1y ago

What android phones do you recommend and why?

I'm upgrading because my phone is losing (lost?) support. I use a OnePlus 7 Pro and love it and wouldn't bother upgrading otherwise. I'd appreciate some recommendations of android phones you like, please.

Thank you in advance! (⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)

137 comments

You could install LineageOS on your existing phone instead of upgrading. The OnePlus 7 Pro is supported. The install process can be daunting depending on your technical skills, but it's a one-time process since the phone gets updates over-the-air after the OS is installed.
I did this with my OnePlus 6 a few months ago and the experience has been good. Switching to LineageOS bumped Android to version 13, whereas it was stuck on Android 11 on stock OnePlus firmware. I'm getting regular updates again, including open-source Android security patches. Not everything gets patched though, some of the core firmware is proprietary to OnePlus and that cannot be patched by anyone but them. It's letting me extend the life of a phone still works well and has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Really seconding this. A lot of guides are also available with videos and OnePlus is notorious for being easy to unlock and flash. The op7pro is still a good device and if you have kept it till now you might as well give it a breath of fresh life by installing a new Android version.
  
  OnePlus is notorious for being easy to unlock and flash
  Were. OnePlus has settled.
- If one is okay with rooting and can get a (non Verizon) Google pixel, graphene OS is for the OCD fanatics, and CalyxOS is a more featured runner up. Both are only on pixels largely for the re-lockable boot loader.
  lineage is also a good rom, and they support way more devices
  
  Graphene is only on pixels but calyx supports at least a few more models including fairphones.
- I might go this route; thank you!!
  
  Decent details here:
  https://odysee.com/@AlphaNerd:8/how-to-install-lineage-os-to-oneplus-7

A lot of people won't like this answer, but I would not recommend anything from Samsung. Yes, the hardware on paper is typically excellent. However, everything else that comes with the experience is a complete joke to me.
The bootloader is locked, and even if you manage to get it unlocked Knox will be permanently tripped.
I never personally liked OneUI, but accepted it as long as it works. Unfortunately that's also not been the experience for me.
The last update they pushed for my phone broke Bluetooth connectivity, and it'll never be fixed, because they said there won't be any updates period. Now I'm left with a pen notification that never goes away, and a watch that disconnects every 15 minutes.
Their own stock apps are not very convenient at all, but don't forget to remind you to sign up for their updated data theft EULA every time you open them
And that's just software. It doesn't stop there. On my Note 10, the glass back completely peeled off, because of internal heat, and the only thing holding it together is the case. Keep in mind that this is from just regular usage. I don't play games on my phone, or do anything else that would warrant this kind of output
- Interesting... I switched away from Samsung and actually hated stock Android!
  I actually preferred One UI to the standard pixel, mainly because Google ruined the quick settings - they made each button unnecessarily big, and turning on/off the wifi requires two taps instead of one now (Internet > Wifi). That's something I can't change without rooting.
  Some Samsung stock apps are actually a great alternative to the android ones (I use Samsung Notes a ton). The only downside is they force you to download it through their own app store.
  Samsung doesn't really have much bloat now, and the few pieces of bloat i found could be uninstalled
  Samsung is still the only phone manufacturer with triple camera setups in a small flagship phone
  Don't get me wrong, it's not perfect, but the issues I had with Samsung were solvable (e.g. uninstalling bloat is a one-time thing) while the annoyances I've had with a Pixel aren't solvable (quick settings, no third camera).
  
  It all comes down to personal preferences and experiences, so I'm glad you had a good time
- I agree completely. I LOVED the first 3-5 Galaxy S phones, but they just kept adding more bloat.
  I'm on year 5 with my Pixel 3, and when it finally craps out, I'm going with another Pixel.
  
  I loved my pixel 2, but hate my pixel 6. I'm switching away from pixel as soon as this one dies
- I broke my One Plus 7 Pro and now have a Galaxy S21 Ultra, and while I don't hate it, I don't think I'll be getting another samsung
  However, I will say, Samsung keyboard is legitimately the best Andorid keyboard overal. I'll probably be installing it onto my next phone. But, like, it's sad that that's the only nice thing I can say about it.
  It's not a bad phone, and I bought it used, but Samsung is just so bloaty. I'd much rather a stock experience than their software
  
  Wow. I absolutely detest the Samsung keyboard. It's absolutely removed on terms of prediction and button accuracy.
  Gboard, while not great, seems to be the best/most accurate. I don't like Gboard, don't get me wrong, but it's way more accurate than Samsung

Used pixel, install grapheneos
used because it's better environmentally than buying new
grapheneos because it's more secure and private than stock android
- I do something the same, I buy last gen or gen before phones used on Swappa and then install Lineage OS so I can have a stable, updated, and efficient phone.
  
  I would say about 9h of screen on time for a Pixel 5 on its original OEM battery is not to bad.
- I have had a pixel 5 and 6 and both died within 2 years. They would both hard crash and shut off for a bit and eventually stop powering up altogether. I never had that issue with other brands. I ended going back to samsung with an S23 and it works fine for now.
- Why not Lineage os or /e/ os?
  
  They have different goals. I use /e/, where the focus is removing all communication with Google while providing an OS that's as user friendly and ready to use as the competition.
  
  Those are't as secure. If you look around there are comparisons of them that go into the details

What about the newest fairphone which is being released this fall, not thc best for your bucks, but built a bit more ethically than the others, and a modular design enabling eeasy repair*
I don't have one, but heard good stuff about the 4 and consider getting the 5 as my 5 year old Huawei is aging
- I have the 4 and I relly like it. It can't compete performance wise with other phones at the same price point, but the mission is great and you get a long life out of it and good software support.
  I am running iodeOS right now and it is just great, couldn't be happier. I am however not running games on it or anything, so not the biggest power user here...
  
  I have it, like it. Works well but no headphone jack is kinda weird. My screen does have a ghost input issue though which is very common for these phones. Recent update kinda fixed it but yeah its a hardware issue mainly so that sucks.
- People get stuck on the repairability bit, but the two times I had to make candybar repairs I was able to do so regardless. The Fairphone is hyped up, but I'm in the market for flagship spec and I absolutely must have a headphone jack, so it doesn't suit me.
  
  Same boat here, headphone jack is nonnegotiable.

Non- phone carrier variants of Google Pixels because of Grapheme OS. The crap that Verizon pumps out blocks the boot loader to be unlocked, but the ones google and amazon sells can do OEM boot loader unlocks.
Edit: also want to point out, pixels usually get the most updates out of all androids. So long as its in the support window, google will update drivers and kernels for it.
- The people behind GrapheneOS even extend the support. Currently rocking Android 14 with GrapheneOS on my Pixel 4a.
  
  How? I have an 4a and it's on Android 13 and won't update.

The Pixel is the best you're going to do in 2023.

All overpriced. Keep using your 2019 phone, install a custom ROM if you want a refresh.
- I also love my Oneplus 7 Pro, currently running crDroid (on Android 13, based on Lineage). It is updated semi-weekly and maintained by one person. It gets the latest security updates, but I am unable to relock the bootloader, if that is relevant to your threat model.
  I'm probably going to do a battery swap soon and really want to use this phone until it breaks!
  
  Can you use banking apps? Use Google pay, Netflix?
- [And here's a repair guide for the one plus 7 screen replacement. https://de.ifixit.com/Antworten/Ansehen/788945/How+to+fix+a+detached+screen
  If you love it, repair it.
- No security updates though.
  
  Lineageos keeps merging the updates.

A lot of these recommendations are for super privacy focused anti-Google setups or other niche concerns.
If you just want a nice, straightforward phone, that's going to do normal phone things, and have security updates for a long time...
The pixel 8 is quite compelling.
- I have a Pixel 7. I love it.
  
  I recently upgraded from a Pixel (the first generation) to a 5, so the first one lasted a long time. I do miss the headphone jack. But in general these phones do everything I need without fuss.
  
  Likewise, a buddy just got the 8 and really likes it. My parents like their 6a and 6. I have a couple of friends that like their 6/7as.
- I see OnePlus in the top comments. I was a OnePlus fanboi from day one. From one through ten, I think I only missed one serious - otherwise, I bought some iteration of every series during that span. I honestly couldn't say exactly why at the moment, so maybe this comment is trash, but after my OnePlus 10 Pro 5G or whatever the specific name was, I swapped over to the Pixel 7 Pro, and refuse to look back at this point. I just upgraded to the 8 Pro and I have zero complaints.
  If I had to venture a guess, part of the reason for the switch had to do with the gradual increase in price of the OnePlus flagship phones over time. I think the first one was something like $299, and was a solid phone, especially compared to the Samsung flagship at the time which was probably twice that, at least. At this point, OnePlus is pretty close to equal cost when comparing models with similar features. I like being on top of the newest software features, so with all else being more or less equal, the Pixel phones are where it's at. Of course, with Samsung cooperating with Google on phones being Android nekkid, maybe Samsung is worth a try?
  TL;DR - OnePlus isn't worth it anymore. Go Pixel, or maybe Samsung. If you've got an especially itchy privacy concern, then don't ask me - sounds like other people got you covered there.
  Edit: just looked up the Fairphone, and its sustainability angle is intriguing...
  
  Fairphone is definitely a good option if you can get your hands on one. They don't sell the latest model in the states and only recently started selling in the states at all. If I remember right, the main thing though has been that they'll give you years of software updates and well, Google just kinda blew that out of the water with 8 years of updates for the Pixel 8.
  OnePlus I never really looked at... I'm anti-CCP so I'm anti-OnePlus by default. Google announced recently they're going to start making phones in India, (which, it'll be a welcome change to manufacturer inside of another democracy instead of a foreign autocracy like China or Vietnam).

Wouldn't recommend Oneplus anymore.
At the high end, Samsung has been pretty solid with their S lineup. The FE models are a good compromise as well. Pixels are a hit or miss, I'd recommend waiting for issues to surface before deciding on the 8/8 pro.
On the more budget - midrange side of things, Motorola has been doing a fairly solid job. They do have a lot of models, so some youtube videos should give you a fair idea on what's right for you.
- Why wouldn't you recommend OnePlus though? I have a 9 pro which I enjoy. I really don't miss the Samsung's bloatware.
  
  Severe inconsistent quality issues in both software and hardware, treating their customers as beta testers, random motherboards dying, etc.
  They are still riding the 'flagship killer' wave, but they are just as overpriced as Samsung, while offering unfinished products.
  
  I've bought Samsung for the past 5 years now and have never had an issue with bloat if you buy from Samsung. If you're buying it from a carrier then yeah there's probably a ton of crap preloaded. Imo Samsung just offers too much of a complete package to pass up. Pixel is good but hardware leaves some to be desired. The cute software quirks just don't make it up for me.
  
  Honest question. Where is all this bloat stuff coming from for Samsung?
  Like, I genuinely haven't noticed any software that I didn't want installed. Sure, there are a few pieces that I've kept but don't use, but nearly all of it can be uninstalled unless it's stuff that's actually needed.
- Motorola's Moto G 5G Plus (worst name ever) is a surprisingly nice phone to use in my experience.

Get a Pixel.
It just works
For real tho...
- Just make sure to install Graphene.
  
  Graphene is cool but such a process. Stock pixel is great on its own.

Have you checked out our awesome 2023 phone buying guide on the sidebar of !android@lemmy.world?
If you want a quick recommendation, Zenfone 10 looks great and is very underrated.
- Thank you! I hadn't seen this community. I'll definitely check it out!
- Did anyone confirm if you can unlock the bootloader on it or not? I know it was up in the air whether they would allow it.

A Pixel (with long security updates) because GrapheneOS is the operating system to use.
It's limiting but that's the way it is.

Op7pro user here too. Its been 4 years already and at this point im just going to keep using this phone until its unbearable to use. Ive dunked it in river, smashed many back covers. At this point its not about being sustainable or something, but im genuinely interested how long can i withstand replacement. I dont mind having no 5g,since 4g with full bars is pretty fast already. All these phones currently in the market would be very incremental upgrade, unless you're going flagship range which is around 1k. I want to see smaller phones to come back. Sadly, phone manufacturers are pushing foldables, so it very rare to see any smaller than 5.5" phone for sale. If i were to upgrade now, probably id choose asus zenfone 9/10, pixel 8 with all these promissed 7 year updates.
- I have the same feeling. Using a 5+ year old OP6 and still good battery life and overall performance. The only reason why I want change is because of security updates having stopped already for quite some time. I'm hesitant to jailbreak and install clean android because of banking apps.
  
  if it is of any help, i have been using a OP6 running /e/os for over a year now, as a daily driver. central europe, have not ran into any issues banking wise, other than one 2fa app complaining every time it is launched (but still functioning fine) edit: sadly the battery life is now starting to decay quickly, and i also had an accident that left both front and back glass shattered, so i may soon upgrade.
- God I deeply wish phones would get smaller. Instead it feels like they're constantly getting larger and larger. It's insane and soon I'll need bigger pockets.
  
  Just wait until you get older and you'll start appreciating larger phones.

I look into it, but can't seem to buy anything not Motorola. They're reasonably clean out of the box, have good batteries and survive getting wet even with no IP rating. Using Moto G52 currently.

Fairphone or probably something else along those lines. Having the ability to hot swap broken parts or sinply upgrade is a pretty bug pro.
- Plus the 5 years of warranty and 8 years of updates really makes it a phone to last.
  I just switched from OnePlus 7 to FairPhone 5 because the battery on the former just wasn't holding up anymore. If that becomes a problem with my new phone, I can just switch the battery and keep using it.
  
  And how is your experience so far?

I was (am?) in the same dilemma. Loved my 7 pro, but someone dropped it, cracked the screen, and things started going downhill (hardware wise) from there.
As a replacement I got an 8t (still OnePlus). It's nice, but I miss the 7 pro.
OnePlus is no longer an enthusiast brand, and I think the Pixel is the only other one currently. Maybe the Nothing phone? That's kind of early adopter territory still, I think.
Sorry I'm not more helpful. I prefer phones with unlocked bootloaders that allow for alternate firmware to be installed.
- I got a 9pro and it is hands-down the best phone I've ever had. I was thinking about the Open, but financial issues prevented me from doing a pre-order. Here is hoping they make a other pro phone with wireless charging next year.

I've never been an Apple guy and I stopped finding Samsung acceptable after the S10. My answer has been to go to Sony's Xperia 1 line. I have a 1 IV and, honestly, I'm pretty happy with it. Point and shoot photos aren't great on it, it really is meant for manual photography, but it's not bad, either. The reasons I went for it were the form factor, the lack of a notch or punch-hole, the external SD card support, the physical 3.5mm jack and the front firing stereo speakers. It's nuts what you can get when you don't obsess with not having zero bezels.
The downside is... well, I don't trust Sony for long term support, either. It helps that their phones are very similar outside of updating to the latest processors, but they clearly aren't super focused on software updates, if that's your priority.
But yeah, hey, screw Samsung, Google, Apple and their dumb ecosystems and actively removed basic features. This thing is easy to use one-handed, has very solid hardware and is not a clone of those three despite having flagship internals. It's expensive, but I'm also gonna use it for multiple years, so I have no regrets about it at the moment.
- I get you don't like Samsung, Apple, or Google, but man... Sony? They are the original electronics company bad actors. That's like saying "I don't like Dahmer, but this guy Manson is cool" what the hell?
  
  There are no good corporate actors.
  I don't dislike the big three's phones because I have a moral stance about them. I dislike them because they've removed features I want and added features I don't want.
  Sony makes a flagship with a headphone jack, front firing speakers, a hole-less screen, hotswappable removable storage and dual sim support? Cool, got my money the old-school capitalist way.
  They start messing around with that stuff or enforcing crap I don't want, they'll lose my money the old-school capitalist way.
  For the big bad stuff all of those companies do I don't vote with my wallet, I vote with my vote. Regulation and policy are the answers to those.

Samsung Galaxy A54 proved to be good value while I was waiting for a repair , but I love my S23Ultra.

Depends on your needs - do you need a good camera? 5g? Sd card slot? Oled vs lcd screen? Etc etc.
Price to features, I like the Poco F3 (f4, f5 maybe f6 is out now?). Xiaomi 14 has some phones that compete with Samsung. Redmi sits below them.

Its a bit pointless to ask for android suggestions without any specifications. There are way too many good ones to count but can be very few depending on your needs and budget.

Fairphone 5 for all the reasons

have been using a Fairphone 4 for over a year now, the FP5 seems to improve in nearly every way despite still missing a headphone jack. at least you won't have to worry about software support. only really available in Europe though. in the US you can get a FP4 with /e/OS through Murena. really recommend it.

I recommend getting the ones popular in India for great 3rd party support (: Snapdragon Xiaomis are a safe bet if you're on a budget
- It used to be.... Recently xaoimi started to delay publishing kernel source. Thus some new phones are not officially supported by lineage. Or the cuatom rom experiemce is not as good as it used to be .They started going the route of BBK.
  
  what is bbk?

If you like your phone, and want continued support... flash LineageOS. You can keep all your google stuff if you want to with it. OnePlus is one of the easier phones to do this with.
- Or it used to be. Recent models after the merger are not officially supported but I guess unofficial builtds can be found on XDA or telegram groups.

I just picked up a Sony Xperia 1 V, and so far I'm happy with it. It's snappy as can be, and the camera is absolutely fantastic.

I'm considering Fair Phone to be my next one. The latest has 5G support.

If you want Pixel features, flash a custom ROM based on PE.

Im using an LG Velvet 5G. Great specs including 5G, wifi 6, sd card, and headphone jack. I know LG has discontinued making phones but it is still getting updates. Hopefully custom ROMs fill in once that expires.
Nice thing is, you can find these phones for sub $300 if you hunt around.

What support do you need? Sounds like it does everything you want it to do. I dont know about that one, but for a lot of devices, "updates" are often just loading in new advertising features.
- I assume security updates.
- What? What about security updates?

Bought a used pixel 7 and I'm very happy with it.

Depends on your use cases and budget
I see alot of people are recommending the fairphone and I wouldn't mind getting one myself but they lack support for alot of major features do not have good price to performance whatsoever and have generally lackluster support when it comes to replacement parts ive seen people waiting absolutely ages for just a replacement usb c port on there fp4 just buy whatever will best meet all your usecases within your budget

The zflip5 looks really nice with the big cover screen. I've had the 3 since launch and it still works well. Best thing about it is the small pocket size and being able to put keys and other stuff in my pocket without scratching the screen up.

I bought the Xiaomi 13t and I am satisfied so far. Not a huge Xiaomi fan but this is my second one. Also people dislike the MIUI but you can change it back to the usual android interface... The only thing I don't really like is the reversed bottom menu buttons. Haven't figured out if you can change it
Bought it for 620€ with a tablet included. Definitely not worth it if you only want the phone, but I also wanted a new tablet so this was a good choice.
I really wanted the Google pixel, but 128GB was just not enough for me and it was also more expensive for only a phone
- I wondered for a few seconds before replying that you couldn't find that much simple thing.
  Go to settings, i think in display section or better search in settings for mirrored bottom buttons. I think its in home settings.
  
  Omg thank you 👍

I've been using Motorola phones for about 5 years now. I don't want to fork out the ridiculous amount of money for the flagship phones, nor do I want to lose my "bring your own phone" plan price. They have an assortment of phones in different budget ranges and I love some of the features they come with, specifically the karate chop flashlight feature. Haven't been let down yet. I will say I use my phone mainly as a texting/calling and browsing device so I can't comment on how they do in games, as I never play games.
- I miss the chop so much

Samsung, because they are the only brand still (mostly) not manufacturing in China. Most Samsung phones are made in Vietnam.
- Isn't iPhone moving production to Vietnam?
  
  They've said things about moving to India but AFAIK they haven't

I'm keeping my Galaxy J7 until it literally stops working.

Well, I'd totally get a fairphone if enough people start following my OF

If you don't mind the Chinese government having access to your data I highly recommend OnePlus phones. High quality and loaded with features for much lower cost than Samsung and iPhones. Also not loaded with bloatware. My first phone lasted 4 years (more if I just didn't feel like upgrading at the time, there was nothing wrong with it). My second phone is still going strong 2 years later so far. Probably will upgrade in another 2 years again.
Edit: literally just read the text and saw you had a OnePlus 7. Oops. My current phone is the 9 pro, no complaints.
- In a way, it's better if a foreign government has your data and not your own.
  
  Yeah I don't ever plan on visiting China or pursuing a career in politics so I don't see it as much of an issue. They can blackmail me all they want with my browsing history but I can't afford to give them anything worthwhile.

Whenever someone asks for smartphone recommendations and doesn't list specific features they're looking for I'll just tell them to get an iPhone. Any iPhone really. While I'm Android user myself, I've come to the conclusion that if you don't have a specific reason for why you don't want an iPhone then you should get an iPhone. It's the best choice for 99% of users. If it's too expensive then buy used/older model. They're just as good. I don't have iPhone myself because I wanted a removable battery and headphone jack.

137 comments