I wanted to degoogle since Google has been most annoying so far with S21FE. Was thinking of getting Pixel 8a but due to mixed reivews I was looking for other phones. Thoughts on this? Would be also nice if I can get some opinions from people who have the phone as well.
if you want to degoogle the only way to run some apps without unprivileged code (GMS/microG) is to use grapheneos & its sandbox compatibility layer. this is unfortunately only available on the pixels.
I also worry you won't be able to use some of the customization options that the nothing phone 2 offers with its hardware when using a custom ROM. if thats something u care about.
I have the pixel 7a & have had essentialy no issues with anything for what that's worth.
Do you think its worth waiting until Pixel "9" becomes available? I'm switching out on July since that's when my installment is over + getting out of this hell hole S21FE
honestly I would personaly look into a used option just for pricing reasons. I think the 8 offered additional security benefits though. It may be a while until the 9 drops but that would also be an option.
I got my 7a referbished for 350. the nothing phone is cool IMO but probably not going to have good support rn for nieche stuff. lineage & divest not having working versions for the phone raises red flags personaly.
if you are anti pixel & $500 is in your price range maybe take a look at the fairphone 4?
Lastly do you think 8 Pro refurbs are fine for $700? Main concern is lack of RAM from S21FE which apps closed itself very frequently as soon as I switch from one to the other