so you want to leave google
So maybe recent news about Google's behavior has got you worried. Or you're not cool with various decisions they've made over time. Or you're just really super annoyed at how most of their products are now borderline unusable.
First: Congratulations, good, and welcome!
Second: Here's some stuff you can replace your oh-so-handy Google services with.
Your Phone Apple has somewhat better privacy policies than Google...for now. That's probably an easy switch if you're willing to make it.
If you want to keep your Android phone and/or don't want to jump from one tech giant frying pan into another tech giant frying pan, consider:
No, you don't actually need a Google account to use a Samsung phone. The phone will try to convince you that you do. Just keep hitting "next" or "x" or whatever until it stops doing that.
F-Droid allows you access a whole bunch of free, open-source alternatives to popular apps. Your phone may have a bit of a fit while you try to get it to accept APKs, but it absolutely can be done.
If you don't want to try to use F-Droid, and/or you actually need an app that's only available on the Play Store, try Aurora OSS. It's a Play Store frontend that lets you download the apps you need without actually requiring you to log in with a Google account.
There are non-stock Android operating systems for phones. The irony is that most of them work best (or only) on a Google Pixel phone. Check out GrapheneOS, LegacyOS, CalyxOS, and/or Sailfish OS.
Note: For non-Pixel phones, you may need to leave the bootloader unlocked to run an alternative OS. This means anyone with physical access to your phone can do and see anything they like with it. If that sounds like an unacceptable risk and/or you're just not ready to commit to a new phone or a new operating system, consider running Universal Android Debloater to free up some memory.
Email and Documents
I'm a fan of Proton for email and document sharing/management (aka Google Drive replacement). Proton is based in Switzerland, so they give absolutely zero cares about any warrants except those from the Swiss government.
Mailfence also offers free email accounts. Based in Germany, for those sweet GDPR protections.
Cryptpad is a lightweight, browser-based, encrypted file sharing and storage tool. It's like Google Drive, except it has a 1990s vibe, way more available file and project types, a built-in collaborative chat function, and is way more private.
Maps
Did you know MapQuest still exists? Did you know they also do turn by turn navigation? It's true. I also like Organic Maps, which is available via F-Droid and Aurora.
Browsing and Search
DuckDuckGo offers private search, browsing, and a bunch of other services. I also like Startpage, which is a Google frontend (if you really still like Google search). Kagi works the way you remember Google working in the early to mid 2000s; the subscription is worth it.
Speaking of browsers: Firefox, Brave, Opera. You're welcome. Don't forget to add the Ublock Origin, Ghostery, and Privacy Badger extensions while you're there.
YouTube
- FreeTube is a frontend that lets you watch YouTube videos without signing in, giving Google your info, or getting spammed with recommendations you don't want or need. (You can also leave recommendations on if you like them.)