Due to some damaged hardware, it’s about time for me to get a new phone. For my next device, I’m looking to use use LineageOS

Does anyone have suggestions for a used device with good LineageOS support? I’m looking for something decent but not too expensive with good compatibility. Any other tips for a new user?

  • darkknight@midwest.social
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    1 year ago

    Have you looked into grapheneos? They support some older pixel versions. I’ve been using it on a 7 pro for about a year and prefer it to lineageos. Specially if you use apps that require play services to run.

    • Iron@beehaw.org
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      1 year ago

      [edit: this was meant to be a reply to another post, which I can’t find anymore now, not sure what happened. still learning my way around Lemmy / Jerboa…]

      GrapheneOS is designed to preserve the security model Android was built around, which also means you do not get root access (but neither does Google as it’s completely independent). This is the reason it can only be installed on Pixel phones, as they’re the only ones that allow you to re-seal the boot loader after installation, preserving the security chain. I’ve been using it for years now to great satisfaction: it feels very solid and secure, yet is surprisingly functional (all apps I need work fine, including tricky ones like banking with NFC payments).

      LineageOS allows you to root it, which is great for poking around, but it also implies breaking a lot of Android’s security guarantees.

      If you value security and privacy above all, get a Pixel and install GrapheneOS. If you want to mess around freely even if it means being slightly less secure, go for LineageOS.

      • PrivateNoob
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        1 year ago

        One drawback that I have found with Graphene is the lack of Android Auto. Apparently there is an alternative for this, but luckily I don’t have a car yet.

    • Manbart@beehaw.orgOP
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      1 year ago

      Yeah, I’m not committed to LineageOS, it just seems like the most well known/default option in this space. What do you like about Graphene?

      • luckless@beehaw.org
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        1 year ago

        I’d say ease of use is up there, lot’s of apps just won’t run without google services. Graphene has the ability to run google apps within a strict sandbox, which can be great paired with separate profiles for different purposes. It’s really clean and user friendly, while still putting security and privacy at the forefront. I quite enjoy the default app as well, except for the messaging service, which I find lacking in basic features.

  • jeho2a@lemmy.one
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    1 year ago

    It depends on what counts as decent and not too expensive for you to some extent. I have a Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact with Lineageos 20. I’m very happy with it: quite cheap as it’s four years or so old, runs Lineageos perfectly, and I like smaller-sized phones.

    • PrivateNoob
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      1 year ago

      Tbf in Pixel’s case I would go to GrapheneOS if you don’t mind the lack of Android Auto.

  • kilgore@feddit.de
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    1 year ago

    Depending on where you live… Fairphone! Its an ethically sourced and manufactured smart phone that you can buy preloaded with e/os (a fork of lineage).

  • Meganium97@beehaw.org
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    1 year ago

    I hear the Oneplus One and Google Nexus 6 are decent options if you’re ok with using a bit older hardware, and not 5G.

    For the newer features, xiaomi offers the option to install different OSes OOB with only just an application (not as in app, but as if you were applying to get a job).

    However. Try your absolute HARDEST to get a device not attached to a vendor, because lately (as in the last 10 years), more and more vendors have been locking down the bootloader for their devices.

    • Manbart@beehaw.orgOP
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      1 year ago

      Thanks, I’ll check the One and Nexus 6 out. No need for 5G, I don’t think my cell plan even includes it. IT is a shame that so many devices are locked down. I look forward to the day PostmarketOS and companies like Pine64/Purism are good enough for daily driving

      • Meganium97@beehaw.org
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        1 year ago

        Don’t forget to check the xda page for tue device you want. They could also have better, faster oses and kernels for you to try out!

  • TootSweet@latte.isnot.coffee
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    1 year ago

    I was a reeeaaally late adopter of a smartphone and I’ve never ran anything but (Google-less) LineageOS on a Pixel 3a, so I don’t have much frame of reference, but I’m very happy with that arrangent.

  • omenmis@beehaw.org
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    1 year ago

    The pixel a series is pretty good IME (pixel 5a and 6a user). Don’t get a 5a though, horrible hardware issues on that thing.