I have a new Pixal 5a 5G phone. My old phones are Moto G5 which I liked a lot
and performed my needs well. However, I decided to update for 5G, and because
Google Fi is my cell provider and using a Google phone gets me additional
benefits. Plus my G5s are at Android 8 and my new Pixal is at Android 11 soon
to be 12 and Google guarantees security updates for three years for my new
phone.
I am still using my G5s. They are smaller, easier to put in the pocket and I am
not that concerned if they get lost, stolen or break. One I use exclusively in
my vehicle for a GPS, audio player and I will eventually set it up as a dash
cam. It doesn't have a simm and is Wifi only and I run a Google voice number
with it.
I am using a second G5 currently without a SIMM although I am thinking of
adding a simm, but for now it is a wifi only phone tied my NetTalk Landline
number as well as a podcast audio and TV listening device when I am working in
the yard, shop etc. I bought it on EBAY $50 when I thought I had lost my
other G5. It is in new condition and if I get a simm would make a nice second
phone.
My G5s have long ago stopped getting any kind of android or security update. I
have not been concerned about this because when I used one as my phone it was
with a Google Fi Simm which comes with a free VPN. My question is are these
phones a significant security risk and if so in what way and should I even be
concerned now or in the future.
