As we reach the midpoint of 2026, many of you might be on the lookout for the ideal moment to purchase a new smartphone. With numerous recent announcements, it’s understandable why you could be inclined to acquire a high-end model. Nevertheless, I personally believe that might not be the best approach.
The cost is excessive
Some individuals feel that a new device must carry a high price tag, serving as a type of status indicator. I’ve never subscribed to that mindset. For me, the value must be justified above all, and that’s clearly not reflected in many of the newly launched smartphones.
It’s true that our compilation of the top smartphones indicates that premier devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL remain at the forefront. However, the disparities compared to previous iterations – or even many mid-range options – are becoming less significant.
So, if you’re contemplating investing 1,000 to 2,000 euros in a new smartphone purely because it’s new or comes from a big-name brand like Samsung or Apple (personally, I would never buy an iPhone), then you’re allowing yourself to be swayed by marketing and embellished comparison data.
Luke Baker
The ongoing memory shortage is contributing to soaring costs for new devices. Alternatively, it’s prompting manufacturers to install less RAM, following the trend of companies like Microsoft.
Ultimately, it’s up to you how to allocate your funds. However, don’t voice complaints when, in a few months, the latest flagship is at your doorstep, offering merely AI enhancements and a 0.3 percent uptick in performance.
Even our counterparts at Macworld, who typically celebrate each new Apple release, recommend skipping the forthcoming iPhone Ultra. Heed their advice and wait for true innovations.
It’s particularly concerning when a tech CEO openly states that the optimal time to purchase a phone was yesterday.
Older smartphones endure better
Since the EU mandated that smartphone and tablet manufacturers must provide updates for their devices for five years and supply spare parts for a period of up to seven years, there’s truly no longer any justification for purchasing a new mobile every two years.
A device introduced in 2025 will, in any case, continue to receive updates and new features until 2030. So why begin considering the next, pricier model just yet? There’s no need to rush, as your existing smartphone will remain effective for the time being.
Of course, we all hope our gadgets will get the next major Android update as well (these smartphones will receive the upgrade to Android 17). As long as that holds true, you shouldn’t be worried about missing anything important (you can comfortably overlook Android 17 since it introduces very little new). But is that alone worthy of such a high price?
I would argue: no. Everything’s becoming pricier right now – whether it’s housing, fuel, groceries, or travel. And having an impressive new smartphone should be the least of your concerns, provided yours is still functional.
Chris Martin / Foundy
Here’s a superior alternative
Therefore, my suggestion is: hold onto your current device for as long as you are able. Or at least until the costs of storage media have stabilized once again. Because everything new emerging in the market throughout 2026 will be influenced by this.
I can’t guarantee whether conditions will improve in 2027. The advancements driven by the buzz surrounding artificial intelligence are simply too erratic for that. Eventually, manufacturers will come to understand that releasing a new smartphone generation each year only complicates our problems.
There are certainly exceptions. If your current smartphone malfunctions or the battery performance is no longer satisfactory, you don’t have to endure that. However, a new device should genuinely provide a fresh experience, rather than a slight upgrade that’s primarily visible on paper.
It’s advisable to explore the devices that have launched over the last two years and have performed well in our evaluations, or consider a budget option as a temporary solution. These are frequently offered at a nice discount and will provide you with many years of satisfaction. That’s a promise.
Conclusion
“When to Say Goodbye to the ‘New Phone Smell?”:
Save your money unless your phone is lagging like a sloth on a Sunday. New isn’t always superior, and your wallet will appreciate it!
