this post was submitted on 31 Dec 2024
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GOS Supports the pixel devices for the same amount of time as Google hard to keep a device secure once drivers are no longer being updated. But with Google extending support for pixel 6 and 7 series and the new 7 year guarantee on pixel 8 devices and newer this isn't really a concern anymore. So pixel 7a and fold will be supported until 2028 and Pixel 6 and 6 pro until 2026 pixel 7, 7 pro, and 6a until 2027. Seems like plenty of time for support and that means as long as Google supports it so does GOS.
A Pixel 8 on contract was free for me if I commit three years with my provider. I think I will get seven years support from GOS which is a worthy enough lifespan for an everyday smartphone
Is it an expensive contract? I doubt my $3/mo plan would ever have perks like this lol. Especially given that Pixels here are only sold unofficially.
About $60 CAD per month for talk/text with 50GB data which is average for here
Yeah I’m in the US and those “free” phone contracts over 3 years are objectively terrible deals when you look at the total cost of $100–120/mo or more with the “free” phone on one of the big three vs buying it outright and paying $25/mo (ish) with an MVNO.
Even if you assume a total cost of $100 at Verizon with the “free” phone—which I believe is a super low estimate—and you assume $45 at Visible (shameless referral plug)—which is their most expensive tier—you’re coming out at $1980 less in contracts over 3 years which could buy you (virtually) any phone you want and then some.
$25 is already a crazy enough sum for a phone bill, what you're talking about is outrageous. Also, I've heard that such devices are often carrier-locked, and that carrier-locked devices often also have locked bootloaders.
I mean that’s just kinda the way it is in the US / Canada. Though I hear Canada has even higher prices for less service.
Yes, I know about them extending it. For me, for example, that means four years of official support, which is much less than a usual lifespan of my phone.
Then buy a newer one with longer support this will always be a issue since the support window is the same as Google. Once a manufacturer stops updating drivers and device firmware the said device can no longer effectively be secure because any exploit in the drivers or firmware will forever go unfixed compromisimg the devices security. Doesn't matter what devices you buy this will always be the case it just depends on what your personal threat model is.
That support is about as long as it goes on mobile. An average poor person can't afford to just buy new phones as soon as the support ends. Some updates is still better than no updates in this case.
Understandable I keep my phones for 2 years only, 1 year now with my 7a just had to replace a cracked screen and installed a new battery so good for another year.
That is an insanely short time to use a phone. Especially such a relatively expensive one.
I guess I sell it when I'm done or my kids get it just depends.