I accidentally posted this to !android@lemdro.id before I noticed the sidebar said to ask buying suggestion questions here:
I’m looking to replace my failing phone. I don’t need fancy hardware in terms of camera, high storage, any crazy screen technology or the like. I don’t need a large sized phone, in fact I’d prefer something on the smaller side. I need it to be either bloatware/spyware-free on arrival, or easily de-bloated (permanently). I am thinking that instead of running stock Android I’d probably try either LineageOS or /e/OS anyway, so that might solve the bloatware issue.
My most important factors to consider are:
- Price
- Battery life
- Headphone jack
- De-bloated or de-bloat-able
I haven’t been in the phone market for years and have not payed much attention to phone developments, so I’m kind of at a loss of where to start. What I’ve done so far is looked at the LineageOS supported devices, and it seems some of the lower-end Motorola phones might be the best fit for me. I looked at some of the higher-end phones that aren’t the newest generation as well, but there it seems like I may run the risk of not getting (security) updates for much longer, versus buying a newer lower-end phone.
Also: can carriers force push install apps if you’re running something other than stock Android? For example, if I use LineageOS can I prevent a carrier from pushing an app installation (even by SIM)?
Asus Zen phone 10 could be the phone that suits you.
It’s nice size-wise and probably spec-wise, but it’s priced on the high-end, seemingly barely cheaper than flagship Samsung galaxy phones.
Thats because it is a flagship. Only Asus and Sony offer a headphone Jack right now. Check out the zenfone 9, which should see a price drop soon. The 10 has a cool feature where you can choose stock or Asus features. Not sure if the 9 will get that.
If you are outside the US you could considered the Xperia 10 V.
Right. I thought I was clear that price was a key factor and that I don’t need flagship-features.
Is it really the case that only Asus and Sony have headphone jacks? If so, that limits my options severely.
Pretty much for mainstream brands yes. A few niche manufacturers like unihertz still do as well.