cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/16224989

What OS can I install on a Samsung GT-I8730?

Hi everyone!

I have to use an iPhone for work but I have an old Samsung GT-I8730 lying around.

It’s a really old phone but it seems to work well on its base Android OS, so I would want to experiment a bit with it.

I have experience with Linux distributions on my computers, but I’ve never installed an alternative OS. That’s why I’m looking for advices on what I could install on such an old piece of hardware.

I’ve always been interested in /e/os as I think it would still allow me to use my (swiss) banking apps, but I’d be interested in any distribution which might also make it possible.

If no OS would make such a thing possible, I would just want to know what I could install on this device to experience a bit.

Thanks in advance for your help!

  • @[email protected]English
    2•9 months ago

    The bad news is that unless you’re a serious Android tinkerer you’re reliant on someone else building the ROM for you, assuming the manufacturer even made the device open enough to install anything full stop.

    I could only see one LineageOS XDA thread and it’s for a pretty old Android version, so even if you could get it working I wouldn’t trust it with any important data as it will still be missing years of security updates.

    It’s a real shame that a lot of old devices just become ewaste because they’re too locked down to do anything with.

    • @merthyr1831
      3•9 months ago

      ARM has been a disaster for e-waste. At least an outdated x86 machine can run modern Linux. You have to pray for your device to have a diehard community if you want anything long lasting thanks to the lack of BIOS.

    • Dariusmiles2123OP
      2•9 months ago

      I had really thought it would just a tiny bit more difficult than installing Linux on a Windows computer, but apparently I’ll have to learn a lot before trying everything. Thanks for your help 👍

      • @[email protected]English
        1•9 months ago

        Sometimes it’s really simple, like installing GrapheneOS on a Pixel - that’s the only one I’ve done recently and it’s incredibly smooth compared to the old days where you had to run some dodgy software to find a root exploit to even get a custom bootloader. But yeah, you’re at the mercy of the manufacturer even making it modifiable, and that’s before you find a community of enthusiasts who want to tinker with a particular device!