We discuss phones here, which on 2026 host ton of important and sometimes critical functions. Security is #1 concern for anybody at least a bit smart, you can't ignore reality of 2026.

I love photography, but this is exactly reason why I dont consider chinese phones at all, even if they would be for free (carrying it as pure camera phone around - then I can buy proper camera with much better results ie in night and ergonomics anf dedicated battery).

Too cheap phones = I am the product, or my data are.

If you mentioned your needs in the article, I don't see it. You need to explicitly state somewhere that you are only interested in the camera app and the phone app. I mean I guess it's obvious that you're going to end up with a phone where nothing works. But still...

I'll add some clarification in the top of the article, good suggestion