[xraiderv1]

ok, lemme preface this post with not being sure where it goes on the forums, so, mods, if its in the wrong spot, please feel free to move to the appropriate section.
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ok...I have a conundrum folks..

assurance wireless is sending me a replacement handset since the schok volt sv55 has a habit of initiating uncommanded reboots.

the replacement is a unimax 693 cl, running android 9.

for added context, the schok volt sv55 is running android 11, go version(aka android lite aka android stripped of what I see as essential features, eg google assistant voice control, live wallpapers etc).

which one is better, android 9? or android 11 go?

[B. Diddy]

I'd always go with the more recent Android version, since it will include more recent security improvements. I would also be very wary of any Unimax device, since these have been known to come preloaded with lots of adware and possibly malware. Unfortunately, the manufacturers of phones used in the Lifeline program don't seem to be monitored very closely in terms of the junk they preinstall.

[xraiderv1]

I'd always go with the more recent Android version, since it will include more recent security improvements. I would also be very wary of any Unimax device, since these have been known to come preloaded with lots of adware and possibly malware. Unfortunately, the manufacturers of phones used in the Lifeline program don't seem to be monitored very closely in terms of the junk they preinstall.

I'm aware of that...and I've discussed it with assurance wireless, they've told me if I should have issues along those lines to just contact them.

that said..

my question was less to do with security and more to do with available feature sets.

[B. Diddy]

Oh wait, I didn't realize at first that the Unimax is full Android 9, and not Go. That's a tough choice. Full Android will usually give you a better overall experience, but Pie is a full 3 versions behind what's current (or at least 2 versions behind what most recent phones are running, since only Pixels and some Samsung flagships are running Android 12). And there's still the issue of it being a Unimax.

I guess I'd go with the Unimax and see how the experience is.

[xraiderv1]

that was my thinking, I just wanted a logic check to make sure I wasn't being blinded(read put in a snit by the lack of features in android go).

and I've seen a few videos where ALOT of the malware can be neutralized just by putting in a third party launcher.

[B. Diddy]

It also looks like Unimax was called out on this practice on a previous phone, and they pushed an update to get rid of the malware: https://mspoweruser.com/unimax-remov...cl-smartphone/. Hopefully this means their later phones are clean.

[xraiderv1]

I have fond memories of android 9...my samsung tablet (sm-t290) released on 9 I do believe. I liked android 10, and 11 is a slothful sluggish little -insert choice words here- so I find myself looking forwards to the unimax 693 cl.