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.

  • The_Pete@lemmy.worldEnglish
    7·
    9 months ago

    I’m running a 7a, would have liked to go to an 8a (or something with a headphone jack) but my company will drop me from email/work apps after end of security updates.

    I went with 7a because it runs grapheneeOS without issue and allows my to sandbox play services a little which I need for work but don’t want to just let them run wild.

    So far so good.

    • Polar@lemmy.caEnglish
      111·
      9 months ago

      Wait, your company will drop you when security updates end, but they are okay with you installing a custom ROM? Seems weird.

      • The_Pete@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        9 months ago

        I work for a security company so they have strong opinions in the various custom ROMs. Most of the security so they make an exception for it as long as its not rooted.

    • bulwark@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      9 months 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·
        9 months 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·
            9 months 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·
          9 months ago

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

          • random65837@lemmy.worldEnglish
            13·
            9 months 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.