Pixel 4a owners, what new phone are you buying?
As of last month, the Pixel 4a is no longer getting software updates, and will be missing out on Android 14.
It was a really great phone, mine still runs very well. It has a smooth, stock Android install, a headphone jack, and a perfectly positioned fingerprint scanner. My battery is still at 2/3 capacity compared to when I bought it 3 years ago.
Really wanted to try a custom ROM like Lineage, but it seems that Google Apps are a must for me. So, what should I replace my 4a with?
Currently leaning towards the Pixel 8 or 7a, especially with the rumor that Pixel 8 will have 7 years of software updates. Still, I will miss my headphone jack. But at least I'll have quick software updates and call screening.
Edit: Pixel 4a did NOT receive the September 2023 security update, so it seems updates are definitely over.
Edit: I specifically need Google Pay since my university uses it instead of physical ID cards. Unfortunately, it has spotty support on custom ROMs, Id rather just get a new phone.
None. Custom roms will save your ass.
Wish I could, but my college's NFC id cards need Google Pay, which doesn't run perfectly on custom ROMs, not to mention several other apps.
Install GrapheneOS. It has a sandboxed google play services. But, also, are you sure microG won't work?
If they do require NFC through Google Pay then yeah custom ROMs will give you a hard time.
Never had a problem tbh.
I even got Google pay to work with the right patches
Maybe try rooting and and hide root with zygisk then spoof device as some other device?
That depends on the rom. I have a custom ROM installed and Google pay works flawlessly.