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.
this post was submitted on 12 Jun 2023
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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?
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.
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.
Might wanna take a look at louis Rossman recent video on grapheneOS
Tldr it's probably still a good OS, but there's some things about the dev that are off putting.
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.
Though, it's all personal preference. The devices page on https://lineageos.org/ is very comprehensive, just remember to choose a device with at least lineageos 19.0 if you want to continue getting updates. I hear that android 12 changed things and forcibly discontinued many devices.
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
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!
I've been running it on the Motorola One 5G Ace for more than a year with no complaints.
That phone has better tech specs than my Chromebook.
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).
Sony's and Pixel's are great devices to be used with LineageOS
Tbf in Pixel's case I would go to GrapheneOS if you don't mind the lack of Android Auto.
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.
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.
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.
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