I've been using a Realme 8 since 2022 and am ready to upgrade. I do a fair amount of gaming, so I'm mainly looking for strong performance, good software optimization, and reliable battery life. A good camera would be a bonus, but it isn't essential. What phones would you recommend?
5 Answers
Google Pixel phones are a strong all-around choice, especially if you want clean software, dependable cameras, and several years of updates. A Pixel 10a-style model would offer good value, though pricing and availability will depend on your region. Buy an unlocked version if possible so you aren’t tied to one carrier.
A Pixel could also be a good choice if you’re interested in installing an alternative Android-based operating system such as GrapheneOS.
The Nothing Phone range is worth checking out if you want a clean interface and distinctive design. It may not be the absolute best gaming phone, so compare its chipset and battery results with OnePlus or Realme models before buying.
If you want a more premium option, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is excellent for gaming, display quality, cameras, battery life, and customization. The built-in S Pen is also surprisingly useful, especially for taking timed photos. A newer equivalent in the S Ultra line would be worth considering if the price fits your budget.
Since you’re already familiar with Realme, the GT 7, GT 7T, or a Realme Pro+ model could be natural upgrades. They tend to focus on fast hardware, gaming performance, and large batteries, although the camera experience and software support may not be as polished as Samsung or Google.
For strong performance at potentially better used prices, consider a second-hand OnePlus 13 or Galaxy S25+. Pixel 10 and 10a models are also worth looking at if camera quality and long-term software support matter more than maximum gaming performance.
Pixels can be frustrating to repair because replacement parts aren’t always easy to find.