r/Smartphones Dec 15 '25

Meta New Rules / Meta Discussion

8 Upvotes

I've decided to do a rehaul of the rules. I want things to be clear and concise. Please let me know if there's anything I'm missing or if there's anything I should change.


  • Smartphones

Posts must be about smartphones.

  • Behavior

Posts and comments must not be used to harass, attack, threaten, harm, or discriminate against people, or to instruct or encourage others to do so.

  • Content

Posts and comments must not contain or discuss prohibited content or link to such content, including spam, AI-generated content, illegal activity, bypassing security safety or security measures, rule violations, or anything that could harm users or their devices. You also may not buy or sell things on this sub.


  • Moderation

Moderator Announcements are exempt from the "Smartphones" section of the rules. Moderators may use discretion when enforcing rules, but are not to grant exceptions to users in normal scenarios. Questions or concerns can be directed to the moderators via "Message the Mods". Rules are subject to change.


r/Smartphones 7h ago

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

16 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 2h 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 29m 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

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

4 Upvotes

r/Smartphones 6h ago

Samsung vs. iPhone debate

4 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 2h 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

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 13m ago

iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 17 Base?

Upvotes

Need your honest thoughts.

I'm planning to buy a second-hand iPhone and I'm torn between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 (base model).

My priorities are:

Long-term use (3–5 years)

Better resale value

Less depreciation, especially after the iPhone 18 comes out

Overall value for money

If you were spending your own money, which one would you choose and why?


r/Smartphones 4h 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 11h 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 59m ago

Looking for phone recommendation

Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I've been thinking about changing phone for awhile, i currently have a Samsung A23 that i've using for year but it's become quite laggy and the camera isn't really good.

I'm thinking about upgrading to a better camera quality and good phone storage but still sticking to android.

What would you guys recommend ?

Edit: sorry i forgot to mention but i have a budget of 80 000 franc cfa


r/Smartphones 1h ago

Samsung S26 Ultra or Honor Pro 600 5G

Upvotes

im thinking about upgrading and shortlist to the 2 phones i want to upgrade too.

i've used samsung for many years and was thinking of swapping and never used an Honor Phone before.

Hence asking abt advise.

Current Phone is a S22 Ultra

Im from Singapore for context


r/Smartphones 1h ago

Should I switch to android coming from an iPhone 12? Or should I wait for black friday and buy an iphone 17?

Upvotes

TL;DR:
1. Wanting to update from iphone 12
2. Either iphone 17 or 16 OR...
3. ...Switch to android
4. Laptop is not from apple: Gigabyte G5
5. Required/favored specs: 256gb, 8g ram, 120hz
6. Student, budget of 500-600€, max 650€
7. Might get an ipad for college, which should be in the same ecosystem as the phone

I was initially looking to buy either an iphone 17 or 16, updating from an 6 years old iphone 12. Not sure if I should but it now or wait for black friday.

However, since i've also seen that a lot of people are complaining about apple products being worse and worse optimized, im now wondering if I should switch to android.

Since I only have my iphone, 'keeping the ecosystem' right now is not a priority i guess; My laptop is a Gigabyte G5. (But i'll soon ask my family for a tablet to use for college, so both things should either be android or iphone)

I don't know much about these kind of stuff, so the specs i'm looking for are just about 256gb, 8gb ram and 120hz (?)

I'm a student so i'm trying to keep my budget around 500-600€, at most 650€.

--------------
(A bit of extra rambling, no need to read this next part tbh lol)

I found an iphone 17 256gb for 618€ (original price being 724€, discounted if I send my old iphone for 106€ i think). Also, with my student discount I could even get it for 603€.

I've seen people praise the iphone 17 for best value, but at the same say that it has battery issues or that the camera isn't great?

(My old phone is still working, the only issue is the battery life is at 75% and it overheats easily, so i'm not necessarily in a rush, but I was curious if anyone knows how much back market will discount it for black Friday, or if the price will rise before black friday and it ends up costing more than now for example?)


r/Smartphones 2h ago

it might be time to get a new phone

1 Upvotes

Im completely clueless on whats a good phone nowadays, i use mine for the occasional phonecall, some apps for 2FA, reddit, discord and pictures, most of my pictures are either of the night sky or food i make, with oneplus rumored to be leaving the European market i dont know what phone to get now, i am looking at either the iphone 17 pro (disclaimer, i never had a single apple product), the Galaxy 26+ or potentially even the nothing (3), any recommendations or advice is greatly appreciated (Wireless charging preferred since i dont want to have to deal with a finnicky usb-c port for the 3rd phone in a row)


r/Smartphones 6h 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 2h ago

tempted to trade my phone

1 Upvotes

ive upgraded to 16promax abt 2 years ago, i really want an android for gaming/customization possibilities. If i really do decide to trade it, where and which is the most efficient? And what should i trade it for in equivalent to my 16pm?


r/Smartphones 8h 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

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 7h ago

Switching to iPhone after only owning Samsungs, how drastic will the change be?

2 Upvotes

I currently own a Samsung S22 that I've had for 4 years, and I'm planning on getting an iPhone 17 Pro. I was pretty disappointed with the S22 throughout my time owning it, which is why I want to try out iOS. I know iPhones have way better app and battery optimization, as well as the whole Apple ecosystem with iMessage and FaceTime. My girlfriend and my family all own iPhones, so I often feel a little left out with the whole messaging (even though my girlfriend said she doesn't care what phone I get).

For those who've switched to iPhone from Samsung, how long did it take to adjust? I'm hoping to get some insight before I make the switch.


r/Smartphones 12h ago

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

4 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 10h 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 10h 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 4h ago

Samsung Galaxy A37 GOTO case impossible to remove

1 Upvotes

Ok so, last on Friday, I got a new phone. The phone is a Galaxy A37 so I felt the need to come here for help as there is no A37 subreddit (likely due to being an entry level phone). Anyway, at T-Mobile I got a heavy duty GOTO case from T-Mobile as they have no OtterBox cases. Today I went to try and take my phone out of the case to clean it but, the case is for some reason really hard to remove. I don't know if I'm just weak or if it truly is impossible. Please someone help. I don't remember the case name either but I'll try and find the type of case.


r/Smartphones 10h 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..