I'm considering getting a new flagship phone and want one that will actually last. I've been looking at the Samsung S26 Ultra, but I've heard a lot of complaints about planned obsolescence with Samsung devices, which makes me skeptical. The Pixel phones seem great, but the hardware doesn't excite me. OnePlus offers a lot for the price, but doesn't seem to be seen as a top contender. I've heard good things about Xiaomi, but there are concerns since it's a Chinese brand. While I know iPhones are strong contenders for longevity, I prefer Android. Are there any brands or models you recommend that will give me a reliable phone for the long haul? Or should I just go with Samsung despite the rumors? My dad's midrange Samsung has been running well for over six years now.
5 Answers
If you are looking for reliability, Apple is the gold standard. People still have iPhones from over ten years ago that work fine. If you're open to shifting to iOS, the iPhone 11 is a great place to start.
I'm a big fan of Pixel phones! They're durable, get quick updates, and I’ve dropped mine numerous times without an issue. I've owned a few over the years, and they just keep going strong. I don’t see the performance lag, and it's been three years since my Pixel 7 Pro upgrade. Just make sure you assess whether you need that high-end gaming performance, though.
Honestly, OnePlus is a fantastic choice! They’re committed to quality and have been great for me. I’ve had my OnePlus 12 for a while now, and I can tell you, they outdo many big brands in terms of value. Plus, their software is much more streamlined without all the bloat!
Right? They might not be as big a name, but they offer top-tier specs and performance for a fraction of the price. Totally worth considering.
I've had my Galaxy S20 since late 2020, and it's still holding up beautifully! The battery lasts all day, and I've had no major issues other than a slightly wobbly side button. Honestly, don't let the planned obsolescence rumors scare you off—my phone's performance is still solid, though I know security updates are important too.
That’s great to hear! Just curious, how’s your camera doing? I've heard mixed reviews about Samsung's cameras degrading after updates.
Yeah, but are you still getting security updates? That’s a big deal.
If you're leaning towards longevity, you can't go wrong with an iPhone. They typically get six years of OS updates and then a few more years for security patches. My family still uses a five-year-old iPhone 12 without any issues!
True, but don’t forget Pixel and newer Galaxy models now promise up to seven years of software updates. That's really improving the Android landscape.
Not gonna lie, I prefer Android too but the longevity of Apple phones is hard to ignore. Have you thought about how much you value those updates?