[GenericPoster]

So why do you need the latest android version and why long term support?

If you are a nobody, there isn't a need to pay for the "latest and greatest". Security updates are a meme and just a way to add more bloat. Don't download apk's from unknown sources, use an adblocker and that's 99% of all attack vectors closed.

That only leaves pre-installed bloatware, a legitimate issue that can be solved with a few steps. The phone doesn't matter but get something android 10 or higher, their selective permissions are nice but you can go as low as android 6 without too many issues. But you might have app compatibility problems.

During phone setup, don't immediately connect to the internet.

If you can uninstall the apps do that. Otherwise, force stop and clear data of every installed app that you don't think you will ever use. As long as the apps don't open or take up ram or cpu cycles then the phone is functionally 'bloat free'

Remove all of the permissions that don't make sense. Your calendar doesn't need access to your microphone or even contacts.

Turn off all settings that even hint at telemetry including locations.

Once this is done, you can connect to the internet. Download fdroid through the browser and look for a local VPN that is capable of blocking access to apps and has a decent permissions menu. Get that configured and then you are good to go. The local vpn will almost certainly break things the first time you use it. But you can just tweak it and as long as you aren't installing any new apps very often you won't have any problems. Stick with open source apps as much as you can.

And only update Apps when they break or if there is a feature you really want. Don't actually do anything important on your phone like banking but if you have a browser with adblock then that's fine but keep it minimal.

I like this method because it's phone agnostic. I don't have to settle for a pixel or another phone that I need to get root on. If this sounds like too much and you don't want to flash a new OS, then just get an iphone.

[themodelplumber]

> Security updates are a meme and just a way to add more bloat.

What. Are you serious? You mean in general or on certain brands for example?

[GenericPoster]

I am and in general. I've bought and used android devices that haven't received updates for at least 3-7 years. It's a phone. If you can make calls and text, it's already doing it's job. If you have a device that regularly receives security updates then it's up to you to download it but the idea of getting rid of a functioning device just because its no longer receiving security updates is ridiculous. Especially since these devices often get sent to developing countries. The entire security theatre for consumer devices is incredibly overblown. Sure there was a time where viruses and malware ran rampant, but those times have passed but companies don't make money if they don't sell new devices so their incentives and yours don't align.

For computers, it depends but as long as you're not downloading sketchy shit and have an adblocker then you're fine.

And once again, all of this applies as long as you're a nobody, which is at least 70% of the population. Those who don't work in government, medical, aren't businesses etc.