Best Budget Phone for LineageOS & Other Custom ROMs

I’m currently an iPhone user and want to dip my toes back into the Android world. I used to run CyanogenMod before switching to iPhone, and I would intend to run LineageOS now. I’d also by interested in trying other Android distributions such as GrapheneOS. While not strictly Android, I’d also like to have a device to experiment with Linux based systems like postmarketOS. So broad OS compatibility is my main focus.

I’m looking for a more budget device and I don’t need the latest flagship specs. I’m also happy to buy used. Any recommendations would greatly appreciated.

10 points · 10 comments · view on lemmy.world

10 Comments

SJ_Zero@lemmy.fbxl.net · 6 pts · 3y

Not OP, but something that runs lineageOS and has a replacable battery and a headphone jack and an SD card slot... It's so sad that this is such a tall request these days.

gvsabi@reddthat.com · 3 pts · 3y

try fairfone they have a lot of pluses. but aren't flagship. midrange id say. check out some videos https://vid.puffyan.us/watch?v=gkmzDwgvqQM mkbhd

darcmage@lemm.ee · 3 pts · 3y (3 replies)

A used Pixel 5a should be a relatively cheap way to try Lineage and GrapheneOS.

Blaze@iusearchlinux.fyi · 2 pts · 3y (2 replies)

Probably easier if you are in the US, in Europe you don't see them that often

thehatfox@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y (1 reply)

I’m in the UK, a quick look at eBay shows used 5a are readily available here, and within my price range. Maybe they are less common in mainland Europe though.

Blaze@iusearchlinux.fyi · 2 pts · 3y

Definitely less, and with the added tax post-Brexit, the UK goods are a bit more tricky to get nowadays unfortunately

pewgar_seemsimandroid@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 1 pts · 3y

the xiaomi phone that can run calyxos

danielfgom@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 3y

Any Pixel phone should work. 6, 6a are the cheapest

Raisin8659@monyet.cc · 1 pts · 3y

@remindme@mstdn.social in 1 year

sabreW4K3@lemmy.tf · 1 pts · 2y

Buy a second hand PixelXa

X being the previous year to whatever is the current release.