this post was submitted on 09 Sep 2025
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cross-posted from: https://discuss.tchncs.de/post/44544181

I read about Google's decision of not releasing the firmware source code going forward. Is it still the case? If it is, should one purchase any Pixel 8/9/10 series in hope of keeping it for a long time?

I am planning to purchase a new Pixel 9 (used ones are not an option unfortunately) during the Black Friday or something. It will be a substantial amount but I am hoping it will be justified with amortisation.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I cannot find a clear cut answer in the forums.

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[–] shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip 20 points 1 month ago (3 children)

This just relegates the pixel to the same status as other devices such as Motorola or OnePlus.

Custom operating systems will still absolutely work on them, but it will take longer to get the updates because of the source code not being released like it was.

If you imagine it like a plane, they got bumped down from first class to coach, but they did not get kicked off the plane entirely.

[–] Goodlucksil@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Then there will be no point in making Pixel custom roms, as the main selling point (quick Android updates) will be null.

[–] shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip 12 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I don't see that as the main selling point. I see not having Google as the main selling point, and it's not like the updates will be that much slower. It might take them like a month instead of a week. That's not a bad problem.

[–] Goodlucksil@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 month ago

The developers (at least security-oriented ones like Graphene) absolutely do care about quick security updates.

[–] mazzilius_marsti@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

i like that plane analogy lol

[–] cyborganism@piefed.ca 15 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Is there one god damn phone out there we can buy that's somewhat ethical and redirects or privacy?

[–] otp@sh.itjust.works 10 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Is there one god damn phone out there we can buy that's somewhat ethical and redirects or privacy?

Fairphone? Haven't been following that, but I'm pretty sure it's the most ethical phone to consume...at least in theory.

[–] geneva_convenience@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 month ago

Unlocked open source bootloader?

[–] cyborganism@piefed.ca 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Is it any good? I know it's probably not going to be up to Google Pixel's quality or Samsung's, but still.

[–] otp@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 month ago

Unfortunately, I don't have one.

[–] furrowsofar@beehaw.org 2 points 1 month ago

Fairphone maybe.

[–] frongt@lemmy.zip 11 points 1 month ago

They are releasing the code, just as release snapshots. We don't know how it's going to affect GrapheneOS yet.

[–] mazzilius_marsti@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

OP, I am in the same boat. The features shown in GrapheneOS are very nice and I want to buy Pixel just to put it on. Is there a reason you go for the 9, beside price? I'm really keen on the 9a due to its flat camera and low price. I dont like phones with bumped camera. However, recent JerryRig video shows that the 9a is very very difficult to replace the battery, so not sure if it is good in the long run lol.