New phone or play the waiting game

ntop

Onlyfun
Thanks for the update.
I am not currently with pixel. Running old one plus 6 phone.
Thinking so far going for pixel 9a
Thanks

Onlyfun

ntop After another dive into massive cohort of pixel users experiencing device defects followed by google's dishonest response to warranty claims (I went thru such myself), I actually want to retract my advice. Looks like it's better to stay far sway from google.
Just wait for the oem graphene device if your circumstances do not involve security concerns that require graphene os. Just doe some searched like 'google pixel screen fail' and alike and see whats going on, I've seen many claiming pixel being genuinly the worst smartphone.

I had a disgusting event, a p8 screen poped out due to battery bloat and explode , screen separated from the frame, battery leaked some white liquid. 3 weeks before 12 months warranty end, imei checked eligible for claim, sent it. After 2 weeks exactly on the last day of 12 months warranty received it back in the same condition with bloated battery and separate screen. With no message either on paper or via google. It felt so ugly, I found it humiliating to contact them again.

I recently discovered replicant os, haven't learned much about it yet, maybe you could check it out and find it ok for yourself while there is no alternative to pixel for graphene os use.

ntop

Just seen another post about 9a signal issue..
Anyone with pixel 9a with any issue in UK?

userofgos

Onlyfun I recently discovered replicant os, haven't learned much about it yet,

You might want to dig a little more before you use it...they are still stuck on Android 6 see: https://blog.replicant.us/2024/03/replicant-status-and-report-of-the-37c3-and-fosdem-2024-conferences/

Here's a quote from this thread: https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/14034-gnu-claiming-that-grapheneos-is-partially-non-free/17

Android 12 is the oldest Android version with security support. Android 14 QPR3 is the only one with full privacy/security patches. Replicant even excludes shipping firmware updates which were available for the ancient, highly insecure devices they support.

userofgos

Onlyfun I had a disgusting event, a p8 screen popped out due to battery bloat and explode , screen separated from the frame, battery leaked some white liquid. 3 weeks before 12 months warranty end, imei checked eligible for claim, sent it. After 2 weeks exactly on the last day of 12 months warranty received it back in the same condition with bloated battery and separate screen. With no message either on paper or via google. It felt so ugly, I found it humiliating to contact them again.

What a terrible experience, sorry you had to go through all that. When I hear stories like this, I wonder if it was a one off, a bad batch, or a sign that they are using low quality hardware. Still, I have yet to come to the conclusion that all Google Pixels are bad.

Here's to hoping that the OEM partner phone will have better hardware reliability.

Onlyfun

userofgos no of course not , I loved my p5 I would be happy to go back to it from p8. As for p8 when shopping keep an eye on screen issues, such as dead pixels, lines, and check microphone. I have people complaining they can't hear me well, due to some background noise. I verify it easy with audio recording app, I record on p8 and galaxy s20 while holding them next to each other. Then replay and there is a problem clearly on p8. As a workaround google's scammy warranty behavior maybe consider amazon renewed I think they offer 90 days returns, at least you'll have enough time to completely test it out. But keep in mind renewed = used by someone and might not be ok with your threat model.

Oh I Wish graphene team goes with the best possible hardware,. I have a feeling that majority of graphene users are ok with the cost if it is worth it.

N1b

Google Devices sure aren't without flaws, just like any other product out there (e.g. Samsung is famous for battery bloat).

That being said: No phone hardware is as secure as Pixel Gen 8 or newer, and no phone OS is as secure and private as GrapheneOS. So it's a matter of priorities.

@ntop you being on this forum tells me you're at least interested in security and privacy, so I'll repeat my advice to get on an up to date GrapheneOS device asap. The OnePlus 6 was a phenomenal phone, especially for its time. Unfortunately it now lacks firmware and OS security and every phone still receiving updates will be a better choice. My pixels (6 different devices so far that run GOS ever since the 3a) worked as expected and I'm very happy to enjoy the control and agency over my data provided by GrapheneOS. Google is not your friend, but they provide the right tools. Try to find a good deal, it doesn't have to be the newest pro model to enjoy all security advantages.

@Onlyfun while you went through a terrible and unfair experience with Google support, telling OP to wait is harmful advice when it comes to security. I dislike Google for many things, but for the time being they are still the best choice if you want secure hardware.

ntop

N1b
Thanks for your comments. Yes i have 9a on my list for black friday deal.

23Sha-ger
As mention by others, 2027 is will fair...
I have 9a on my list so hopefully should be fine.

23Sha-ger

ntop which I heard might be until next year

Might be. But as it said on official channels, it might be end of 2027.
And unless you want to be a tester or an early adopter, it's always safe to give any line of
new products a full year and wait for reviews and potential issues. So you are looking for the end of 2028.
Which means if you buy a new phone today, it will already be decently dated in 3 years.

xxx

ntop I have 9a

Look for the 9 without a also.

ntop

xxx
9 pro xl?
Got two weeks before black Friday so need to come up with decision

xxx

ntop 9 pro xl?

I would go with a P9 instead of a 9a. It' s on sale now.

ntop

I have ordered pixel 9a which worked out £290 with trade in... Should be getting it in few days

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