While flagship smartphones boast impressive features, spending $1,000 is not a prerequisite for a satisfying Android experience nowadays. If you’re in need of a new smartphone and have a budget of approximately $200, there are numerous excellent options available. Surprisingly, some of the best Android phones under $200 come equipped with features like 5,000mAh batteries, multi-lens camera setups, and the promise of extended software updates.

We thoroughly evaluate various Android phones to ensure optimal performance without encountering unexpected issues down the line. If we were to recommend one Android smartphone in the sub-$200 price range, it would be the latest addition to Samsung’s lineup, the Galaxy A15 5G. Boasting a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen, a sizable battery with 25W fast charging support, and more, it offers a compelling package. Alternatively, consider Motorola’s Moto G Play (2024) for a straightforward yet functional device.

  • shortwavesurfer
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    9 months ago

    Yes. Its basically AOSP (android Open Source Project) with just enough stuff to make the device useable and you have to add everything else on top of it. A lot of custom ROMs use LineageOS as their base and build from that point.

    • Hyperreality@kbin.social
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      9 months ago

      Unfortunately IME it’s a no go if you’re using banking or government/authenticator apps. (Your mileage may vary and this may change.)

      Not how it should be, but how it is.

      • shortwavesurfer
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        9 months ago

        I think it depends a lot on the app itself. My banking app works perfectly fine, on it with no Google Play services, but I have seen apps that completely will not open at all, except to give an error message, so I know what you mean. That is not specifically a lineage problem as much as its a google play services problem. Yoi can install gapps and those apps will work, but IMO that defeats the point.

        • ayaya@lemdro.id
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          9 months ago

          It doesn’t necessarily defeat the point if the only reason you are using Lineage is for OS updates and not for privacy reasons. That was my original reason for using it before de-googling.

          I don’t have google play services anymore but I do still use microG just for Revanced because I am a psychopath that actually likes YouTube recommendations.