I sollicit your help to find a device that is suitable for the following use case using /e/. I am setting up a phone for an elderly relative, on which they will only use the most basic apps (calls, SMS, internet browsing, camera, Signal, Whatsapp and possibly navigation, with a simplified launcher). I need a device that has the longest chance of OTA updates (security being the most important) ideally 3 years or more. I have a budget to buy a second hand device of 150 euros maximum.
Is this realistic? Is there a device that matches these requirementes?
If you in a 5G service area or one that will get 5G soon, narrow your search for a phone with that hardware.
For inexpensive 5G phones go from the Pixel 4a5G to about the Pixel 6 and 6A can even find Pixel 7 phones not to bad price. I also like Moto phones, they have big battery’s and are also well supported by eOS like the Pixels. Then there are the FairPhone but not sure the price range of them.
As for support time frame the in Moto and Pixel the newer the better. In the supported devices list look at the Murena official phones the FairPhone and Pixel are supported.
If you want to switch to an AOSP-based OS like /e/OS, it’s because you want to “de-Google” your smartphone and ensure your OS respects your privacy—so you’re choosing a certain philosophy.
In that case, to take it a step further, you should choose a smartphone from Fairphone—a brand that’s more ethical, more socially responsible, and more environmentally friendly, and that has implemented a genuine labor charter. No Uighurs, no child labor in African mines, etc… Plus, Fairphones are repairable.
It’s the perfect combo—it doesn’t get any better than this.
All true of course… yet still I’d like to speak up for reuse and second life of already produced devices which is a sustainable approach in its own right that should not be underestimated.
With a price limit of EUR150 and limited functional needs, you could look at a Pixel 5 - you should be able to get a refurbished one at that price point, it has an “official” build (so you will get OTA upgrades, including Android releases and are likely to get at least 3 years of updates) and it should handle the kind of apps you need. It’s also relatively compact, which could make it easier for your elderly relatives to handle…
In the same price range, you could also get a refurbished Asus Zenfone 8. It’s a community build (so, you get OTA updates of e/os, but only for the same Android releases, so you’d have to assist your relative with major release updates), performance is higher than Pixel 5 and it’s similar compact size.
Depending on your country, you could also look at the CMF Phone 1 for that price - it has an official e/os build with OTA updates, a much larger screen and good performance. As this is an official Murena phone, you might even find one with e/os already installed…
Good luck, and, as you mentioned security concerns, I’d recommend to show your relative the “privacy scores” in the AppLounge - it’ll reduce the risk of them installing some scammy free app…
You might have already checked this out alongside what others have suggested, but Murena has their own phones if sold in your region and the Terracube 2s, while being over your stated budget, would provide the Support Requirement you stated.