Custom ROM for my dad's mobile - or alternatives for an 82 year old?

TangoEchoAlpha · 3 Dec 2023 at 20:40

My dad (82) used to use a Doro 6520 flip phone which we had to replace due to ID Mobile switching off 3G in the future. We have tried a Nokia 105 4G due to them being extremely cheap, but he doesn't get on with it. The Nokia screen is too small, he finds the interface cumbersome and the basic tasks sometimes work, sometimes don't.

I currently have a Pixel 4a 5G which I am going to upgrade. I was thinking about putting a non-stock ROM on there, such as Graphene OS, as he doesn't really want a smart phone. Essentials for him are:

1. Voice calls, including over VOLTE
2. Text SMS and RCS if at all possible, he shouldn't notice the difference!
3. Easy to use alarm clock
4. Easy to use contacts list
5. Nano SIM support ideally
6. Easy to use camera app a bonus

Doesn't need any extra apps, doesn't need Whatsapp or anything like that and doesn't need a web browser. Literally, he just wants an easy to use phone, so I would possibly install Graphene OS, disable data/wifi and uninstall/disable Vanadium. It would be a 'non smart' smartphone, with no ability to install extra apps or go online in any way.

Is this an option, does Graphene OS work without Vanadium or is it needed? If this isn't an option, are there any alternatives (cutdown Lineage OS?) or am I just better off getting him a replacement Doro, something like the new 2800 would do him fine?

KIA · 6 Dec 2023 at 16:52

A Doro smartphone?

TangoEchoAlpha · 7 Dec 2023 at 16:38

KIA said:
A Doro smartphone?

That's a possibility, as is just getting a new Doro flip phone.

I have a Pixel 4a 5G, in an ideal world I can avoid e-waste and spending more cash, if I can find a suitable custom ROM for it. Maybe Graphene OS or Lineage OS, either pared down as much as they can be, might do the job.

Scort · 9 Dec 2023 at 12:15

Tbh it sounds like you're over-complicating it.

Flatten your Pixel back to stock, decrease the DP setting in the developer settings (if their eyesight is poor) to make everything larger. Then just install a custom launcher that'll allow you to hide apps.

Assuming they're not prone to just clicking things, then this'll probably do and not cost much (assuming you have to pay for the launcher)

TangoEchoAlpha · 10 Dec 2023 at 11:44

Scort said:
Tbh it sounds like you're over-complicating it.

Flatten your Pixel back to stock, decrease the DP setting in the developer settings (if their eyesight is poor) to make everything larger. Then just install a custom launcher that'll allow you to hide apps.

Assuming they're not prone to just clicking things, then this'll probably do and not cost much (assuming you have to pay for the launcher)

That's a really good idea, thanks. Any launcher recommendations?

Scort · 10 Dec 2023 at 12:44

TangoEchoAlpha said:
That's a really good idea, thanks. Any launcher recommendations?

Nova was/is the go to launcher - I personally use Lawnchair and you can hide apps etc with that, to make it all look less cluttered

brendy · 10 Dec 2023 at 13:30

Would you not consider changing service provider and keep the Doro?

TangoEchoAlpha · 10 Dec 2023 at 13:52

brendy said:
Would you not consider changing service provider and keep the Doro?

I think most service providers are switching off 3G nowadays, if not already they are planning to.

brendy · 10 Dec 2023 at 21:22

TangoEchoAlpha said:
I think most service providers are switching off 3G nowadays, if not already they are planning to.

O2 (giff gaff etc) is looking like mid 2025, plenty of use still in the phone then see if Doro bring out a 4g alternative.

TangoEchoAlpha · 11 Dec 2023 at 09:44

brendy said:
O2 (giff gaff etc) is looking like mid 2025, plenty of use still in the phone then see if Doro bring out a 4g alternative.

Thanks. My dad hates change and I think the idea of moving networks would be too much for him. Appreciate the reply though.

Orcvader · 11 Dec 2023 at 15:28

TangoEchoAlpha said:
That's a really good idea, thanks. Any launcher recommendations?

Can't remember the exact launcher I installed on my gran's phone but it was similar to this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.arjunsinh.elderlauncher&hl=en_US

TangoEchoAlpha · 11 Dec 2023 at 16:54

Orcvader said:
Can't remember the exact launcher I installed on my gran's phone but it was similar to this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.arjunsinh.elderlauncher&hl=en_US

That is fantastic, thanks. If you you do remember the one you installed, please let me know