General **What phone should I buy next?** -- Not sure what device to buy? Ask here!

[KidCarter93]

Hi everyone,

This thread is a continuation of this thread.

This is here so you can discuss what your next phone/tablet should be, if you're not sure what to pick.

Also, if you need advice as to which device is better than another, then feel free to ask those questions in here aswell.

This is an attempt to clear out all the similar threads being created around these forums.

*NOTE* I will be requesting thread maintenance as and when it is needed, to remove any SPAM comments

 

[5746_RTS]

Hi All!
I need to upgrade my phone to a 5G compatible phone. since my carrier (Tmobile) has been sending me messages saying July 1, my phone will no longer work on their system. I have been using Lineage Discovery 19 on a Sony Xperia Xa2 Ultra (H3223).

What is the best 5G phone that will work on a secure/private custom ROM? I would love suggestions! I do use the camera quite a bit, and use the phone for note taking and with business. Privacy is important.
Thank you in advance!

 

[muhschaf]

hi,
after it seems that my XZ1 compact has slowly died today i need a new one.
What are the option for me given following specs:

around 4" - 5" Display.
no bootlock (easy flashable like the SGS4 mini was once)
min 4g (3G don't work here anymore)
sd card slot.

 

[DiamondJohn]

hi,
after it seems that my XZ1 compact has slowly died today i need a new one.
What are the option for me given following specs:

around 4" - 5" Display.
no bootlock (easy flashable like the SGS4 mini was once)
min 4g (3G don't work here anymore)
sd card slot.

Not a suggestion for a phone, however, ALL my previous phones had SDCards, specifically because I would only consider ones that had one. My current phone does not have an sdcard, but has 128GB internally (previously used a 64GB sdcard between phones). I had times that my 64GB was full. that hasnt happened to me yet with 128GB built in. PS: Pixel 4a. Moral of the story, if 128GB is enough and you dont have specific reasons for an SDCard, open up your options and consider some of the phones with built in massive internal memory.

 

[Master Melab]

Are there any newer MediaTek devices that do not have secure boot enabled? As in, the preloader does not need to be digitally signed.

 

[marriedman]

Greetings all!

I can't believe I have come to the point where I need help deciding on a phone. I used to be up-to-date on everything, but there is literally so much out there now and I have so much going on personally, I just can't keep up. I am a long time Android user (since the early days of CyanogenMod) and I have always favored the Nexus/Pixel lines as well as the OnePlus phones. Ease of rooting is paramount to me. I usually get used flagship phones since they tend to have the best support here on XDA. I really like phones that people tinker a lot with.

I currently have a Pixel 3 and I loved this phone. Now however the data/charging port has become finicky. I cannot get a full charge, copy data to and from it, and AndroidAuto keeps disconnecting and reconnecting. I've worked around it with wireless charging and KDEConnect for data transfers. Now the battery is just not as strong as it once was and I have to charge it 3 times a day.

My MUST HAVE needs are relatively modest:

1. Root access - I mean, this is probably a given for all of us.
2. Linux friendly - I have no access to a Windows computer. From what I have read, some phones require a Windows computer and a proprietary software to unlock and root.
3. Aftermarket ROMS - Dirty Unicorns was my preferred ROM, but I have been on Lineage for the past year.
4. AFFORDABLE! I have two teenage daughters and a wife. They're killing me people! So lets say $300 absolute max budget.
5. T-Mobile network - I live in the US and T-Mobile is my provider.

My WOULD LIKE needs are getting harder to find:

1. Good low light camera - It has to be on par with the Pixel 3 camera. I wouldn't think this is a tough thing to beat since my phone came out in 2018.
2. 3.5mm headphone jack - even though I use it less and less, I do find many times that I wish my Pixel had it. I have a really old phone that I only use as a MP3 player when mowing grass or on the motorcycle.
3. 16:9 Aspect Ratio - This just seems to fit comfortably in a front pocket. I don't carry a attache case or backpack. I don't want to have a 20:9 phone digging into my leg when I sit down.
4. SDCard - I haven't had this in years, but with my data port problems, I wish I had it. If not, I can continue doing the wireless transfers/backups overnight.

I am not a gamer, unless you count Pinochle or the match 3 jewel games you play on the toilet. I don't watch movies often, just when on a treadmill. More often than not I have access to chargers most of the day, so monster battery life is not vital.

I hope that is enough information, I've never asked for help in choosing a phone before. I really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance!

**EDIT**
I almost forgot! I really do not like the curved edges on many phones. While not a deal breaker, I honestly hate curved displays and much prefer flat. I also do not care if there are visible bevels. My phone is always in a case with raised edges to protect the screen.

 

[saadtarik]

Hi guys, Im looking to buy either Poco f3 or Mi 11 lite 5g NE but not sure which one to go for. Im getting both at same price.

I like mi 11's sleek design and i'm not a hardcore gamer. I do like tinkering with my phone and want to try custom roms on which ever phone i get. Any suggestions on what i should go for ?

 

[Tuddynumnums]

So I tend to buy phones mostly for portable games and emulators so I can play things like C&C, the entire point is im trying to ditch the S5 for something new thats around 200-350$CAD and Battery life while gaming is a huge deal and possibly easily replacable batteries so I can carry extras with android 12 at least and obviously a headphone jack.

 

[NeoSonic]

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a device for me? The charging port on my device has broken so I need something new ASAP.

I'm looking for something in the £200-£250 price range, could be tempted to £300 at a push.

Any device with 5G, USB C & a 3.5mm jack will do.

My main goal is to have a device that is rootable & actually supported with custom roms to be able to future proof it.

There are a few devices out there that fit the bill from Oppo & Xiaomi like the Redmi Note 10 Pro & such but I'm struggling to find anything about custom roms on the devices that I have found.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Fytdyh]

Hi Respected XDA-community members

June-2022

------------------------------------------------------
Note / Serious Concerns in my next purchase:
------------------------------------------------------
Recently,My Redmi note 5 pro got bricked without doing any new thing, and hung on mi bootloop.
My Redmi Note 5 Pro device was not bootloader unlocked, and after bootloop hung issue,
it is not even allowing me to flash a device on my own, with so many Xiaomi centric walled garden techniques.
I have understood from many of our XDA community members that, Xiaomi is not allowing bootloader unlock, without visiting their center and paying.

------------------------------------------------------
Based on above ordeal, I need suggestions from community.
For Below kind of requirements, Please suggest a good Android Phone with below specs.
------------------------------------------------------
1. Freedom to Flash by self, when there is a brick in device
2. 6 to 8 GB RAM
3. 128GB ROM
4. Qualcomm Processor
5. Must have native Call recording facility


-------------------
Type Of usage
-------------------
--> Many utility apps I need to install
--> No Gaming at all
--> Not too much camera usage except urgent documents scans
--> Good GPS
--> 5000 mAh battery is plus if it has.


-------------------
Budget Range
-------------------
INR 15000 to INR 20000
Country India

Who told you you have to pay to unlock bootloader? Or that Xiaomi isnt allowing bootloader unlocks? Given that Xiaomi is the complete opposite of that. Oh well. Now, every smartphone out there needs to have the developer option OEM unlock activated in order to unlock it. It is not that your phone refused to flash, is a security functionality. How secure would be any phone if it allowed me to dirty flash a rom in order to access your data?

As for a suggestion, see realme gt Neo 2

 

[Fytdyh]

Hi, could you please suggest new phone to replace my old Xiaomi Mi A1.
Usage:

• primary - web, messengers, music
• secondary - video watching, camera, GPS

Desired requirements:

• ~350$
• good battery life
• 6GB RAM or more
• Enough performance for my usage for 2-3 years - so I assume phone released this year (2022)
• Not too bulky
• 3.5 mm jack
• Nice to have custom roms
• Nice to have call recording

Thank you in advance.

Redmi note 11 pro

 

[Fytdyh]

Hello, I've previously asked about a phone to choose, after a long research (I'm interested in AR and the tool Depth API) I'm between two options:

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10
Pros:

• More RAM at the same price (as promotion)
• More feedback by the users

Cons:

• MIUI (and things like publicity in system apps and, if I'm correct, you must create a Mi account to use it as develop purposes)
• Issues with proximity sensor

Motorola Moto G51
Pros:

• Native Android OS
• Better performance (Antutu result)

Cons:

• Mostly the price (Moto G51 4 GB RAM is pretty close to Redmi Note 10 6 GB RAM)

As I said, I wanna try AR development and maybe play some VR things (is not the best but is better than nothing) and it's around my budget range.

Which one do you think is better for AR/VR?

Go for motorola

 

[Fytdyh]

I have a Galaxy S21 Plus for nearly 1.5 years and a couple of months back a vertical green bar appeared. Yesterday, another one appeared so in thinking, this is gonna progress. Screen replacement cost is 17000₹. So I'm thinking about getting a new one instead.

My only requirement is a good camera on the unit. Processing power or screen doesn't matter (my S21+ has stayed at HD resolution 60Hz since purchase). I wanted Pixel 6 but it isn't available in India officially and Google's service is sketchy. I've been thinking either Vivo X70 Pro or Vivo X80 (not pro). I can go up to Xiaomi 12 Pro but I don't see much difference between the in terms of photos. Please suggest any other phones too in 40k-60k range if more suitable.

You could also try getting a mid range one and use a Google camera port. Saves quite a bit on the cash and you get a very good camera.

 

[Fytdyh]

Hi All!
I need to upgrade my phone to a 5G compatible phone. since my carrier (Tmobile) has been sending me messages saying July 1, my phone will no longer work on their system. I have been using Lineage Discovery 19 on a Sony Xperia Xa2 Ultra (H3223).

What is the best 5G phone that will work on a secure/private custom ROM? I would love suggestions! I do use the camera quite a bit, and use the phone for note taking and with business. Privacy is important.
Thank you in advance!

Great security and privacy? Go with an iPhone. These are the best at this. A custom rom is a less secure choice, even compared with a stock ROM.

 

[Fytdyh]

Greetings all!

I can't believe I have come to the point where I need help deciding on a phone. I used to be up-to-date on everything, but there is literally so much out there now and I have so much going on personally, I just can't keep up. I am a long time Android user (since the early days of CyanogenMod) and I have always favored the Nexus/Pixel lines as well as the OnePlus phones. Ease of rooting is paramount to me. I usually get used flagship phones since they tend to have the best support here on XDA. I really like phones that people tinker a lot with.

I currently have a Pixel 3 and I loved this phone. Now however the data/charging port has become finicky. I cannot get a full charge, copy data to and from it, and AndroidAuto keeps disconnecting and reconnecting. I've worked around it with wireless charging and KDEConnect for data transfers. Now the battery is just not as strong as it once was and I have to charge it 3 times a day.

My MUST HAVE needs are relatively modest:

1. Root access - I mean, this is probably a given for all of us.
2. Linux friendly - I have no access to a Windows computer. From what I have read, some phones require a Windows computer and a proprietary software to unlock and root.
3. Aftermarket ROMS - Dirty Unicorns was my preferred ROM, but I have been on Lineage for the past year.
4. AFFORDABLE! I have two teenage daughters and a wife. They're killing me people! So lets say $300 absolute max budget.
5. T-Mobile network - I live in the US and T-Mobile is my provider.

My WOULD LIKE needs are getting harder to find:

1. Good low light camera - It has to be on par with the Pixel 3 camera. I wouldn't think this is a tough thing to beat since my phone came out in 2018.
2. 3.5mm headphone jack - even though I use it less and less, I do find many times that I wish my Pixel had it. I have a really old phone that I only use as a MP3 player when mowing grass or on the motorcycle.
3. 16:9 Aspect Ratio - This just seems to fit comfortably in a front pocket. I don't carry a attache case or backpack. I don't want to have a 20:9 phone digging into my leg when I sit down.
4. SDCard - I haven't had this in years, but with my data port problems, I wish I had it. If not, I can continue doing the wireless transfers/backups overnight.

I am not a gamer, unless you count Pinochle or the match 3 jewel games you play on the toilet. I don't watch movies often, just when on a treadmill. More often than not I have access to chargers most of the day, so monster battery life is not vital.

I hope that is enough information, I've never asked for help in choosing a phone before. I really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance!

**EDIT**
I almost forgot! I really do not like the curved edges on many phones. While not a deal breaker, I honestly hate curved displays and much prefer flat. I also do not care if there are visible bevels. My phone is always in a case with raised edges to protect the screen.

Why not go for a midrange smartphone? Got headphone jack, got micro sd, use gcam port for low light photography. Go for a Oneplus nord Ce 2

 

[DiamondJohn]

Great security and privacy? Go with an iPhone. These are the best at this. A custom rom is a less secure choice, even compared with a stock ROM.

He did say a "secure / private custom ROM" which I would assume he means something like GrapheneOS, iPhone are definitely not "The Best", especially regarding Privacy. Also, if you Jailbreak an iPhone, security goes down the drain, which is what most people complain about Android security, as custom ROMs normally go hand-in-hand with rooted devices, and iPhone is much less involved with custom ROMs.

Hi All!
I need to upgrade my phone to a 5G compatible phone. since my carrier (Tmobile) has been sending me messages saying July 1, my phone will no longer work on their system. I have been using Lineage Discovery 19 on a Sony Xperia Xa2 Ultra (H3223).

What is the best 5G phone that will work on a secure/private custom ROM? I would love suggestions! I do use the camera quite a bit, and use the phone for note taking and with business. Privacy is important.
Thank you in advance!

 

[Fytdyh]

He did say a "secure / private custom ROM" which I would assume he means something like GrapheneOS, iPhone are definitely not "The Best", especially regarding Privacy. Also, if you Jailbreak an iPhone, security goes down the drain, which is what most people complain about Android security, as custom ROMs normally go hand-in-hand with rooted devices, and iPhone is much less involved with custom ROMs.

But how secure is the graphene os? After all you already unlocked the bootloader. And given that, couldn't a malware app get root access?

 

[DiamondJohn]

But how secure is the graphene os? After all you already unlocked the bootloader. And given that, couldn't a malware app get root access?

No. Two things to note.

1. GrapheneOS has been built SPECIFICALLY with security and privacy at front of mind.
2. Once you flash the ROM (or any custom ROM &/or recovery) , you can re-lock the bootloader.

 

[marriedman]

Why not go for a midrange smartphone? Got headphone jack, got micro sd, use gcam port for low light photography. Go for a Oneplus nord Ce 2

Thanks for replying! I am not opposed to a midrange phone, however flagship phones tend to have a larger developer community and a greater chance of having a root solution & custom rom.

That phone you recommended doesn't seem bad, but with a MediaTek processor it isn't likely to get custom roms. From what I can tell, that phone is a Europe/UK phone too.

 

[Fytdyh]

No. Two things to note.

1. GrapheneOS has been built SPECIFICALLY with security and privacy at front of mind.
2. Once you flash the ROM (or any custom ROM &/or recovery) , you can re-lock the bootloader.

You can relock the bootloader with a custom rom? Isn't this a guaranteed way of hard bricking your device?

 

[Fytdyh]

Thanks for replying! I am not opposed to a midrange phone, however flagship phones tend to have a larger developer community and a greater chance of having a root solution & custom rom.

That phone you recommended doesn't seem bad, but with a MediaTek processor it isn't likely to get custom roms. From what I can tell, that phone is a Europe/UK phone too.

I ve got a Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 pro. Running mediatek. It got around 40 roms and 2-3 custom kernels. That might be an Europe phone only. No idea what smartphone selection is available/isn't available for Americans.