What android phones do you recommend and why? - eviltoast

I’m upgrading because my phone is losing (lost?) support. I use a OnePlus 7 Pro and love it and wouldn’t bother upgrading otherwise. I’d appreciate some recommendations of android phones you like, please.

Thank you in advance! (⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)

  • ChiefSinner@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    Non- phone carrier variants of Google Pixels because of Grapheme OS. The crap that Verizon pumps out blocks the boot loader to be unlocked, but the ones google and amazon sells can do OEM boot loader unlocks.

    Edit: also want to point out, pixels usually get the most updates out of all androids. So long as its in the support window, google will update drivers and kernels for it.

      • FutileRecipe@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        I’ll third this. Main thing I miss is Tap-to-Pay, but it’s not that hard to carry a card. Some people miss Android Auto, but I’ve never used it.

        So I’ll trade some very minor conveniences for increased security and privacy.

        • rufus@discuss.tchncs.de
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          1 year ago

          Mmh, I also just use my card, I think Google Pay is one of the very few things that don’t work if you installed the Google services.

          So. Is Android 14 available in the Beta Channel? I can’t find it. (Pixel 4a, sunfish). 2 weeks ago they said they needed an additional developer for that…

            • rufus@discuss.tchncs.de
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              1 year ago

              It says Android 13

              Build number TQ3A.230805.001.2023100300

              on my phone. I’ve tapped on the Search for updates and it doesn’t show any updates. (Pixel 4a Sunfish) I think the release page also doesn’t show any compatible builds since 20121003.

              • FutileRecipe@lemmy.world
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                1 year ago

                (Pixel 4a Sunfish) I think the release page also doesn’t show any compatible builds since 20121003.

                Well, if you read the release page (which you pointed out) it does say:

                Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL and Pixel 4a are end-of-life and shouldn’t be used anymore due to lack of most security patches for firmware and drivers. We’re considering porting them to Android 14…

                Like I said, Android 14 is out, it’s just not out (and might not ever be out) for an EoL device. The 4a lost Google support 2ish months ago, and GOS even says you shouldn’t use it. Sounds like the perfect time to upgrade to the 8, which has MTE support (which eliminates 70% of CVEs) and has 7 years support. https://endoflife.date/pixel

                • rufus@discuss.tchncs.de
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                  1 year ago

                  Ah, thx. You all got me confused a bit, because someone claimed the 4a had Android 14 available. But I see that was a different comment.

                  Thanks for the advice. But I’m not upgrading to a Pixel 8. It’s in a whole different price category and my 4a’s hardware is still fine. I’m kinda against wasting my electronics every few years just because we have a fast moving electronics economy. Maybe I can find some other aftermarket Android at some point before they drop support completely on GrapheneOS.

                  • sir_reginald@lemmy.world
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                    1 year ago

                    a second hand 6a cost me around 200 bucks and it will be supported till 2027. the pixel 7a shouldn’t be much more expensive tho.

    • kruge@feddit.de
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      1 year ago

      The people behind GrapheneOS even extend the support. Currently rocking Android 14 with GrapheneOS on my Pixel 4a.