yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
It doesn't really matter what processor it uses. If a phone is popular, it will get custom roms. Sure, snapdragon processors are easier for custom rom devs. But in the end there are snapdragon phones that don't have custom roms. My advice, try using your phone without custom roms. Unless you had a root only functionality, there is really no point in using a custom rom nowadays.

As for a phone suggestion, get the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
Smaller screen means less battery, less performance. Also, means less camera prowess, since it doesn't have the space. Smaller phones are becoming extinct because there is really no point in throwing 1000$ on a 4.6 smartphone that has the specs of 2015. As for a smartphone, I suggest the Pixel 2. Seems is still officially supported.
[General Questions and Answers] LeshaRB:
I want to change my Lenovo Legion Duel to Vivo X Note

I had no experience with this company before.

The most important question that interests me

Is it possible to put root here?

Can the bootloader be unlocked?

Are there firmware available for free?
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
Is there a solid reason why you need root? The bloatware one isn't a solid reason anymore when we are talking about 12 gigs of ram and 256 gigs of storage.
[General Questions and Answers] LeshaRB:
Yes, but it's personal, I think it's not worth discussing

The crux of the matter lies elsewhere
[General Questions and Answers] Spaceboy60:
Personally I can't stand skins of many manufacturers, one ui miui

I prefer custom ROMs less bloatware and features that you don't get on stock ROM, and I always root my phone
[General Questions and Answers] haloking:
So I'm looking for a smartphone that would last for few years with minimum or no issues. My criteria and the spec. I look for are:

Battery life: A phone that would last +5.5 hours SoT; I'm a casual user just need it for browsing, social media, reading, watching movies, calling.. etc.

Doesn't lag and very good performance.

Very good camera

Affordable; below $400

With my research I found below brands and models but need help to know which is the best fit for me?
[General Questions and Answers] zpunout:
The Exynos variant is well supported by custom ROM development but not the Snapdragon variant. I have an S10e and S10 Plus Exynos. Those phones are both running LineageOS 18.1 which function just as quickly in real life usage as a Pixel 4 I had which is Snapdragon 855 powered (same SoC as the Snapdragon variant Galaxy S10)
[General Questions and Answers] zpunout:
Keep an eye out for Xperia Ace 3 due to be released in a few weeks. I'm hoping there will be developer interest and become a suitable replacement for my XZ2 Compact which is running LineageOS. Oddly, it is rumoured to have a Snapdragon 888
[General Questions and Answers] zpunout:
I only agree with your statement as far as if the user wishes to use a phone with GApps built in and that the phone is still receiving updates from the manufacturer.
[General Questions and Answers] helmen:
For example between an redmi 5 plus and a samsung a03?
[General Questions and Answers] eriol1:
Don't know about the rest, but poco x3 pro camera is not very good.
[General Questions and Answers] baldybill:
It's frustrating to find a new phone. I fell in love with the Samsung Galaxy A33 - then I found out that it's not coming to the USA.

Wish I could find a good solid mid-range phone with several updates that's 128GB or more and 6GB or more RAM and all for less than $450.

The Pixel 6a and Galaxy A53 are just a little pricy and are just a little more than I need.

I need it to work on either Verizon or T-Mobile (or both).

Hmmmm
[General Questions and Answers] bakarilos:
Hi all! i gues this is the correct forum to post my question and i hope members will give me advice and help.

Current phone: P30 PRO bought in late 2019

what i love about the phone?

- Battery life

-battery charging speed

-software

- Main camera and periscope camera

-price (bought for 500 Euros)

-IP rating

what i didn't like (at least now)

- the display is not bright enough for sunlight

- software support and updates (got one after almost 2 years now)

- the main camera took pics with washed-out colors (though this is my opinion)

- curved edges (had to change tempered glass 4 times (i am clumsy)

-my phone got a bit slow after some time (though probably i should have reset it after a year)

-the camera performance has deteriorated

- the selfie camera was always a bit blurry (for my taste at least)

I need to change my phone now since the microphone works on and off. and I also got bored :(

what is important for me, what I do not care about

- Battery charging speed first and battery life

- Great Main camera performance (i do not use the ultrawide camera)

-Value- I don't care about flagships

-IP rating, i am clumsy

-I never game

- I want good spear loudness

-good support regarding updates-

-the newer the phone the better. i want a 2022 model

as it stands I have found these models that i would like some opinions and other models are welcome too

Realme GT Neo3​

Realme 9 Pro+​

Samsung Galaxy A73 5G​
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
Have you tried a factory reset, using a microsd card to store all your data (helps a lot keeping the internal storage free) and a gcam port?
[General Questions and Answers] bakarilos:
Hi,

it doesn't support microsd!

what is a g cam port?

what about a proposal for a phone?
[General Questions and Answers] yetanotheranonymous:
I'm looking for an inexpensive used tablet that's rootable, something similar to the Tab A 8.0. Are any of the Tab As OEM unlockable or should I get another tablet entirely?
[General Questions and Answers] baldybill:
Any thoughts on a solid mid-range with 128GB or more, 6GB Ram or more? Compatible with T-Mobile in the USA?
[General Questions and Answers] V0latyle:
Pixel 5a

Look for an upcoming sale if the 6a is launched in May. I picked one up for my wife last year at $349 shortly before the 6/6 Pro launch. Even at full price, most people still qualify for Synchrony financing through the Google store.
[General Questions and Answers] baldybill:
That's a contender.

Thanks. That's one contender.

Open to other suggestions, too.
[General Questions and Answers] V0latyle:
Honestly for the price, it's hard to find something just as capable. It's not a flagship by any means, but it has the same SoC as the Pixel 5 with a larger screen, larger battery, and same storage. It doesn't come burdened down by bloat like so many Samsung devices; most of their midrange offerings really suffer in the performance department. I can't speak as to LG or others as I've only used Pixels for the last 6 years or so, but in my experience, you're best served by getting a device with capable hardware and as little OEM bloat as possible.
[General Questions and Answers] Master Melab:
Are there any MediaTek smartphones that were released in the last 5 years that do not have a "secured" preloader, meaning the boot ROM does not verify the preloader?
[General Questions and Answers] Teraclips:
man, my last post here in XDA was like 6 yrs ago. so trying to find a custom ROM for my Samsung Tab S6(WiFi) led me to find out that ROMs for Qualcomm chipsets are almost nonexistance which ironically and bit funny, that wasn't the case back in the days lol (or probably got it all backwards)

with out-of-date info ive been dropping rocks on my feet these past years, so I wanna ask advice going forward when I next upgrade my Tab and phone which chipsets should I want them to be in the event they get dropped out of manufacture updates?

Currently own

Note10+ (N975U1)

Tab S6(WiFi T860)

now i plan to use this a year or two more depending if the batteries manage to hold on or google releases something amazing, yes, im mostly switching them because the batteries dont last as long as they used to. (mostly my phone)

phones im interested: pixel and OnePlus

tabs: Samsung Tabs or a Pixel tab(do they make?)

phone = i dont care for audio jacket, if possible i dont want those ridiculous and humongous camera sensors protruding from the back, i want as much RAM/Storage as possible (im ok as long as it feels like i havent downgraded from my Note10+ i guess) you know i deal with lots of heavy PDF and office files.

unlocked, i always buy them unlocked but this time i dont wanna buy another $1K phone and since Samsung practically killed the Note series im done with them hence why a Pixel looks like a good change

tablet = i still use it a bit for work like my phone when i feel lazy to use my laptop but it is mostly used for entertaining purposes such a reading comics/novels etc

full disclosure though, just last night my Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 got one last hail-mary and got an upgrade to Android 12 and One Home 4.1 which was reallly unexpected. My Note10+ still gets security patches monthly(unless they plan to do a big update) and big updates once in a while.

sorry it is a bit longwinded so i wanna thank you all in advance for any help or advice you can give.
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
For phone, give samsung s22 ultra a look. Is pretty much the succesor of notes series.

For tablet, given that you got an update to android 12, I suggest you just change batteries. If you feel like it's becoming slow, just use a debloating tool

GitHub - 0x192/universal-android-debloater: Cross-platform GUI written in Rust using ADB to debloat non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device.

Cross-platform GUI written in Rust using ADB to debloat non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device. - 0x192/universal-android-debloater

github.com
[General Questions and Answers] SumitB:
Hello All!

I am an Indian residing in India. I am currently holding on to my 4 y/o S9+ with Noble 1.5 ROM. I would have replaced it some months back but I cannot let go of the Call Recorder this phone/ROM offers. Especially the ability to record all calls without any notification to the caller.

The only two gripes I have currently with this setup are the inability to record VoWiFi calls and that most banking apps don't work. I have tried Magisk/Riru/other workarounds. Nothing seems to work for the specific bank apps. Otherwise, this phone is still in relatively good condition other than the screen which goes yellow at times. But this has been happening for over two years now and I have been living with it.

For work related reasons, I need to have a phone which lets me record all calls without any notification. Recording VoWiFi calls has also become a necessary requirement now given that I am now living in an area where the Mobile Signal has a mind of its own. For those who may be interested to know, I run a business which requires me to frequently refer to previous conversations I have had with clients/customers.

I now also feel the need to use Mobile Banking Apps as I am having to travel a lot off late and don't always have access to the computer for banking transactions.

I am looking for recommendations for a new phone which still allows for in-built call recording without any notification. The ability to record all calls is a must. I need to be able to record VoWiFi calls. I don't care about updating system software and if the phone works out of the box to record calls, I will not update or apply security patches. Application updates will be applied as and when necessary.

I won't root this phone so that I can use banking apps.

My budget is 15K INR and is extendable by 2K at most. I need the phone with the biggest screen I can get at this price.

Given the above requirements, I would appreciate if someone can recommend a phone to me.

Thank You!
[General Questions and Answers] LOAZIT:
if yes, how to install LINEAGEOS? there is only 3+ and 4 available
[General Questions and Answers] Teraclips:
Thank you, will make sure to check it out
[General Questions and Answers] onmi:
Just looking for a small phone which was made in the last 3 years. I currently use a Sony Xperia Z3 compact but its starting to slow down. I use it for light web browsing, messaging, calling, and Clash of Clans =) I never really use my phone for more than 6 hours a day. I don't really have a budget, nor do I care about the manufacturer. Just has to be de-google-able. Thanks!
[General Questions and Answers] SigmundDroid:
Yes. I did get an FP3 because I was fed up with abysmal repair possibilities of mainstream. However, they are quite expensive, even used above 250€.

Well, I did install LOS:

https://support.fairphone.com/hc/en-us/articles/360048646311

https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/FP3/

just to get rid of google but *warning* the original seems faster in the aftermath. Oh, well, anything for root, eh? ;)
[General Questions and Answers] BananaTech:
that's what I'm wondering is there a phone in the 100-200 dollar range i can root if so what make or model that's ether unlocked or works with visible wireless/Verizon
[General Questions and Answers] sabei:
Privacy Centric phone wanted - but still use banking apps.........

Hi, my current phone is rooted and AFWalled to try and maintain some privacy with no Google or Meta onboard at all.

Unfortunately this means banking apps won't work and whereas this was not an issue before I am now moving toward having to use them. Could not get the ones I needed to work with MicroG etc etc.

So what phone would you recommend with the least amount of data slurping - this rules out all Xiaomi phones as far as I am aware even after debloating unless they have changed a lot recently.

Most of the time it will just be switched off.

Ideally dual sim.

Thanks
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
Unfortunately banking apps need the bootloader to be locked. So that means no root or microg. Given that you don't want to be spied by Google and I assume you don't want to be spied by Chinese either, I recommend you get an iPhone.
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
Check redmi 4a. It has active community development on xda. In that year range, can't really suggest anything. Unless you are familiar with ulefone
[General Questions and Answers] sabei:
Thanks. After posting I thought I should say something about Apple as I also saw that as an option. Fortunately or unfortunately I have an issue with Apple's walled garden plus their phones tend to be pricier to start with.

I understand I am not going to be able to stop all of Google's data slurp but allowing for that any other suggestions? Eg. do Android one phones have less bloat/slurp or which manufacturer, if any, is less wedded to getting data off a phone that I don't want it to have.
[General Questions and Answers] juniorhero:
i am looking for android device with kali nethunter kernel support

which is cheapest device to buy
[General Questions and Answers] Oswald Boelcke:
@juniorhero

Like already announced by me in your other thread, prior to your next posting please read the guidances that are stuck on top of every forum like

[Read Before Posting]QUESTIONS DO NOT BELONG IN GENERAL

Hello Everybody, In order to attempt to keep this forum neat and tidy the moderation team is asking you to post your questions into the Questions and Answers (Q&A) forum and not into the General section. You can find the Q&A forum by clicking...

xdaforums.com

and the others. I've moved the thread to an already existing thread in General Q&A.

Thanks for your cooperation!

Regards

Oswald Boelcke

Senior Moderator
[General Questions and Answers] SumitB:
I am still looking for help. I can take my budget up to Rs. 20000/- INR. Please help me out.

Recording all phone calls without notification is still the main requirement. I can do without VoWiFi if it is a hinderance in call recording. Today, GPay stopped working on me after I updated it.
[General Questions and Answers] mrrocketdog:
@SumitB ,

skvalx call recorder , can get it on the play store , has worked for me for years on 3 or 4 different devices on 3 or 4 different android versions. no issues to report.

their is the "trial" app and then the purchasable app. dont remember how long the trial was for but after a couple of days i bought the paid version ($9.99) because it worked so good for me (your mileage may vary).

not sure if this would help you since your looking for a new phone. just wanted to put it out there.
[General Questions and Answers] ares3010:
Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of buying a new Smartphone of the latest Xiaomi released. But I wanted a tip from you on which one to buy. May I later mod it with a ROM that allows me to put the Call Recorder and make further changes. Thanks a lot, I hope for your help.

Hello
[General Questions and Answers] NOSS8:
1/Do not buy a Xiaomi with Media tek soc

2/Try to find a phone with its equivalent in China

3/Browse XDA to see which models have the most roms

4/For the call recorder, look at the models here and there
[General Questions and Answers] ares3010:
Thank you very much
[General Questions and Answers] terragady:
Hi, time for me to change phone mostly due to reduced battery life, had this one 3years now and it is Xiaomi 9T.

I am looking for something not super expensive and I deducted 2 (3) phones which are:

Samsung S21 and Xiaomi 11T (or Poco F3 as they are similar). Which one do you think is more worth to buy? I do not game, dont care about photo quality that much, I like custom launchers/customization in general and unproblematic usage. I care about battery life.

Samsung has advantage of being smaller in size and waterproof and nicely made, has under screen fingerprint scanner which I like in my current phone, quite good software update perspectives. As I read it does not support QC but PD so I am not sure if I will get fast charging with my old chargers and it does not come with a charger included.

Xiaomi looks similar to what I have now, a bit bigger, good battery life, pretty customizeable and a little bit cheaper than S21.

Is there any other phone I should consider?
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
is there a reason you dont consider replacing your battery ? is far cheaper than buying a brand new phone. plus seems you are quite happy as it is.
[General Questions and Answers] terragady:
yes usually I was not happy with replaced batteries, also I do not use covers and screen protectors, screen is amazingly good actually but the body got some hits, 2 of 3 cameras are broken, speakers are not that good anymore (i know can replace it as well). 3 years is a good age to go retired :)
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
How about Samsung S21 FE?
[General Questions and Answers] terragady:
hmm it is almost twice more expensive than S21 and does not really offer that much more?
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
Funny that. Well, in that price range I would suggest going for Samsung. Those 4 years of updates might make a difference. Also, at least get a screen protector. A good quality screen protector is almost invisible. Afterall don't you like a smartphone with a good screen?
[General Questions and Answers] stasprze:
Hello,

I'm a blind kid looking for a cheap phone. Must support unlocking the boot loader, preferably a large selection of custom roms or at least supported by Lineage, and must have a screen that's no bigger than 5 inches.

I've owned a few Android phones before, but always switched back to iOS due to accessibility issues. Recently I've installed Pixel Experience 12 on my Redmi 5+ and it works great, but the phone is too big for me.

I'm looking for a price range to about 50 USD as I can't currently afford anything more expensive.

I've looked in to the Galaksy S4 Mini and the S5 Mini as well, but from what I remember my standard S5 (SMG900F) was really sluggish on Lineage 18.1, so preferably something newer.

I also checked out the original Pixel and the Pixel 2. Would anyone still recommend the original Pixel for modern Android, or would that be slow?

If there's a small and more modern Xiaomi phone I can possibly try to get in that price range then feel free to share suggestions like that as well, as I'll be custom roming them eitherway so I don't care about MIUI beeing slow and bloated.

TL.DR: Share anything, as long as the screen is small, modability is good, and the price range doesn't exceed around 50 / 60 USD.

Regards.
[General Questions and Answers] terragady:
hmm dont like anything on my screen. I do care about my phone, always alone in a pocket and for now using phone for 3 years I have just 1 bigger scratch but short one. There are some which you can spot under the light but not visible otherwise. I have never used any protectors for phones and there was never a KO.
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
Android phones at that price range (50$) would struggle handling basic task, like using a social app or using your browser. Top that with some accessibility services and for sure you will get an even worse experience.

My recommendation would be to get an iPhone 8. Apple provides better long term support, better accessibility support than any custom rom out there. I don't think there are a lot of custom roms build with visual imparement in mind, and if they are for sure they don't have the means of achieving what Apple has. Since iphone 7 is getting ios 16 rumors, my guess is that iphone 8 would be a safe bet until ios 20 or so.
[General Questions and Answers] stasprze:
I am aware that iOS has better accessibility, but over the last 2 years the state of Android accessibility has marginally improved, that's why I'm looking for an Android phone.

I also do know that phones at that price range (at least the brand new unknown brand models) are not going to be great, and that's why I'm looking for older phones from known brands like Google or Samsung.

I'm also willing to buy slightly broken phones from auctions, and I've even been able to find some great offers.

I'm just asking here which models would be the best for me to pick up in terms of modability and speed.
[General Questions and Answers] Horrible Username:
I currently have a MotoG5, running on Lineage14.1. I find it is getting pretty slow with modern updated apps, plus the battery is getting tired - that along with the fact I overlooked that the phone doesn't have a compass.

Now, I'm thinking about getting a former flagship model. Honestly, I really don't use the phone for much, so there is no reason for me to spend anything close to big money - I'm thinking along the lines of ~$250CAD.

As far as features go… I want to stay 6" or under screen size. Must have a compass (the few thing I do use are astronomy and hiking apps). Easy to root, with good custom ROM support.

The models on my radar right now are the Pixel3, maybe 4a. Beyond that I have no idea what else to even look at, so any suggestions for other models would be helpful.

Cheers
[General Questions and Answers] Fytdyh:
Is there a reason you want to stick with former flagships? Midrange phones nowadays blur the line between them and the former flagships. Have a look at Xiaomi/poco phones.
[General Questions and Answers] Horrible Username:
Best phone for the smallest amount of money? Plus new phones are freakin huge. No thanks
[General Questions and Answers] cacamalaca:
Hello, I'm in desperate need of a phone upgrade. I currently use the moto g8 power. I need an upgrade because my phone is either defective, terrible, or both.. Basic apps like google maps can take 10 seconds to load and the device constantly freezes. I hate it.

My budget is $800. I'm currently visiting the UK and will spend the next 5 months in different countries across Western Europe.

Primary requirements:

- snappy performance

- NFC & google pay

- good camera

- 5g

- Dual sim preferred

- Non-Chinese brand preferred

- Works in Europe and Brazil. USA would be a bonus too.

Edit: I was recommended the S20 FE with Snapdragon. Is this good? A samsung representative told me that the Snapdragon version will perform slower in Europe because the phone will always be set to roaming. Is this true or was he just trying to get me to buy the Exynos?

All advice appreciated, thank you.