I'm considering the Essential Phone for my next phone and just putting Lineage OS or something on it. Not sure of another phone that I can get for that price range (under $500) that is unlocked and not bloatware filled. Definitely going to be reading a number of articles like these. Though I might try not installing the Google* apps on it period.
Nokia brand smartphones are unlocked, come with latest vanilla Android without bloatware, and they get regular fast updates (updates guaranteed for at least 2 years).
I have Nokia 3 and it's perfectly OK. No thrill, just works and stays updated. Nokia 6 is $230 in the US.
Oh I am totally going to check that out. I appreciate that tip. Definitely getting one for half the cost of Essential. I also considered the Moto phones but not all of them have USB C charging.
Edit: Sadly it will not work with Sprint so I can't get it.
I think the OP meant SIM unlocked. Sadly Nokia android phones bootloader locked. Nokia's CTO statement: they would not be offering an official bootloader unlock method “due to security.” The only OEM consistently provides open code and unlocking easily is Motorola - Still some Google's DNA.
But at least not shoved with uninstallable and pre-installed apps. Yes I know I can "disable" some apps but I find it ridiculous that phones come with Facebook, Instagram etc preinstalled. Just no thanks.
They're not dead yet. Sure, they stopped working on their next phone and are searching for a buyer, but they also just pushed out a new Android P beta for the PH-1.
