#136

If you’re going to do this I’d recommend sticking with Android. As I see it the main reason to use iPhones is because they continue to get updates much longer than android devices. My iPhone 6 still gets security updates despite not being able to run the latest iOS (though I expect that will end next year). Most OS updates will run a bit slower but I found that iOS 12 actually made my phone feel almost new again. From a security perspective if you’re accessing the internet or even just using it as a phone, you want to be installing updates.

2 Likes
#137

You could get a device that runs Sailfish OS. Most Android apps not requiring Google Play should work (and be more or less confined into their corner of the system iirc).
Or any other phone that runs linux (does that still exist)? Or a dumbphone + a standalone pocket camera (since you mention photo quality) ?
Since i broke my jolla phone and i had a 30USD AT&T-locked Samsung lying around i figured i’d use it and pay for unlock rather than buy more stuff. It’s so under featured (no way to use the sd card to put apps…) that it’s basically a dumbphone from which i can import one or two pics from my fuji camera (to instagram on the go, the most precious feature of digital life :smiley: ), read emails, and that can eventually turn into a hotspot for my laptop.
It also complains about full storage regularly so when it does i wipe chat history and all the accumulated data that makes use tense at the idea of backing it up, not losing the device etc.
The vibration is so faint i never hear it (i never use ringing sounds.) You have to do so much work to check if there are notifications (no color-coded LED) that i ended up not checking them anymore than twice a day.
And the battery lasts long enough that i sometime let it totally discharge without noticing.
It feels great. I think you get the idea.

#138

every. single. day.

with no option to turn it off.

also i’ve experienced apps notifying me that they will be expiring, essentially forcing me to update or be left behind.

i wish i could say the same. did you take any extra steps to refresh it (ie. factory reset, clean install)?
i had my battery replaced recently, so i’m hoping to stick with this phone for at least a couple more years…

2 Likes
#139

This started shipping to backers the other day, grabbed my interest:

3 Likes
#140

Nope, just the update (note that this was 12 specifically, previous updates were not as good). I got the battery replaced last year as well and that did have a positive impact.

#141

(warning: controversial) I’m gonna go off on a limb here and say that every phone option sucks

9 Likes
#142

My wife and I have Sony Xperia phones. I have been using my Z5 since 2015 with no issues.She has had her XZ since last year and loves it to bits. We got them new (unlocked) from a*azon after they were a couple years old. They were under $200 each, have 23MP cameras and micro SD storage.

#143

I agree, and it seems like a long time if ever before we’re even to the point that Linux on the desktop is at. It’s a real bummer.

1 Like
#144

Hi there,
Trying to stay away from social networks, looking for a phone :

  • without satellite internet access, but possibly Wi-Fi
  • good camera
  • an audio recorder
  • preferably with a touch screen.

Any recommendation ?

#145

Maybe get any smartphone, but get on a contract which has only calls+sms?

1 Like
#146

i use a 6 year old iphone with almost no apps. i guess it depends what a “good” camera means to you.

you could also get a non-smartphone, from the workhorse Nokias to the new “Lightphone 2” and just carry a separate pocketable but able small digital cameras. many options and they can generally record audio

1 Like
#147
#148
#149
#150
#151

I forgot to mention that I’d like to keep my contract and iPhone on a drawer, and bring it with me when I’m on tour or travelling. It really helps to find my way when in an unknown place.

I don’t trust myself and would really need no satellite (4G, it’s what it’s called here in France). Can you find such phones ?

Just an ok camera to take some average photos of my kids.

1 Like
#152

the light phone looks to have gotten a big upgrade for v2 that i missed a while back, seriously considering moving over to one. customizable apps, 1gb music library, podcasts, touchscreen, etc.

1 Like
#153

if you have an iphone, and struggle with self control, there’s a lot you can do to lock it down through the “screen time” preferences - blocking apps, specific web URLs, etc… you can set time windows, or a time limit. then just have a friend set the passcode for you (this is a separate code from your unlock pin).

i’ve looked into dumb phones - but i really do like having a nice camera, maps & easy texting/facetime on hand.

5 Likes
#154

Same! I love the light phone but things like that I would really miss. I do exactly as you’ve noted — just block email, safari, and news under screen time and get on with my life. It weird at first but made me realize all the times I didn’t actually need to pull out my phone to look something up. I set my own screen time pin in case of emergencies, but use a number significant to my wife and I to remind myself of what I gain by not staring down all the time.

3 Likes
#155

i’m the same way - right now my strategy is just to block social platforms on my laptop (/etc/hosts) and just keep my phone off during the day (with imessage / other essentials synced to the laptop). after a lot of trial & error that’s worked the best for me, i’ve been a lot more productive during the day & i give myself some set space in the evenings to log on (or right now, while i’m waiting on FTP : ) )

keeping a second more curated social feed helps too

1 Like