https://www.wired.com/story/e-os-review/
Even if you aren’t technically inclined, this privacy-first mobile operating system helps you escape surveillance capitalism.
SD cards are awesome, because a high quality 256GB SD card costs about $30, while a 256GB memory upgrade is at least $100 with no option to transfer when you get a new phone.
Cloud storage is pretty expensive and only as fast as your internet speed is, so for a lot of people that is not really that feasible. Especially considering that some have data caps as well.
3.5mm jack is just more comfortable to use for a lot of people, especially when they have multiple source devices and want to switch between them. I have BT headphones and it is way easier and more reliable to just replug the wire than to go through the BT disconnect reconnect dance.
The issue with dongles is that you'll have to find the correct aux dongle, some phones support analog passthrough, others require active dongles and so on
The issue with dongles is that you'll have to find the correct aux dongle, some phones support analog passthrough, others require active dongles and so on
This is a pretty easy to overcome issue. There really isn't a "and so on" here, there are only two types of adapters: active and passive. Nearly every new phone without a 3.5mm port needs an active adapter (check the spec sheet), which has the DAC in it.
This is fine, you were going to use a DAC regardless, the only difference is that it exists outside of your phone instead of soldered to the main board.
Probably best to buy from your phone manufacturer to ensure you're getting a quality DAC, but I am not aware of any counterfeiting, supply, or quality issues for DACs. Quality Cirruslogic DACs are plentiful and cost manufacturers $1-3/piece, so even the AliExpress adapters are probably just fine.
I feel like people never complain that cases and screen protectors only work on one make/model of phone, but then they get upset that they have to figure out which of two adapters they need. You're already dealing with a lot of device-exclusivity owning any smartphone, the headphone adapter seems like a trivial detail.