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 ❛.)
You could install LineageOS on your existing phone instead of upgrading. The OnePlus 7 Pro is supported. The install process can be daunting depending on your technical skills, but it’s a one-time process since the phone gets updates over-the-air after the OS is installed.
I did this with my OnePlus 6 a few months ago and the experience has been good. Switching to LineageOS bumped Android to version 13, whereas it was stuck on Android 11 on stock OnePlus firmware. I’m getting regular updates again, including open-source Android security patches. Not everything gets patched though, some of the core firmware is proprietary to OnePlus and that cannot be patched by anyone but them. It’s letting me extend the life of a phone still works well and has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Really seconding this. A lot of guides are also available with videos and OnePlus is notorious for being easy to unlock and flash. The op7pro is still a good device and if you have kept it till now you might as well give it a breath of fresh life by installing a new Android version.
OnePlus is notorious for being easy to unlock and flash
Were. OnePlus has settled.
I might go this route; thank you!!
Decent details here:
https://odysee.com/@AlphaNerd:8/how-to-install-lineage-os-to-oneplus-7
If one is okay with rooting and can get a (non Verizon) Google pixel, graphene OS is for the OCD fanatics, and CalyxOS is a more featured runner up. Both are only on pixels largely for the re-lockable boot loader.
lineage is also a good rom, and they support way more devices
Graphene is only on pixels but calyx supports at least a few more models including fairphones.
A lot of people won’t like this answer, but I would not recommend anything from Samsung. Yes, the hardware on paper is typically excellent. However, everything else that comes with the experience is a complete joke to me.
- The bootloader is locked, and even if you manage to get it unlocked Knox will be permanently tripped.
- I never personally liked OneUI, but accepted it as long as it works. Unfortunately that’s also not been the experience for me.
- The last update they pushed for my phone broke Bluetooth connectivity, and it’ll never be fixed, because they said there won’t be any updates period. Now I’m left with a pen notification that never goes away, and a watch that disconnects every 15 minutes.
- Their own stock apps are not very convenient at all, but don’t forget to remind you to sign up for their updated data theft EULA every time you open them
And that’s just software. It doesn’t stop there. On my Note 10, the glass back completely peeled off, because of internal heat, and the only thing holding it together is the case. Keep in mind that this is from just regular usage. I don’t play games on my phone, or do anything else that would warrant this kind of output
Interesting… I switched away from Samsung and actually hated stock Android!
- I actually preferred One UI to the standard pixel, mainly because Google ruined the quick settings - they made each button unnecessarily big, and turning on/off the wifi requires two taps instead of one now (Internet > Wifi). That’s something I can’t change without rooting.
- Some Samsung stock apps are actually a great alternative to the android ones (I use Samsung Notes a ton). The only downside is they force you to download it through their own app store.
- Samsung doesn’t really have much bloat now, and the few pieces of bloat i found could be uninstalled
- Samsung is still the only phone manufacturer with triple camera setups in a small flagship phone
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not perfect, but the issues I had with Samsung were solvable (e.g. uninstalling bloat is a one-time thing) while the annoyances I’ve had with a Pixel aren’t solvable (quick settings, no third camera).
It all comes down to personal preferences and experiences, so I’m glad you had a good time
I’ve only used Samsung for a long time, starting with the Note 3, 5, 8, and now S22 Ultra. I’ve not experienced any of these problems. And you can just use a different launcher than OneUI (I’m currently using Total Launcher after years of using Nova).
None of the issues I’ve described have any relationship with the launcher
I agree completely. I LOVED the first 3-5 Galaxy S phones, but they just kept adding more bloat.
I’m on year 5 with my Pixel 3, and when it finally craps out, I’m going with another Pixel.
I loved my pixel 2, but hate my pixel 6. I’m switching away from pixel as soon as this one dies
Why is that if I may ask? I’ve gone from the nexus 4 - nexus 6p - pixel 2 - galaxy s10(fuck samsung, never again) - pixel 6. I’m happy enough with my pixel 6, it’s not amazing but I don’t really have any complaints about it either. I’m planning to use it until it either gets to slow for my liking or the battery goes to shit, whichever comes first.
I broke my One Plus 7 Pro and now have a Galaxy S21 Ultra, and while I don’t hate it, I don’t think I’ll be getting another samsung
However, I will say, Samsung keyboard is legitimately the best Andorid keyboard overal. I’ll probably be installing it onto my next phone. But, like, it’s sad that that’s the only nice thing I can say about it.
It’s not a bad phone, and I bought it used, but Samsung is just so bloaty. I’d much rather a stock experience than their software
Wow. I absolutely detest the Samsung keyboard. It’s absolutely retarded on terms of prediction and button accuracy.
Gboard, while not great, seems to be the best/most accurate. I don’t like Gboard, don’t get me wrong, but it’s way more accurate than Samsung
I just like the ability to manually set the sizes of each key, because gboard I’m always hitting n when I want to hit soccer or y when I want to or u.
It’s also the most customizable overall, not just the themeing but layout.
And it actually has a functional clipboard that doesn’t last only a limited time.
Used pixel, install grapheneos
used because it’s better environmentally than buying new
grapheneos because it’s more secure and private than stock android
I do something the same, I buy last gen or gen before phones used on Swappa and then install Lineage OS so I can have a stable, updated, and efficient phone.
I would say about 9h of screen on time for a Pixel 5 on its original OEM battery is not to bad.
I have had a pixel 5 and 6 and both died within 2 years. They would both hard crash and shut off for a bit and eventually stop powering up altogether. I never had that issue with other brands. I ended going back to samsung with an S23 and it works fine for now.
I had that with my original Pixel but Google replaced the phone under warranty up to two years later.
Why not Lineage os or /e/ os?
They have different goals. I use /e/, where the focus is removing all communication with Google while providing an OS that’s as user friendly and ready to use as the competition.
You can just not install google play services on grapheneos and communication with google is removed, while still being more secure
I was just pointing out the differences in goals.
Does Graphene OS come with microg, the open source reimplementation of Google Play Services, installed by default like it is on /e/ OS?
no, grapheneos doesn’t come with anything google installed by default. It does have some shimmed play services that you can install if you want though
Those are’t as secure. If you look around there are comparisons of them that go into the details
What about the newest fairphone which is being released this fall, not thc best for your bucks, but built a bit more ethically than the others, and a modular design enabling eeasy repair*
I don’t have one, but heard good stuff about the 4 and consider getting the 5 as my 5 year old Huawei is aging
I have the 4 and I relly like it. It can’t compete performance wise with other phones at the same price point, but the mission is great and you get a long life out of it and good software support.
I am running iodeOS right now and it is just great, couldn’t be happier. I am however not running games on it or anything, so not the biggest power user here…I have it, like it. Works well but no headphone jack is kinda weird. My screen does have a ghost input issue though which is very common for these phones. Recent update kinda fixed it but yeah its a hardware issue mainly so that sucks.
People get stuck on the repairability bit, but the two times I had to make candybar repairs I was able to do so regardless. The Fairphone is hyped up, but I’m in the market for flagship spec and I absolutely must have a headphone jack, so it doesn’t suit me.
Same boat here, headphone jack is nonnegotiable.
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.
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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.
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…
Is Android 14 available in the Beta Channel?
Beta? GrapheneOS has had stable Android 14 since 08 October. Check out the changelog: https://grapheneos.org/releases#stable-channel
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.
(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
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.
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The people behind GrapheneOS even extend the support. Currently rocking Android 14 with GrapheneOS on my Pixel 4a.
How? I have an 4a and it’s on Android 13 and won’t update.
Hm, I did nothing special. It came with the regular updates, some weeks ago.
Are we talking about the 4a or 4a (5g)?
4a (5g), of course maybe thats the reason.
Kk, thx. That it. So unfortinately no update for me. (You’re next ;-) I’m going to keep my 4a though. I still like it.
Maybe you’ll be lucky: https://grapheneos.org/releases#2023103100
The Pixel is the best you’re going to do in 2023.
All overpriced. Keep using your 2019 phone, install a custom ROM if you want a refresh.
I also love my Oneplus 7 Pro, currently running crDroid (on Android 13, based on Lineage). It is updated semi-weekly and maintained by one person. It gets the latest security updates, but I am unable to relock the bootloader, if that is relevant to your threat model.
I’m probably going to do a battery swap soon and really want to use this phone until it breaks!
Can you use banking apps? Use Google pay, Netflix?
I do not use Google Pay or Netflix on my phone, and my german banking apps work perfectly fine. YMMV though
[And here’s a repair guide for the one plus 7 screen replacement. https://de.ifixit.com/Antworten/Ansehen/788945/How+to+fix+a+detached+screen
If you love it, repair it.
No security updates though.
Lineageos keeps merging the updates.
After four years there are no more security updates coming from OnePlus, unless someone started doing the work themselves. This is the only reason I updated my last phone.
A lot of these recommendations are for super privacy focused anti-Google setups or other niche concerns.
If you just want a nice, straightforward phone, that’s going to do normal phone things, and have security updates for a long time…
The pixel 8 is quite compelling.
I have a Pixel 7. I love it.
Likewise, a buddy just got the 8 and really likes it. My parents like their 6a and 6. I have a couple of friends that like their 6/7as.
I recently upgraded from a Pixel (the first generation) to a 5, so the first one lasted a long time. I do miss the headphone jack. But in general these phones do everything I need without fuss.
I see OnePlus in the top comments. I was a OnePlus fanboi from day one. From one through ten, I think I only missed one serious - otherwise, I bought some iteration of every series during that span. I honestly couldn’t say exactly why at the moment, so maybe this comment is trash, but after my OnePlus 10 Pro 5G or whatever the specific name was, I swapped over to the Pixel 7 Pro, and refuse to look back at this point. I just upgraded to the 8 Pro and I have zero complaints.
If I had to venture a guess, part of the reason for the switch had to do with the gradual increase in price of the OnePlus flagship phones over time. I think the first one was something like $299, and was a solid phone, especially compared to the Samsung flagship at the time which was probably twice that, at least. At this point, OnePlus is pretty close to equal cost when comparing models with similar features. I like being on top of the newest software features, so with all else being more or less equal, the Pixel phones are where it’s at. Of course, with Samsung cooperating with Google on phones being Android nekkid, maybe Samsung is worth a try?
TL;DR - OnePlus isn’t worth it anymore. Go Pixel, or maybe Samsung. If you’ve got an especially itchy privacy concern, then don’t ask me - sounds like other people got you covered there.
Edit: just looked up the Fairphone, and its sustainability angle is intriguing…
Fairphone is definitely a good option if you can get your hands on one. They don’t sell the latest model in the states and only recently started selling in the states at all. If I remember right, the main thing though has been that they’ll give you years of software updates and well, Google just kinda blew that out of the water with 8 years of updates for the Pixel 8.
OnePlus I never really looked at… I’m anti-CCP so I’m anti-OnePlus by default. Google announced recently they’re going to start making phones in India, (which, it’ll be a welcome change to manufacturer inside of another democracy instead of a foreign autocracy like China or Vietnam).
Wouldn’t recommend Oneplus anymore.
At the high end, Samsung has been pretty solid with their S lineup. The FE models are a good compromise as well. Pixels are a hit or miss, I’d recommend waiting for issues to surface before deciding on the 8/8 pro.
On the more budget - midrange side of things, Motorola has been doing a fairly solid job. They do have a lot of models, so some youtube videos should give you a fair idea on what’s right for you.
Why wouldn’t you recommend OnePlus though? I have a 9 pro which I enjoy. I really don’t miss the Samsung’s bloatware.
Severe inconsistent quality issues in both software and hardware, treating their customers as beta testers, random motherboards dying, etc.
They are still riding the ‘flagship killer’ wave, but they are just as overpriced as Samsung, while offering unfinished products.
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I’ve bought Samsung for the past 5 years now and have never had an issue with bloat if you buy from Samsung. If you’re buying it from a carrier then yeah there’s probably a ton of crap preloaded. Imo Samsung just offers too much of a complete package to pass up. Pixel is good but hardware leaves some to be desired. The cute software quirks just don’t make it up for me.
Imo Samsung just offers too much of a complete package to pass up.
That’s basically the exact reason I refuse to buy a Samsung, haha. They’re positioning themselves to be the Apple of Androids, offering exclusives to bring people into their ecosystem and making it hard to leave. Down to petty things like swapping the back/menu keys so just using a different brand of phone feels uncomfortable.
Samsung has let you swap the back and menu keys for years.
But they default to the opposite of standard Android, for the explicit purpose of making other phones feel unfamiliar to the majority of their userbase that doesn’t switch them.
Honest question. Where is all this bloat stuff coming from for Samsung?
Like, I genuinely haven’t noticed any software that I didn’t want installed. Sure, there are a few pieces that I’ve kept but don’t use, but nearly all of it can be uninstalled unless it’s stuff that’s actually needed.
Experience, to be fair though I last owned one 3+ years ago and that one was 3 ish years old.
I didn’t manage it in an argumentative way. Sorry. I’ve seen quite a few comments about that. But I haven’t noticed it, so I’m trying to see if it’s like a provider issue or a country thing. Or just whatever.
Ahh, I only meant to say that I might be living in the past. I thought the bloatware came from Samsung since what I heard on the street matched my experience. Maybe it’s time to bury that hatchet though.
To be fair it wasn’t a big issue. It was just like five apps that I were stuck with. But back in the days with less memory overall it really grinded my gears. These days I’m not sure I’d even notice.
Ohhh. I understand. Thinking about it, i can see how some apps could be considered blaotware. Like Facebook, which I think is auto installed? Could be wrong there. And a few others, but they’re like actual things for it. I just don’t use them.
I’m gonna be honest, I fully thought you meant like a lot of absolutely useless apps. So, I’m sorry about that.
Yeah, maybe a bit of hyperbole on my part as well. Have a good Saturday evening!
Motorola’s Moto G 5G Plus (worst name ever) is a surprisingly nice phone to use in my experience.
Get a Pixel.
It just works
For real tho…
Just make sure to install Graphene.
Graphene is cool but such a process. Stock pixel is great on its own.
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Have you checked out our awesome 2023 phone buying guide on the sidebar of [email protected]?
If you want a quick recommendation, Zenfone 10 looks great and is very underrated.
Thank you! I hadn’t seen this community. I’ll definitely check it out!
Did anyone confirm if you can unlock the bootloader on it or not? I know it was up in the air whether they would allow it.
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Op7pro user here too. Its been 4 years already and at this point im just going to keep using this phone until its unbearable to use. Ive dunked it in river, smashed many back covers. At this point its not about being sustainable or something, but im genuinely interested how long can i withstand replacement. I dont mind having no 5g,since 4g with full bars is pretty fast already. All these phones currently in the market would be very incremental upgrade, unless you’re going flagship range which is around 1k. I want to see smaller phones to come back. Sadly, phone manufacturers are pushing foldables, so it very rare to see any smaller than 5.5" phone for sale. If i were to upgrade now, probably id choose asus zenfone 9/10, pixel 8 with all these promissed 7 year updates.
I have the same feeling. Using a 5+ year old OP6 and still good battery life and overall performance. The only reason why I want change is because of security updates having stopped already for quite some time. I’m hesitant to jailbreak and install clean android because of banking apps.
if it is of any help, i have been using a OP6 running /e/os for over a year now, as a daily driver. central europe, have not ran into any issues banking wise, other than one 2fa app complaining every time it is launched (but still functioning fine) edit: sadly the battery life is now starting to decay quickly, and i also had an accident that left both front and back glass shattered, so i may soon upgrade.
It is helpful! Thanks. Do you have a comprehensive, beginner friendly tutorial on how to do it?
God I deeply wish phones would get smaller. Instead it feels like they’re constantly getting larger and larger. It’s insane and soon I’ll need bigger pockets.
Just wait until you get older and you’ll start appreciating larger phones.
I look into it, but can’t seem to buy anything not Motorola. They’re reasonably clean out of the box, have good batteries and survive getting wet even with no IP rating. Using Moto G52 currently.
Fairphone or probably something else along those lines. Having the ability to hot swap broken parts or sinply upgrade is a pretty bug pro.
Plus the 5 years of warranty and 8 years of updates really makes it a phone to last.
I just switched from OnePlus 7 to FairPhone 5 because the battery on the former just wasn’t holding up anymore. If that becomes a problem with my new phone, I can just switch the battery and keep using it.
And how is your experience so far?
