[ale] [EXTERNAL] Re: LineageOS and other alternate android versions

[Allen Beddingfield]

Ah, good info.  Thanks for that.  If calling, texting, camera, and mobile browser works I am good - anything else is just extras.  Would like to see if I can get the Protonmail app working, but that isn't 100% essential.  I don't really do a whole lot on my phone - I prefer to use a 27" monitor and a full sized keyboard to squinting to see a screen, and trying to type on that tiny keyboard lol
I will post an update once I get something set up.
Thanks.
Allen B.
--
Allen Beddingfield
Systems Engineer
Office of Information Technology
The University of Alabama
Office 205-348-2251
allen at ua.edu


________________________________________
From: Ale <ale-bounces at ale.org> on behalf of Ron via Ale <ale at ale.org>
Sent: Friday, August 1, 2025 4:34 PM
To: ale at ale.org
Cc: Ron
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [ale] LineageOS and other alternate android versions

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.


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