• Survey: How many years do you typically own your Android phone?

    From Maria Sophia@mariasophia@comprehension.com to comp.mobile.android on Sun Apr 26 13:07:45 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery or, in
    the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port is failing due
    to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder about your experiences.

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?
    A: ?

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date?
    A: ?

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why?
    A: ?
    --
    Each Usenet post should strive to add useful value that wasn't there prior.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Carlos E.R.@robin_listas@es.invalid to comp.mobile.android on Sun Apr 26 21:20:16 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 2026-04-26 21:07, Maria Sophia wrote:
    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery or, in
    the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port is failing due
    to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder about your experiences.

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?
    A: ?

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date?
    A: ?

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why?
    A: ?


    Till they fail in some manner, or till I need some new/extra feature. So
    it varies.

    For instance, I know that I will travel to Canada at some point in the
    future. I just realized that I need an eSIM for that, and my current
    phone does not support it, so... Maybe two years more.
    --
    Cheers, Carlos.
    ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AJL@noemail@none.com to comp.mobile.android on Sun Apr 26 19:56:09 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 4/26/26 12:07 PM, Maria Sophia wrote:

    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery or, in
    the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port is failing due
    to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder about your experiences.

    I keep my Android/Windows toys until I get bored with them and then give
    them away, usually to a grand or great-grandkid. I just gave away my last 2
    Windows toys so am once again Windows free. Yay. They were a mini-laptop
    and a tablet and just ran too hot (physically) for me, especially the
    tablet which was actually uncomfortable to hold. And the fans warmed up the
    area. Heck my Chromebook doesn't even have an air hole...

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I actually had to look that word up. So I'll use a long word in reply that
    you have to look up: ireallydontrememberhowlongikeptit...

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date?

    6 years

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it,

    When the battery quits.

    and why?

    Because for my simple needs it works great...

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Chris@ithinkiam@gmail.com to comp.mobile.android on Sun Apr 26 20:34:21 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
    On 4/26/26 12:07 PM, Maria Sophia wrote:

    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery or, in
    the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port is failing due
    to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder about your experiences.

    I keep my Android/Windows toys until I get bored with them and then give
    them away, usually to a grand or great-grandkid. I just gave away my last 2 Windows toys so am once again Windows free. Yay. They were a mini-laptop
    and a tablet and just ran too hot (physically) for me, especially the
    tablet which was actually uncomfortable to hold. And the fans warmed up the area. Heck my Chromebook doesn't even have an air hole...

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I actually had to look that word up. So I'll use a long word in reply that you have to look up: ireallydontrememberhowlongikeptit...

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date?

    6 years

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it,

    When the battery quits.

    and why?

    Because for my simple needs it works great...

    I mean, if the Donald actually wanted data rather than anecdotes, he'd look this simple question up.

    In the UK, a 2022 survey of over 2,000 adults found 62% wait up to 4 years: https://yougov.com/articles/46423-uk-a-fifth-of-consumers-want-to-use-their-smartphones-for-over-half-a-decade

    Interestingly, those buying more expensive phones (>£1000) replace them
    more often (76% within 4 years).

    And in the US, a smaller survey of 1,000 adults from last year found the average length as 29 months: https://www.reviews.org/mobile/how-long-americans-keep-phones/
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Andy Burns@usenet@andyburns.uk to comp.mobile.android on Sun Apr 26 21:41:48 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    AJL wrote:

    Maria Sophia wrote:

    How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I actually had to look that word up.
    Good job he didn't ask about the preantepenultimate one then :-P
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From David Oseas@doseas{nospam}@usa.net to comp.mobile.android on Sun Apr 26 14:33:11 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android



    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date?

    6 years

    I also tend to replace phones every 6 years. My current phone is 2
    years old.



    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it,

    When the battery quits.


    Batteries typically last 3 years for me before they require replacing.
    I tend to replace the battery once while I own the phone. Battery
    replacement cost is significantly less than the cost of a new phone.


    and why?

    By the end of the six year timeframe, enough new features have been
    added or the version of Android that I was on has become outdated & I
    want to replace the unit to remain productive.

    -David
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AJL@noemail@none.com to comp.mobile.android on Sun Apr 26 22:48:00 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    David Oseas wrote:
    AJL wrote:
    Maria Sophia wrote:

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date?
    6 years

    I also tend to replace phones every 6 years. My current phone is 2
    years old.

    Mine will be 7 years old in August.

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it,
    When the battery quits.

    Batteries typically last 3 years for me before they require replacing.
    I tend to replace the battery once while I own the phone. Battery >replacement cost is significantly less than the cost of a new phone.

    I'm not sure why my battery still works. According to most folks here I've
    badly mistreated it over the years. For the first years I was an overnight
    charger to 100% EVERY night no matter the starting level. In recent years
    when it gets down to around 80% I charge it back to 100%. These days that's
    a (wireless) charge about every 2 or 3 days.

    and why?

    By the end of the six year timeframe, enough new features have been
    added or the version of Android that I was on has become outdated & I
    want to replace the unit to remain productive.

    I mostly use my mobile phone like the home phone it replaced. The up button
    answers calls and the on/off button hangs up. No need to even look at the
    screen as the caller is announced. But occasionally I'm trapped out waiting
    for the wife to finish shopping so its old Android 12 still does the trick
    for reading news and posting here...

    -David


    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Jason H@jason_hindle@yahoo.com to comp.mobile.android on Sun Apr 26 22:59:58 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 26/04/2026 20:07, Maria Sophia wrote:
    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery or, in
    the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port is failing due
    to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder about your experiences.

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    A: Google Pixel 6 - three years.

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date?

    A: Google Pixel 9 Pro - since launch.

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why

    A: Whenever. If the Pixel 11 knocks my socks off, I may look for a trade in. Otherwise, probably one or two more years.

    I like my toys, so I don't overthink it.
    --
    --
    A PICKER OF UNCONSIDERED TRIFLES
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Steve Hayes@hayesstw@telkomsa.net to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 03:29:50 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:07:45 -0600, Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery or, in
    the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port is failing due
    to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder about your experiences.

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?
    A: ?

    22 months


    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date?
    A: ?

    6 years & 5 months

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why?
    A: ?

    When I find a replacement phone at a reasonable price and have the
    money for it.

    Reason: I keep getting messages "Your phone is getting full" and it
    has removed several apps for that reason.

    One (minor) reason for not replacing it, however, is that whenever
    people urge me to "Get the app" I can say with perfect truth that
    there's no room on my phone for any more apps.
    --
    Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
    Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
    Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com
    E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Maria Sophia@mariasophia@comprehension.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 00:16:22 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Chris wrote:
    Because for my simple needs it works great...

    I mean, if the Donald actually wanted data rather than anecdotes, he'd look this simple question up.

    In the UK, a 2022 survey of over 2,000 adults found 62% wait up to 4 years: https://yougov.com/articles/46423-uk-a-fifth-of-consumers-want-to-use-their-smartphones-for-over-half-a-decade

    Interestingly, those buying more expensive phones (>£1000) replace them
    more often (76% within 4 years).

    And in the US, a smaller survey of 1,000 adults from last year found the average length as 29 months: https://www.reviews.org/mobile/how-long-americans-keep-phones/

    Hi Chris,

    I am reading ALL the responses, but I will not respond unless I need to
    correct something, since the survey is about what the Android posters do.

    I'll ignore your incessant insults, particularly given I don't get
    political on any Usenet newsgroup because I'm a fan of neither party.

    As for "looking the question up", I have to wonder why you asked that?

    For you to claim that a world-wide survey exactly captures not only how
    long but why, for example, AJL ditched his last phone, is absurd, Chris.

    Where in the world would I find the answer from the likes of Andy, you,
    David Oseas, AJL, Jason, Steve, et al?

    I'm not asking about the average person, Chris.
    I'm asking about those who KNOW Android well enough to post here.

    We who post to this Android newsgroup are NOT the average Android owner.
    We know what we're doing far better than the next million people do.

    It's a survey of experts.


    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Maria Sophia@mariasophia@comprehension.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 00:23:30 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Andy Burns wrote:
    AJL wrote:

    Maria Sophia wrote:

    How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I actually had to look that word up.
    Good job he didn't ask about the preantepenultimate one then :-P

    Hi Andy,

    I'm reading all the responses but only responding where I'm needed.

    As for the colloquial meaning of the word, I thought everyone knew it.
    <https://www.englishgrammar.org/ultimate-penultimate-antepenultimate/>

    I apologize if I caused anyone to have to look it up as I thought it was a
    joke that someone said they had to look it up, but back to the topic...

    This is a survey of experts.
    We who post here know more about Android than the next million people do.

    Since you're on a roughly equal footing with me on Android, sometimes
    higher, sometimes lower, but about equal to me in knowledge overall,
    I'm super interested in the answer YOU would give to the survey.

    Q: How long did you keep your previous phone before replacing it?
    A: ?

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date?
    A: ?

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why?
    A: ?
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Arno Welzel@usenet@arnowelzel.de to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 10:32:06 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Maria Sophia, 2026-04-26 21:07:

    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery or, in
    the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port is failing due
    to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder about your experiences.


    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?
    A: Around 5 years

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date?
    A: Around 3 years


    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why?
    A: When there are not software updates available any longer
    --
    Arno Welzel
    https://arnowelzel.de
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Chris@ithinkiam@gmail.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 12:30:04 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

    It's a survey of experts.


    It's not a survey and I doubt anyone on here - apart from you maybe - would call themselves an android expert.

    At best this is a collection of anecdotes from tech-savvy enthusiasts.



    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Frank Slootweg@this@ddress.is.invalid to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 14:06:34 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
    On 4/26/26 12:07 PM, Maria Sophia wrote:
    [...]

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I actually had to look that word up.

    Perhaps you should become a motor racing fan: "the penultimate lap" is
    often when the most interesting part of the session starts, especially
    in NASCAR and INDYCAR.

    [...]
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Richmond@dnomhcir@gmx.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 16:04:52 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> writes:

    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery or,
    in the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port is
    failing due to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder about
    your experiences.

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?
    A: ?

    I kept it until a few months after it had stopped receiving security
    updates. That was only a couple of years I think.


    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date? A: ?

    I expect to keep this one longer because Samsung promises longer life
    for updates.


    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why? A: ?

    It's all about security updates.

    What would be useful is if there were another version of android called restricted android, which just allowed phone calls, text messaging,
    maybe nothing else. Then I could switch to that and get more life out of
    the phone.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Frank Slootweg@this@ddress.is.invalid to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 15:49:52 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Richmond <dnomhcir@gmx.com> wrote:
    Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> writes:

    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery or,
    in the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port is
    failing due to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder about
    your experiences.

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?
    A: ?

    I kept it until a few months after it had stopped receiving security
    updates. That was only a couple of years I think.

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date? A: ?

    I expect to keep this one longer because Samsung promises longer life
    for updates.

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why? A: ?

    It's all about security updates.

    What would be useful is if there were another version of android called restricted android, which just allowed phone calls, text messaging,
    maybe nothing else. Then I could switch to that and get more life out of
    the phone.

    Those are called 'dumb' or 'feature' (and sometimes 'flip') phones and
    are still available and can use modern networks (3G/4G/5G). So why not
    buy/use one of those and have a better/happier experience?
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Richmond@dnomhcir@gmx.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 17:04:13 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> writes:

    Richmond <dnomhcir@gmx.com> wrote:
    Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> writes:

    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery
    or, in the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port
    is failing due to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder
    about your experiences.

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing
    it? A: ?

    I kept it until a few months after it had stopped receiving security
    updates. That was only a couple of years I think.

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date? A: ?

    I expect to keep this one longer because Samsung promises longer life
    for updates.

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why? A: ?

    It's all about security updates.

    What would be useful is if there were another version of android
    called restricted android, which just allowed phone calls, text
    messaging, maybe nothing else. Then I could switch to that and get
    more life out of the phone.

    Those are called 'dumb' or 'feature' (and sometimes 'flip') phones
    and are still available and can use modern networks (3G/4G/5G). So why
    not buy/use one of those and have a better/happier experience?

    While the phone is a smart phone, and receiving patches, it is more
    useful than a feature phone. But it is a waste to throw it away because
    it is no longer patched. I was thinking of some kind of life extension
    by downgrading the OS. Probably I would use it as a secondary backup
    phone, or give it away. Giving away a phone which is a security hazzard
    isn't necessary doing anyone a favour, if you see what I mean.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AJL@noemail@none.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 16:09:11 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Frank Slootweg wrote:
    AJL wrote:
    Maria Sophia wrote:

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I actually had to look that word up.

    Perhaps you should become a motor racing fan:

    Nah. I don't like racing motor fans. I got rid of my last Windows tablet
    just because it had one. It never stopped cause the thing ran so hot...

    "the penultimate lap" is
    often when the most interesting part of the session starts, especially
    in NASCAR and INDYCAR.

    Actually English isn't my first language. Pig Latin is. Osay Ihay avehay
    anhay xcuseay orfay otnay owingknay atthay ordway. Wow, my spell checker
    really went nuts with that sentence. Give Google a try for translation if
    needed...





    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AJL@noemail@none.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 16:53:13 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 4/27/26 8:04 AM, Richmond wrote:
    Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> writes:

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I kept it until a few months after it had stopped receiving security
    updates. That was only a couple of years I think.

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date? A: ?

    I expect to keep this one longer because Samsung promises longer life
    for updates.

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why? A: ?

    It's all about security updates.

    What would be useful is if there were another version of android called >restricted android, which just allowed phone calls, text messaging,
    maybe nothing else. Then I could switch to that and get more life out of
    the phone.

    My phone quit getting Samsung security updates well over a year ago. Google
    still updates it's stuff so I still use it (email etc.) but I don't keep
    any sensitive apps (financial etc.) on it. And it still does all the things
    your restricted Android does. I'm probably more paranoid than most but I
    really don't think I'm in that much danger with the precautions I took. And
    I like the old phone so why make a paranoia only change...


    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AJL@noemail@none.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 17:09:12 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Maria Sophia wrote:
    AJL wrote:

    How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I actually had to look that word up.

    As for the colloquial meaning of the word, I thought everyone knew it.
    <https://www.englishgrammar.org/ultimate-penultimate-antepenultimate/>

    I apologize if I caused anyone to have to look it up as I thought it was a >joke that someone said they had to look it up, but back to the topic...

    No need to apologize. Though I admit, I did have to look it up, my reply was
    definitely meant in jest. So keep it up with the word enlargements... ;)



    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Richmond@dnomhcir@gmx.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 18:14:42 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    AJL <noemail@none.com> writes:

    My phone quit getting Samsung security updates well over a year
    ago. Google still updates it's stuff so I still use it (email etc.)
    but I don't keep any sensitive apps (financial etc.) on it. And it
    still does all the things your restricted Android does. I'm probably
    more paranoid than most but I really don't think I'm in that much
    danger with the precautions I took. And I like the old phone so why
    make a paranoia only change...

    I use my phone for one-time passwords. Not because I want to, but
    because they want to. So, even SMS becomes a security issue, or using an authenticator app because SMS is a security issue. It's just like they
    want us to sink deeper and deeper into this stuff until it's embedded
    under the skin.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Frank Slootweg@this@ddress.is.invalid to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 17:30:43 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
    Frank Slootweg wrote:
    AJL wrote:
    Maria Sophia wrote:

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I actually had to look that word up.

    Perhaps you should become a motor racing fan:

    Nah. I don't like racing motor fans. I got rid of my last Windows tablet
    just because it had one. It never stopped cause the thing ran so hot...

    Good one! At first I thought to use 'enthusiast', but considered it
    too posh, so I used 'fan'.

    "the penultimate lap" is
    often when the most interesting part of the session starts, especially
    in NASCAR and INDYCAR.

    Actually English isn't my first language. Pig Latin is. Osay Ihay avehay
    anhay xcuseay orfay otnay owingknay atthay ordway. Wow, my spell checker
    really went nuts with that sentence. Give Google a try for translation if
    needed...

    I think there are some errors in your Pig Latin, but I got the
    message. But perhaps inconsistency is one of the properties of Pig
    Latin?
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Richmond@dnomhcir@gmx.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 18:41:59 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    AJL <noemail@none.com> writes:

    Frank Slootweg wrote:
    AJL wrote:
    Maria Sophia wrote:

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I actually had to look that word up.

    Perhaps you should become a motor racing fan:

    Nah. I don't like racing motor fans. I got rid of my last Windows tablet
    just because it had one. It never stopped cause the thing ran so hot...

    "the penultimate lap" is
    often when the most interesting part of the session starts, especially
    in NASCAR and INDYCAR.

    Actually English isn't my first language. Pig Latin is. Osay Ihay avehay anhay xcuseay orfay otnay owingknay atthay ordway. Wow, my spell checker really went nuts with that sentence. Give Google a try for translation if needed...

    Koay osay avinghay iscoveredday hatway Igpay Atinlay siay, Iay skedaay
    Iaay otay riteway aay rogrampay otay ranslatetay nglisheay ntoiay Igpay Atinlay. Ndaay heytay aysay hetay rtaay foay onversationcay siay eadday!
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Chris@ithinkiam@gmail.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 18:01:32 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Richmond <dnomhcir@gmx.com> wrote:
    Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> writes:

    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery or,
    in the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port is
    failing due to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder about
    your experiences.

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?
    A: ?

    I kept it until a few months after it had stopped receiving security
    updates. That was only a couple of years I think.


    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date? A: ?

    I expect to keep this one longer because Samsung promises longer life
    for updates.


    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why? A: ?

    It's all about security updates.

    What would be useful is if there were another version of android called restricted android, which just allowed phone calls, text messaging,
    maybe nothing else. Then I could switch to that and get more life out of
    the phone.

    Maybe you could by deleting every app you can except the phone dialler and
    SMS app.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AJL@noemail@none.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 18:36:07 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 4/27/26 10:14 AM, Richmond wrote:
    AJL <noemail@none.com> writes:

    My phone quit getting Samsung security updates well over a year
    ago. Google still updates it's stuff so I still use it (email etc.)
    but I don't keep any sensitive apps (financial etc.) on it. And it
    still does all the things your restricted Android does. I'm probably
    more paranoid than most but I really don't think I'm in that much
    danger with the precautions I took. And I like the old phone so why
    make a paranoia only change...

    I use my phone for one-time passwords. Not because I want to, but
    because they want to.

    If you mean 2FA I do also. For Google stuff I get a yes/no button page but
    it goes to all my Google devices and I can answer on any of them. Other
    sites send me one time codes by SMS or email. Even if intercepted I doubt
    the codes would be of use to anyone.

    So, even SMS becomes a security issue, or using an
    authenticator app because SMS is a security issue. It's just like they
    want us to sink deeper and deeper into this stuff until it's embedded
    under the skin.

    I use the Google Messages app for SMS and Google's last update on my old
    phone was last month so it should be reasonably safe...

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AJL@noemail@none.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 18:43:59 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 4/27/26 10:30 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

    Actually English isn't my first language. Pig Latin is. Osay Ihay avehay
    anhay xcuseay orfay otnay owingknay atthay ordway. Wow, my spell checker
    really went nuts with that sentence. Give Google a try for translation if >> needed...

    I think there are some errors in your Pig Latin, but I got the
    message.

    Perhaps that's because it's not a written language?

    But perhaps inconsistency is one of the properties of Pig
    Latin?

    Pig Latin is best used to make grandkids smile. Well, not all. My 41 year
    old granddaughter looks at me like I'm nuts when I talk to her using it...


    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AJL@noemail@none.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 18:46:52 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 4/27/26 10:41 AM, Richmond wrote:
    AJL <noemail@none.com> writes:

    Actually English isn't my first language. Pig Latin is. Osay Ihay avehay
    anhay xcuseay orfay otnay owingknay atthay ordway. Wow, my spell checker
    really went nuts with that sentence. Give Google a try for translation if
    needed...

    Koay osay avinghay iscoveredday hatway Igpay Atinlay siay, Iay skedaay
    Iaay otay riteway aay rogrampay otay ranslatetay nglisheay ntoiay Igpay >Atinlay. Ndaay heytay aysay hetay rtaay foay onversationcay siay eadday!

    What have I started...8-O


    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From knuttle@keith_nuttle@yahoo.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 16:05:57 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 04/27/2026 12:09 PM, AJL wrote:
    Frank Slootweg wrote:
    AJL wrote:
    Maria Sophia wrote:

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I actually had to look that word up.

    Perhaps you should become a motor racing fan:

    Nah. I don't like racing motor fans. I got rid of my last Windows tablet
    just because it had one. It never stopped cause the thing ran so hot...

    "the penultimate lap" is
    often when the most interesting part of the session starts, especially
    in NASCAR and INDYCAR.

    Actually English isn't my first language. Pig Latin is. Osay Ihay avehay anhay xcuseay orfay otnay owingknay atthay ordway. Wow, my spell checker really went nuts with that sentence. Give Google a try for translation if needed...





    You need to replace your mobile phone? I thought it was like my old
    land line phones that lived for ever. So my for our modern technology
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Maria Sophia@mariasophia@comprehension.com to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 15:09:45 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Richmond wrote:
    Those are called 'dumb' or 'feature' (and sometimes 'flip') phones
    and are still available and can use modern networks (3G/4G/5G). So why
    not buy/use one of those and have a better/happier experience?

    While the phone is a smart phone, and receiving patches, it is more
    useful than a feature phone. But it is a waste to throw it away because
    it is no longer patched. I was thinking of some kind of life extension
    by downgrading the OS. Probably I would use it as a secondary backup
    phone, or give it away. Giving away a phone which is a security hazzard
    isn't necessary doing anyone a favour, if you see what I mean.

    While I keep all my devices until/unless they break in half over time,
    what I do with old tablets is I turn them into a DIY "Android TV".

    I put NewPipe and VLC on them, where they play any YouTube playlist.

    It's my "Documentary TV" that I listen to in the background.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Carlos E.R.@robin_listas@es.invalid to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 23:45:07 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 2026-04-27 18:09, AJL wrote:
    Frank Slootweg wrote:
    AJL wrote:
    Maria Sophia wrote:

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?

    I actually had to look that word up.

    Perhaps you should become a motor racing fan:

    Nah. I don't like racing motor fans. I got rid of my last Windows tablet
    just because it had one. It never stopped cause the thing ran so hot...

    "the penultimate lap" is
    often when the most interesting part of the session starts, especially
    in NASCAR and INDYCAR.

    Actually English isn't my first language. Pig Latin is. Osay Ihay avehay anhay xcuseay orfay otnay owingknay atthay ordway. Wow, my spell checker really went nuts with that sentence. Give Google a try for translation if needed...

    DeepL thinks it is Spanish, and translates as "Osay Ihay, please excuse
    me for not being able to attend the meeting." Google thinks it is
    Bengali, and translates as "This is not a good thing, it is a bad"
    --
    Cheers, Carlos.
    ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Brian Gregory@void-invalid-dead-dontuse@email.invalid to comp.mobile.android on Mon Apr 27 23:00:57 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 26/04/2026 20:07, Maria Sophia wrote:
    I keep my Android devices until they fail (usually via the battery or, in
    the case of my current el-cheapo daily drive, the USB port is failing due
    to me sleeping on it while charging), but I wonder about your experiences.

    Q: How long did you keep your penultimate phone before replacing it?
    A: Approx 5 years

    Q: How long have you kept your current phone, to date?
    A: 5.5 Years

    Q: When do you reasonably plan on replacing it, and why?
    A: ASAP, it's getting unbearably buggy and unreliable and the battery
    only holds enough power for about half a day of being careful not to use
    it too much.
    --
    Brian Gregory (in England).
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AJL@noemail@none.com to comp.mobile.android on Tue Apr 28 01:10:40 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 4/27/26 2:45 PM, Carlos E.R. wrote:
    On 2026-04-27 18:09, AJL wrote:

    English isn't my first language. Pig Latin is. Osay Ihay avehay
    anhay xcuseay orfay otnay owingknay atthay ordway. Wow, my spell checker
    really went nuts with that sentence. Give Google a try for translation if
    needed...

    DeepL thinks it is Spanish, and translates as "Osay Ihay, please excuse
    me for not being able to attend the meeting." Google thinks it is
    Bengali, and translates as "This is not a good thing, it is a bad"

    I guess that makes Frank smarter than Google cause he decoded it.

    This is my first post using my new Amazon Fire 7 tablet toy (7 inch screen)
    that I have just installed Google on. It has the same Fire OS version (an
    Android fork) as my Fire HD10 tablets so it should work. But you never
    know. The biggest problem is using this tiny keyboard with my fat
    fingers...



    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Frank Slootweg@this@ddress.is.invalid to comp.mobile.android on Tue Apr 28 09:51:00 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Richmond <dnomhcir@gmx.com> wrote:
    Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> writes:

    Richmond <dnomhcir@gmx.com> wrote:
    [...]

    It's all about security updates.

    What would be useful is if there were another version of android
    called restricted android, which just allowed phone calls, text
    messaging, maybe nothing else. Then I could switch to that and get
    more life out of the phone.

    Those are called 'dumb' or 'feature' (and sometimes 'flip') phones
    and are still available and can use modern networks (3G/4G/5G). So why
    not buy/use one of those and have a better/happier experience?

    While the phone is a smart phone, and receiving patches, it is more
    useful than a feature phone. But it is a waste to throw it away because
    it is no longer patched. I was thinking of some kind of life extension
    by downgrading the OS. Probably I would use it as a secondary backup
    phone, or give it away. Giving away a phone which is a security hazzard
    isn't necessary doing anyone a favour, if you see what I mean.

    If - when the phone is no longer getting any security/OS updates - you
    only use it for "phone calls, text messaging", then there is no need for "downgrading the OS". Just remove any stuff you don't use, especially
    sensitive stuff/apps, and continue to use it. If you take normal
    precautions like locking the phone, making it remotely findable/
    wipeable, etc., there should be no problem.

    Analogy: There are several people still using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista,
    XP and even earlier, practicing common sense and safe hex and having no problems.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Frank Slootweg@this@ddress.is.invalid to comp.mobile.android on Tue Apr 28 14:05:24 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
    On 4/27/26 10:30 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

    Actually English isn't my first language. Pig Latin is. Osay Ihay avehay >> anhay xcuseay orfay otnay owingknay atthay ordway. Wow, my spell checker >> really went nuts with that sentence. Give Google a try for translation if >> needed...

    I think there are some errors in your Pig Latin, but I got the
    message.

    Perhaps that's because it's not a written language?

    No, I mean encoding errors/inconsistencies. For example "avehay" is
    ambiguous as written, but granted it's OK-ish when spoken. "atthay" is
    probably only OK-ish in some weird dialect. But I think "owingknay" is
    wrong, whtever way you look at it.

    But perhaps inconsistency is one of the properties of Pig
    Latin?

    Pig Latin is best used to make grandkids smile. Well, not all. My 41 year
    old granddaughter looks at me like I'm nuts when I talk to her using it...

    There are people who can fluently talk backwards, i.e. all letters of
    the words in reverse order.

    In my younger years, me, my friend and his family could speak by
    swapping parts of the syllables of longer words around. Quite fun when
    nobody could understand us.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Frank Slootweg@this@ddress.is.invalid to comp.mobile.android on Tue Apr 28 14:07:49 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
    [...]

    I guess that makes Frank smarter than Google cause he decoded it.

    I've got to rush! I'm going to print this, frame it and hang it on our
    wall!
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Maria Sophia@mariasophia@comprehension.com to comp.mobile.android on Tue Apr 28 14:57:39 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Frank Slootweg wrote:
    If - when the phone is no longer getting any security/OS updates - you
    only use it for "phone calls, text messaging", then there is no need for "downgrading the OS". Just remove any stuff you don't use, especially sensitive stuff/apps, and continue to use it. If you take normal
    precautions like locking the phone, making it remotely findable/
    wipeable, etc., there should be no problem.

    I didn't understand at all how "downgrading the OS" was supposed to work,
    but maybe I didn't understand. If I have Android 13 (which I do) and if my
    full support period ended last year, what would downgrading to Android 12
    do for me? Did I misunderstand what 'downgrading the os' means?

    As for wiping out problematic apps, there might be a simpler way which is
    to install NetGuard and just remove their Wi-Fi and/or Data access.

    That way, if we ever really do need the app, we can toggle it back.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Maria Sophia@mariasophia@comprehension.com to comp.mobile.android on Tue Apr 28 15:02:03 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Chris wrote:
    What would be useful is if there were another version of android called
    restricted android, which just allowed phone calls, text messaging,
    maybe nothing else. Then I could switch to that and get more life out of
    the phone.

    Maybe you could by deleting every app you can except the phone dialler and SMS app.

    Simpler would be NetGuard freeware (but don't get it from Google Play as
    that version is crippled). This is copied from my notes on NetGuard...

    With NetGuard, you just click a button for each app to firewall either
    the wi-fi access or the data access (or both).

    That way, if you need the app later, it's still there.

    <verbatim copy>
    11. NetGuard Firewall
    <https://netguard.me/>
    <https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/releases>
    On Android devices, you can add a system-wide firewall such as NetGuard.
    It can block Wi-Fi/CellularData access per app. Not available on iOS.

    I don't have much experience with RethinkDNS, but it's a FOSS Android app
    that combines encrypted DNS (DoH/DoT/DNSCrypt) with a system-wide firewall.
    i. RethinkDNS = firewall + encrypted DNS (DoH/DoT/DNSCrypt) + blocklists
    ii. NetGuard = firewall + per-app blocking + ad/tracker blocklists

    *NetGuard* no-root firewall, by Marcel Bokhorst, FairCode BV
    free, ad free, gsf ????, 4.3 star 25.8K reviews 5M+ Downloads
    <https://netguard.me/>
    <https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/releases>
    <https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/releases/download/2.303/NetGuard-v2.303-release.apk>
    <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.faircode.netguard>

    Karma Firewall
    https://github.com/StarGW-net/karma-firewall https://f-droid.org/packages/net.stargw.fok/
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Richmond@dnomhcir@gmx.com to comp.mobile.android on Tue Apr 28 23:01:15 2026
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> writes:

    Frank Slootweg wrote:
    If - when the phone is no longer getting any security/OS updates -
    you only use it for "phone calls, text messaging", then there is no
    need for "downgrading the OS". Just remove any stuff you don't use,
    especially sensitive stuff/apps, and continue to use it. If you take
    normal precautions like locking the phone, making it remotely
    findable/ wipeable, etc., there should be no problem.

    I didn't understand at all how "downgrading the OS" was supposed to
    work, but maybe I didn't understand. If I have Android 13 (which I do)
    and if my full support period ended last year, what would downgrading
    to Android 12 do for me? Did I misunderstand what 'downgrading the os'
    means?


    That was my phrase. I was referring to downgrading android to a
    restricted version of android.

    There are still risks in android even with few apps, e.g. wifi for wifi calling, mobile data maybe for 4g calling, the messages app, the calling
    app.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2