Lora is cheaper than android devices lol
You can get it for $20 and the range will be few miles. Also it uses AES256-CTR for encrypting channels. Much more reliable.
Discussion
You can use AES256 with BLE too, that is possible through reticulum.
Those who use this tech know that logistics are the first thing to disappear. It's not about the price today, you simply can't buy it during collapse or emergencies whereas androids you'll scavenge them anywhere
“You can use it through reticulum” but bitchat doesn’t lol that’s the whole point of conversation. Also as I mentioned before it’s pointless to use mesh over BLE when the person is 10 ft away from you!
I don't care for bitchat, just to mention that BLE isn't restrained by those limitations and there are good use scenarios for BLE or local chat within an house or building.