I need a new phone. I’d like to install e/os and I am wondering if folks have brand recommendations.
My last two phones have been Teracube 2e’s, but they haven’t lasted long–about one year each before either the battery blew up (leaving a large dent in the back of the phone) or the charging port failed. I am trying to get yet another new one under warranty…but the warranty may have run out at this point, in which case I’d like to not buy from that company again.
I’m also looking for a phone without 5G, as I live in a rural area that will not see 5G in my lifetime, and I figure I can save money with an older phone without 5G capabilities.
So what phone would folks suggest? I don’t need something high end, but I would like it to be dependable, and I would like the hardware to be compatible with e/os. I’ve dabbled a tiny bit with linux and I know how much of a pain it can be when the OS doesn’t recognize hardware or work with the hardware properly.
Thanks!
Honestly I’d be open to The Murena CMF Phone 1 if folks have found the hardware to be more durable. I would like to support e/OS (I think buying from their official store does this?) but replacing a phone every year, even if under warranty, is just not acceptable…
5G is becoming ubiquitous on phones so you might struggle to find one without it. You can use the preferred network setting to specify whatever is available locally so the phone doesn’t run the battery down by looking for something it won’t find.
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I do see that Pixel 4’s are available for not very much money, and are on the list of phones that e/OS will work on, so that may be one option…
If you get a newer phone you can always turn 5G off under SIM settings. As mentioned 5G support in phones has been universal for several years now. I really wouldn’t limit myself that way.
You’d have to go back a number of years to find a phone without 5G and then you would probably have the additional expense of a battery replacement. Keep in mind Li-Ion batteries have a shelf life three to five years. In other words they wear out over time even without cycle use. A second hand phone several years old would definitely need a new battery.
In any case I have a OnePlus model from 2021 that runs /e/os well. I’m thinking of buying a new phone next year and I’m leaning toward a Pixel 9a assuming it’s supported by then. If I were to buy right now I would chose between a OnePlus 11, Pixel 8a, or CMF Phone 1. I would also consider the Shiftphone 8 and Fairphone 5, but they’re not sold in my country (the USA).