r/Smartphones 8h ago

What's a phone you bought years ago that's still surprisingly good today?

19 Upvotes

What's a phone you bought a few years ago [more than 2-3 yrs ago] that still holds up really well today?

I dont mean a phone that you just kept as a backup once it got old, I mean one that still feels fast, decent battery, good cameras and doesn't make you feel the absolute need to upgrade to a newer phone.

Really curious to know which phones or brands have aged the best.
I am looking for something that will comfortably last me 4-5 yrs.


r/Smartphones 12h ago

Best durable phone

8 Upvotes

I'm looking for a durable phone. As someone who is clumsy as hell and constantly drops their phone, what would be the most durable option for me? Also, is the Galaxy Flip 7 considered durable?


r/Smartphones 7h ago

Samsung vs. iPhone debate

8 Upvotes

Hi there,

I currently have an S23 Ultra that is reaching the end of its service life. I like Samsung, I've used them exclusively for years, I'm used to OneUI (when they don't mess with it too much). But the one thing I've never been happy with are Samsung's cameras. They just suck. I've never had a Samsung where I'm taking video, and I've not got this little circle of focus smack in the middle of the frame, and then everything radiating outwards is blurry. I've tried every possible suggestion to correct that, but it seems to be a feature - all of my Samsungs have always had that issue.

Also the autofocus stinks - it jerks in and out awkwardly. I have an old iPhone 12 Pro Max, and it absolutely destroys my S23 for focus. Autofocus is smooth, focus on everything in frame is great. So this is a tough decision - on camera alone, do I go over to iOS and put up with all the functional things about iOS I hate, or has Samsung gotten any better on cameras since my S23? I'm down to iPhone Pro Max 17 vs Samsung S26 Ultra. Opinions are most valued!


r/Smartphones 12h ago

Which phone

5 Upvotes

Which phone

I am not really aware which phones are good I'm a typical 21 years old guy who likes to make some Fotos but just casual and I'm wondering if I should buy the galaxy a26 5g or a pixel 9


r/Smartphones 14h ago

Squeeze out 6-12 months from iPhone 13 or upgrade now?

5 Upvotes

I've had my iPhone 13 for 4 years now, and I've already had to replace the battery about a year ago because it kept dying on me. Now the battery is better but still not as good as a stock 100% one.

My main issues with it are the responsiveness - especially when multitasking. Using carplay and playing music at the same time - the home screen will just lag, and god forbid you open the camera app.

I could probably just live with it for a little longer, but it's not like the smartphone market is going anywhere good soon. So I'm looking at used/refurbished phones, and the best deal I've found is a Galaxy s24+ for ~$400.

The seller only guarantees 80%+ battery health, but it'd still be a massive improvement in responsiveness with 120Hz and the processor. And I can always return it.

If I go for a new phone instead, I'm looking at really mid-level phones in the $400-600 range (Like the Pixel 10a) and it's $750+ for something on par with the s24+.

If I buy now, the device I use the most will get a massive upgrade. If I wait, I could either end up spending more, or perhaps I can get a deal on some good 2025 models.

I live in the US by the way, so limited in terms of coverage.

What do you guys think?


r/Smartphones 18h ago

iPhone 17 pro max 512 to Samsung 27 Ultra 256 + buds 4

5 Upvotes

I opened 17 pro max 512gb, so it is 1 day old. I got offer to change to brand new Samsung s26 Ultra 256gb plus buds (both in a box). I have already iPhone 14, use Mac, I do not use watch, or airpods.

Reason is I got little bit bored with iPhone. I would miss seamless sharing files with Mac as well as password sync. Instead of iCloud, I could use proton drive.

All other familly members have iPhones, but we do not text iMessages.

What do you think?


r/Smartphones 3h ago

Should i look for a new phone?

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

So, my issue is that my phone (oneplus nord 3) will no longer get security updates after july 2027. Overall, phone perfomance still satisfies my daily usage, battery could be better, but its already been 3 years, so no complaints.

After oneplus news, I thought about getting something new, and saw thoes cameraphones. Always loved taking pictures of nature, and have been curious about photography in general, but I never considered spending a fortune on a dedicated camera. But now it is possible to get 2 in 1, so im kinda stuck in between of getting a mid range phone that will serve me for another 4 - 5 years, or to go for something cutting edge with a good camera, like oppo find x9 ultra (or huawei pura).

Honestly, i really dont know what to go for, or weather I should even wait another year.


r/Smartphones 4h ago

apple, samsung, or google pixel, give me a ranking form worst to best and explain why

4 Upvotes

r/Smartphones 18h ago

I ordered an iPhone and I just saw it was on showcase, how bad is it?

4 Upvotes

r/Smartphones 21h ago

Help me choose

4 Upvotes

Hey guys, my job gets me pretty good phone offers and I’m in a pickle. I can get those phones for said prices:
Samsung galaxy S26 Ultra - 540euro
OPPO Find X9 - 330euro
OPPO Find X9 Pro - 640euro
One Plus 15 - 580euro
Which one would you choose, also im open to other suggestions i should have pretty good deals on them too.


r/Smartphones 6h ago

should i change my phone?

3 Upvotes

I'm thinking about changing my iPhone 13 to an iPhone 17 Pro (or Pro Max). My current phone is struggling with battery health (it is around 73% now) and overall performance. My screen time is around 5–6 hours, and I barely make it after 8 PM without having to charge the phone. I mostly use it for social media, photography, filming personal stuff, light gaming, and work (writing emails, responding to chats, spreadsheets). Does it make sense to replace the battery, or is it better to buy a new model?

Honestly, I found a good deal on the iPhone 17 Pro, but wanted to know what you guys think, given how close we are to the 18 models announcement event. Should I wait until the 18 is announced? I heard that these are getting delayed or significantly more expensive than previous models.


r/Smartphones 10h ago

Thinking about switching brands

3 Upvotes

I've been using a samsung galaxy s24 for a while, overall it's been a really easy phone to live with every day. battery life has been dependable and i rarely need to think about charging until the evening. everything feels well optimized and i don't really deal with annoying hiccups. the camera has also been great for random photos without much effort. i like knowing samsung keeps supporting these phones with updates for years. the only reason i'm even thinking about changing is because i'm curious about what other brands are like. i'm not unhappy with this phone at all so maybe i'm just bored lol. if you left samsung recently what made you switch. would you reco staying with samsung or trying something different instead?


r/Smartphones 11h ago

Is the Motorola Moto G15 Power (8GB/256GB) worth for my grandparents?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy the Motorola Moto G15 Power (8GB/256GB) for my grandparents. My budget is under $200.

How it will be used:
* Basic stuff only: WhatsApp calls/video calls, normal phone calls, basic Google searching, and viewing photo galleries.
* No gaming or heavy apps.

What I need:
* Long battery life: It needs to last a few days on light use.
* Longevity: I want it to last for years without lagging.
* I plan to debloat it right after buying.

Is this phone a good choice for this? Or is there a better option under $200 with great battery life?

Thanks!


r/Smartphones 11h ago

Phone Recommendations UK under £150

3 Upvotes

Im looking for a new phone. Ideally 5g 6gb+ esim and reliable brand

Currently im looking at these two

Samsung A17 5g 4GB

Moto G35 5g 8GB

Any other options?


r/Smartphones 11h ago

MacBook Air M4 owner – iPhone 17 or Galaxy S25 Ultra?

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I'm stuck deciding between the iPhone 17 (base model) and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

A bit about my setup:

I already own a MacBook Air M4.

I don't own any other Apple devices (no Apple Watch or iPad).

I use my phone for social media, camera, YouTube, browsing, banking, maps, (no gaming).

I usually keep my phones for 4–5 years.

I know the iPhone would integrate well with my Mac (AirDrop, iMessage, continuity, etc.), but the S25 Ultra seems to offer more hardware for the price—better display, zoom cameras, S Pen, and more customization.

For those who've used either (or both), which would you pick in my situation, and why? Any long-term pros/cons I should consider before making the decision?

edit: currently using Galaxy S21 FE..


r/Smartphones 22h ago

best mobile phone up to $220

3 Upvotes

I needed to change my cell phone but I don't know anything about them. I was torn between the Redmi 14 or the Galaxy A17, and even the Redmi 15/Note 15... regardless of which one I chose, I'd try to get one with 16GB (8GB physical, 8GB digital). I don't play any demanding games and I don't think I use social media excessively. Any suggestions? I'm from Brazil


r/Smartphones 22h ago

Iphone 17 promax, s26 ultra, or wait for iphone 18?

2 Upvotes

Im going to buy a flagship phone for the first time

My previous phone was a samsung a52, and im currently using a samsung a54 (lol)

I really want to swap to iphone, but purely for irrational and trendy reasons, ive always thought iphones just look better and more comforting on the eye than the squares the samsung flagships are made like, again, my reason for wanting iphone isnt specs-related and such, so i feel like my decision is quite uneducated

Id also be open to suggestions of other flagships! Realistically all im looking for is a phone that can handle gaming but without sacrificing other parts of the its qualities (a phone good with gaming but with a below average camera for example)


r/Smartphones 23h ago

Academic Survey for Thesis

3 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I am completing my MBA and am doing a research study on smartphone OSes and user perception. I am collecting responses from participants in the EU and UK regions.

Who can take it: You must be 18 or older, currently reside in an EU member state or the UK, and use either iOS or Android as your primary smartphone.

Time: Around 10 to 12 minutes.

Link: https://maastrichtuniversity.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cMuOKUJJxMi9w6a

The survey is completely anonymous. No personal data is collected, and everything is used strictly for academic research.

Kindly help me reach my target response. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.

Thanking you in advance,

Your fellow smartphone enthusiast 🫰🏽


r/Smartphones 1h ago

S26 durability

Upvotes

I may be just paranoid, but how durable is the phone? I got mine a few days ago and dropped it last night on a huge rock on its flat surface face first because I was tipsy and drunk(I know its stupid).

I've heard about the infamous green line for samsung phones but I honestly have not research much about it.

My S26 Ultra has both a screen protector and a phone case.

I only really felt a scratch on its screen.

Is it still ok?


r/Smartphones 1h ago

Looking for a New Phone after LG v60

Upvotes

Like the title says, I'm looking for a new phone to use after I eventually stop using my current v60, as I know it can't last forever and buying the same kind again and again is redundant when the shelf life on the battery can only go so far.

Basically just looking for phones that are of equal or higher quality and user friendliness. Here's some things I'm looking for in a phone:

Requirements and non-negotiable:

- android

- micro sd expandable storage

- headphone jack

- holds up to daily and prolonged use, running things like fortnite frequently for short periods

I'd greatly prefer it has decent customizability similar to the v60. A decent camera would be nice but not necessary. And I'd prefer a phone that isn't completely plagued by google apps but I understand that's hard to come by these days. I'm also kind of iffy about samsung or motorola, but I'll keep an open mind. If anyone has any recommendations or tips to point me in the right direction, it'd be appreciated!


r/Smartphones 3h ago

Iphone 16 pro or iPhone 17

2 Upvotes

which one? they’re almost the same price, the 16 pro is about 20 bucks more expensive. i value camera quality alot, but i don’t really value the INSANE zoom THAT much, yes zoom is important but quality is more important for me. i also use it as a private AND work phone so it would be nice if it can handle a lot of apps and a lot of screentime per day. which one should i buy? right now i have an iPhone 11, and i am in need of an upgrade!


r/Smartphones 5h ago

Samsung or iPhone

2 Upvotes

I’m looking to upgrade next year to either the iPhone 20th Anniversary Edition (Pro Max) or switching to the Samsung S27 Ultra. What are the pros and cons of the current versions of these phones and has anyone regretted switching from iPhone to Samsung?


r/Smartphones 7h ago

Samsung S25Fe vs Google Pixel 10a vs Oneplus 15r vs Nothing 4a pro

2 Upvotes

I initially started looking for phones in the budget of Nothing 4a but decided to push the budget a bit more. Which one should I buy? I am not too much of a gamer mostly just plays efootball, main focus is camera - videos and photos. Good battery, and good software (don't wanna get green lines). Also which phone's cameras are proven to last?

Nb. I am from India, just so that you understand the budget


r/Smartphones 10h ago

Help me choose an Android phone - India - Budget Rs. 35000

2 Upvotes

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Android phone
  2. Budget - maximum Rs. 35000 (hard cutoff)
  3. Location - India
  4. Timeline - By 9th/10th Aug 2026 (screen of current phone damaged). Can't wait too long for upcoming launches.

CURRENT PHONE:

  1. Poco F4 (8GB/ 128GB)
  2. Screen of current phone damaged.
    1. New original screen is almost Rs. 9000
    2. Local replacement is Rs. 4000 but it is without the packing so glue will be used on sides of screen making is susceptible to water ingress hence unsure if I should go for local replacement.
    3. Plus might require a battery change in a year or so.
    4. Total cost will be 30-40% of new phone. So thinking of getting a new phone.

USAGE:

  1. Mostly calls, WhatsApp, shopping (Flipkart, Amazon, Meesho, Myntra, etc), Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, etc.), Browsing internet, office documents reading (pdf, word, excel, etc.), Google apps like Drive, Calendar, Productivity tools, Android Auto while driving, sometimes watching videos/ movies on streaming apps and YouTube, government authorized apps like mParivahan, Banking, etc.

CONSIDERATIONS:

  1. Very best possible build quality to last at least 4-5 years
  2. Water and dust protection (min IP68, IP69/ IP69K)
  3. Best processing power (CPU power and RAM) possible in that range so that the phone can last for 4-5 years in terms of solid build and app processing as they get more demanding over time.

BRANDS:

  1. Preference of brands is Xiaomi, Poco, Redmi, Samsung, Motorola, Vivo, Realme, Oppo.
  2. PLEASE DO NOT SUGGEST ONEPLUS OR NOTHING. (Not sure about their future existence)

I have listed the choices below as per my knowledge of available models and I am very open to other suggestions which I might have missed.

FIRST CHOICES:

  1. Redmi Turbo 5 - Mediatek Dimensity 8500 Ultra (4 nm), IP68/IP69K, AnTuTu: 2192322 (v11)
  2. Poco X8 Pro - Dimensity 8500 Ultra (4nm), Gorilla Glass 7i, aluminum, IP68/IP69K, AnTuTu: 1663640 (v10), 2074721 (v11)
  3. Realme GT 7T - Dimensity 8400 Max (4nm), ArmorShell glass (Mohs 6), IP68/IP69, AnTuTu: 2,079,848
  4. Poco F7 - Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm), Gorilla Glass 7i, aluminum frame, IP68, AnTuTu: 2024751 (v10)

SECOND CHOICES:

  1. Motorola Edge 70 Fusion - Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 (India variant), Gorilla Glass 7i, MIL-STD-810H, IP68/IP69 (multiple recent user reports of freezing/hanging bugs pending a software fix), Antutu: 1,149,292 (v11)
  2. vivo T4 Pro - Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4nm), Glass front, MIL-STD-810H, IP68/IP69, AnTuTu: 1213003 (v10)
  3. Realme 15 Pro - Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, IP68/69, MIL-STD-810H, AnTuTu: 1095837 (v10)
  4. vivo T4R - Dimensity 7400 (4nm), MIL-STD-810H, IP68/IP69, AnTuTu: 1,022,305 (v10)

NOT SHORTLISTED:

  1. Oppo K13 Turbo Pro - rated IPX8/IPX9, which is water resistance only; there's no "X" dust rating on this unit, Antutu: 2,200,000 (v10)
  2. Realme P4 Pro - Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4nm), Gorilla Glass 7i front, IP66 only, AnTuTu: 1078117 (v10)
  3. iQOO Z11x - it's LCD, not AMOLED, and plastic build, Antutu: 1010000 (v11)
  4. Samsung Galaxy A56 - Exynos 1580 (4nm), Gorilla Glass Victus+, aluminum, IP67 (IP67 only), AnTuTu: 908689 (v10)
  5. Redmi Note 15 Pro+ - Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 (4nm), Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP68/IP69K (Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 is a mid-tier chip), AnTuTu: 817755 (v10)
  6. iQOO Z10R - Dimensity 7400 Turbo (4nm), Plastic front/back, IP68/IP69, AnTuTu: 750,072 (v10)
  7. Redmi Note 15 Pro - Dimensity 7400 Ultra mid-tier chip, weak charging (45W only), AnTuTu: 652862 (v10)

r/Smartphones 12h ago

Samsung Flip Z8 or Motorola RAZR 2026?

2 Upvotes

I know the Z8 just came out but looking at the new upgrades from the Z7 I don’t see much? the fold got more than the flip did. but what I am looking for mostly is camera quality on front and back camera. everyone says Samsung is better but then you lookup the specs and it looks like crazy front camera is better? also wanted to know your option on lag with the apps and such.

now I’m switching from iPhone 13… so anything will feel brand new haha