Thoughts on my recent purchase?

DeletedUser27

My 2019 Pixel 4 literally fell apart as I kept it uncased. So I am in need of a new phone. I'm expecting it's replacement to arrive sometime over the weekend. I am on T-Mobile USA. & I'm mainly just wondering if my upcoming phone would be suitable to for GrapheneOS? I considered waiting the Pixel 8, but I've never been a heavy phone user & Google's Tensor kind of scares me. Here's the link to the my upcoming device:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224829251645?var=523693798629

[deleted]

DeletedUser27 The Pixel 5 (your purchase) will be EOL starting next month which is in 10 days. The 5a, however, isn't EOL until next August.

Blastoidea

DeletedUser27

Blastoidea

DeletedUser27
What is the problem that you see with Tensor?

[deleted]

Pixel 4 has reached EOL if I'm not wrong and it's not recommended...

[deleted]

[deleted] They aren't buying a 4. They're replacing it.

[deleted]

[deleted] oh, I apologize...

DeletedUser27

[deleted]
Thank you for the feedback. To be honest I've never tried Graphene. My first real phone was a Nexus 5 & since then I've ran AOSP based ROMs trying to minimize Google's presence in my life . I considered the 5a, but I'm partial to smaller phones. As long as I can deGoogle it, I think it should satisfy me for a few years.

[deleted]

DeletedUser27 Just be mindful/remember that once a device is end-of-life, it is considered insecure due to it no longer receiving full security updates and is only supported via extended support releases of GrapheneOS.

lcalamar

DeletedUser27 Yeah - I'm torn as GOS is pretty much a requirement for any phone I use - and since GOS only runs on Pixels (no complaint - I get it) - and Google insists on making only very large phones...

... my wish for a small device can't be met. I currently have a P6P mainly due to the specs (camera) and running GOS - but something even 1/2 the size would be awesome. Actually considered a CAT flip phone for that reason...

DeletedUser27

[deleted]
With that in mind, would you suggest me going another route such as Lineage or Calyxos? Lineage/CyanogenMod without google play services have been my primary smartphone operating system for about a decade. I don't store much sensitive data on my phone. My primary reason for not wanting a normie phone is that it makes me uncomfortable to have Big Tech constantly surveilling me. Last year I DeMicrosoft after buying a laptop with Windows 11.

spring-onion

Google has promised 5 years of security updates for the 6 series and onwards so don't get anything below that. Since money doesn't seem to be the deciding factor for you, I suggest waiting for the 8 series (the pixel 8 is rumoured to be "only" 6.1 inches). Tell us your concerns about the tensor chip, I'm sure we can help you clear them up.

DeletedUser27

spring-onion
I'm aware, and sounds almost perfect for me if not for Tensor. I'm interested to see how it turns out. I worry Google will close off Android. Can't they just lock down their Tensor to prevent custom at some point to prevent alternative operating systems all together?

lcalamar

spring-onion Yeah - I was looking at the pixel 8 for the size also. The challenge I always have is the camera - I always prefer the 'pro' cameras (more zoom, etc...) though that is more likely just falling for marketing hype :(

lcalamar

DeletedUser27 Seems you need to determine what your priority is... the hardware or the OS. I've run Calyxos (they are pretty much only supporting Pixels now also) - but I much prefer GOS to Calyxos...

DeletedUser27

lcalamar
That would probably be software for me. I'm pretty flexible when it comes to my phones hardware. I really just prefer a device that I can easily operate one handed.

lcalamar

DeletedUser27 Yes - they can do whatever they want. It wouldn't make sense - because if they did that there would be no reason to stay on Android (vs IOS). I have 'debates' all the time with my IOS family/friends but to be honest - their devices and lack of 'issues' is still better than Android... it's the flexibility and security (with GOS) that I can get on Android- why I put up with a slightly inferior product.

spring-onion

DeletedUser27

Pixels are reference devices for Android and its whole ecosystem. OEMs, developers and researchers use them so google has no incentive to lock them down, quite the opposite actually. The tensor chip that already debuted with the 6 series has no bearing on that.

It's your decision at the end of the day but in my eyes buying anything below the 6 series is nonsensical, these devices are end of life soon.