Hi, On 25/01/18 22:14, Tim Hamilton via luv-talk wrote:

My Nexus 5 has today decided to enter the bootloop of death and nothing I've tried has been able to recover it.Therefore, I'm looking for some suggestions for a replacement.

Okay.

I don't need the latest and greatest, but I do want something that will last a few years as I'm not one to change my phone regularly.

Well, if it isn't new enough, then it won't get updates. My Nexus 6P is due to go out of getting updates later this year (well, mainstream updates at least, if not all). It's getting older, but I couldn't imagine you being able to buy one new, perhaps second hand if you trust it. Also, my experience is that if you want updates to come as fast as possible, then choose a Google device, but right now a new one is above your price range unless you can manage to get one of phones meant for India, such as an Android One handset. The following from this link: https://www.android.com/one/ <quote> Created by Xiaomi, Powered by Google Introducing the powerful Mi A1. The picture perfect dual camera with 2x optical zoom helps you capture stunning shots — and with unlimited storage on Google Photos, you’ll never have to worry about losing them. Mi A1 Dual camera with 2x optical zoom Full Metal Unibody, 5.5” Display Snapdragon 625, 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM Free unlimited storage on Google Photos* </quote> I don't know where you can get one, but this is more info on it: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_a1-8776.php This is an expired "bargain" link, but it might help give more info: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/328764 Oh and radio bands might be an issue too....

Something that receives regular security updates would be great.

Best option, a Google phone, other manufacturers don't seem to care long enough; but most easily available Google phones are too expensive starting at $AUD1,079.

I'd also like an unlockable bootloader, so I can replace the OS with Linage when it's inevitably abandoned by the manufacturer.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/how-to-mi-a1-bootloader... NB: Semi-functional Lineage OS... https://www.xda-developers.com/lineageos-14-xiaomi-mi-a1-kernel-sources/

Budget is probably sub $400.

Maybe better to look at an older second hand phone you like that is fully supported by LineageOS. I recently setup a Samsung i9300 for my son, he's done much more with it already. It's a bit old and it isn't 4G, but it seems to be working well. There is likely to be good value in an older, but flagship level phone. The brand new Axon 7 might be worth a look too, it is on the Lineage OS list as well. I'm sure others will have more and perhaps much better suggestions. Cheers A.

On Thu, Jan 25, 2018 at 10:14:14PM +1100, Tim Hamilton wrote:

I'd also like an unlockable bootloader, so I can replace the OS with Linage when it's inevitably abandoned by the manufacturer.

Why wait for that to happen? IMO your best bet is to search for the best hardware specs within your budget that is easy to unlock and root, and already known to be well-supported by Lineage, and then install Lineage as soon as you get it home. I made the mistake of NOT doing that (cyanogenmod rather than lineage) with my previous tablet (a Nexus 7 2012 model) and ended up with enough personal stuff on it that I was reluctant to unlock the bootloader and install CM because it would have required a fair amount of time and effort to backup and restore my data. My current tablet, a Lenovo Tab 3 Plus I bought last year, was wiped and had Lineage installed within a few hours of getting it home. I haven't regretted that for a second...it doesn't even have Google Play Services or other google spyware/bloatware installed - I installed the version of Lineage with the open source microG instead of google play services. Google's stock Android is spyware for Google. A manufacturer's stock Android is spyware for Google plus spyware and bloatware for the manufacturer. Opt out of that ASAP. At the very least, you should unlock and root the phone before you start using it. craig -- craig sanders <cas@taz.net.au>