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Pixel 4a 5G: Good option these days? (infosec.pub)

submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

5 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I'll risk asking the first question. If it's not a good fit for the community, then at least I can serve as a negative example.

Here's the scenario. I'm going to be traveling over the next few months and expect to be in areas where I don't have a right to my digital privacy. My device might be inspected, cloned, etc without my knowledge. I might even be required to give up the passcode. I'll do my best to maintain physical control of my device at all times, but that might not always be possible. My intention is to responsibly recycle the device at the end of the summer once I return to a more secure environment. I'll try to take reasonable precautions like powering down the device completely when unattended but the potential for uncontrolled physical access has me concerned.

My thoughts are that I want something used to reduce my environmental impact but that still has up to date security patches at a reasonably low cost. I would also like it to provide an acceptable user experience. A used Pixel 4a 5G looks like a great candidate for that.

Are you using this device? Does it provide a good user experience today? I'm looking for some opinions or perhaps suggestions for a device that might meet my requirements.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

I haven't owned a Pixel since the original so I'm not well placed to respond, but I just wanted to say that this is an excellent first post for the community and a great example for others!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I'm typing this on Pixel 4a 5G that I got shortly after its launch, and I'm still very happy with it. Can definitely recommend it, or any Pixel really - my family has used many Pixel models over the years

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

Thanks a bunch! It sounds like it'll be more than a usable choice.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

Can't really add anything to this discussion but I gotta say this is an interesting situation to use an older phone that makes sense.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

I can say that the Pixel 4a not-5G (sunfish) works great with Lineage OS + Google apps. But I can't speak to the security of it all, aside from the fact that it gets regular updates. And in bright sun, the screen doesn't get bright enough.