Ed_Flecko
Hi Ed,
Whether a full backup of apps, including their settings and data, can be restored to another device also depends very much on the manufacturer.
Unfortunately, many manufacturers do not adhere to the specifications of Google or AOSP.
It is therefore advisable to back up personal data and apps separately. Apps that are regularly maintained by developers do not need to be backed up separately, as they can be restored at any time e.g. via GitHub or, if necessary, via Google Play or F-Droid.
When selecting apps, you should consider whether personal data and settings can be saved as export files in folders of your choice.
You can then regularly back up such folders (example: /Backup/name-of-the-app) by sending them to yourself by email. Or copy them to a connected USB memory device.
Just a few examples:
Tuta.com can be used as a secure mailbox with end-to-end encryption.
Your emails, contact addresses and appointments are then already backed up online and only the app needs to be installed on the new device.
Otherwise, I don't recommend a cloud, but a local backup.
Exception: password manager. Bitwarden has a good reputation and is free for private use.
All passwords etc. are encrypted locally and only then backed up on Bitwarden servers in the USA or Europe (selectable).
Multifactor authentication (2FA):
Should not be saved together with access data in the password manager, even if some offer this (including Bitwarden in the paid version).
Aegis Authenticator is available for this purpose, for example.
Saves your data in an export file.
Messenger:
Molly, Signal, SimpleX and Threema store chat data and media in a database, which can be exported and imported again.
With the Obtainium app you can easily obtain updates of your apps from GitHub and other repositories, which you have added once into this app.
So if you use the right apps, a full backup is not necessary. :-)
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)