security model
Improves Android security model
Option to Revert to Stock Google Pixel OS?YesYes

Factory Unlocked

Every phone we sell can be used with multiple carriers because they are network and SIM unlocked. This means that you are not tied to a contract or a particular carrier like Sprint or Bell.  Check out our page on How to Check Your Carrier and Switch Your Current Phone.

Regular Updates

Both CalyxOS and GrapheneOS receive regular over the air updates to the operating system directly from the developers servers. Apps are also regularly updated directly from F-Droid and Aurora Store if you decide to install them. Check out our setup guides for CalyxOS and GrapheneOS.

The Environment in Mind

Atsanik gives a new life to smartphones. Each are refurbished using strict protocols and are  impossible to tell from brand new.  All are extensively tested, fully functional, unlocked so that you can use them on most carriers

Energy usage also is reduced because the phones do not make constant checks with Big Tech data collection and monitoring servers. These checks waste your phone battery and they consume large amount of energy associated with external cloud servers.

Determine Your Carrier Compatibility

We currently sell Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel 3a XL model phones.

To determine if a Google Pixel 3a (Submodel G020G) or 3a XL (Submodel G020C) will work with your carrier, please use the website Will My Phone Work

Pixel 3a and 3a XL Smartphone Specifications

CategoryFeaturePixel 3a (G020G)
Pixel 3a XL (G020C)
BodyDimensions151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2 mm (5.96 x 2.76 x 0.32 in)160.1 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm (6.30 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)
Weight147 g (5.19 oz)167 g (5.89 oz)
BuildGlass front (Asahi Dragontrail), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Asahi Dragontrail), plastic back, plastic frame
SimNano-SIM and/or eSIMNano-SIM and/or eSIM
DisplayTypeOLEDOLED
Size5.6 inches, 79.6 cm2 (~75.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~76.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 2220 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~441 ppi density)1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
ProtectionAsahi Dragontrail GlassAsahi Dragontrail Glass
ProcessorChipsetQualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm)Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm)
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver)
GPUAdreno 615Adreno 615
StoragemicroSD Card SlotNoNo
Internal Storage64 GB64 GB
RAM Memory4 GB4 GB
CameraMain12.2 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS12.2 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
Selfie8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
SoundLoudspeakerYes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
CommunicationWLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEOYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
NFCYesYes
FM RadioNoNo
USB PortUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
BatteryTypeLi-Po 3000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3700 mAh, non-removable
NetworkTechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
3G BandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
4G / LTE Bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (3CA) Cat11 600/75 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps
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