I actually have two questions, first, should I switch to GOS even though they don’t really recommend it on their website and might be left behind soon?

Second, should I install the new March android update? I don’t use any of these features that are listed, and some dont even work for pixels older than 8. My worry is that the phone will just get slower and drain battery faster. But on the other hand I probably need to update this to receive other security updates later this year before the 5y period of support runs out.

Also I’m not looking to replace my phone. This is still an amazing and fast device with camera better than 90% of phones out now.

Thanks for the advice!

  • utopiah@lemmy.ml
    4·
    15 hours ago
    • Install anyway
    • daily drive
    • do a SeedVault backup on a USB stick

    then optionally, after a short while if you are convinced

    • buy a 2nd hand Pixel 8 (cheapest with longest support) or whatever match your preferences, maybe by then even a Motorola with official support
    • bring your SeedVault backup back to the new device including, contacts, apps and data

    No matter what you do you will be “left behind” but at least you have time to learn something useful in the meantime then reassess.

  • turbofan211@lemmy.world
    291·
    2 days ago

    Its a catch 22.

    1. Hop over to GrapheneOS, you’re losing support later this year.
    2. If you stay on stock android, you lose support later this year.

    In my head, assuming you don’t need any stock android apps or apps that run better on stock android (banking apps)

    I would say install GrapheneOS. It’s about 20% more efficient than stock Android. Sure it’ll lose support soon, but by default it’ll be “more secure” than using stock android that is outside of its support window.

    You can probably squeeze another year or so out of it before it starts to get weird with old OS and new apps.

    • Sunsofold@lemmings.world
      8·
      2 days ago

      Not to be overly pedantic on the internet, but that’s not a catch 22. A catch 22 is a situation in which the only way to prevent a problem is to already have dealt with the problem. It comes from the concept in the book of the same name where the only way to get out of the draft is to have already served in the military.

    • Jokulhlaups@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      2 days ago

      True, thanks for the advice! I didn’t know its so much more efficient, another great reason to switch then.

  • helpImTrappedOnline@lemmy.world
    2·
    1 day ago

    I say go for it, learn all the pitfalls and how you like it setup and when its time to upgrade next year maybe Motorola will have released/announced something that supports graphene by then.

    If support ends before Motorola releases a phone, either switch back, find a used pixel somewhere or try something else.

  • upstroke4448@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    11·
    2 days ago

    Nobody serious about privacy or security should be recommending you keep using the pixel 6 after it goes EOL. Until then using GrapheneOS is a great choice.

    After it’s EOL, if you can, you should get a newer phone. If not you should switch to an OS like Lineage (which is not that private or secure) that focuses on keeping older phone useful.

  • Sonalder@lemmy.ml
    8·
    2 days ago

    They don’t recommand it because if bought today you won’t have much support in the comming years. So if you are already on Pixel 6 Pro you can install GOS it’s just that once Google stop supporting it Graphene will do the same.