I own an iPhone since it fits my use case with a retail presence, (more) available repair, longer (if murkier how much exactly) software support, customer support and local backup option. (iTunes)
Out of the box it’s a superior privacy experience to a Pixel but if you’re someone who wants to tinker, there’s less potential. Personally, I don’t want to have to “work” on my phone these days and Google’s engineering snafus haven’t been reassuring. (Google Drive “fix” then sticking head in sand when problems persist, Android 14 bricking…)
and my most personal reason is that they made my Moto Z Play materially worse by removing the OK Google with screen off feature to push the then-new Pixel and pretended it never was supported.
Edit: Yes, obviously an unpopular opinion but really think about what you want. Buy used to be more environmentally minded, do you want to tinker with your phone? Fairphone is neat, but tradeoffs are all over the place.
I got you, the caveat is that a DIY battery replacement is going to be easier than say a Pixel 6 (no main board removal necessary.) and will still work.
Yes, their software locking of features (like TrueTone) and less availability of original parts is reprehensible, (luckily those are less critical functions for now but they wont stop there.) I won’t get battery health metrics but it’s about the tradeoffs you want. (See: Pixel Watches outright being considered unrepairable by Google. I’m not sure how easy it would to secure nearby battery service on a Pixel - but at least it’s available on iFixit for DIY…)
Yep, I’ve done plenty of custom ROMs, used most mobile OSes out there, etc. but I’m not joking when I say I don’t want to deal with SafetyNet, figuring out what works with/without Play Services and generally getting in bed with Google hardware (but that last bit isn’t privacy oriented.) And no way do I have the time to tell mom how to install Graphene and support it.
Apple’s on-hardware processing for some things is a plus as well. Yes I know it’s their current business plan and can change but they make money on hardware and services, not knowing things.
It is, but its big advantage is aftermarket software support.
GrapheneOS in particular only supports pixels due to their security features, and is (almost) entirely disinfected. It’s about as private as you can get without resorting to a Linux phone or pager.
The default android installation is, but you can delete it and install another OS onto it. Which is something you can’t do on Samsungs and most other manufacturers.
Indeed. But I was responding to above who recommended Pixel. If you don’t need the features you get from full Pixel series, I recommend the A series since it’s a lot cheaper.
My Android phone that I’ve had for several years just died forever and I am currently without a phone (other than Google Voice on my computer).
I’m in the US. Carrier is T Mobile. I understand I’d have to place my order through a third party.
Things I care about: All of the above, as long as I can do my work.
I have the budget.
Things I do regularly:
Make phone calls.
Check my email.
Text messages.
Signal
Podcasts and Audiobooks (I’m currently going nuts trying to do chores without my normal audio stimulation). I need Audible and I need some app that will let me keep all my subscriptions and Patreon benefits.
Magic Arena.
Lemmy (I currently just use it in a browser, last time I tried Jerboa it was super buggy)
ChatGPT app.
I also “Hey Google” all the time. I’m not sure what the state of deGoogled voice assistants is. If I could “Hey ChatGPT” it would be orders of magnitude more useful than “Hey Google.” Losing voice assistance isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s something I do use frequently.
Probably 40% of my phone use is Magic Arena and 40% is podcasts and audiobooks. Then probably 5% is “Hey Google, set an alarm for 5 minutes / OK Google, set an alarm for 6:00 AM.”
Google Services I need for work… but I’m willing to hack my way around to get them, as long as it’s possible.
Google Voice (non negotiable, sadly).
My work email is through Google.
My work video conferences are through Google Meet.
My work calendar is through Google and my phone gives me 10 minute notifications before a meeting.
I would like to degoogle as much as possible, but these are work requirements, and my ADHD brain can’t handle having two phones (one will get left uncharged / lost / never turned on and the odds are that will be the work one).
Unfortunately what you’re looking for doesn’t exist. We all have been down this journey. There was some hope a few years back with Purism reviving dreams of a linux phone, but they shit the bed and now there is no viable alternative outside the big two.
Fairphone 5 will support all of T Mobile’s 4g bands, but only half of the 5g bands. This means that it will have lower 5g coverage than a US phone, but it will have as much 4g coverage as any US phone using t mobile. Based on your use cases, I don’t think there will be too many problems if your phone doesn’t get 5g speeds. Remember that most ppl didn’t have 5g just 3-4 years ago and people were able to do everything that you’re planning on doing with 4g networks.
Try to buy it from a place with a return policy so you can return it if your home or work doesn’t have service with a compatible band.
If you are going to look into alternative OSes, consider degoogled androids over linux phones as you seem to need some android specific apps. Most degoogled androids have the ability to install Google apps with something called microg. For voice assistants, you might be able to install Google voice using microg or choose an open source voice assistant like this one: github.com/PoCInnovation/Elivia-AI. I don’t use voice assistants much, so I’m not too sure how well those work.
Fair phone is awesome but keep in mind it uses a very slow IoT CPU, the Qualcomm QCM6490. I don’t know how intense MTG arena is but check reviews for comparisons before buying if that’s a big part of your phone needs.
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