I'm looking for a smart phone.
Requirements
- unlockable bootloader, excluding the method described as 'bad' below.
- compatible with micro SD card
- compatible with LineageOS or Replicant (modem works, wifi works, camera works, etc)
- multi-touch with at least five pointers
- use SIM card
- compatible with Cricket Wireless (AT&T's network)
- for use in USA
$0-$200, hard limitAny price?! I want the cheapest one. :)- Used is OK
What legally/easily unlockable bootloader means...
If you want to put your own OS (that you built) on a smart phone, you need to have an unlocked bootloader. There are different ways to get there. I think some of those methods are good and some are bad.
- BAD Download some kind of executable from a forum and run it on your PC or smartphone. The program exploits vulnerabilities in your device to unlock it, despite the intentions of the manufacturer.
- OKAY Download the source code for a program, inspect it and build it yourself, then run it on your PC or smartphone. The program exploits vulnerabilities in your device to unlock it, despite the intentions of the manufacturer.
- GOOD The manufacturer offers a free (gratis) service for power users that allows them to unlock the bootloader in their device. Registration is required. Note: LG for example has this service, but only for some models of their devices.
- BETTER The manufacturer offers a program that can unlock your device. Registration isn't required. I think this is how it works for some devices, but I'm not sure.
- BEST The device ships with an unlocked bootloader or unlocking can be performed with off-the-shelf software such as the
Android SDK
. I heard this is how it works for some devices, but I don't know which ones.
Note, this question is similar to this other question from 2016. It's a great question with great answers, but there are new devices now...