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I'd like to find a replacement app for the AOSP dialer by Google. I've done some preliminary research and am flabbergasted by the state of this kind of app. I didn't know that contacts and dialer were the same, nor would I have ever presumed that to replace one, I have to replace them both. I wasn't looking for a new contacts app yet, but am not opposed to replacing it. I am primarily dissatisfied with the stock app, and I don't make too many calls, so I don't have a long list of features I am looking for. I find it gets in the way more often than I could even fathom was possible. You know, given that this is (was?) the primary app of the device while it was being designed.

What has me aghast

  • The top dialers keep a copy of your contacts (Truecaller and Drupe)
  • At least Drupe requires a login to Facebook
  • They seem to require a constant data connection
  • The companies are keeping a copy (the copy?) of your contacts on their servers.
  • Presumably, they are profiting from keeping a copy of your current contacts by selling them to someone. That business model seems to be all the rage nowadays.

What I dislike about the stock dialer

  • DMTF tones are absurdly loud when dialing a number
  • DTMF tones cause some kind of delay or slowdown; trying to press them rapidly induces slow feedback, the far end may not hear them all correctly
  • Dialer has no configurability (ie for absurdly loud DTMF tones)
  • Backing up and restoring contacts invariably loses some of them for some unknown reason (but it's been mentioned here, so I'm thinking it's a bug of some kind)

What I am looking for in a dialer (requirements)

  • Compatibility with Android N and its permission system
  • Works on AOSP/CM/OctOS
  • UI is always highly responsive
  • Low CPU/RAM footprint (aka lightweight)
  • Made by a reputable firm/developer
  • Full featured (supporting all the phone functions my hardware and cell plan do)
  • Doesn't get in the way when I am making or receiving phone calls
  • No ads
  • No sleazy business model
  • Don't steal, copy, or rent out my personal information

Icing on the cake

  • Free software
  • Open Source
  • Completely separate app from contacts app
  • Integrates with Tasker
  • Integration with a PC for VoIP calling or other cool whiz-bang features
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    That one will be hard to find. While waiting for recommendations, be welcome to my Dialer app list. Unfortunately, most of the privacy-friendly candidates have long not been updated, Ray Dialer being an exception. Not having tried any of them, I cannot give a clear recommendation myself, sorry.
    – Izzy
    Feb 8, 2017 at 8:09

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