Alternatives for Pixel 8
TLDR; Pixel 8 screen is dying, thinking between repair for 150$ or buying new compact phone under 600$ due to Pixel age and problems.
Have Pixel 8 for 2,5 years. Like this phone as a device very much when it works, but had enough problems with overheating due to bad connectivity, some sw failures etc. I thought that it will last at least one more year, but since recently there are signs that the screen is dying (red vertical line appears when overheating or under pressure). Red line disappears after cooling and screen blocking but I understand that it's a question of time when it became permanent or even screen will be fully dead.
I have an option to change the screen for about 150$ (no warranty from Google available due to phone not selling in my region), but as much I love this device its age and problems force me to think about switch. What I want from new device:
- Under 600$ (700$ max maybe).
- 6-6.3". I hate big smartphones.
- Rather clean OS or option to get clean OS relatively easy (ones had Xiaomi - MiUI was a mess).
- Decent cameras. Telephoto is a plus, but not strongly required.
Any chip is okay, had no problems with Tensor, don't play games. Only issue was modem and its bad connectivity.
Also I'm okay with older models, especially if I can get them cheaper.
I like Google software and user experience so Pixel 9 Pro looks interesting for me, but now I doubt it has same quality and connectivity problems as my 8, so really not sure I should go for it.
So could you please recommend me some models to consideration or maybe I should just change my screen and wait longer. Thanks in advance.