Ideally, I’m looking for an Android or LineageOS device with at least 6GB of RAM, compact enough for portability, and capable of running without Google Apps (GAPPS). I’m open to a tablet or flip phone design as well. Since my phone serves as my primary tool for browsing, mobile computing, and communication throughout the day, reserving my laptop and desktop for evening or specialized tasks, performance is key. USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode would be a valuable bonus, though not a strict requirement.
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an Android or LineageOS device
You need to decide whether you’re okay with Android, or want to be able to also run LineageOS. The latter will reduce your options to devices that can be rooted and have their bootloader unlocked - so Xiaomi, Motorola, Nothing, Google and Fairphone - and that too only some models (the ones for which a LineageOS ROM has been developed).
at least 6GB of RAM
Any midrange and even many budget phones have 6GB RAM nowadays.
capable of running without Google Apps
Do you just want to not use Google Apps, or do you want to completely remove them from your phone? Again, the latter will need rooting and bootloader unlocking.
compact enough for portability open to a tablet
Tablets are not very portable.
performance is key
Probably avoid Google Pixels then. They use Tensor chips, which have poor performance.
USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
Which devices have this, and which don’t, is very arbitrary. You’ll have to check for each model.
Probably avoid Google Pixels then. They use Tensor chips, which have poor performance.
Disagree here. Maybe it’s worse than other current flagships, but the performance is nowhere near as bad as the cheap budget phones I’ve had before. When I got my Pixel the performance felt like an upgrade from my Samsung phone so I wouldn’t discount it.
Pixels are in the ‘just below flagship’ price range, so I would compare them with cheaper flagships or high-end midrangers rather than budget phones.
They also don’t have the advantages of budget phones such as headphone ports, expandable storage and FM radio.
I use a Pixel 6 Pro with GrapheneOS, if you decide to go that route I would do at least a Pixel 8 or wait for the GrapheneOS phone release.
Trump phone.
