[ale] LineageOS and other alternate android versions

[Ron]

Allen Beddingfield via Ale wrote on 2025-08-01 14:10:

> My thought was to give LineageOS a try, since it seems to have the 
> most devices supported.  Any input or advice around this?

I moved to LineageOS recently and my only regret is waiting so long to
do so.


Carefully follow the guide and it's a breeze.

More time spent reading and re-reading the instructions than actually
performing the installation.


My Pixel4a was hit with the battery-killing update, turning it into e-waste.

LineageOS restored my phone to something reliable.

Bonus: I went from Android 13 to Android 15.

Also, I'm still getting weekly updates.


> Also, what's the current go to reputable source for working used 
> devices?

I've looked at Best Buy's 3rd party refurbished phones, almost bought
one but in the end I didn't need to.


> I've seen unlocked "renewed" Pixels on Amazon, but the comments 
> always have some percentage of people claiming to have received a 
> phone that was not actually unlocked.
Always a risk, but paying by credit card should allow for a charge-back 
in such scenarios.

Maybe Paypal has similar?


I'll never buy another new Google product, but Pixel phones are still 
the best (IMHO), so at some point a refurbished top end Pixel from a 
generation or two ago will be something I try.


If you install LineageOS and/or buy a refurbished phone, would like to 
hear your experience.


Some things that don't work with LineageOS:

* Google's call screening, even with Google's phone app.

* Possibly Google Wallet payments, but I don't use it so am not sure


Google's camera works as it did on stock Android, which is a critical 
feature to me.