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)?
I live in Europe so I don’t know availability in your region, but based on your requirements the perfect match is Sony Xperia 10 series. The latest is the Xperia 10v, although Sony also sells the 10iv and 10iii (my phone) at reduced prices.
If your budget is bigger look at the Xperia 5iv or the upcoming 5v.
These phones are compact, beautifully designed, very comfortable to hold, fast, light UI, have great cameras, headphone jack, SD card slots and full waterproofing. Plus at just 6" the 10v is one of the most compact phones on the market.
They have a 21:9 screen which means its narrower than other phones and a bit taller, but not much, making it super easy to hold and pocket.
Really, really nice phones.
Also I’ve emailed their support with bug reports and feature suggestions and they always reply and forward them to the Devs, so they are very customer focused.
Plus they typically allow easy bootloader unlock so you can often try other ROMs as well.