My Galaxy S8 is starting to feel its age. After now close to 7 years of service, it’s starting to show its limits.
The usual problems: Battery getting weaker and weaker, generally slow (My once/month visit of instagram for example is… a stutter) and, mot simportantly, no more security update.
I’m tempted to switch it to GrapheneOS and continue but I’m really afraid some “official” apps won’t work anymore (mostly banking apps).
In October last year I started my quest for a new Android phone with the S8 form factor, or as close as possible for pocket-fit.
I’ve checked the various guide on this community and came ouf with the same question I had while doing research on my side.
Contenders were:
Fairphone 5, which philosophy was extremely tempting, especially the “fair” aspect and the self-repairing capabilities.
However, its form factor and what I heard about extremely slow patch/updates were the last nail in its coffin-size (161.6 x
75.83 x 9.6 mm).
Cosmic Dolphin (Link) was also extremely tempting (secure OS, mechanical switch for GPS/Camera/Mice…) but a new company means possible bancrupcy and no more security update, plus the form factor (159.7 x 73.3 x 7.8 mm) meant it was also a no.
Xperias 5V and other in the lineup seemed interesting, especially the SD card slot. But no info regarding software updates and way to expensive.
Only two made the cut and I have to choose between:
None have a SD card, jack socket or removable battery but it seems these features are becoming more and more of a rarity.
Both have a at least 4 years of updates still.
Galaxy S23
Positives:
146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm
Updates for at least 3 years
128 / 256 Gb Storage
Cheaper now that the S24 should arrive soon.
Negatives:
Proc is a bit less efficient (meaning less time for the same battery size)…
Based on comments it may be the opposite, with the S23 being more efficient.
Pixel 8
Positives:
150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm
7 year of updates
128 / 256 Gb Storage
I heard their Proc were more efficient than S23’s Based on comments it may be the opposite, with the S23 being more efficient.
Compatible with GrapheneOS (if test on my old S8 shows the important app I have still work there).
Negatives:
Google… Data leach amon leeches.
This insuferable camera bar on the back… Not really handy and will probably ruin a lot of pant’s pocket.
I’m split between these two.
Would you have any advices regarding one or the other?
Have you considered replacing the battery? I have a oneplus 3, haven’t had security updates in a very long time, but no issues so far. Battery has become shit now after 7 years, but still works OK.
My pixel 5 is officially unsupported. I believe graphene is still shipping some stuff for us for a while but I’m planning on upgrading to the pixel 8A when it comes out. I want to get the full 7 years of updates. I also hear it will have 90fps refresh so that’s a game changer for a budget phone, even beating the expensive iphones.
FYI, the Pixel 8’s processor is certainly less efficient than the S23’s. If it is reportedly getting better battery life, that’s likely software related.
I dunno if this is a hot take. I don’t focus on updates. Major software updates generally have new features. Minor software updates are generally security updates or bug fixes. It’s OK for me if the device is in its last lap update-wise. It’s not like it’ll be unusable if there’s no major update anymore. Buy a device for what it is now. If it’ll get 4 major updates, that’s a bonus, not a hard requirement when buying a device.
Is there an unofficial Graphene OS ROM for S23? Because if there isn’t and you want to try it, the Pixel remains your only choice.
Have you had a look at Zenfone (8/9/10)? When my S9 comes to its EOL, one of those will most likely be my choice. (I won’t lie, I prefer to have the 3.5mm jack on my phone!)
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You should seriously consider a flip phone if pocket size is your main concern. They’ve become really good by now.
Have you considered replacing the battery? I have a oneplus 3, haven’t had security updates in a very long time, but no issues so far. Battery has become shit now after 7 years, but still works OK.
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I think you’ll be :) with the Pixel 8.
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The S23 is what the S22 should’ve been. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a beast!
My pixel 5 is officially unsupported. I believe graphene is still shipping some stuff for us for a while but I’m planning on upgrading to the pixel 8A when it comes out. I want to get the full 7 years of updates. I also hear it will have 90fps refresh so that’s a game changer for a budget phone, even beating the expensive iphones.
FYI, the Pixel 8’s processor is certainly less efficient than the S23’s. If it is reportedly getting better battery life, that’s likely software related.
Ah I might have confused the two phones. I had read it in a comment on this community a while back.
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I’m eyeing up a Zenfone when my 6T dies - nice compact flagship spec with minimal “extras” added to the OS
I upgraded to the Zenfone 10 from a 7T after the battery was getting unreliable - night and day difference in that department!
From what I’ve noted down, the main problem I had with the zenfone was a short update coverage (up to 2025 for the Zenfone 10 I think?)
I dunno if this is a hot take. I don’t focus on updates. Major software updates generally have new features. Minor software updates are generally security updates or bug fixes. It’s OK for me if the device is in its last lap update-wise. It’s not like it’ll be unusable if there’s no major update anymore. Buy a device for what it is now. If it’ll get 4 major updates, that’s a bonus, not a hard requirement when buying a device.
Yeah I agree, I’m more concerned by security patches than major overall.
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Ah, good to know I’ll check for my specific banking app. Thanks!
every os with gapps should have that. at least lineage has aa
Are you going to link the website?
Is there an unofficial Graphene OS ROM for S23? Because if there isn’t and you want to try it, the Pixel remains your only choice. Have you had a look at Zenfone (8/9/10)? When my S9 comes to its EOL, one of those will most likely be my choice. (I won’t lie, I prefer to have the 3.5mm jack on my phone!)
I don’t know much about GrapheneOS, but if there is a S23 compatible version, I think I’ll tend toward this phone.