Iodé OS as daily driver ? (Xiaomi Mi9)
Hi, i just want to give you some insights how Iode os performs as daily driver.
At the time of writing i am using v1.6 (and updated to v4.22 in the meantime)
I use my smartphone mainly for communication (Signal) and Email (k9Mail) and it has also become my main camera (GCamMod) but i also watch some youtube content with the NextPipe app from F-Droid.
What is IodeOS
IodeOS is a privacy focused „eco friendly“ smartphone rom.
You can find all information on their Website (https://iode.tech/en/).
They also sell smartphones with the os preinstalled. Luckily i had a supported smartphone already present when i decided to switch to a new os. The installation was exactly what i expected (its basically the same as every other Android Rom -> root, install twrtp, flash zip).
Why i switched to IodeOS
- I am a fan of free open source-software
- I like to have as much control over my data as possible
- the mi9 smartphone is supported by iode (and i bought it in 2019)
- the integrated ad+privacy filter looked promising
- the rom is free of ads and allows some customizing when it comes to the installed apps
- I already installed some roms in the past and i was not afraid of breaking anything
- the original miui 12 Software from Xiaomi was a bloated proprietary mess
IodeOS Apps
The IodeOS rom comes with some iode specific preinstalled Apps:
Iodé Updater App
Iodé News
Update: The v1.7 installer gives your some options for installing and uninstalling the default system apps. Thats great since i do not use all of the preinstalled apps.
Battery Time
It gets the job done. I had a battery replacement from xiaomi right before i switched to Iodé.
if i dont use the device very much it can hold the battery up to two days. which is pretty good for the mi9.
I also configured the smart charging options to 30% + 85% to improve the lifespan of my smartphone.
Summary
The OS works smoothly and the integrated blocking mechanism really gives you a secure feeling. The onboarding was quite easy since i am not relying on any google services anyway.
It feels like using a lineage os version that had some minor improvements (iode apps + smart charging).
The only real trouble i have is that the ebay-kleinanzeigen app does not work properly (i am not able to leave the app). Some other apps remind you that you are missing the Google Services and that they may not work properly. However all apps that gave me the sign work fine (Cowboy E-Bike App).
So overall i can recommend the Rom / Iode Smartphones for users who do not fear working around problems you would not have when you use a google phone. It is still a question of trust since the iode blocker app is not open sourced yet.
UPDATE 04.2025 :
I still use the same device with iodé OS. It still does perform well. I replaced the Mi9 Battery and can still use this 6 year old phone as daily driver flawlessly. The iodé team does still provide updates : now on version 4.22 – android 13. I am really thankfull that this aging device gets really nice support and security updates. I can truly recommmend this smartphone operating system !. Thank You Iodé !
If you have any further questions/comments just write me an email -> zeibermann[at]zeiberspace.de !