As of last month, the Pixel 4a is no longer getting software updates, and will be missing out on Android 14.

It was a really great phone, mine still runs very well. It has a smooth, stock Android install, a headphone jack, and a perfectly positioned fingerprint scanner. My battery is still at 2/3 capacity compared to when I bought it 3 years ago.

Really wanted to try a custom ROM like Lineage, but it seems that Google Apps are a must for me. So, what should I replace my 4a with?

Currently leaning towards the Pixel 8 or 7a, especially with the rumor that Pixel 8 will have 7 years of software updates. Still, I will miss my headphone jack. But at least I’ll have quick software updates and call screening.

Edit: Pixel 4a did NOT receive the September 2023 security update, so it seems updates are definitely over.

Edit: I specifically need Google Pay since my university uses it instead of physical ID cards. Unfortunately, it has spotty support on custom ROMs, Id rather just get a new phone.

  • bulwark@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Out of curiosity how does graphene allow you to sand box apps? Is it just disallowing permissions or closer to a vm?

    • iturnedintoanewt@lemm.eeEnglish
      11·
      1 year ago

      Full independent user profiles. You can set as many as needed, for different sets of apps. But the “work profile” functionality doesn’t always work (it fails to set up in my case).

        • iturnedintoanewt@lemm.eeEnglish
          1·
          1 year ago

          Not the same level of insulation. Also, only one single shadow profile is available. And also, if you try to use a work profile, it will either destroy your island or fail to install. Graphene is miles ahead on this with simultaneous multi user.

      • The_Pete@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        Well, no, in android, all non google apps sandboxed. In graphine all Google apps are also sandboxed as well.

        • random65837@lemmy.worldEnglish
          13·
          1 year ago

          They’re sandboxed either way in either setting, the difference is the Play Services has privileged access normally, that doesn’t negate the sandboxing that’s happening either way. Even with GrapheneOS apps can be allowed to communicate out, all depends on their permissions. Also, Play Services aside, Google’s apps are typically userland only apps, without any special privilege. Apps have multiple ways to communicate with each other.