So this fellow (#Medium article via scribe.rip) explains why they won't buy a #Samsung again..
https://scribe.rip/why-i-will-never-by-another-samsung-device-2237a40002a6
But the HN discussion top comment, gives a much more important reason why you should avoid that crap:
"They spy on you mercilessly, up to about the same level as #Facebook."
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30423815
Samsung is #SurveillanceCapitalism to-the-max, and #Privacy through-the-drain crapware from hell. (Pardon my nuanced opinion).
@humanetech Almost all Android devices, regardless of manufacturer, obtained through the usual retailers are a #SurveillanceCapitalism out of the box experience.
The foldable phones don't appeal to me. Despite the claims, I expect that the fold will become brittle and break. But manufacturers only really want the hardware to last a couple of years and then its on to the next new shiny model. But the more conventional clam shell or keyboard phone designs would be nice to try.
> Almost all Android devices, regardless of manufacturer, obtained through the usual retailers are a #SurveillanceCapitalism out of the box experience.
I expect that is true. But I need a new phone, and want at least a replaceable battery and also need wifi calling (we have no cell signal).
I'm attracted to the newer open-hardware phones but have not researched them enuf yet.
A phone that makes phone calls? hmmm.
But seriously, Whenever I think, or read "I need a new phone" I want to ask why, and you mention calls, albeit specifically wifi calls. What else?
@bhaugen @bob @humanetech
Ugh, Phones with design like the Moto X are a curse. There is a lot of adhesive to warm and small parts to fiddle with. That said, while you might not feel up to taking it on yourself, there are probably people who have the tools and practice to do it without too much effort. It may be an option if the device otherwise works for you? This way you only junk the old battery, not the entire device, and you avoid creating the junk that your new phone will eventually become
@keith
That's a good idea, I'll see if I can find one nearby.
The phone seems to work, but I don't know if the delamination is a symptom of more fails to come.
But if somebody can replace the battery, they could probably re-attach the back.
@bhaugen @bob @humanetech
Actually, if the back is coming unstuck, then that's good news for replacing the battery!
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Motorola+Moto+X+Pure+Edition+Battery+Replacement/61746
@keith
I found places that offer Motorola phone repairs within 1-2 hours drive, in places where we sometimes go anyway. Will give one of them a try next chance I get.
@bhaugen @bob @humanetech
Good luck! I have an Asus ZenFone that I've replaced the screen on twice, recently the touch panel died and then the power button disintegrated. The battery is, at this stage, also next to useless. I'm still considering reviving it as it's a good board. I'm just a bit torn having already having junked two screens.
@bhaugen @bob @humanetech
Wow. Republic Wireless seems quite pricey, by my standards anyway.
I imagine it works well, but if you hardly ever use the cell towers, that's a lot to pay for a SIP phone!
@keith
I pay $15 a month. Works very well, both on wifi or cell signal.
Got any better suggestions? I'm open to change. Republic is what a bunch of friends use, but they are changing their terms with new plans.
@keith
P.S. I might not have understood one of your comments. Does SIP phone mean wifi calls only? No cell service?
Republic phones do both. They use wifi when available and a cell network (if available) when no wifi.
We use it on cell networks when we are not at home. Our home location is the place with no cell service at all.
@bhaugen
A SIP phone would be via some existing internet connection, yes. $15 is ok. I saw higher prices on their website.
@keith
I think their new plans have higher prices. If I can keep my old phone alive, I can stay on my current plan.
Otherwise I am looking around.
@keith
Thanks for the info and tips. I was a very late comer to "smart phones" and don't understand them very well.
@keith
I have a moto x pure edition that I bought from https://republicwireless.com/ where I also get service.
The battery is so weak I can't use the phone unless it is connected to the charger. The back is delaminating. The battery is not replaceable by me.
And as I mentioned, I have no cell signal where I live.
@bob @humanetech