DeGoogle Yourself

I don't know if you can change the icon color, I didn't try. I have a launcher I like so I immediately switched to that and it let's me use any icons I want.

I have not had any camera issues on mine, 6a

I never used the stock os or sandboxed play services so I can't help there.

I use Organic Maps and am fine with it, but mostly I use paper maps. My need for live mapping is very limited. You might want to try GMaps WV https://f-droid.org/packages/us.spotco.maps/

What it is GMaps WV is a WebView wrapper for using Google Maps without exposing your device. more info, including limitations Here

Overall I am happy with GrapheneOS, no issues.

I used GOS for about a year and a half, it’s pretty great. Tbh I didn’t feel I was really losing anything from the standard Android experience, but of course gaining more privacy and security.

Sandboxed Play Services works great. The only downside is you still need a Google account to use it, even if you only use the account for that purpose. And Google has really clamped down on not letting you create an account without providing a phone number.

But overall I definitely recommend GOS.

Batter was better. Like by a lot. It became normal when I installed the google play sandbox.

Looking to degoogle myself too. For the maps, Here we go is a german brand. I know it's not foss but being german, they have to follow GDPR which, I guess, is better than google anyways.

You can change the icons with a different launcher. Try Lawnchair.

I think it's pretty good, although I did install the isolated GCam but I wouldn't with another chance.

I hear battery is better but I can't confirm.

I haven't used the sandboxed services other than the isolated GCam but that worked great.

I've used Graphene for years now and I've loved it!

U can change icons etc by installing different launcher fdroid has a bunch take a look through to find one u like.

There are a few apps that wont work amazon prime is one. My banking apps work but some people have had issues. Overall ive had no issues that i couldnt solve with dr gpt. Would reccommend.

I have tried on several occasions to like GrapheneOS. But every time I install it on my Pixel 7, basic functionality breaks. Things like receiving regular phone calls, as in people calling my number using a normal phone. GrapheneOS will sometimes not even ring and immediately display a notification saying "Missed call". If my phone cannot be used as a .. phone, what good is is?

-I haven't found a way to change the default app icons, but it doesn't bother me that much with all the other apps I end up having.

-the camera app is plenty good for general use. I don't use it for social media or anything, I use mine for work for taking pics of machinery and I use it to take pics of my kids and stuff and it's plenty good for that. I can't say how much tinkering it let's you do, someone else will have to give more detail

-Battery life is plenty good for me. I have a pixel 6, and I go to bed with it at like 45-60% most days. I'm sure the newer phones are a bit better, but can't say for sure

-I wish I could give more detail on the sandboxed apps, I use a few apps that use google play services and they work well, bit idk how it works behind the scenes

-honestly it just works like your phones OS should, it's really quite good

• I also try to use organic maps when I can, but it is still missing things, I use google maps in my browser, but that's getting worse and worse

• You can change the default app icons easily. The Accrescent store that can be downloaded from the gOS store even have some icon packs that are FOSS.
• You can download the Pixel Camera from the App Store. I would keep it without Network access and remove the meta data with ExitEraser depending of where I am posting those pictures.
• Battery seems the same but you won't have access to Adaptive Charging (when your phone is plugged in it tries to keep your phone without reaching 100% to improve battery life).
• You won't be able to tap cards with your phone unless your bank app provides it. Google Wallet doesn't and won't work.
• I wasn't able to get Android Auto to work at all.
• You will need to be used to apps not working properly and testing the compatibility modes, specially if they use the location services.