Was doing multiple things at the time, so not sure about this—I think I restarted it but then it wouldn’t start up again. Holding down the power button didn’t help, nor did holding down the power button along with either the up or down volume for a few seconds. Plugging it in, it does make the “started charging” noise or whatever.

Would be much obliged for any suggestions on how to get this working again!

UPDATE: Well, and it just rang! Maybe the screen died . . . ?

UPDATE UPDATE: Well new friends, it looks like I’m now officially in the market for a new phone. Since I like GrapheneOS, I guess I need to buy another Pixel which hopefully won’t crap out on me after 3 years like this one has just apparently done. But which Pixel should I get? As long as it’s comparable in functionality to the 5a5g . . .

  • zdhzm2pgpOP
    1·
    6 hours ago

    Thanks to @sloppy_diffuser@sh.itjust.works and @limerod@reddthat.com. The GrapheneOS page recommends getting at least a “7,” but I can probably sell some more plasma and the rest of my Precious Moments™ figurines to get a more expensive model. The 5a5g did indeed have a headphone jack, but I guess anything newer than that doesn’t have one. Which means, I guess, earbuds/bluetooth (what Mrs. zdhzm2pgp calls “ear cigarettes”)? I’ve never had these for anything; how well do they work? I was sort of under the impression that the sound quality was not great, but that was also a long time ago.

  • limerod@reddthat.com
    2·
    1 day ago

    Pixel 8A should be a good upgrade for you. It also supports grapheneOS so you should be up and running in no time.

  • sloppy_diffuser@sh.itjust.works
    2·
    2 days ago

    Could be the battery. My 5a5g died after 3 years and it was the battery. I couldn’t get it to boot that I could tell even while charging. Didn’t try calling it though to see if it rings.

    Sounds odd, but have had similar issues with a Nest cam. Main powered doorbell camera resets when someone rings it until I replaced the battery.

    Can’t remember if the 5a5g had a headphone jack (using 7 pro now), but you can kiss that goodbye. Fingerprint reader is in the screen now instead of the rear, but otherwise its been functionally similar.

    The 8 line has extended support. If you care about security updates I’d check https://endoflife.date/pixel and pick what’s affordable. (a) models are at the lowest end, followed by the regular 8/9, then pro models for the best hardware.

    Graphene also recently added some options like:

    • Cap charging to 80% to extend battery life.
    • Fingerprint reader + 4-6 digit pin. My normal pin is long so I’m happy with this change as forcing my biometrics won’t unlock it alone. Capped at 5 attempts.
    • Kill switch pin. If forced to give up a pin it will factory wipe the phone.