Choosing and flashing phones

Which handsets are suitable

Answers the question Why not any phone, and what to look at when buying?

Models

Google Pixel of the eighth generation or newer. From that generation the chip carries hardware memory tagging and the manufacturer gives seven years of updates instead of five. Older handsets lose updates halfway through the fleet's life.

What to avoid

Carrier versions are not suitable. On handsets sold by mobile operators the bootloader is locked permanently, and no other system can be installed. You need ordinary global versions.

Folding models are not recommended. They are supported, but unfolding brings its own faults: from uneven backlight across the halves to a lost mobile connection. Ordinary models are cheaper and behave more predictably.

Second-hand handsets

They are suitable, and they reduce the cost of the fleet noticeably. Before buying, check that the handset did not come from a mobile operator: that is the one thing which cannot be fixed later.