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Does megapixel count matter for smartphones? It’s not the most important spec to look at


Content warning: Galaxy Flip phone, opened with image of person showing thumbs up, standing on a glass table top No, megapixel count is not the sole factor you should consider when shopping for a phone. Although megapixel counts are important, other variables affect image

in reply to Danie

An high end phone will always be a worse camera than a 70$ Canon which will have a wider sensor capturing more light and optical zoom.
in reply to Paolo Redaelli

@Paolo Redaelli I wouldn't say "always". We already have 10x optical zoom and sensors are getting bigger on smartphones. The software has also advanced dramatically in terms of corrections. But even now, the "camera" you always have in your pocket can be better than the one usually left at home ;-)
in reply to Danie

also sensors size, optic aperture are important too. But my feebly knowledge in photography ends here 😅
in reply to Paolo Redaelli

@Paolo Redaelli it's not too bad on Android as you can easily install FOSS software via Fdroid store, or sideload APK files. The OS is a bit worse as some manufacturers make it really easy to root the phone or even install custom ROM software like LineageOS, whilst others have locked things down quite a bit on that front.
in reply to Danie

That's better that nothing, agreed. In fact I've been using an #android phone with #fdroid and #aurorastore without giving any credential to #gapps. But #googleplay constantly calls home and send metrics, even with no account set up. 😡🤬😠
I do have a #librem5 but I haven't yet tried to use it full-time as there's an important contact of mine who use #whatsapp .
in reply to Paolo Redaelli

@Paolo Redaelli yes I had a painful parting from WhatsApp myself a good 2 or 3 years back. Many I know are on Telegram, but I had a few diehard family memebrs and ex-work colleagues who stayed only on WhatsApp. But now I know where my real friends are! My conscience is clear at least.
in reply to Danie

Speaking of #instantmessaging:
- #telegram is not that good on #privacy
- #signal requires a phone number,
- #sessionapp relies on #blockchain, making some people unhappy,
- #xmpp (#conversations and others) requires a server
- #briar is not "fashionable"
- #jami uses Google notifications

I just can't find what to suggest to non #technically savvy people 😱😥
What do you suggest?
in reply to Paolo Redaelli

a bit late to the conversation, let me suggest a promising privacy focused im @simplex as an addition to all the others suggested above. I also like @snikket_im b/c it is very easy to selfhost.
in reply to Paolo Redaelli

@grm I was going to propose to tech-savy people to use and embrace all those but then what to suggest to people aking for suggestions? @danie10 @simplex @snikket_im
in reply to Paolo Redaelli

@paoloredaelli
We're working on Snikket being that thing to suggest. It's XMPP-based, and yes, you need a server. But we provide a service to set one up in a few clicks. Then you can invite people to it with a simple link.

If your concern is network effects, only recommend open networks/protocols such as XMPP, Matrix and email (see DeltaChat). Some reasons are explained here: https://snikket.org/blog/products-vs-protocols/
@grm @danie10
in reply to Paolo Redaelli

Running a node used by Session requires using the block-chain, nothing else does.

https://getsession.org/faq#blockchain-storage

https://getsession.org/faq#swarms

https://getsession.org/faq#service-node

Here are three good options:

- Session @session
- SimpleX @simplex
- Threema @threemaapp

#SessionApp #Session

@paoloredaelli
@danie10

Paolo Redaelli reshared this.

in reply to Paolo Redaelli

Flagship Google Pixel phones have really good support for installing alternative operating systems in my experience.

Before the Pixel line, I was doing the same with Nexus phones without much hassle too.

@paoloredaelli
@danie10

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