If you're not put off by Chinese electronics, you can still get a phone with all the extras (card slots, notification leds, headphone jacks, IR blasters).
I'm using an ulefone power armor 26, it's a beast that's overkill in every possible sense, but there are more normal phones from redmi or xiaomi that are every bit as good as a samsung or an iphone.
The ulefone brands rugged lineup is definitely more durable than any normal consumer model. I've taken mine snorkeling up to ~10ft deep in the ocean several times, it is 100% waterproof. The only other Chinese brand I've had experience with was a Huawei that my brother loved. I can't speak to the quality of xiaomi or oneplus since I haven't gotten one due to the fact that they typically don't have 4g band 71, which is what my carrier (tmobile) is using for their rural spectrum.
As far as apps, the ulefone runs stock android 13, the Google Play store is preloaded, and yeah I use fdroid as well.
If you're not put off by Chinese electronics, you can still get a phone with all the extras (card slots, notification leds, headphone jacks, IR blasters).
I'm using an ulefone power armor 26, it's a beast that's overkill in every possible sense, but there are more normal phones from redmi or xiaomi that are every bit as good as a samsung or an iphone.
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The ulefone brands rugged lineup is definitely more durable than any normal consumer model. I've taken mine snorkeling up to ~10ft deep in the ocean several times, it is 100% waterproof. The only other Chinese brand I've had experience with was a Huawei that my brother loved. I can't speak to the quality of xiaomi or oneplus since I haven't gotten one due to the fact that they typically don't have 4g band 71, which is what my carrier (tmobile) is using for their rural spectrum.
As far as apps, the ulefone runs stock android 13, the Google Play store is preloaded, and yeah I use fdroid as well.