pinecones on Nostr: You can go with a device from Realme or Poco as well, you can get some decent ...
You can go with a device from Realme or Poco as well, you can get some decent hardware at lower prices vs a device fromGoogle, Samsung, etc.
I wouldn't run stock on those devices but you're able to unlock the bootloaders and install an AOSP based build without Google apps. I picked up a Realme XT new a few years ago with 128gb expandable storage, 8gb ram & a SD712 for about $250usd and this is what I do with it. If your in the US you can also pick up a prepaid US Cellular Motorola device and they are able to be bootloader unlocked out of the box, they're essentially the global variants with a branded boot screen and bloat preinstalled. These options allow you to run AOSP based builds of Android without Google apps. With the Pixel devices mentioned before, you can install GrapheneOS and relock your bootloader while running it for added security. Either option is still better than running Google services.
I wouldn't run stock on those devices but you're able to unlock the bootloaders and install an AOSP based build without Google apps. I picked up a Realme XT new a few years ago with 128gb expandable storage, 8gb ram & a SD712 for about $250usd and this is what I do with it. If your in the US you can also pick up a prepaid US Cellular Motorola device and they are able to be bootloader unlocked out of the box, they're essentially the global variants with a branded boot screen and bloat preinstalled. These options allow you to run AOSP based builds of Android without Google apps. With the Pixel devices mentioned before, you can install GrapheneOS and relock your bootloader while running it for added security. Either option is still better than running Google services.