What phone now?

[RShea]

<p>

I agree that they have mostly grown too big, like &#39;Muhricans. FWIW Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are the same size, just a little bigger than the S22/23/24/25 base models. The 9 Pro has better specs than the regular 9. The 9 Pro XL is big. AFAIK there are no other current smallish phones on the market. S22 on left, P9 on right. I prefer the smaller one but can accept this size bump in exchange for the battery life and performance. ETA: I guess pics still don&#39;t work. Anyway, P9 is like 3/16&quot; taller and a bit thicker.

You are right on the Pixel vs Pixel Pro screen size- it is the Pixel Pro XL that goes bigger... As I said if I can text and type on the keyboard, I guess I am fine with a smaller screen, but if I am missing keys or the buttons icons, then I would either have to start using a stylus, or be a deal breaker... As I stated I&#39;ll probably have to go to a cellular store or electronics department of Target, Best Buy, etc. that have the devices actually on display and compare. But most all are in demo mode and can&#39;t even pull up the on screen keyboard at stores...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: proxima-nova, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; background-color: rgb(0, 0, 74);">There are smaller phones- the folding screen models from more than1 manufacturer- Motorola Razr and Samsung Flip series. But I would not want a folding model. Also there are some entry level prepaid phones that have pretty basic no frills offering and a smaller screen... But for the top 3 or so market share companies there are fewer and fewer.</span></p>

[liv2ski]

There is no way I am paying over $300 for a new phone. My 2022 Motorola is a great phone and T Mobile has been really good to me over the last 10 years.

Sent from my moto g stylus 5G (2022) using Tapatalk

[riser4]

We had a fleet of those in 3 different year models and I found them to be decent phones however they were slightly glitchy. Also, OS support is so short that it covers really only one android version upgrade. I was using one as a BYOD for some work stuff back when i had a job and had to get a new one and waterfall it every year in order to comply with the n-1 OS policy. Plus, they keep getting bigger. The math was such that especially when factoring in Google Fi deals, I finally decided to try the S24. I like the size. And hopefully now have a less "disposable" phone. My old pixel 3a lasted quite a while. I stopped using it for my primary when the battery started getting weak, however it got an extended life as my byod for work, until the OS support ran out. Hopefully I can keep the S24 battery going longer.

[liv2ski]

I have never needed OS support on the phone? I guess I'm easy on them, as I buy them, they work for many many years, until the batteries get weaker and then I have to buy a newer one. I've never had an issue with my present Moto G phone. I understand they don't have the appeal of an Apple or topped tier Samsung, but I don't need that. It has the headphone jack for when I go skiing and the little stylus for when I want to jot notes equals perfect for me.

Sent from my moto g stylus 5G (2022) using Tapatalk

[riser4]

OS support meaning updates and upgrades to new levels. Moto G series provide about 18 mos. Samsung and Pixel provides 7 years, if I am not mistaken. This is all from release date, not when you purchase it.

[liv2ski]

I see, but again, if it was great when purchased, why do I want their upgrades that often cause new problems?
Sure I get security issues, but I don't use my phone for anything I need real secure and my third party software is probably better than the OS at preventing issues anyways.

Sent from my moto g stylus 5G (2022) using Tapatalk

[singlesline]

I see, but again, if it was great when purchased, why do I want their upgrades that often cause new problems?
Sure I get security issues, but I don't use my phone for anything I need real secure and my third party software is probably better than the OS at preventing issues anyways.

Sent from my moto g stylus 5G (2022) using Tapatalk

You have your bank's app on there? Your email? You definitely have your texts on there.

I don't think there's a high likelihood of it happening to a random person using an old phone, but all someone needs is the ability to intercept some password reset/validation emails and they can rip you apart. These things aren't phones anymore, they are full-fledged computers that are connected to the internet 24/7.

Although I mostly think it is bullshit that many phone makers routinely fail to provide basic security updates for the entire useful life of the phone. Even on a cheap phone, that should be a basic expectation (especially since on Android most of the security work itself is being done by Google, the phone company just has to roll it out to their devices).

[riser4]

My former employer insisted on os at n or n-1 if we wanted to use a BYOD. I wasn't eligible for a corporate phone. That was their security policy and their perogative. There were advantages to me in using an old waterfalled phone loaded with the corporate apps with a Google Fi data only SIM card in it. The Pixel 3a covered me for a few years in that role owing to the previously mentioned 7 years of updates. And the phone was slim enough that I didn't mind carrying both it and my regular phone. No way would I mix corporate and personal on one device.

To the point of why bother with OS upgrades? Well, there's a reason IT security folks give a shit, so I probably should too. And they don't do it just to sell more phones. That's the marketing department.

Furthermore, my S24 came at a subsidized price not far from the unsubsidized price of the latest Moto G Stylus 5G. And is a better quality phone. That was an easy decision to make. After buying Moto G Stylus versions in 2022, 2023, and 2024, all at the subsidized price, I was feeling a little guilty buying what turned out to be disposable phones. If they love you long time, great. The initial joy for me was quickly replaced with disappointment. I even posted in favor of those phones in this thread in the past. I've moved on.

[liv2ski]

<p>
Single, no bank apps per say.&nbsp; Everything is behind Keeper Security Vault which I do log into occassionally to do stuff.</p>
<p>
Is that a bad idea IYO?</p>
<p>
Yes email, but nothing that should be a security risk as I mostly use my PC.&nbsp; Txt yes, but nothing but BS from friends.</p>

[RShea]

Debating the Samsung A series vs just the Motorola after looking at some of the devices in person... Samsung Galaxy A51 or A71 phone compared to the Motorola G series- Stylus, Power, maybe Pure, or just go and spend for the Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy S series... Galaxy S25 is out now, so maybe a S23 or S24 would be dropping in price.The one thing the A series does not have is a camera that features image stabilization.

[singlesline]

Like I said, you are probably fine.

But with the ability to read your email and texts sent to your number, someone can basically take control of any account you have.

And a quick search of your email is all they need to know which banks you use, which online shopping sites you have accounts at (that’s an easy way to steal…order stuff, delete the confirmation emails), etc.

Security updates are definitely a step or two above just hoping nobody stumbles across your phone with an exploit some day as more and more vulnerabilities remain unpatched.

[riser4]

Rshea - As I mentioned upthread, Google Fi has silly crazy deals on Samsung. They have Pixels and Moto as well, but Samsung seems like the best value to me right now. An A16 for $79, A35 for $199, S25 for $299. And there's other variations. dO YOuR OWn reSEarcH.

[RShea]

Riser4 - I have done plenty of research- including looking at Mint Mobile, Google Fi, manufactures web sites- Samsung, Motorola and others including Amazon and Woot and then some Facebook Marketplace for used and then Ebay searches for refurbished or used devices. I also went to a few stores to measure and look at the devices compared to the phone I have now with the broken screen... It has been one of my longest processes in all the years of carrying a phone... I guess I'll just pull the trigger on one today or tomorrow.

[mcski]

Gazelle is a great site for used phones. Best deals around for unlocked and quality used phones.

[mcski]

Dupe

[RShea]

Gazelle is a great site for used phones. Best deals around for unlocked and quality used phones.

I have been seeing ads for Gazelle on Facebook and have even checked the site out. Majority of their listings of unlocked at least show none available and not in stock at all unless I pick fair condition. Some they do have are either pretty close to the new price, or are older models that are pretty outdated. I did a search for under $500 Samsung devices S10, a few S20 and S21's mostly- a lot showing sold out. Had better results from Reebelo, and some on Amazon or Back Market. Still have to get back on Swappa and see what they have.

[El Chupacabra]

Bump. Received an email from Google saying that an imminent Android update is going to do odd things to my Pixel 6a battery management, and further research shows that this is because some 6a phones have caught fire. Great.

Google offers my choice of a battery replacement, $100 cash, or $150 credit towards a new phone from the Google store.

I started looking at new phone options online, and then remembered this thread.

What would you do?

FWIW, I am using Visible (Verizon network, no contract), and like it, so would prefer to stay there. Visible says I can trade in my 6a for $40.

[ötzi]

It seems to me that phones have reached a peak or at least a plateau. If you like the phone, Id say take the new battery and call it good.

[dan_pdx]

I got the same email. I thought about taking the $150 off and getting an 8a, but I don't think it's a very good deal. It'll probably be 100 or $150 off at Black Friday anyway, and you'll be able to trade in your 6a on top of that.

I'm opting for the battery replacement. It's going to be a pain in the butt, but seems like the least bad option. I agree that a newer phone isn't going to do anything that this phone doesn't already do. I'm planning to hold out for the 9A, or maybe even the 10A. I mean hey, I'll have a brand new battery!

[Danno]

I have a 7a, guess those are ok?

[toast2266]

For whatever it's worth, I got a galaxy S25 recently. It's nothing new or groundbreaking, but it's noticeably better than my S22. Faster, significantly better battery life, and the camera is a little better.

Sent from my SM-S931U1 using Tapatalk

[The Tortoise]

If you get the battery replacement do you lose the waterproofing?

[byates1]

6a are the most glitchy phones . There are deals for 8 pro. It's way way better.

[El Chupacabra]

I got the same email. I thought about taking the $150 off and getting an 8a, but I don't think it's a very good deal. It'll probably be 100 or $150 off at Black Friday anyway, and you'll be able to trade in your 6a on top of that.

I'm opting for the battery replacement. It's going to be a pain in the butt, but seems like the least bad option. I agree that a newer phone isn't going to do anything that this phone doesn't already do. I'm planning to hold out for the 9A, or maybe even the 10A. I mean hey, I'll have a brand new battery!

I'm considering whether to take the $100 or $150, and just keep using the 6a for the time being, while I shop. I think the $150 Google Store credit is valid for awhile, but I need to check - - if valid through Black Friday, maybe wait and use it then.

[mcski]

New battery plus the $benji has the most value. Especially if your fine w the phone otherwise. I’m sure other deals will equal or surpass the one fitty credit down the road.