I am considering the above phones. Which is best from a data security/lack of malware/lack of viruses perspective? My thoughts at present:
- Windows phone is currently well supported, though how long support will continue is unknown. I think its low market share and fact that its software is all under the control of a single company means it is likely to be a relatively safe option.
- Nexus 5x - good at present, however will only have security updates for another two years. I have never used an android phone before and am concerned what will happen once security updates cease.
- Xiaomi - potential issues with malware arriving on the phone (seems to be more of an issue with certain retailers and particularly with the global rom pre-installed), rumours of users' data included text messages being sent back to Xiaomi, reports that the Indian military has advised their employees not to use Xiaomi phones, and the only recently-patched back door access that allowed Xiaomi to install apps onto phones (see here). I wonder to what extent these are legitimate concerns.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Windows phone. Microsoft have really upped their game as far as security.
Whilst Nexus recieve Android updates the fastest Android is the most targeted operating system simply because that's where the most devices are. Android has almost constant unpatched security holes. And they're the ones we know about.
Xiaomi devices are Android based are they not? You forgot to mention that every Google Android device with any Google app sends data to Google constantly and Google does not apply it's own fine grained OS privacy policies to itself in some instances.