Should i use the pixel 7?

AngWay

So i really would like to get a pixel 8 but i just can not afford it and i would be happy with the pixel 7 but google says it's only supported on graphenos until 2027 and that scares me because i don't want to get something and it be out dated no long after. But anyway's i'm trying to figure out what would be my best bet here. what do you all think about getting the pixel 7 and installing graphenos on it? should i do it or would it be out dated to soon?

Also if i do go with the pixel 7 and put graphenos on it would i only get until 2027 to use it or would it still keep on being good long after? Thanks

IcyScroll

Did you consider getting the 8a?
I wouldn't buy the 7 now, it would be better to save up and get a device with a longer support.

AngWay Also if i do go with the pixel 7 and put graphenos on it would i only get until 2027 to use it or would it still keep on being good long after?

Using it after Google stops shipping firmware updates won't be recommended.

grayway2

AngWay how about the 6a ? They are very cheap since the Google battery scandal and have only 2 months less support.

If you're low on budget, take that phone and buy a Pixel 8 or Pixel 9 later.

If you're not an valuable target (journalist, whistleblower, politician, Uyghur, dictatorship critic or if you have a connection with a person of interest ect.) You don't really need the security enhancement that offer the 8 and 9 series.

EndoPlant

As someone with a 7, it works perfectly fine and I am satisfied with it. But I would suggest waiting and saving up to get an 8a or anything with a longer support window. 2 years vs 5 years of support (from now) is a big difference, especially if you intend to keep it for a while. But if you have a plan to upgrade again once the 7 is EOL then go for it. It's been a good phone for me.

AngWay

EndoPlant Yeah it's the price that has me stumped right now. can you tell me what happens once the pixel 7 reaches it's end of life. Like i guess what i'm asking is if i kept using the pixel 7 for up to 3 years after the EOL what would i be looking at? would it still be running just fine? Thanks

EndoPlant

AngWay You can continue using it for as long as you want after EOL, but it is strongly advised not to as it will stop receiving security updates. It's up to you whether to take that risk, but I wouldn't personally. I'm no expert when it comes to security though, I just trust the judgement of the devs here.

IcyScroll

AngWay Like i guess what i'm asking is if i kept using the pixel 7 for up to 3 years after the EOL what would i be looking at? would it still be running just fine?

It could be "running fine" as far as functionality is concerned but it would quickly stop being GrapheneOS due to missing important security patches.
This also means that Sandboxed Google Play could stop working at some point.

AngWay

IcyScroll Yeah my only issue here is price i would like to get the pixel 8 pro. I have looked at other devices tho that i could put calyxOS or linageOS on like the motorola moto G. But yeah thats where i'm at . i really want rather have graphenos i guess i'll just have to start saving for the pixel 8 pro. Thanks

AngWay

IcyScroll Also i currently have the s22 ultra and i'm thinking i can just wait a little longer until the pixel 8 price drops some and then i can just sell my s22 ultra and try to manage the price that way. Man i wish the s22 ultra could run graphenos

de0u

AngWay At least for the moment, strong security costs money. Many cheap devices are cheaper in part because they cut corners on security.

n3t_admin

AngWay calyxOS or linageOS

CalyxOS and LineageOS are not secure options. The former even stopped receiving any updates since a month ago and is currently on a hiatus (ETA unknown).
Starting your privacy and security journey by compromising security is not what you should be aiming for.

Pocketstar

Perhaps saving up a little longer for a Pixel 8a might do wonders, and besides, the Pixel 7 does not have MTE, which helps drasticly to prevent framebuffer exploits. (Which is most exploits that excist)
Furthermore, the pixel 8a has 7 years support. (5 years left, as EndoPlant stated)
If the difference in price is neglable, its best to borrow an old phone from someone that is no longer used and put up with it for a few months untill you can afford an 8a/9a.
Or perhaps use a computer at home for chats as a drastic measure.
Just make sure when you purchase one, it is one without subscription because the bootloader will not be unlockable, which maken installing GrapheneOS difficult, or impossible.
The downside is that in the meanwhile, you'll have no secure option as a phone...
A Pixel 8a is available in the Netherlands for €435 (new)
https://www.belsimpel.nl/google-pixel-8a
But possible you can find it cheaper elsewhere. (Like a used one)

Pocketstar

Hold on! (I could no longer remove my former message)

The Pixel 9a is available in the Netherlands for €449 (new)
https://www.belsimpel.nl/google-pixel-9a

Its about the same price, so forget about my P8a advice.