After only 3 short years my Google Pixel 4A is EOL. It still works perfectly fine, but since our entire lives run through our phones I don’t feel safe trusting my bank accounts and so on to a phone without security updates. I feel like I wasn’t quite aware how short the supported time would be when i bought it.
So I gotta get a new one. I don’t really have a lot of requirements. I just need the basics: A camera, headphone jack, USB-C charging and F-Droid (so app side loading). I just watch some YouTube, use lemmy and messaging apps, 3fa, email and so on and if there is something to take a video of photo of I like doing that too. I don’t need NFC or high refresh rate or 3 cameras or wireless charging and I don’t play any phone games so pretty much any phone should work, right?
I was thinking of getting something a bit sustainable and long lasting so I looked at Fairphone but the Fairphone 4 is only supported until 2026 which is not really long and also it’s really expensive for just another 3 years. Looks like there will be a Fairphone 5 soonish? But since the 4 didn’t have a headphone jack the 5 probably won’t either?
So since it looks like a ~6 or 7 year lifespan is just not something that’s available I’ve been thinking why not go cheap? Thus I’ve considered getting the Samsung Galaxy A14 (non-5G). Are there any significant differences with the 5G version? The 5G version has good reviews as far as i can see. Feels a little bad to downgrade to a phone that cannot even record 1080p@60 and to go back to USB 2.0 and 15W charging but whatever.
So I’m open to suggestions, either on the longer lasting side or something cheap yet secure for a couple of years.
Im starting to think that this whole “security updates support” is just another layer of planned obsolescence. Perfectly running phones with hardware that works just fine and could surely easily support any future security update, becoming “obsolete” simply because the manufacturer does not release updates these “security updates” anymore.
No, the need for security updates is real. The part where manufacturers stop providing them is the planned obsolescence part. Luckily, you should be able to install Lineage OS on a Pixel device and keep getting security updates for some time to come.
If the hardware is still great, how about installing LineageOS? Here’s the direct link to LineageOS for the Pixel 4a: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/sunfish/. I’ve been using LineageOS on all the old devices which are supported, mostly OnePlus and Nexus devices. Lightweight, and does everything I need.
Install LineageOS on it, and keep using it (or have it as a spare backup phone).
Congrats on making it to 3 years without breaking your screen.
As the others have suggested, i would install lineage with open G apps instead of buying a new phone.
I have a 4a/5G and speaking of security, I would like to get off the Google spyverse, so I may try replacing Android with real Linux DE, there are a handfull available. All the pixel phones are compatible for replacing.
Google changed its latest privacy police to add total filtering of your info via AI. If that isn’t a “security” concern, it is definetely a privacy one.
If you do want to stay on the Google gravy train, a 7a would be a good replacement. Google has lengthened their support window on new Pixels from 3yrs to 5yrs.
I like the idea of a Linux Phone. I don’t know much about it. My bank’s 2FA probably wouldn’t be supported on that and i do need to have WhatsApp because it’s the default mode of communication for everybody that’s not deeply into privacy, right? What DE would you recommend?
Linux doesn’t have good user experience yet(for mobile) like battery management and calls and text so I would advise against it
try lineageos, it is privacy friendly and gets updates, use opengapps/nik’sgapps if you wanna use bank applications(some won’t run without play services)
if you like a complete experience with all the pixel features you have now, then user pixel experience rom
also, don’t use twrp if you don’t intend to change from one rom to another frequently
meanwhile, you can check out this showcase of a beta build of gnome mobile https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJq8Cq9LixE
Here are the ones I am looking at;
- LineageOS
- GrapheneOS
- CalyxOS
- e.foundation
I think Lineage and e.foundation might be your solution because they use a degoogled verson of android replacing google services with microg. This allows the os to be fully compatible with all the apps.
like many have already said, a custom ROM is a pretty good option. Aside from LineageOS, I’d recommend DivestOS which is a fork with some security and privacy enhancements
I had the 4a as well. Bought a Pixel 6a directly from the Google Store, traded-in my 4a and got some money back. That way I only paid like 200 bucks for the 6a.
Changing your phone just because it doesn’t have security updates anymore is a bad idea. Not only those security issues are very likely to be almost impossible to encounter in real life, it will also create more e-waste we definitely don’t need.
As suggested, install a custom ROM if you’re worried, otherwise just enjoy your phone it will still work perfectly for 2+ years.
This is terrible advice for someone that has already voiced security concerns. Custom ROMs are literally the wild west when it comes to security. I have a pixel 6a and no complaints. You can still pick one up on the Google store HERE.
Some are, but there are well updated custom ROMs such as Lineage and Graphene which are decent
I’m in a similar situation. My Pixel3 is the only phone I have that can install a banking app, but my Nexus 6 still gets monthly security updates via LineageOS. Since Google wants me to repla e phones every few years, when one of these dies, I’m getting an A14 5G. On a cost per year of running everything including apps that block custom ROMs, Pixels are far too pricey. I think they envy Apple their pricing, but don’t do support.
And as long as I’ll have to get a phone, I want newer radios.
I’ve been on a Samsung A13 5G for about a year and a half. I switched to Samsung after I dropped my Pixel 5a one single time, and the phone totaled itself…
The A series is alright. My A13 isn’t too laggy or anything, and Samsung sends out monthly updates just like Google does. The only thing is I’m not sure how long Samsung supports each of their A devices.
Of course there are compromises that Samsung makes with their A series, since it’s a budget line. Like I think the A13 has a 720p screen iirc, which is kind of lame. So just be sure to check all the specs of whatever A series phones you’re considering.
But overall, I’ve been happy enough with Samsung, and would recommend them. I’m probably going to stick with their A series for my next phone.
I have a fairphone I am very happy with.
Have you considered installing a custom ROM? That’s what I do especially if the phone is still totally functional. It looks like Lineage supports the 4A https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/sunfish/
Cannot recommend this enough. I have a 2012 Asus Nexus 7 that is still getting security updates, as is my Pixel 5. If your phone is still in good shape and you dont want to replace it, then Lineage OS will turn it into a new phone.
This is the way. Definitely recommend looking into this. Just be sure to read through the instructions in full first and gather everything you need ahead of time.
I don’t feel safe trusting my bank accounts and so on to a phone without security updates
You’re more responsible than I am. I’m rocking a Pixel 4XL which Google cut loose last year. I mostly use Google apps, which are still updated, so I feel secure enough.
Pixel 7a is really nice, and the 6a goes on sale pretty cheap if you can find it in stock
I would say as someone who’s moved from a Pixel 7A from a 4A, don’t waste your money. The fingerprint sensor is absolute shite (they moved away from the dedicated sensor) and I would say the phone runs too hot. Maybe if you don’t care about those things, it’s fine.
The 4A was (still is?) a far better phone overall.
