Choosing Older Smartphones in 2026: Five Best Picks
The year 2026 has been quite challenging for gadget enthusiasts, especially smartphone users. Significant price increases due to the RAM crisis have made many new models unaffordable. However, amid this uncertainty, there is good news: some older smartphones are still very much worth buying. Here are five Android smartphone options worth considering before deciding to purchase the latest models.
1. Samsung Galaxy S25: A Still Relevant Flagship
The Galaxy S25 is one of the best choices this year. With the Galaxy S26 price soaring up to $900, opting for the S25, which launched at $800, becomes very appealing. Although the Galaxy S26 offers a base storage of 256GB, you can still get the S25 with 128GB capacity for about $700 on Amazon.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the Galaxy S25 delivers performance that remains highly competitive. Its triple rear camera setup, the same as the Galaxy S22, and 25W charging capability still provide a satisfying experience. Its slightly smaller size compared to the S26 makes it more comfortable to carry. So, why not choose the S25 and save your money?
2. Moto G Stylus 2025: Style and Functionality
If you are looking for a smartphone with a stylus, the Moto G Stylus 2025 is a wise choice. Although the latest 2026 model is priced at $500, the upgrades offered do not justify the higher price. You only get a more active stylus, a brighter screen, and a slight increase in battery capacity.
Both models use the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, with the same charging speed and identical camera configurations. While the 2025 model is becoming harder to find, the 256GB variant is still available for around $350. If you want a stylus phone without many extras, the Moto G Stylus 2025 is an excellent choice.
3. Google Pixel 9a: Excellence Without a Price Increase
The newly launched Google Pixel 10a may be tempting, but priced at $500 with only minor improvements over the Pixel 9a, many consumers prefer to stick with the previous model. The Pixel 9a, currently available for about $440, offers performance comparable to the Tensor G4 processor, a 5,100mAh battery, and a 6.3-inch OLED display.
With a 48MP and 13MP camera combination and wireless charging support, the Pixel 9a remains relevant in the market. You can save enough money to buy other accessories if you choose not to upgrade to the latest model.
4. Galaxy A56 5G: Mid-Range with Top Quality
The Galaxy A57 5G may have just launched at $550, but many experts believe there is no significant improvement over the Galaxy A56 5G, which can currently be found for about $400 on Amazon. With a 5,000mAh battery and 45W charging, the Galaxy A56 delivers solid performance for mid-range users.
With six years of OS updates and an attractive design, the Galaxy A56 is a smart choice for those seeking a Samsung phone without spending too much.
5. Motorola Razr 2025: A Still Appealing Foldable Phone
The Motorola Razr 2025 is an enticing option at $599, cheaper than the latest model priced at $699. Although there are some upgrades, such as a higher ultrawide camera and a larger battery, the lower price of the previous model keeps the Razr 2025 attractive.
With 256GB storage on the older model, you get more space to store files compared to the new model's 128GB. Additionally, the display quality and charging capabilities remain the same, making the Razr 2025 a very advantageous choice.
Choosing the right smartphone in 2026 can be challenging, but by considering some of these older models, you can get a quality device without spending a lot. So, before deciding to buy the latest model, consider exploring these still highly competitive options.
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/best-older-android-phones-buy-2026-3678441/
