Are these 6 common Android telephones value upgrading from in 2026?

Smartphones are lasting longer than ever, because of future-proofed {hardware} and prolonged software program assist. It’s improbable to see telephone makers lastly present the worth that $1,000+ gadgets deserve. It’s made figuring out when to improve harder, which is an effective drawback to have. 

Nonetheless, regardless of how a lot you like your telephone, there at all times comes a time to say goodbye. Yearly (and even bi-yearly) improve cycles might not make sense, however listed below are the 5 (nearly six) telephones I’d improve from in the event that they have been rattling round in my pocket in 2026.

I had a lukewarm relationship with the Pixel 7 Professional when it launched. Initially, I used to be excited that the gadget mounted lots of the complaints I had in regards to the Pixel 6. The {hardware} felt extra refined, the fingerprint sensor labored because it ought to, and Google had ironed out lots of the issues customers had with Android 12.

Sadly, there have been nonetheless some gremlins hiding below the hood. The Tensor G2 chipset overheated, leading to substandard battery life on the Pixel 7 Professional. A lot of the hate for Google Pixel telephones was born throughout the Pixel 6/7 interval, and for good cause.

The telephone’s show was first rate, however nowhere close to the standard of Google’s present panels. In case you personal a Pixel 7 Professional, you understand its efficiency is sweet sufficient for social media and communication, however you’ll discover vital enhancements when you improve.

The Tensor G5 chipset powering the Pixel 10 Professional and Pixel 10 Professional XL solves lots of the earlier era’s complications. It isn’t as vulnerable to overheating, and also you’ll discover higher gaming efficiency. Battery life can also be improved on the newer gadget, and also you’ll get pleasure from two days of blended use while not having to plug in. One enchancment you’ll discover immediately is the show. Google’s Tremendous Actua shows are wonderful, and also you’ll now not need to stroll round set to most brightness simply to see your display outside.

The Pixel 7 Professional was good for its time, however if in case you have the means, upgrading to the Pixel 10 Professional (or 10 Professional XL) is the appropriate name.

Everybody loves to leap throughout Tensor chipsets, however Qualcomm isn’t proof against the occasional dud. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 powering the Galaxy S22 Extremely was tough from the beginning. I skilled frequent overheating even throughout primary use, and I struggled to get 5 hours of display time with out recharging.

It’s a disgrace, as a result of in any other case, the telephone holds up fairly effectively. Its 6.8-inch OLED panel is attractive, and I like that the S Pen has Bluetooth performance.

Even with these positives, the Galaxy S26 Extremely is a worthy improve. The improved battery life is superb, however the prolonged software program assist is what seals the deal. The Galaxy S22 Extremely is on the finish of its life. In the meantime, the S26 Extremely is slated for seven years of Android upgrades and patches, so that you’ll be getting new variations of One UI for some time.

I loved carrying the 2023 Razr Plus in my pocket when it was new. It was the telephone that made me consider in Moto’s revival, and it was a stark distinction to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip collection.

Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipsets are amongst my all-time favorites, and so they corrected lots of the issues customers had with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 that I discussed on the Galaxy S22 Extremely. The older Razr’s battery life isn’t the perfect, however efficiency holds up for primary duties in 2026 — and the styling is improbable.

Whether or not you improve to the Razr Plus (2026) or this yr’s Razr Extremely, you’ll admire a number of notable enhancements. The newer Plus has a bigger 4-inch cowl display, giving your thumbs a bit more room to pound out messages or scroll via Instagram.

The present variations are additionally extra sturdy, and whereas my 2023 hinge has held up effectively, you’ll instantly really feel the distinction on the primary flip. Extra software program assist doesn’t damage both, so when you nonetheless have a 2023 Plus, it is likely to be time to improve.

The Google Pixel 7a and Pixel 6 tie for my most hated telephones ever. I wished to like the Pixel 7a. The Pixel 6a was among the best values in tech, providing the facility of a Google Tensor and the corporate’s wonderful smartphone cameras at a midrange worth. Sadly, the sequel didn’t stay as much as expectations.

Tensor G2 efficiency on the Pixel 7a was poor, and I skilled fixed overheating. Very similar to the Pixel 7 Professional, the battery life suffered in consequence. I additionally had issues with the modem, as my Pixel 7a refused to modify correctly between 5G and LTE — an issue many customers skilled. The display was first rate, but it surely lags behind what Google presently gives.

In case you’ve been hanging onto your Pixel 7a, the Pixel 10a gives some actually spectacular upgrades. The Tensor G4 chipset is extra environment friendly, and I get improbable battery life from the 10a. Its 6.3-inch Actua show is considerably higher than the panel on the 7a, and the gadget options an up to date Exynos 5400 modem — assuaging lots of the earlier issues. It’s a stable all-around enchancment, and also you’ll be glad you upgraded.

The Galaxy A54 was a notable enchancment from its predecessor. The Galaxy A53 was one of many few telephones I refused to make use of for your entire evaluation interval. It lagged continually, as its Exynos 1280 chipset wasn’t as much as the duty. It was particularly insulting as a result of the Galaxy A52 was wonderful, and I used to be anticipating extra of the identical.

The Galaxy A54 began to show that round. Its Exynos 1380 energy plant delivered higher efficiency and longer battery life, and the telephone featured a stunning 6.4-inch Tremendous AMOLED panel. One UI ran easily, and the design introduced the telephone consistent with Samsung’s different, dearer choices.

In case you personal an A54, you’ll be amazed that the Galaxy A57 continues to be a part of the A-series. It now options Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the back and front, with an aluminum body. It has a bigger 6.7-inch Tremendous AMOLED show and carries the appear and feel of a flagship.

Its Exynos 1680 chipset offers snappier efficiency, and the battery life is superb. In case you get pleasure from your Galaxy A54, you’ll love the upgrades shifting to the Galaxy A57, regardless that it now not has a microSD card slot.

The Moto G Energy (2024) stays one of many best-selling telephones on Amazon, and for good cause. For round $130, you decide up a big 6.7-inch 1080p LCD show, a Dimensity 7020 chipset with 8GB of RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery. When you think about the rising telephone costs throughout us, that comes off as a steal, particularly because it’s greater than succesful for social media, internet looking, and texting.

I’d wish to say that the Moto G Energy (2026) is a worthy improve, however I can’t. Its Dimensity 6300 chipset is an enchancment, however nothing that will make me shell out $400 for a brand new telephone. It nonetheless options 8GB of RAM and an LCD panel. Possibly if Motorola bumped it as much as 12GB with an OLED for that worth, I’d be tempted, however if in case you have (or wish to purchase) a Moto G Energy (2024) for affordable, I’d hold it going slightly longer.

Improve cycles aren’t straightforward anymore, and I like that our favourite gadgets are viable for longer. Costs are getting uncontrolled, so the longer we will maintain onto our telephones, the higher. Nevertheless, there comes a degree when you’ll discover upgrades, and who doesn’t love the attract of a brand new telephone?