4 ms·
Ask HN: What phone would you recommend for a 16yo?
I'm looking for a phone for a 16yo, who hasn't had one before and is interested in it for only two things: language-learning with Duolingo and taking pictures. He's a grade-A student across the board, a virtuoso violinist and quite sporty on the side.
The favoured option would be a Fairphone 4 for its repairability/sustainability and open source creds (he has access to tech-savvy adults), but according to comments I've read here, and in some reviews, the camera is below par. What would you guys recommend? One option would be the Fairphone and a standalone compact digital camera, but I'm interested in hearing from HN commenters who might recommend an all-in-one option. Trying to avoid iPhones or flagship branded Android equivalents, but cost isn't the main factor.
Also, re Fairphone, I noticed that the Fairphone 2 came in for quite a bit of negative commentary here [1] a little while ago after an ArsTechnica article was posted about the Fairphone 4's five-year warranty and plans for six years of upgrades. Anyone have views specifically on the Fairphone 4, re any (remaining) software problems or other issues?
All opinions/advice greatly appreciated.
[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28705196
- mattl 5y agoWhy not an iPhone? I suspect a lot of others will have one and he'll appreciate being able to use iMessage.
- cassepipe 5y agoI personally recommend for all people to buy a second hand galaxy S7 on BackMarket or somewhere else as it is really fast enough and will serve you well. That's less electronic waste and you will only spend a hundred dollars
- samizdis 5y agoAh, I'd not even considered the second-hand market, but your suggestion is definitely worth considering. Thanks.
- emteycz 5y agoI'd recommend the same but go for S9, I have both and the S7 is getting really outdated. S9 is still good.
- cassepipe 5y agoWriting this from a S7 and it's still working just fine. Not "only a minor issues" fine. "No issues" fine. What I like about this model is that there is no curved screen crap and first and foremost, physical back and home button <3
- emteycz 5y agoYeah for sure it works just fine, but it's getting a little slower in games and it's a little bulky too, and the S9 camera is much better.
- killjoywashere 5y agoPixel 6. Stock Android direct from Google has some advantages and the repairs are handled by iFixit, so quite accessible in most places, at least in the US. My wife with her iPhone and I with my Pixel have traveled quite a bit internationally, and Google Fi really shines there.
- samizdis 5y agoThanks for the recommendation. Not US-based, but based in the Czech Republic (school term times), with Christmas/New Year in Toronto and some of the summer in Belgrade.