GrapheneOS for google pixel phones, otherwise CalyxOS, DivestOS, maybe even IodéOS. All of these are Android but with better defaults, without irremovable spying garbage, and with some features nowhere else available.

if your phone is not supported by these, check LineageOS. or plan your next phone purchase according to the compatibility list of the above. if you're going for longevity but you don't need a flagship, Fairphone is agood choice, if you can look away from the lack of a JACK.

[–] wizardbeard@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

If all else fails, you can try using whatever the lastest community supported fork of Universal Android Debloater is. It uses ADB to remove bloatware, which bypasses vendor locks on keeping certain apps installed.

Obviously no real replacement for custom ROMs, but it's better than nothing.

[–] ReversalHatchery@beehaw.org 3 points 1 week ago

That's undoubtedly useful, but won't help with the google part, even if it uninstalls some google apps