Contemplating a new phone as the current one is getting a bit long in the tooth for a few things.
Current device is a Huawei P30 Pro purchased primarily because the camera is excellent. Of course Huawei is now considered a risk (politically) so is no longer allowed to use Android and currently the phone is stuck on Android 10 (with 15 being current). Some apps are starting to moan though nothing critical yet and the phone will not do Wireless Android Auto in the ND3. The Android Auto thing may be resolvable with fickering with some settings however it’s not worth the effort.
I’m not paying £1K for a phone and have no issue buying used refurbished. I want to stay in the Android ecosystem (I think) and have not been over impressed with Samsung devices, mainly due to the amount of additional crap that is loaded on the device.
A good camera is still the prime driver for choice.
The Fairphone is interesting in terms of price, repairability and software support however the camera has middling reviews:
What not to buy, a Motorola G85 if you want it to connect to Android Auto in the Mazda, it won’t.
I bought my new phone just 4 weeks (it’s a 2024 model) before buying an ND1, can I get it connected to AA in it, nope.
The phone may have worked ok had it not updated to Android 15 in the first week of ownership, that also is a bit of downer too, makes the phone glitchy. My wife has the same phone, hers is worse than mine for locking up etc.
I’m back using my Motorola G62 on Android 13 and it works perfectly in the ND1 on android auto.
You know what they say, if it ain’t broke…
I’ve also found they’ve cheapened the actual phone, it feels lightweight compared to the older model, mostly plastic now.
I never spend enormous amounts on phones, about ÂŁ200 is the limit.
Incidentally my son tried his Motorola razor, I think that’s the name, the folding one. That’s in android 15 too, it won’t connect to the ND1 either.
Best bang for your buck in the Android ecosystem in 2025 - and with an excellent camera - I’d choose either the Google Pixel 9a (as already recommended above) for £499.
Or, for just ÂŁ399, you have the Google Pixel 8a. This is superb value and also has a very good camera.
iPhone has security built-in at the most basic level. 12 mini ex-display cost me ÂŁ200 six months ago. Mint.
If you’re using it mainly as a phone why spend more than £200? All the fancy stuff can be done on a tablet/laptop where you can see what you are doing👍
I’m not selling mine, but I reckon if I was in London it’d be top of the e-bker phone snatcher list, given it’s so desirable. Monster 3.2 Mpixel camera too.
