HACKER Q&A
📣 osdril

Should I replace my unsupported Android phone?


I own a 5+ years old low-end Android phone whose official sw support ended in 2021. I've installed LineageOS on it but unfortunately it lost that support as well and I'm currently stuck with October 2022 security patches.

The phone still runs mostly fine for my needs, but I don't know if keeping using it is a very wise choice considering the total lack of updates.

I don't really "like" phones (generally prefer my laptop for pretty much everything) and I really hate the idea of throwing away a still functioning device. At the same time, I can find many good deals for refurbished 2022 iPhone SEs and I think that model would last for quite a few years (considering it has an A15), so a part of me thinks that this could be a smart time to upgrade.

How much do you think I should worry, really?

  👤 znpy Accepted Answer ✓
I’m currently using a 2022 iphone se and it works well. The battery lasts less than it used to, but so far no big deal.

My theory is that a phone is more like an emergency device than some kind of grown-up pacifier. If your phone doesn’t stutter when browsing maps pr giving you directions then you can keep it. Otherwise I’d advise to upgrade.