Comment LINEAGE OS and Keeping Old Phones Going (Score 1) 285
A few Lineage OS comments scattered about here so thought I would highlight it. I have a Samsung Note 2 (2013) running LineageOS 19 (Android 12 - just out) and a Nexus 6 (2014) running Lineage OS 18.1 (Android 11 - likely the A12 ROM will be out soon). Both phones work perfectly fine, are updated frequently. You have to educate yourself how to root a phone, how to flash ROMs, etc. but plenty of accessible info on XDA Forum threads. These ROMs are free, and stable enough to act as daily drivers. I have replaced the phones' batteries 2 times in the 8-9 years of use. The Lineage ROMs are better IMHO than the firm or stock versions.
Sure Google Android could make life easier. But consumers do have a choice - there is no being "forced" into buying new phones. You just have to decide how much control you want over your life, and do something about it.