What's the current most "hackable" Android device?

[Hater]

Hi all,

I want to buy a cheap second hand Android device, something flagship from a few years ago just to play around with, as I like messing with custom software etc, but I don't want to mess with my daily device (anyway, I don't think iOS11 is jailbroken yet?)

What's the current most hackable Android device in the Galaxy S6/S7 timeframe?

Bonus if it has a glass rear end so I can do the see-through case mod.

Cheers

 

[Septembersrain]

I have no idea as most unlocked android devices do not have the bootloader locked down. So ADB commands will be there. Just know that most have a counter now, so once it's rooted or bootloader unlocked (if it didn't come that way) you will lose all warranty. So bricking needs to be considered.

If it's hardware, changing the back on some may be easier depending on how much bezel and the tamper proofing it has inside. You'll need to know if it requires a whole custom kit and if that is sold as a whole or in separate parts only.

Mods please don't get mad at me but I think this person needs to visit XDA. Not trying to tell them to leave this site but they'd be able to gauge the devices with the highest developers and mods running for all Android phones sold everywhere.

 

[lowendlinux]

Nexus followed by One+ everything else is harder

 

[mi7chy]

You want:

- unlocked bootloader
- large user and developer base
- affordability
- universal carrier

Usually carrier unlocked Nexus or Moto.

 

[co.ag.2005]

depends on what you mean. If you mean, able to unlock bootloader with lots of activity with custom ROMS, then as said before, Nexus (maybe previous gen Pixel) devices and OnePlus devices. Last year, I bought a mint condition Nexus 6 just to tinker with and it was a fun, at home, tablet-reader like device (at the time).

 

[lowendlinux]

depends on what you mean. If you mean, able to unlock bootloader with lots of activity with custom ROMS, then as said before, Nexus (maybe previous gen Pixel) devices and OnePlus devices. Last year, I bought a mint condition Nexus 6 just to tinker with and it was a fun, at home, tablet-reader like device (at the time).

Pixels are bit more complicated than Nexus

 

[co.ag.2005]

Pixels are bit more complicated than Nexus

Good to know. In what ways? just curious as I tinkered with a ton of Nexus devices so I'd assume Pixel would be similar. This is my first Pixel (the 2 XL) and I won't be tinkering as I don't see a need at this point. Thanks for the info, though.

 

[lowendlinux]

Good to know. In what ways? just curious as I tinkered with a ton of Nexus devices so I'd assume Pixel would be similar. This is my first Pixel (the 2 XL) and I won't be tinkering as I don't see a need at this point. Thanks for the info, though.

you cannot just unlock the phone then use fastboot to flash recovery then go into recovery and flash away. You have to put the rcovery on your computer then have the pixel boot form that recovery then flash the recovery to both the A&B. Pixels work like Chromebooks do updates come to a second partition so when you notified of an update you boot from the new partition, it's nice in the fact that an update can't make a device non-bootable but it's a PITA for hacking.

 

[co.ag.2005]

you cannot just unlock the phone then use fastboot to flash recovery then go into recovery and flash away. You have to put the rcovery on your computer then have the pixel boot form that recovery then flash the recovery to both the A&B. Pixels work like Chromebooks do updates come to a second partition so when you notified of an update you boot from the new partition, it's nice in the fact that an update can't make a device non-bootable but it's a PITA for hacking.

thanks for the info. Interesting. Yes, the old nexus ways, as you describe, were very simple and likely what the OP here is after.

 

[Tig Bitties]

I say look up a OnePlus 3t on Craigslist, very developer friendly, and shouldn't be pricey today.

Or find a near mint condition Nexus 6P.