Google Keeps Making Smartphones Worse
Google Keeps Making Smartphones Worse
Google’s Android, the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, started life as open-source software. In its quest for ever-greater profits, the tech giant has been gradually eroding Android’s open-source capacity over the last decade.
Google’s Android, the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, started life as open-source software. In its quest for ever-greater profits, the tech giant has been gradually eroding Android’s open-source nature over the last decade.
Originally published on The Lever, but that one asks you to sign up.
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Can I get a rundown of the few non-flagship phonemakers that are currently out there? I have heard of The Nothing Phone. Are there more companies that put together Androids to operate within the US?
Fairphone just released the Fairphone 6.
Unfortunately for the EU only.Not true, it can be bought in the US at Murena's website.
Cool! Last tine I checked out wasn't there. Must have been added recently.
The big problem with anything not Google or Samsung is, as it's always been, software support. You get 2 or maybe 3 years of updates and then the device is trash. So you can save a buck on the short term but it will cost you more in the long run and you'll have shitty devices all the way along anyway.
You can buy a 2 year old Pixel for $2-300 and it will last you another 4-5 years (unless Google remotely nukes your battery).
Just because it doesn't have latest Android doesn't mean it's trash. And Fairphone also aims for 7 years support just like your Pixel example.
It doesn't need to be the latest android version per se, but I wouldn't want to use a phone that's not getting security patches anymore
Not having security updates makes it effectively trash, as far as I'm concerned.
anything not Google or Samsung is, as it’s always been, software support.
Motorola.has 5 years on most of its new phones nowadays
You get 2 or maybe 3 years of updates and then the device is trash.
Yeah, I've noticed this as well...
... which is why I was surprised when I read that Nothing Phone 3 will get 5 years of updates + 2 years of security updates.
https://www.androidauthority.com/nothing-phone-3-software-updates-3568533/
Nothing’s Co-Founder and Head of Marketing, Akis Evangelidis, has confirmed that the upcoming Nothing Phone 3 will ship with a “5+7” software update promise. ...likely means the phone will get five years of Android version updates and seven years of security patches...
Although, you can't install GrapheneOS on Nothing phones... so, 🤷
With the new sustainability laws in EU they have to offer 5 years of updates from the sale of their last unit.
The Ecodesign Regulation lays out minimum requirements for mobile phones, cordless phones and tablets to be sold on the EU market to ensure
- greater resistance to drops, scratches, dust and water
- use of more durable batteries, capable of at least 800 charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of their initial capacity
- clear rules on disassembly and repair, requiring manufacturers to supply key spare parts within 5-10 working days, and for at least 7 years after the product model is no longer sold in the EU
- longer availability of operating system updates, at least 5 years from the date the last unit model is sold
- fair access for professional repairers to the software or firmware needed for repairs
clear rules on disassembly and repair, requiring manufacturers to supply key spare parts within 5-10 working days, and for at least 7 years after the product model is no longer sold in the EU
Wonder how if there is an equivalent that applies to eBike. Been waiting for my CowBoy belt since February now. Do not recommend. No more "designer" eBike now, I'll only buy bikes with the most standard parts.
Yeah that's great news. Esp. considering it's an $800+ phone.
isnt graphene mostly pixels only.
it's not "mostly", it's only available for several latest Pixel generations.
It's not the "latest" Pixel generations, devices as old as the Pixel 4 receive extended support (although it's obviously not recommended) and that's mostly because Google does not support them. This will be greatly improved moving forward, since Google has promised much longer update cycles for new devices.
Besides Nothing Phone, you've got Fairphone (sustainable/repairable), Sony (great cameras), Asus (gaming focused), Nokia (budget-friendly), OnePlus (speed/value), and Xiaomi (if you can import) all working to varying degreees in the US market - tho carrier compatibility can be trickly so always check bands before buying.
Would Moto count? I've been rocking their basic-ass phones for years now. Way, way less bloatware than Samsung, etc. and only like $200 unlocked.
I think Moto is actually Lenovo now?
Yup. Motorola is Chinese Lenovo now sadly. Lenovo is absolute trash devices and support.
I think Moto's are a pretty good budget friendly phone. Sure their update policy is lacking, but the Moto G Power or Moto G Stylus phones come decently equipped. Plus you can still get expandable storage and headphone jacks.
Trying to find a 2025 moto g stylus currently. Recently rediscovered hired much I enjoy a headphone jack. Headset runs out of power? Plug in and continue. Also expandable memory wouldn't have lost me hours of recording that I won't ever get back because my phone got a little wet and shit the bed
This is false. Lenovo has some of the highest marks for reliability, customer service, and upgradability; not to mention price.
Been using Moto since Z1 and would say that their phones are fine. $200 for a phone that lasts 4 years is a decent deal.
i have oneplus12r this my first non-pixel phone, you might want to visit the oneplus sub to look for other peoples experience. if you are looking for good deal on phones, online stores like swappa is a good start. i like the battery life of it. midsize cost, if your looking for budget , you can go motorola series, i did consider it at first.
Motorola is full of bloatware. Can not recommend.
The hardware is fine, though.
Daily driving the cmf with /e/OS from Murena for few months now, warmly recommended.