PX8-A Shield — $1600 AUD

A hardened, privacy-focused handset for low-risk workflows. Protects against app-level surveillance, data compromise, and physical theft/seizure while keeping Android workflows familiar.

At a glance

• Threat level: Low
• Best for: Travellers, journalists, privacy-minded users
• Primary protection: App surveillance & physical seizure
• Ease of use: ★★★★★

What you get

Hardware

• Pixel 8a handset
• Shockproof protective case
• Privacy screen protector

GrapheneOS base

• Hardened kernel & libc (hardened malloc, zero-init)
• Control-flow integrity, stack protections
• Verified Boot — detects system/firmware tampering
• Attack-surface reduction:
  • USB data lines locked when device is locked
  • Sensors/NFC/UWB constraints
  • Strong app/process sandboxing beyond stock Android

Privacy controls & apps

• One-time / foreground-only permissions
• Mic, camera, and sensor toggles
• Per-app network access controls
• Scoped storage/contacts for data minimisation
• Default MAC randomisation
• Hardened browser, secure camera (EXIF stripped), secure PDF viewer
• Encrypted backups via SeedVault

Telemetry & emergency response

• No built-in Google services
• Optional sandboxed Play for app compatibility
• Duress PIN/password:
  • Instant irreversible wipe
  • Automatic power-off

Ideal scenarios

• Users in low-risk environments who still want meaningful privacy and security
• Journalists and travellers needing a daily-use secure handset
• Anyone wanting to de-Google their primary device without breaking their workflow

Summary

A secure daily-use device for low-risk environments, prioritising privacy and data control with minimal workflow change and maximum familiarity.