top | item 39682250

LineageOS 21 review: Smartphone sustainability starts with software [video]

39 points| mikece | 2 years ago |9to5google.com

30 comments

order
[+] oaththrowaway|2 years ago|reply
I've been using Lineage+MicroG for the past several years and I won't buy a phone that isn't supported by it going forward: https://lineage.microg.org
[+] Timber-6539|2 years ago|reply
This rom build from microG may not even be needed since LineageOS now supports signature spoofing (as of a few weeks ago).
[+] cf100clunk|2 years ago|reply
Over the last decade or so I extended the useable, updateable life of several ASUS Android phones using LineageOS (née CyanogenMod). I'm now a GrapheneOS Pixel user, but I'd use LineageOS again on suitable devices as needed.

If you're thinking of using LineageOS, make sure to look up MicroG to see if you can or cannot live without that additional set of apps and libraries:

https://microg.org/

[+] aceazzameen|2 years ago|reply
I've always wanted to try Lineage, but I've never owned a device supported by it. I tend to use Samsung. And for some reason, it only supports devices on models/years I've skipped and then stopped at the 10 series. Guess it wasn't meant to be.
[+] yjftsjthsd-h|2 years ago|reply
If memory serves, that's less of a Lineage problem and more of a Samsung problem; they tend to be hostile to user modification (locked bootloaders, etc.). Or at least, that was the case last time I looked at them.
[+] npteljes|2 years ago|reply
It's a shame, because I really like the Samsung build quality. I have ran Lineage on the S4, my first Lineage phone, then S7, then S9 was my last. They were a joy to hold in hand, and, I felt, a testament on how good manufacturing got in my time. But, as many others, I wanted a specific OS to run, and that needed a specific phone, and so, I'm using GrapheneOS on a Pixel 7a now. It's a mixed bag, I definitely feel the step down in some respects, and the step up too at the same time.
[+] iAkashPaul|2 years ago|reply
OnePlus 6T with Android 14 is still working like a charm, this even beat out Nothing Phone 1 in getting the latest Android update
[+] n8henrie|2 years ago|reply
My kingdom for a root / exploit for >=2020 kindle fires that would allow me to put lineageos on my kids' devices!
[+] thatguy27|2 years ago|reply
Wish there was a phone where the camera on LineageOS is as good as the stock. On my Samsung Galaxy S7 using the camera on non-stock in painful (takes seconds to focus, when it focuses at all).
[+] ktosobcy|2 years ago|reply
Would be nice if all phones were supported and not locked (just like on pci can install Linux or Windows in version / distribution I choose)...
[+] Ringz|2 years ago|reply
I would love to use an open system on every smartphone but: Can I use my banking software with all the security bells and whistles?
[+] phh|2 years ago|reply
> Can I use my banking software with all the security bells and whistles?

Most custom ROMs(including official LineageOS) are as secure, usually even more, than OEM ROMs. There is just one threat model where it is weaker, which is the evil maid. But it is safer on all the other ones (the evil metro wifi, the evil video, the evil app...). (and personally I take the metro everyday, while taking my shower while I have a maid home just doesn't happen)

As for whether banking apps will work, it's entirely dependant on whether your back is trying to serve their customers or not. Most banks I use work just fine on custom ROMs without hacks. But for instance Google Pay is skimming down on costs, and users pay the price for it.

[+] heartag|2 years ago|reply
This is just anecdotal, but LOS+migrog on my Oneplus 7 Pro hasn't failed on a banking app for me yet. Sometimes the setup is quirky, like needing to uncheck "remember me" to log in on Fidelity's app, but the app then does work. Fingerprint unlock works too.
[+] beretguy|2 years ago|reply
Worst case you can use laptop.