I haven't used android for years and when I had I used to root them and test several different roms for my model.
Im looking for a new android device to move out from ios. I need one that has a good custom rom support with the minimum comfort that is expected from a mobile device today, good screen (amoled or similar), good camera (more mp is not the same as more quality), minimum of 8gb ram and a processor that can handle and have devs working on custom roms for it. Cheap is the goal but prices here my region should be higher than other places, but you can take it in consideration.
Which brands or models are good considering this aspects and how are the custom rom scenario today?
PS: I forget to mention, another one that is not google pixel and graphene os consequently. Be degoogled is my goal.
https://darth-coin.github.io/beginner/bitcoiners-mobile-device-en.html
LG, Motorola, Samsung are easy to run with lineageOS.
Motorola still is the main option. LG has bad phones and Samsung models here use exynos.
Moto G Power 5G (model XT2515)
Grabbed one of these used off eBay for a little over $100 in like-new condition
I haven't customized the ROM, but allegedly its rather trivial... Motorola even signed a partnership for their next gen phones with Graphene, but it not sure it'll run on this. Would need to be AOSP or similar for now.
Has all the hardware of a flagship phone, and the best screen IMO (I ditched my much more expensive Galaxy because OLED screens are trash)
The stock software (Hello UI) is a little unrefined, so probably an ideal candidate for flashing to a AOSP.
That’s what I’m looking for. Motorola comes in the results of my research but chip support for custom became my doubt, mediatek doesn’t seem to have much.
Im waiting for it. Motorola is my main option if nothing comes out here.
Yea I think for Graphene specifically you'd be stuck with Pixel until the new motos come out, but I recall seeing AOSP for the current Moto for at least some de-googling option
I recommend GrapheneOS. I've been using it for years now and I absolutely love it.
https://grapheneos.org/releases
Started with a Pixel3XL.
Then Pixel 4, then 5, then finally 7a which is what I am using now.
You really want to choose a Pixel that will last a few years. Migrating is a real PITA since backups of a pixel with multiple profiles on GrapheneOS is nearly impossible.
+1 pixel & GrapheneOS
Secure, privacy friendly, and you have as much google as you consent to.
Plus the camera is great. You could even use the Google camera app if you want the software magic, just disable network and all other unnecessary permissions on it. Same for GBoard keyboard if you want swiping and find the default keyboard rough.
Edit: you mention custom ROM a lot and I'm not sure if you meant you want to avoid default OS or you like to play with different roms all the time (I haven't been in the wider custom ROM scene in a while but from what I remember most are insecure, as is rooting, but you probably already know that and it's all good if it's a hobby and you're aware :P)
Pixel is not an option here my region, very expensive. many sats for a phone.
Get a Pixel with GraphenOS.
if you look for Graphene OS , may be google pixel
https://grapheneos.org/faq#device-support