What smartphone do your use? What's the best phone you had owned?
Moi? I use currently a NOTE 20 ultra 5g. Probably my second best phone, I only hate the fact it's so massive (I miss being able to use just one hand for my phone) and the mediocre battery life for someone like me that watches a lot of videos. But the S pen is so handy those few times you need it.
The best phone was probably a landline that was shaped like a duck.
It quacked when you had an incoming call.
How is it that technology has gone backwards in this area?
You should still be able to make your phone quack when an incoming call comes.
Pixel 8 with GrapheneOS
Pixel 6a. Changed the OS to GrapheneOS. This is the best phone I've owned.
My good condition used 7 pro is arriving tomorrow and I plan on doing the same.
Fantastic. I went with GOS over 2 years ago. It's been great.
Would this be an overly complex process for those with only some tinkering experience (e.g., I've got Linux on my laptop and have a general sense of how terminal/tilix works)? I've read the docs but can't get a sense of the complexity
I'm going to switch it out at some point. Any gotchas?
The phone or the OS? Hardware wise, my only gripe is the lack of wireless charging. I use an aftermarket plug to add it, but it doesn't put the charge pad quite in the right place, so I sometimes have to put it upside down. It also means the USB-C port is always occupied. That isn't a huge deal for me as I like to use plugs to keep dust out anyway
Software wise, I'm still running regular Android. I don't like that there's no Gallery app. You have to use Google Photos. That coupled with the fact that .nomedia files don't seem to work mean that the app shows ALL photos on your phone, including some you might want to keep private.
Other than that though, I'm pretty happy with it. Just upgraded mine to 15.
I tried to install using a Chromebook which failed. Next, I tried my tablet, nope. I had to buy a Windows laptop to get it done. If you have a real computer, you should be fine.
This is what I have going, and I too wish it had wireless charging. But overall, just a fine phone and not ridiculously huge.
Had this phone, Google pushed an OS update that caused the bootloader to get corrupted on a factory reset. Tried to tell me I had to pay them to get the motherboard replaced even though their faulty ass update broke the phone. Three months out of warranty. Never buying a pixel again.
That sucks but as long as Google allows the Pixel line to install GrapheneOS - I'll always buy a Pixel.
I recently got an Asus zenfone 10. I usually buy midrange phones but this time I couldn't find a good one. I like small phones, and they seem to be an endangered species these days. This one also has a headphone jack which is nice.
I have a Fairphone 5. Maybe too expensive for what it is, but hopefully it doesn't have a big evil annoying company behind it and it should hopefully last a while. Still running stock Android on it though, because I don't want to lose Play Attestation or whatever it is called.
I dropped my FairPhone 5 from a bicycle on unwelcoming pavement at good speed. Broke the camera glasses, the screen protector, the carry case and the back cover. It looked positively destroyed and my first thought was "yay, it's repairable". Repairing was easy enough and aside from some war wounds on the side of the case (scratches) it's as good as new. I'm glad I got this phone.
Aside from being repairable, I also appreciate the e/OS support.
Mine was 300€ used, definitely worth the money.
Asus Zenphone 10; headphone jack, minimal bloatware, two physical sim slots, good battery, small size so it actually fits in a pocket, finger print sensor on the power button so it's seamless to unlock. Best phone I've had in quite a while
One possible drawback is that I don't think it supports esim or has an sd card slot.
The OnePlus 7t back when it was on oxygen os 10. Great hardware, perfect software. It was the first phone I got where I didn't need or want to flash a custom rom. Unfortunately, every software update that it got since then felt like a downgrad. After oxygen os 10, oxygen os and Oppo's color os have been going through something of a merge. The result is that oxygen os is no longer as stock-like as it used to be and lots of small convenience features have disappeared in favor of flashy yet useless-to-me features. I have an 8t now and it's fine but I don't think that I'll get another OnePlus.
Current: Pixel 6a. Probably the best out of all the phones I've owned. Wish the battery life was a little bit longer.
I do have a soft spot for my first ever smartphone, the Nexus 4. I adored it.
Agreed, Nexus 4 was amazing and I miss it.
Sony Xperia 5 V
Great camera, small size, excellent battery life, removable storage, IP rated, and has a headphone jack. The only thing it is missing is a removable battery.
This is ny daily driver as well. Just wish Sony would update the phone for longer
Yeah, I actually bought mine just before the VI models were available for purchase when I found out at 5 VI was not going to be produced. Its a big hole in the segment imo.
Currently using a OnePlus 9 Pro. Best phone I've used? The OnePlus 5t, hands down. Slightly wider aspect ratio in portrait orientation, great screen, camera and fingerprint reader for its day and fantastic 3rd party ROM selection.
Seconded! My 5T was the best phone I've ever carried. I carry the OP11 5G these days and I've been really happy with it, but overall I prefer the size and weight of the 5T.
I have an iPhone 14 Pro Max. It's a nice phone. I like IOS better than I thought I would. I do think the Galaxy I had before it was pretty good though, too. If I didn't struggle so much with the iPhone keyboard, I guess this would be my favorite, but I use my phone so much and the swipe typing is so rough, it's hard to give a full endorsement.
That said, I am probably overestimating how gos typing on Android was. I remember lots of autocorrect issues, but iOS has a bunch of keyboard bugs that make correcting errors even more frustrating than making them in the first place.
I’ve been using Apple phones since like 2008 I think. The keyboard used to be great. This last year I would be tearing my hair out if I had any hair. I don’t know what happened, but it has gone to absolute shirt. I am really hoping the more I type the better Apple AI and hopefully-smarter-Siri will get at figuring out what I’m trying to say. I’m really hoping because it’s endlessly frustrating and maddening for me.
Fun side note: I have very fond memories of my bright yellow Windows phone that I was given long ago when I worked at the AT&T store back in maybe 2014. I think it was a Nokia. They also gave me a Samsung back then at some point too. I have zero memories of any kind about that phone.
Currently using a Google Pixel 8, I've been reading up about GrapheneOS.
Why would an average user need to install this over the stock OS?
New interface, customisation, fdroid apps, security updates/data protection; the list goes on, I think..? 🤔 I haven't looked it up in a while; but it's definitely one of the reasons I got a Pixel 8 Pro. You should stay curious.
To not be dependent on Google and send all your data to them.
I know the average user doesn't care, but they should.
I've been a fan of the Pixels. I'm on a 7 now, no complaints.
iPhone 12 Mini. I loved my 5S and first gen SE and I still can’t understand why phone manufacturers these days insist on making tablets and calling them phones. I just want something that fits in my pocket. I would probably have switched to Android years ago but I haven’t found a single Android phone with a small form factor, decent performance and decent camera.
12 mini for me too, for the same reason. Hopefully the trend will reverse and smaller phones will become more popular.
iPhone 15 pro currently. Blackberry passport was the GOAT though.
Pixel 7 pro here. They're overpriced at release but if you're willing to buy last year's model they're pretty good.
Currently using a Galaxy A52s 5G w/ LineageOS... Best phone I've ever used.
US owner of an EU Fairphone 4. It is functionally locked to T-mobile due to AT&T not wanting unlocked devices on their network and the 5G bands dont always line up correctly so calls while driving are tricky. Beyond that, I love the device and can do that cool party trick where you can take out your battery and everyone stares in awe at my organic, free-range smart phone. (That part is a lie, I dont go to parties).
Joking asside, I like having an attempt at an ethically sourced phone, even though it is a finicky device. There is a US redistributor and they sell a model with region appropriate changes and a de-googled cloud backup service, but im not in the market for replacing this thing yet.
Eu fairphone 4 user here. Obviously i have none of these issues as phone/network locking isnt a thing here. And im running lineageos and not fully degoogled ( which im ok with ).
But the party trick is very real haha.
I plan to use this phone for at least 8 years as my previous phone, a one plus x, i used for 8 years.
Fairphone also has 5 (!) year of warranty if you sign up for free.
And you can still buy all the spare parts for the Fairphone 2 which came out 9 years ago.
So getting to 8 years shouldn't be a problem.
Pixel 2 XL was my favorite phone and still works. I'm still on a Pixel 5 because of the physical fingerprint sensor
I miss the physical sensor from my 4a. Enjoy the time while it lasts!
Same, 2XL was just a great phone all around, I really wish Google stuck with the panda colour scheme and not following trends like the notch or hole-punch, I'm on the 4a after my 5a shit itself, love the rear fingerprint reader!
Currently a Galaxy S9+. Battery life isn't the best anymore, and I'm running low on internal storage, but it's still serving me well. I'm not even sure what I'd upgrade to, I really need the SD slot that almost nothing new has anymore.
Best was my old Motorola Droid 2, I miss slide-out keyboards so damn badly.
This cherry phone with a physical keyboard from the Philippines that allowed you to watch television using an antenna in the top right. However it sadly stopped booting for me.
iPhone 14 Pro. Got it deeply discounted from my carrier when the 15 line came out.
It's ok, but it's a modern smartphone like any other so I have too many dislikes to say it's the best. The phone I think of most fondly was probably my LG Keybo 2
Samsung Galaxy S20, still doing good work for me.
Nothing really compares to that first iPhone though.
Pixel 4a. I'm too lazy to get a new phone that often. Though, I don't get any proper updates anymore, that sucks. Best phone has always been the current one I use at the time.
Galaxy Z Fold 5. Before this I had a Z Flip 4. This Fold 5 is probably the best phone I've ever owned. The screen is amazing to watch stuff on, I make music sometimes on it, I played through all of Paper Mario on it, I use it to draw when I'm bored or waiting for someone.
Had the fold 3, was fine at first, but my eyes aren't as perfect, and the screen was so thin it was less usable folded.
The pixel fold has a better form factor, but it crappier otherwise.
My current and best phone is the Pixel 7 :3
Cheap android phone with custom rom support.
Probably 1+ 6t (that's before it was merged). No bloat nice phone.
Or my old BlackBerry before they stopped bothering to test anything and rested on their laurels. I miss the one place portal everything posted its notifications etc. Android is awful for that.
I like my Pixel 7 Pro (current phone) but I have to have a launcher on it because their home screen sucks.
Samsung Galaxy S10+ stable, battery lasts, all good
Best phone I ever had was an LG G7. It was dope.
iPhone 16 pro. Too early to tell but this might be my favorite ever.
Previous ones I also really enjoyed were all nexus or pixels but they all inevitably shit themselves after a couple years of use. Most recent one pixel 7 just decided it was gonna drain 6% battery per hour while idling out of nowhere. And nothing I tried fixed it. And I tried a lot.
Custom rom pr battery replacement?
iPhone 15 Pro and Pixel 6 for work. They’re both fine. Does phone things. Wish the battery life on the iPhone were better though.
On an iphone 13 mini because it's just about the last reasonably-sized smartphone left even though ios has tons of little quirks that annoy me. Favorite was probably the OG Pixel I had until like 2020 when it finally died, RIP
I once played around with a fair phone. It felt like the best phone I ever played with.
I had an old Motorola that had Android, replaceable battery, and audio connection. It does after 4-5 years when the power button stopped working and they stopped updating the phone after the first couple of months.
Samsung Galaxy A13 5G. It's fine.
Between an Android or an Iphone smartphone.
Anything with Android on it for sure.
When you look at smartphone manufacturers, the only reason you should consider a specific manufacturer besides price (i'm talking function wise) is for any prebuilt settings. Some might have some special kind of battery saving feature among others including opening Android more compared to others. Some phones might have build in local radio support or Bluetooth others likely don't.
I miss my Galaxy S4. After that, things just got worse and worse... Shoutout to my Nexus 6 for the screen size and ratio, though.
iPhone SE. I would use a smaller model of iPhone, if there was one. I need a phone I can easily take with me, not some aircraft-carrier sized high-tech device ;)
Samsung Galaxy note 4 or my current asus rog phone 6d. Note 4 was a peak of smartphone design, large screen, exchangable battery, stylus ( mostly for fun, i do like to have phones that have something special in them, but it was quite usefull for playing nonograms , havent actually used it for notes ever ) microsd, jack. Evrything ever needed in a phone was there.
Rog phone 6d on the other hand has suprisingly many features minijack ,TWO usbc ports , actually large storage ( microsd is good but android has a lot of limitations on what you can use it for so its not that usefull and you still need fairly large internal memory unfortunetly ) and most imporantly the back has rgb ( have i mentioned that i like phones that have something special ). Also it comes with a fast charger included ( which shouldnt be special for such an expensive phone but apparently getting single usb cable for charging somehow became a standard practice ). Also a large screen and it looks sick.
Current phone: OnePlus 9 Pro
Best phone ever: Nokia N900
I miss the Nexus 6. I loved the large comfortable display and dual front-firing speakers. It does not have modern pros like a fingerprint reader, USB C, or a recent processor. But it also doesn't have modern cons like an obstructive front camera, 9:18/20 display, or curved glass.
Huawei nova 3 was the best one I had, Second best one I had was iPhone 6s plus because it was handed down to my mom from my dad and then handed down to me and i still had software updates and was still smooth compared flagship samsung trash i owned that slowed down after 4 years. I might have put iphone6s as the best if sideloading was easier.
Some motorola g30-something.
Great value for money. I don't care for anything extravagant when it comes to phones.
Redmi Note 11
Nokia N-Gage
Samsung S10 here. It needs replacement or LineageOS.
Best phone? I LOVED my Nexus5. Oh man, was that a great phone. Before that - get ready - StarTAC 7800: a feature-flip. Not as indestructable as my micro-TAC 550 but still a great phone.
I have a Galaxy S24 Plus. My three gripes with it are that it is too big, no headphone jack, and no SD card slot. Really, being too big is the worst. I miss smaller phones. Like the Galaxy S6. My favorite phone was probably either my ZTE Axon 7, which had fantastic front facing stereo speakers and a nice aluminum body, or my HTC Vivid with its horizontal dock.
I have the same phone. I don't mind the size, but I'd like it to be lighter.
The lack of headphone jacks across the industry should have been a criminal offense, initiating RICO lawsuits from our government.
The problem with smaller phones is the lousy battery
So be it. I should be able to text one handed without stretching my thumb through inhuman effort to reach the "a" key.
I absolutely love my Xperia 1 VI. I didn't realize how much I missed the headphone port until I had it back. Also there's so many fun camera settings to play around with. And the expandable storage that I loaded up with ROMs
I have a Pixel 8a. Before that I had a Pixel 4a. Both of these are probably the best phones I've owned.
I say both, because for someone who isn't a heavy user, the only real benefits of the 8a over the 4a for me are the bump in performance and the 120hz screen. Oh, and updates too, of course.
One Plus 8, it's been more than 4 years. I refreshed it with a /e/OS install and I still love it!
I've only had to replace the charging port a few days ago. It's not too hard if you have a heat gun
CAT S22 Flip as my daily driver. I also don't really use my phone for content consumption anymore; I just need the basics + hotspot.
"Best phone" doesn't really exist for me in the smarphone era because they've all been compromises. If my OnePlus 3 had a slide out QWERTY keyboard, it would probably qualify, though.