r/Smartphones

My company is offering us the choice of either a Samsung or Google phone. I don’t have to order it right away, so I’m going to wait until the newest versions are released. The specs on both have been leaked but nothing is official yet.

That being said, which phone do you think is more future proof? I’ve never had an android phone before, but I’m not the biggest iPhone OS fan, so I’m looking forward to trying something different.

My iPhone 11s charging port has completely quit working and has recently started overheating whenever its above 60F in whatever area I am in. Since I got that phone I have thought it was too big and that I wanted a normal sized (iPhone 7-size) phone after it died. Since then, most modern phones are the same size as what was "XL" even when I got the iPhone 11 in 2020. Apple killed their "Mini" and "SE" lines to replace it with their useless overly thin "Air" model, modern baseline pixels are way larger than the old Pixel 2 XL was, Samsung quit making flagship phones below tablet sized, and every single company that makes flagship phones makes them the same size or larger than my iPhone 11. What happened to making phones that fit in peoples pockets??

I'm on a budget but still love taking photos. Some phones now offer a massive 108 MP main lens (like the Alcatel V3 Ultra 5G). Does the sheer megapixel count give noticeably better shots? Especially for cropping or zooming?

Shoot in daylight, low light—if you’ve tested, how did it hold up compared to your old camera?

I've been thinking about how smartphone companies nowadays offer long software support—like 7 years of Android updates and security patches. Sounds great, right? But I have a doubt.

Phones with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage are considered solid today. But in 5–7 years, won't these same phones struggle to handle newer Android versions?

Each Android update (Android 16, 17, 18...) brings more features, background services, animations, and even AI functions that demand more processing power and memory. Over time, the software gets heavier.

Even if the phone technically supports the update, won't it start feeling slower, apps loading slower, UI lagging, etc.? Storage will also fill up due to heavier apps, 4K videos, system files, and cached data.

So is this promise of 7 years of updates more of a marketing strategy than a real-world benefit? I feel like people don't always think ahead when buying phones—they see the long support and assume it'll still perform great after 5–6 years.

What do you all think? Is my observation valid?

I’ve put like 6 different screen protectors on my new phone in these past two weeks and had fingerprint problems with every single one. I kept thinking maybe the protectors were the issue - too thick or whatever - so I switched them out each time and basically threw my money away because nothing worked. I still can’t get fingerprint unlock to work - started wondering if something’s wrong with the phone screen, but the S-pen works great, no delays when texting or touching the screen, and face-id is fine. Anyone else deal with this?

About a month and a half back I got curious and tried the S24FE and had zero fingerprint reader problems with that.

It’s really ticking me off that I’m having this issue with Samsung’s top-tier phone right now. Got any suggestions? Did your S25 Ultra give you the same headache? (BTW the phone detects my finger but won’t read it - keeps telling me to complete the circle or saying fingerprint mismatch)

Trying to wrap my head around something lately as I've acquired a P9P. When you search up for the best phones of the year, you always get the usual samsung,iphone,pixel flagships but are we being honest? You have competitors such as Vivo,Oppo, Xiaomi, OP that literally are as twice better and for the same prices more or less Larger batteries, Twice or triple faster charging speed, twice the display brightness, processors, ram and all of that are literally much better hardware wise, designs and build quality is also on point. People say chinese phones have worse software but using an OP5T it seemed as good as a Pixel, i can't speak for other brands but let's be honest, the software experience cant be that bad if you do some tweaking it can get very stock Are cameras that different? The Chinese are literally packing dslr lenses on their phones. Let's discuss why these phones are not talked about more and bought more, is it the importing issues or availability?

Hello! I'm looking to get a refurbished phone purely for some upcoming travel, not to replace my daily phone (Galaxy S23 FE). I'm not too concerned about the OS or finer details of the specs, but would like to make sure I have a decent camera since I'll obviously be taking a lot of photos on my trip. Other than that it'll mostly be used for navigation apps and maybe some social media. I'll also be traveling with a partner with a fully functioning phone (Galaxy S22+).

The Android phones I'm seeing around my price range (~$200 or less) on backmarket are Galaxy S8+, 10, 20, 21+, 22, 22+, several of the Galaxy A series, OnePlus 8 Pro, and the Pixel 6 Pro, 7, and 7a. I'm not opposed to using an iPhone and the models around my price range would be the SE (2022), X, XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 12, and 12 mini.

I had been leaning towards something in the iPhone X lineup, but am just not familiar enough and am not particularly well-versed in all the different options available to me and would love some guidance and feedback! If you have a different recommendation not listed, I'm happy to receive that.

(I understand I won't be getting the newest and shiniest features and that phone cameras have gotten better since many of these models are 6+ years old, I just want *good enough* that I'll be happy with my photos - some of the improvements are difficult for me to notice even side-by-side)

Thank you!

I've been using an s20fe since it came out. I really like the camera/ picture editing features. I'm heading away in October think I want to give esim a go instead of the usual messing of getting a physical sim in the airport.

Should I get an s25 256gb (€869) or go for something else? My phone is mostly used for reddit, youtube, playing mp3s and photos nothing too extreme.

According to leaks:

Google Pixel 10 - new Tenor 5 processor; base model gets telephoto lens (debut Aug 2025)

OnePlus 14 - larger 6,500mAh battery; new Snapdragon 8 Elite 2; 120X digital zoom (debut Jan 2026)

Samsung S26 - new Snapdragon 8 Elite 2; brand-new 5G modem (debut Jan 2026)

iPhone 17 - new A19 Pro chip; 12GB of RAM; new carbon-lithium battery (debut Sep 2025)

So which flagship are you eyeing for 2026?

Hey everyone,

I’ve been browsing for a new phone but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options. I’m actually leaning toward something released a few years ago since the prices are really attractive, and I don’t care much about having the latest features.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

• Not too big (150 mm × 70 mm, or 6″ screen max)

• Good battery life since I plan to keep this phone for a long time, and I can’t charge it every day. I don’t use my phone much, but I want the battery to stay high while it’s locked

• I'mm not planning to throw it around, but I don’t want it to die after the first fall. (Of course, I’ll be using a case.)

Do you think i could find something below 200EUR ? Should i wait for a good deal or it's ok to buy something like today ? Any advice is welcome, thank you so much.

By 2027, all phones sold in the EU must have user replaceable batteries by law. A lot of people, like me, are holding off replacing our phones, waiting for this law to be implemented. What I want to know is if manufacturers know there is this pent-up demand and will issue at least one high-end model with a replaceable battery in 2026?

I would not be surprised to see new tech in this regard, such as batteries that snap on to the back of the phone magnetically.

I currently have a Xiaomi 11t Pro 8/256gb version. I want to upgrade to something that is a bit snappier, has a better battery life, screen preferably a little brighter and smaller and would like a slight curve or a hole punch in the corner. Camera has to be equal or better than the current phone.Has to be 256gb at least, prefer fast charging, something around 30ish minutes since this one charges in 17. My budget is like 250 - 300 eur on the used market.

I was curious how much battery your phone consumes per hour or per day when you use it. Mine is around 10 percent per hour sometimes and I was wondering if this is normal. I sometimes see a lot of people on Reddit worrying about their phone battery and looking for ways to make it last longer, but I'm curious about the answers.

thank you in advance
kind regards.

I keep getting ads for the new Galaxy Z fold. I have been a long time Galaxy Note/Ultra user, specifically for the pen because anytime I think of something creative I have to write it down right that second or else I'll forget it.

But enough about me, maybe I'm just not the target audience. But what's the use/point of a big square screen? It doesn't seem better for video watching maybe I could see an artist using it. But I'm curious what people's reasoning are other than the novelty of it.

And I don't mean like the new razr because that one is understandable. I mean specifically the ones that basically turn into tablets

Looking for recommendations on the best flagship phone right now. My priorities are:

Excellent camera for photos (not too concerned about video)

Great battery life that lasts a full day or more

A big screen – I like larger displays for content

Not foldable – just want a traditional slab phone

What would you recommend in 2025? Would appreciate any real-world experience or comparisons.

I recently cracked my pixel 7 pro like screens shattered (I can still use it tho) so I'm going to get a new phone but I can't decide any opinion would be amazing. I like the size of my phone a lot(but a different size could just be something I gotta get used to idk I don't want anything giant though). I like the Google lens feature, I like the (not sure what's it called but how u can swipe up and select things on screen to save an image that way or select text idk if it makes sense) I want it to be able to customize the screen like how u can on iphones (never did on here didn't figure out how to or if I could) good camera with good storage (I hoard photos) and be able to play mobile games (basic mobile games nothing crazy) I don't much about phones so any advice please 😊

I'm sure I'm not the first to complain about this, but I'm looking at getting either a pixel 9 or pixel 9 pro, and extremely frustrating that neither has a headphone jack or even a spot for a microSD card. I get it, most "flagship" phones don't have that anymore, which is why I have been buying cheaper brands (mainly motorola) for my last few phones. But the performance isn't there, I want long term software updates, and a better camera, so I'm looking into the pixels. Yet if I want these hardware features, I am forced to buy "offbrand" phones or lower end models. I'm willing to spend the money, I want a good phone! Why do these manufacturers never want to put these features in higher end phones?? Also, does anyone have recommendations for high end phones with headphone jacks and expandable storage?

*serious post*
been surveying for a phone that can last long and handle abuse well (my xiaomi 9t pro will be 7 years old this november, so far only the power button needed to be glued back twice!) (had to look for an upgrade because storage is running out)

So far my narrowed down choices are either oneplus 13 or s25 ultra

buying for personal and work use, not limited to gaming, video capturing and editing, etc

what phones will you recommend, and why?

Hi, I was thinking about getting a new phone, but I can't decide what to buy. I need phone that will last years, will be fast, have nice OS, battery that will last all day. Phone that can withstand even very demanding games, I'm not a photographer so I don't need top camera, but it would be nice if it was good. I always used android like xiaomi, few years ago samsung and oppo. I hope you can help me choose what phone would be the best for me.

I was thinking of switching from an iPhone14 to the Samsung flip what is everyone’s opinion on the newest flip? Or Samsung phones in general?

Hi,

My Xiaomi 12 lite has seen better days, as the battery does not last as long as it used to do, the screen is cracked in such a way, that the light sensor is exposed. Phone feels quite sluggish on heavier tasks and overheats easily.

My girlfriend has the Iphone 13 and has been always in the apple ecosystem, while I have always been an Android user (only xiaomi's). Because of this I thought of maybe switching to the 16/16 pro. Other phone I looked at was the s25 regular (the bigger phones in both lineups just feel too bulky to me).

I want to invest in a more expensive phone, which is gonna stand the test of time better, but I am unsure what to get. Is the switchto apple worth it? Are thre any other phones I should consider?

Thanks in advance!

Wow

I posted in here last week about switching from IOS to Android after 15 years of using iPhone. I ended up buying the S25 ultra.

I honestly think this is the best decision I've made in a long term. Once you understand the OS you won't look back. Its more responsive, customisable and in my opinion just a better all round phone.

All my group chats were on iMessage, however I just WhatsApp now and it has been no issue at all. My favourite thing with the phone is how crisp the screen is, really blown away.

If anyone is having doubts whether to make the move or not, just do it. You won't regret it.

(How did I ever live without the back button)

As the title shows I have had Iphones for 13 years now and feel overwhelmed by finally making the switch. I know I want to, but am also slightly intimidated by how much of an overhaul it feels like.

I am most likely going to be switching to android, preferably the ZFold, within the next few weeks and was wondering what advice, thoughts, or things you wish you knew first you could offer me?

Has anyone made this kind of switch before? Did you regret it? Happy you did it?

I also have a Macbook and am going to miss the seamlessness between the two, but I am also saving up to get a gaming PC soon so I am not as worried about that.

• Best Big Phone - Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

• Best Small Phone - OnePlus 13T

• Best Camera - Vivo X200 Ultra

• Best Battery - Honor Power

• Best Design - Nubia Z70S Ultra

• Best Foldable - Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

• Best Flippable - Motorola RAZR 60 Ultra

• Best Budget Phone - Xiaomi POCO F7 Pro

• Best AI - Pixel 9 Pro XL

• Best Form Factor - Pixel 9 Pro XL

• Phone of the Year (Kinda) - OnePlus 13

• Best All-Around - OPPO Find X8 Ultra

Whenever I see a phones comparison between base iPhone and other phones say samsung, they emphasis on how bad 60hz looks compared to 120hz. I really want to know if it’s that bad why people still use base iPhones?

I’m aware of Samsung, google pixel, oneplus, and nothing. What other brands are there?

Getting tired of the user interface in iPhone, the constant updates that make the phone slower, not enough storage space etc.

I want to try something new, any opinions on the new razr? It looks very appealing to me .

Im kinda in a dilemma here. planning to get a new phone this week and choosing between the 2 choices above.

s25 ultra has been my dream phone and i also love how customizable it is. heard from reviews that camera is mediocre for a flagship phone

on the other hand, but i also like the 16pm since i think almost all apps(esp social media apps) are better optimized on ios device and based on review, it has the better camera

-ill use it as a daily driver. for casual photography when traveling and also for mildly/hard gaming.

if youre using anyone of the 2 can you guys give me insights based on your experience for the 2 device above?

I mean why would anybody pay $800 (now 65,000 rupees in India which is about $630) for this phone? It was first launched in India for a whopping $900, which was an absolute joke.

I am genuinely curious about who and why would anyone buy it. I know it looks different than any of the phones out there and the software experience is unique too, but that's just not through away one's hard earned money. Except for those to factors, it's inferior in every aspect compared to other phones selling at that price (ex: S25, Xiaomi 15, OP13 and IQOO 13). It's for a mid ranger level processor, mid ranger display glass protection, USB 2.0, relatively thicker bezels and an almost useless gimmicky back display. I mean what were they thinking when they called it their flagship? And who are the people who would actually even consider buying it?

If someone has bought it and is happy with the phone, that's great. But I am really curious to know what made them but this phone. Let me know your thoughts.

Hello,

I’m looking for a new phone to replace my OnePlus 9 Pro. What matters most to me is that it can take photos quickly, without any lag, and has decent battery life. I know iPhones are pretty good at this, but I’m after something more budget-friendly. The photo quality doesn’t have to be amazing — I just want to snap a picture instantly without any stutter.

I need to get a new phone soon, and I'm torn between the iphone 15 (128 GB) and the S25 (256 GB), since they're both the same price. I mainly use social media and take pictures (including selfies) and videos, so camera quality is very important to me.

Hello! I have two older smartphones lying around: Alcatel Pop 4s (Android 6) and Microsoft 950 XL (Windows Mobile 10) that I hoped to repurpose at least as GPS devices for navigation on my car (which lacks anything modern or smart), to spare my daily driver (Samsung Note 9).

However, it seems impossible: Google apps need updates that have been disabled for that old version of Android (browser navigation crashes as well), while the Maps app on WM crashes soon after opening. Are they really useless for anything meaningful (the hardware is there and still capable, but it looks like they've killed the software for it)?

I'm tired of the lack of innovation in the iPhone space. I'm still rocking a 13 Max because nothing since has added a single thing worth having.

The $1100 off deal on the Fold 7 that T-Mobile is having if you trade in an iPhone, even one this old, is very attractive. However my entire family is on iOS. They all have iPads, iPhones, and Apple Watches, even my kids. I'm the main Family "owner" in the Apple ecosystem and the kids watches are all tied to my phone.

Unfortunately you can't tie watches to an iPad and the Apple Watch for kids experience is so far above Android it's not even close (great GPS to see your kid on the map, highly curated experience on the watch with only accepting calls and texts from allowed numbers, and school time settings that lock out the watch except for emergencies during school hours). I can't take the kids off the watches, and I have an Ultra 2 myself which will become a paperweight.

Throw in the grandparents that use FaceTime to talk to the Grandkids and they are beyond technically incompetent (can't even use a computer) and all the Apple subscriptions (iCloud, Arcade, TV etc.) and it feels like Apple has us locked into their ecosystem. Even simple stuff like taking a call on my iPad only works if the primary phone is an iPhone.

But the lack of innovation is crazy. The phones are just the same model every year. Those of you that have tried to get out with this much dependency how hard was it, and did you pull it off or just move back due to the pain?

What you think? The 13r is on sale but a weaker screen and s24 ultra will be used off swappa most liekly.

I'm looking for a phone that has a good camera and does well streaming. If I can keep it below $700 that would also be preferred.

If they don't have AI assistant on them that would be even better. No Iphones either

Just curious if its even worth it. I assume from the manufacturer itself it's ok. But what about stores like Best Buy or Amazon? Or sites like Backmarket or the refurbs on Ebay?

It seems like such a crap shoot.

US based here but curious about anywhere.

Hi everyone, I'm planning to buy a new phone and I'm deciding between the Xiaomi 15 and the Pixel 9a/9.

I'm currently using a Pixel 6 and I'm generally happy with it — especially the clean software experience.

However, I'm also tempted by the performance and extra tech features of the Xiaomi 15.

My main concern is bloatware or overly heavy UI on Xiaomi phones.

What are your experiences as users? What are the pros and cons of each from your perspective?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Hey everyone,

I’m currently using an iPhone 15 Pro and have been thinking about switching to Android, mostly out of curiosity to see if the grass is greener on the other side.

I was originally planning to jump into the Nothing ecosystem with the Phone (3). I even had it preordered, but after watching a lot of reviews, I started feeling it’s a bit overpriced for the specs you get. That’s why I’m now considering starting with something more budget-friendly like the Phone (3a) or (3a Pro), just to get a first taste without overspending.

One thing that’s holding me back from brands like Samsung. As an outsider, it kind of feels like Samsung is “Apple but with Android,” meaning you don’t pay the Apple tax, but you still pay the Samsung tax. Is that a fair take, or am I wrong here?

Are there other Android brands or models you’d recommend for someone coming from iPhone who wants a clean, smooth experience without all the bloat and gimmicks? Or do you think Samsung or Nothing is actually the right place to start?

Curious to hear what Reddit thinks!

!!Not from US!! I bought and ipad last year for lectures bc I was skeptical about tab s9fe and I wanted to use it for at least 6 years and thought to purchase an iphone later this year bc I was traumatised by budget samsung phones. But the price difference is insane. I don't have any watches or wireless earphones but I have a windwos pc(def won't buy mac) and ipad air. My ipad is also non-cellular and during lectures I had to constantly open hotspot to my tablet from my samsung phone which my tablet couldn't connect because everybody had their mobile data open in such a small area so I had trouble opening lectures on my ipad.

Edit: Forgot to mention samsung ultra's have better trade in value for -100 more. So real difference is around $900

So my iPhone 13 Pro is officially tapped out. Won’t last a minute off the charger. It’s also relatively slow now. It’s time to get a new phone ASAP. I’ve considered replacing the battery and then getting the new iPhone, but that would be pretty expensive. I’ve also considered getting last years iPhone, since me, my family, and most of my friends are all avid Apple users and have been for a long time. But at this point, my iPhone and my old ass MacBook are done and I now have the option to abandon Apple, at least for a bit. My friend LOVES his z flip 6 and my boyfriend LOVES his Google pixel (8? I think?). The level of customization and general performance being similar to or surpassing Apple has honestly intrigued me.

I think the flips are SO cute and as a nursing student having a compact phone that still has good performance is very much calling to me. I also know the Google pixel 9 pro is cheaper and one of the best phones on the market (or was?). I really like both of them, but can’t lie, I love the look of the flip more.

However, I want opinions. I need something capable of lasting 2 years without absolutely crashing and burning (bonus if longer), taking GOOD pictures, decent enough battery life (I know they said they improved the battery life of the 7), and a bonus for being easy to adjust to from Apple, not hugely necessary though.

I am your average phone user, not a content creator or a tech professional. I don’t need the best of the best but I don’t want massive cons either. I also don’t want to be directed to Apple JUST because it’s simple for a tech Neanderthal, I can figure things out. I just want a cute phone that gets the job done for long enough time to justify the costs. To be honest, the spot I’m in is that I’m over thinking it and the cons don’t affect a Joe Shmoe phone user to the extent that I think it would. Should I just play it safe with Apple? Are the potential difficulties with the Flip 7 worth it? Or is the pixel the less cute but objectively best option? I basically need a phone by today or maximum end of the week, give me all the thoughts!

Bonus points for directing me to a non Apple laptop that works for a student who heavily uses the laptop for school and light games (I have a pc and console for the big stuff) and will last as long my MacBook has (7-8 years). Mac books performance as a school laptop is honestly pretty hard to beat to me, but if I switch my phone from Apple Id like to know what other options are out there for laptops.

EDIT: I know many advise waiting until the new phones have been out for a year, which give the Pixel 9 pro an edge. But, I won’t go for the z flip 6. The 7 is supposed to have made non negotiable improvements for me.

hello,

currently I was thinking what real changes happend in smarthpones during last 5 years (some major changes that influence comfort etc.).For example iphone 12 vs 16 or samsung s20 vs s26 or similar diffrences for other brands. What could convince people to switch from 5 year old phone to new one?

I am asking, because I have this dilemma right now

How safe are these apps?

• apps that got removed from playstore

• open source apps no longer getting updates

• outdated moded apk from reputable sites

So I want a mobile so i was looking on OLX then I found this contact who sells 4 months used iphones. I messaged him then he asked me to video call to show the proof.

He then showed me all the packaging stuff, I also asked for 15 pro he told me it's for 26k . When i asked why these low price then he told me its because of raksha bandhan.

Also he sent me video of his clients unboxing, it'll come with a bill and warranty too . Is it legit? Should i buy?

Stop robbing us. It's that simple. For years, you've been systematically removing the one feature that gives us true control over our devices and our data: the memory card slot.

Let's be clear: this isn't about "better design" or "faster speeds." It's a calculated, anti-consumer strategy to force us into your ridiculous, overpriced storage tiers. You sell us a phone for a thousand dollars and then have the audacity to charge an extra $100-$200 for a few more gigabytes of internal storage—storage that costs you a fraction of that price.

This isn't just about money; it's about freedom. We want the freedom to expand our storage as we see fit, not as you dictate. We want the freedom to transfer our photos, videos, and documents to a new device without relying on your cloud services or slow, clunky transfer tools. We want the freedom to own our data, truly and completely.

This is a direct appeal to every phone company: Stop treating us like we're stupid. We see what you're doing, and we're tired of it. It's time to put the power back in the hands of the users.

We demand the return of the memory card slot in all phones. This isn't a request; it's a declaration. The "Memory Card Revolution" starts now. Let your voices be heard.

#MemoryCardRevolution

Some context, all my life ove always been cycling between ios and android (mostly samsung), i own a galaxy watch and a galaxy buds 3, i can switch them later as i have a nothing phone 1 aswell.

I Am kinda sick of how cheap and unstable one ui is, when its good, its very good. But it lags and has a lot of bugs, the last iphone i used was the iphone 12 in february 2024,

I want a good camera, good gaming, Good battery, good social media optimization, something stable and smooth while being a little customizable.

Ive been getting reminisant of how smooth ios is, and idk.

⛔️ i can only trade for a 13 pro ⛔️

So I've been wanting to buy a new phone and my requirements are the phone has to have a good processor (gaming heavy), decent camera, good storage and decent ui. I looked at redmagic 10pro and for the price it's really good, but I'm having a hard time finding it close to it's original price online, and the international store of tedmagic doesn't have it in stock. I'm looking for other alternatives like rog 9, realme gt 7 pro, oneplus 13 etc.. Are there any other phones good at gaming ?

So, I'm looking at getting a new phone. My main criteria are: A good camera (including front facing/"selfie" camera) Good battery (fast charging & good bettery life) LOTS of storage (preferably 1tb)

I'm also hoping to get a device with a unique look and IP69K.

I have to be able to use it in Canada with my Sim card.

Must run Android.

My current top picks are:

• Vivo x200 pro mini

• Honors Magic7 RSR

• Redmagic 10s Pro

Any reviews/info about the devices listed or any others in that criteria are appreciated!!

TIA 🧡

Hey everyone,
I'm in a bit of a dilemma and would love to get your opinions and advice. I'm coming from a broken but much-loved Oppo find X2 pro and I I am currently looking to upgrade. I'm trying to decide between two phones and I'm pretty torn.

The two options are the OnePlus13 (512gb) looking at around 1600 CAD (with tax) and the S25 Ultra (256gb) at around 1900 CAD (with tax).

My main goal is to find a phone that is truly versatile and will last for a long time so I don't have to replace in a near future.

I'm also curious about real-world user experience for both phones, especially for from people who have used either of them or have switched from a similar brand like Oppo.

Any constructive feedback or advice would bé incredibly helpful in making my final decision.

Thanks a lot for your help !!

Hi guys, I have only used apple products, I grew up with them and continued using them, everyone in my family has it too etc.

I am feeling like I’m missing out on a better experience, I’m bored of Apple and the new iOS 16 is dog. So I’m looking into android.

I think I’m looking at Galaxy S25+ and Pixel 10..

I use my phone like an average person, very little to no gaming, some photography here and there on vacation etc, scrolling and browsing, twitter, insta, Reddit etc. I watch YouTube often. I also use my phone for the smartwatch. The watch I use for working out, notifications, and mainly telling Siri to set timers, I’m a baker so I need to set timers a lot hands free…

So not sure what to try.

My research says pixel has quality control issues, stutters sometimes and other issues as well, Samsung people say is overwhelming, can have issues and struggles after a year? I also see that Samsung will have you pay for a lot of features in the next year for ai?

I'm planning to upgrade from an s20FE to either an iPhone 16 (or 16e) or an s24 (base version only) towards the end of the year. I've been doing research and asking close friends but I'm not sure which one would be better for longevity, functionality and personalization.

To start off, I've been a life long Samsung user, and everyone in my close sphere is too, aside from some who are loyal to apple. I don't really care about the brand, and I'm not loyal. It comes down to what I like more and mainly what I can get a better deal on the phone for. I'm planning to buy the phone around black Friday-boxing day for the best sales, and I'm not opposed to open box either (only certified). I've seen a lot of the personalization features on iPhone (widgets, apps, the 26 update), and they honestly look a lot better than anything Samsung offers in terms of phone personalization without using third party apps. As well as liking the iPhone ui.

However, the s24 uses a snapdragon which may offer a better experience for me as I tend to play some games on mobile, that are more resource heavy (at least for my s20fe). I also heard the s24 is getting 7 years of updates versus the iPhone 16 which would get around 5. I've heard amazing things about the iPhone cameras, but Samsung offers better quality especially when zooming. iMessages also looks appealing (the group chats, reactions etc.) and convened as all my friends only use iMessages. I feel like Samsung lacks in the message department, and feels overly basic.

• A downside for both phones for me would be the ai features. Samsung would also come with galaxy ai and google ai / Gemini, and I don't really want to go through the hassle of trying to remove/disable both from my device. At least apple only has one ai. I really don't care about the ai, and feels like it bloats the device.

• Downside for the s24, I can't find the 256GB option in certified open box. I don't need the extra storage but it would be a nice upgrade.

• An upside for both the phones is the small display size and light weight. The s20FE is 6.5in and it feels like a brick in my hands, also isn't convenient for storing in smaller / tighter spaces.

Also, if I were to switch to apple would I be stuck in their ecosystem completely or has things gotten better from previous years? (this would also only be my only apple device, as I use windows and a tab s9+, so how is cross compatibility?)

So for anyone who's used either phones, which would you personally recommend in regards to functionality, longevity, battery life, etc. What do you think? The iPhone 16, 16e or s24?

Hey everyone,

I currently use pretty much everything from Apple: iPhone, iPad, MacBook, AirPods, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and AirTags. Even my smart home setup is mostly Apple Home / Matter-compatible.

But to be honest, Apple has been disappointing me lately — aside from the recent Mac Mini, which I still like.

I’m seriously starting to consider switching to Android. What are your thoughts? Should I switch completely? And if so, which brand would you recommend? What would you suggest if someone wanted to leave the Apple ecosystem entirely?

I’ve been looking for a new phone for a little while now and I’m feeling a little lost. Every phone or company seems to have their perks and I’m really struggling to decide on what I want in a smartphone. I’ve been using Apple as my smartphone brand since about the iPhone 5S was released so apple’s what I’ve been accustomed to.

-I’m mainly interested in the IPhone 15/15 pro/15 pro max, iPhone 16/16 pro/16 pro max, Samsung galaxy Z flip 7, Samsung galaxy Z fold 7, Samsung S25 ultra, google pixel 9 pro fold, google pixel 9 pro and are the phones I’m currently considering

I’m looking for a new phone and I’ve been wanting to finally break away from apple. I remember back in 2019 I really loved the Motorola razr xt2000 and I still think it’s a great looking phone. Is that still a viable phone in 2025? I was looking at more modern flip phones like the flip 7 but I really am not a huge fan of the design. Most other new flip phones I find also follow that design and I was hoping Reddit would maybe have some better picks from companies I’m not familiar with. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I'm considering a switch from Apple to Google phones. I've been using Apple phones for 10+ years so I've grown accustomed to it, but I've never had Apple computers, always Windows and I use a lot of the Google programs on my computer already. I'm nervous about switching to a new system but I feel like it will overall make my life easier considering how much better my phone will pair with my computer. I've mostly made up my mind I think I just need some encouragement to "pull the trigger". Thanks!

Is it just or are there more people who are just getting sick of these large screen, low battery powered, and pro everything smartphones? I want to slow down, get away from screen distractions and spend more time in the real world. But these new age pro smartphones are making it difficult. Sometimes I want to just throw them. But I feel my life has become too dependent on it. And let me be clear, I don't spend time on social media..but after long working hours over laptop..I just want to have a device which helps me do all my stuff, like email check, messages, banking, websearch and most importantly music and GPS navigation whenever needed on a smaller screen. I don't want a fucking 200 mega pixel camera..I don't want an urlta HD screen, I don't want BIG screen, I don't want ultra superfast processing, or 500 GB space or real life gaming or the hundred thousand other fucking things smartphones claim to deliver these days. I just need a phone..which can take care of the necessary things in life..that's it! Can anyone please make this phone?

I recently bought a Xiaomi 14T and honestly, I'm really disappointed with the video recording quality. The footage looks stuttery, like it's dropping frames or has inconsistent frame pacing, even in broad daylight with good lighting.

I was expecting a smooth video experience for the price, but it's almost like the phone struggles to process or stabilize the footage properly. It kind of reminds me of how older phones recorded video before proper OIS/EIS was standard.

Has anyone else experienced this? Are there any fixes, camera settings, or GCam mods that actually solve this? Honestly starting to feel like I wasted my money.

Any help or insights appreciated.

This post is just a heads up to anyone looking to switch to a new phone: test it IN PERSON and especially test every single feature that you'll be needing for your everyday smartphone usage!

I had (have) a Realme GT Neo 2 which is close to 4 years old now, so I thought I'd switch to something new. The Xiaomi 15 captured me with its (realtively) compact size and good cameras. Yesterday evening, I started setting it up, I only fondled a few hours with it so far, and already found annoying lacks of features/"innovations" that hinder the experience, then today I snapped and just put everything back into my Realme. To some of the problems I've found solutions which I will list.

1. You cannot set personal ringtones to contacts on your device, only if they're on your Google account. Solution: copy contact to Google acc, set ringtone, copy back to device memory.

2. App cloning works, but requires Google Services framework, which doesn't work with ANY keyboard apart from Gboard. I've been using Swiftkey for years, upon setting up the clone Messenger, keyboard doesn't pop up within the app anymore, only if it's Gboard. No option to toggle keyboard from the nav bar, also no option to individually control app default keyboard, so either I give up Swiftkey or app cloning.

3. No chat heads for FB Messenger, only "bubbles", which hardly work and lack almost every good feature of chat heads.

4. 90W "quick charge" seems slower than 60W on my Realme, while battery capacity is almost the same.

5. Notification sounds randomly revert back to default after setting them individually for apps. This was the final straw for me, I have 6-7 apps that I regularly use that send me a total of 50+ notification a day, so I mostly rely on audio signals to determine whether a notification requires immediate attention or can wait. Not on Xiaomi.

It's a good phone. Feels good in the hand, has a good camera, seemingly good battery life (although seemingly subpar quick charge), good material usage. But all the little bugs and weird solutions in the UI make it borderline unusable for me.

What do you think is the best phone taking everything into account? Software, cameras, security, battery performance, etc. It doesn't matter if it is iOS or Android, the most complete in general. Taking everything into account. Obviously everyone has different points of view, that's what's interesting.

So I switched from Samsung to Apple and it hasn’t been great

Not here for a list of issues but anyone experience the vibrate being very low on iPhone?

I miss calls all the time now because the vibrate function is so light

No this isn’t a joke

I’ve tried it all but I can’t keep missing calls

Btw it’s in vibrate if anyone gives that advice

So many regrets but this is the most urgent

I’m need to be accessible and this isn’t working

name the phone or OS that gave you the most joy using it.

Cons and pros on: s25U and iPhone 16pm

iPhone 16pm: Pros:

2 extra buttons, camera control and action button which I really like and need The social media compatibility is good The efficiency and battery health is good and will be a lot better on 17 pro max I like the way that it can take videos and take photos. And the longevity is impressive

Here’s the cons:

Kinda limited like: no apk and customization Processor is powerful but not the best They can make better ai Could have had a vapor chamber

S25 ultra pros and cons;

Pros:

The Anti reflective screen! The screen is perfect for movies The bezels are small The power of the processor The freedom it has but its most likely to be used on goodlock Better Ai

Cons: Efficiency could be a lot better not really Samsungs fault probably from the processor. I don’t know if the phone can last as long as iPhone.

At the end I’m probably gonna choose 17 pro/max because my phone probably won’t be able to last for s26 ultra.

I had thought of getting xiaomi 15 ultra, but i don’t know if I will like it: the thickness the os and the issues.

I also want the phone to not heat because I have too much experience with overheating

After seeing Tim Apple fall to his knees with a Cheeto stuck in his throat I’m looking to offload my Apple products. The annoying thing is my beloved 12 mini has fantastic smooth performance and I can’t find anything as good. My gal has a S20FE and it just doesn’t keep up as well as the iPhone on most apps. It’s close, but far enough away to be annoying. I also feel like the iPhone has less bloatware, or at least more I can uninstall.

IS there anything on the market as smooth as the iPhone or is something like the S20FE as good as it gets as an alternative? I don’t really care a great deal about cameras, just the app performance and minimal to no bloatware if that even exists anymore.

I’ve been using iPhones since I was old enough to get a phone but the recent iPhones don’t seem worth the money. I have an iPhone 8, so I’m long overdue an upgrade, but can’t decide between google pixel or Samsung.

I'm looking at getting a new phone and come across the Redmagic 10s Pro currently in Aus for 24gb ram, 1TB at 1.6k

Wondering if anyone has experience with these phones and if it's worth getting.

Things that stick out for my use:

• Large battery

• Cooling

• separated charging for full time lower temps while charging (this is a massive issue for my current phone)

• seemingly high performance

• the gaming side of it is a nice bonus although it won't be the main use

This I'm not keen on:

• worse camera quality over other phones (I do alot of filming and pics for a channel, current phone camera is very bad)

• possibly the switch from Samsung

Current phone is a Samsung Note 10 Plus 5g, although this has been good for the last 3 or 4 years, I'm keen on upgrading.

• the phone gets extremely hot under load very quickly, always while charging which I drive alot of hours with it plugged in over and it cooks.

• it's getting slow at doing even simple tasks.

• camera quality is extremely bad, especially the front camera.

• I'm over the curved edge screen with cracking multiple times in the past from small drops.

Hey everyone! I'm looking change my current phone (Samsung A32) that I've been using since 2021. The reasons I want to change it are 1) it's gotten very laggy this past year 2) I think both the back and the selfie camera are not good.

I have been researching any and all phones I can and every new thing I look up makes me feel dumber and dumber. I just want a phone and runs smoothly and has a decent camera (for reference I think the iPhone 6 camera is okay and I use the one I own as a digicam). I don't want to play any games on the phone or do anything that would push it. The most importing thing is that I want to be able to use it for maybe 5-6 years with minimal lagging.

It doesn't have to be GREAT. 64 gb storage or 8 gb ram is fine. I just need it to be good with a decent enough camera. The only reason why I'm not going back to the iPhone 6 is because it's only 32 gb and whatsapp/YouTube can't be installed anymore.

So far the two phones I have seriously considered are the iPhone 13 and iPhone 16 e. I have checked both of them in person, but the 16e is sort of on the expensive side for me. I am open to all suggestions that you may have.

Thank you!

Edit: People are continuing to suggest Google phones but they're not available in my country. Thanks nonetheless!

Hey everybody I would love some input. I'm in the market for a used smartphone for under $250 on ebay. My main needs are a good camera and compact size of the phone.

I tried the iphone 13 mini but it would heat up like crazy so I returned it. I'm switching from the s23+ because after a couple years I can't stand the size anymore. I know my options are limited, but I just want to know which phone within this criteria is the best option.

Based on everything I've read on here so far, it looks like the Google Pixel 8 might be my best bet although it apparently has some bugs and bad battery life.

I'm also considering the Galaxy 23 FE, but only because the standard 23 is out of my price range, and apparently everyone hated the 22.

Either of those would be bought used and refurbished. What if I bought a Pixel 4a or 4 new in an unopened box?

Any help is so appreciated!! Thanks in advance :)

Hey everyone! I’ve been an apple enthusiast since I was in highschool. So roughly for the last 15 years, since I’ve been able to buy them myself, everything is Apple product. With the release of the new iPhone, I’m ready for a change. As everyone else that’s made the move what would you recommend? A few coworkers have Samsung and they look alright, but to me they can become cluttered and not as stream lined. (Not sure if it’s just their phones, which it could be) I’m just really looking for options, and YouTube videos can be sometimes biased. LSL, give me your recommendations. Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I’ve been thinking — is there really a point in getting these super expensive new phones anymore? I was trying a S24 Ultra, and honestly, I don’t feel a huge difference between this and my old iPhone 5s from back in the day.

All I really care about is:

• Fast enough internet to Google stuff

• Watch YouTube without buffering

• Take some decent photos

• Answer calls/texts

• Maybe play a Pokémon emulator once in a while

I don’t need 5 cameras, AI photo magic, or a 4K OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate. Just something reliable, smooth, and not overpriced.

So Reddit — what should I actually buy? Not locked into iPhone or Android. Just want something practical that doesn’t feel like a scam. Thanks!

PS. I do not mind buying open box

I'm confused between iPhone 16 pro and Samsung s25 ultra. Being someone who has been using Android, my entire life I'm now torn between the decision of buying an iPhone or Samsung.

Main features I'm looking at:

• camera

• videos

• performance

• battery

• security when mobile is lost or stolen

I had Samsung s23 ultra but it got stolen. The camera was pretty good, but when I saw iphone 15 video and ultra wide it was impressive. Zoom works well in samsung. Also while travelling I had to keep my samsung s23 ultra in my bag, given it's huge size. However iphone 16 pro felt so premium and compact in hand.Given my love for photography, I need to make a wise choice.

So there's a lot of confusion.

Please help me choose.

Sorry if this is the wrong subreddit, it was difficult to figure out where to post this, hope I have the right one...

TLDR: I was on the phone with someone I'll call Andy when he started to hear someone else having a conversation. We figured this was maybe crosstalk. But then we realized that the main person Andy could hear is actually someone we both know. And that she clearly wasn't speaking on the phone to someone but to other people at her place in person. Also, I hung up and called Andy back, and he could still hear the convo. And I couldnt. What the hell is going on here?

Longer version: I was on the phone with someone (let's call him Andy) and he asked me a few times if I was saying something when I was silent or "what's that noise," etc. I couldn't hear anything and thought he was hearing the noise from my fan. Then after a minute he very clearly heard voices and could repeat a bit of the conversation back to me. I googled it and thought it was probably crosstalk. So, creepy problem solved..?

But crosstalk is already very rare, and here are some other pieces of info that make it weirder/ maybe even less likely to really be crosstalk. For one thing, I could hear none of this - my impression of crosstalk would be that 4 callers on 2 lines get mixed so I'd be accidentally talking to someone who is supposed to be talking to the person Andy is talking to now, and Andy and I wouldn't be able to hear each other. Then Andy told me that he heard his own name spoken aloud, and his ex gf's name and her nickname. And then a minute later the name of a friend. And THEN he told me he recognized a female voice as his friend Kerry (fake name) who I know as well. After that things started to kind of make sense like he/ we understood why Kerry said some things and he figured out who the other people who were speaking had to be. This had to be audio coming from Kerry's place. But finally, it became clear Kerry was not on her phone and neither was anyone else. Sooo... doesnt there have to be another line open for crosstalk to happen?

Also of note, Andy mentioned he had thought he heard something in an earlier phone call a few hours earlier. In addition to this, I hung up my phone and called him back in the middle of this and when I called Andy again, he could still hear Kerry and the others talking.

Crosstalk is already rare so what's the chance it would happen with someone we both know and without her being on the phone?? Let's assume Andy isn't lying about what he heard, mistaken, etc. It's early but I can talk to Kerry later to see how she reacts and if those conversations did happen. What are some things I should ask her? And is this really just unfathomably unlikely crosstalk or something else? In case this info helps, Andy has a galaxy S25 and I am using an S10. No idea what Kerry uses. Also, I live very close to a radio tower and have all my life and we used to hear audio coming trom almost every audio device even when they were turned off. Not sure if that plays in here?

I wanna change my phone that I'm having since 2021,I wanna a phone that is good for gaming and entertainment and with a good price,I'm still trying to get a fixed budget(500-1000$) but I wish anyone from you gives some infos in order to help me,my phone become very old, it's a Redmi note 10

I'm Currently looking at buying a new phone, I Currently have an iPhone Xr, and the reason for wanting something new is due to the battery dying, and the phone is just sluggish now. I'm looking between getting a used iphone 14 for about C$520, or a google pixel 8a for about C$440, and putting graphene on it. Any opinions or suggestions?

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share my journey, because I’m probably not the only one in this situation, and I’d love to hear your feedback.

I’ve been using iPhones since 2007, upgrading to the latest model every single year. Right now, I still have an iPhone 16 Pro Max, but I also recently bought a Galaxy S25 Ultra (received on July 28), with a clear goal in mind: finally leave the Apple ecosystem for good.

So far, I’ve just unboxed the S25 Ultra and set it up as a brand new phone, without transferring anything from the iPhone. I’m using both side by side for now, trying to figure out how to transfer everything properly, find app/service equivalents, and avoid losing any data — including more specific stuff like my Shazam history, which I really want to preserve.

By the way, which migration app would you recommend when I’m ready to go all in: Google’s “Switch to Android” or Samsung’s Smart Switch? I’d like to avoid duplicates, bugs, or data loss.

Past attempts

The issue is, I’ve already tried switching to Android multiple times with phones like:

• Galaxy S, S2, S8+, S9+, S10+, S20 Ultra, S24 Ultra, S25 Ultra

• Galaxy Note 1, Note 2, Note 10+

• Samsung Galaxy Nexus

• OnePlus One, 3, 5T, 6, 6T

• HTC Google Nexus One

• Nexus S, Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6P

• LG G2, G3, G4

• Nokia Lumia 800

…and probably others I’ve forgotten.

But despite all that, I always ended up going back to iPhone within a few days to two weeks. I never managed to stick with Android for longer than that.

My Apple ecosystem (and what I’ve already replaced)

I wasn’t just an iPhone user, I was fully locked into the Apple ecosystem.

To seriously prepare for the transition, I’ve already started replacing some services and apps directly on my iPhone:

Already replaced:

• Safari → Brave

• iCloud Passwords → Bitwarden

• iMessage → Signal

• iCloud Photos → dropped it (Apple lost my photos/videos)

Still using, need to migrate:

• Apple Notes → still looking for a clean export

• AirDrop → using LocalSend, but looking for one that works *without* same Wi-Fi

• iCloud Keychain → I want to recover Wi-Fi passwords synced with iPhone

• Handoff

• Apple Mail (I also use Gmail & Outlook)

• Apple Calendar

• Apple Wallet (loyalty cards)

• Find My (real-time location sharing with family)

• Voice Memos → want to export them all

• Shazam → haven’t found a way to sync tags to Android yet

I’ve also sold my iPad and MacBook Pro. I still occasionally use my partner’s MacBook, but I plan to switch fully to PC soon.

My goal

This time, I really want to last at least a full year on Android. I’m more determined than ever.

But I still wonder: is the S25 Ultra really the best long-term choice? I love it, but its corners feel a bit too square for me.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL reassures me with software updates and simplicity, but its UI might feel too plain.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 13 looks super fluid and responsive with OxygenOS. I love its gestures and animations… but I haven’t held one yet, and I’m worried about the screen curves (I prefer flat screens).

In short, I’m still undecided. What I care about most is:

• stability

• smooth experience

• long-term software support

• great camera quality

• and above all: never going back to Apple

Your feedback?

If you’ve been through a similar switch (successful or not), I’d love to hear your tips and advice.

What habits did you change?

What apps helped you most?

What mistakes should I avoid?

And for those who were deep into the Apple ecosystem — what made your switch to Android work?

Bonus questions:

1. How did you export your iCloud Notes and what Android app did you switch to?

2. Any way to migrate Shazam history from iOS to Android?

3. Any solution to extract all Wi-Fi passwords stored on iPhone and synced to Mac?

I'm seriously thinking about changing.

My reasons are for pure freshness, new os to try out, and i love the looks of the phone.

I also want a smaller phone

Hi everyone,

I’m currently using a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Before that, I had the S21 Ultra, so I’ve been using Samsung’s Ultra series for a few years now. I also use Galaxy Watches, so I’m quite used to the Samsung ecosystem.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about switching to a different phone brand, maybe a Google Pixel, iPhone, OnePlus, or something else. I’m curious if anyone here has switched from a Samsung Ultra phone to another brand and later missed some of the Samsung-exclusive features.

Did you regret switching? Or was it a good decision in the end?

I’d appreciate any experiences and suggestions. Thanks!

I haven’t even gotten the phone yet, I’m picking it up in 3 days, but my brain is already going into overdrive.

For context, I’ve been using a Samsung S21 FE for a while and it was fine for the most part. I wasn’t planning on switching to iPhone anytime soon. Then one morning, completely out of nowhere, green lines showed up on my screen. Not faint, not subtle, bright neon lines just sitting there like they own the place. I didn’t drop it, didn’t spill water on it, nothing. It just happened.

Apparently this is a known Samsung issue in some models, which made it even more frustrating. The phone basically self-destructed with no fault of mine, and that was the moment I snapped. I’m talking Lex Luthor or Reverse Flash level of hater energy. I didn’t just dislike Samsung anymore, I wanted to see it fail. That’s when I decided I was done and went all in on ordering the iPhone 16 Pro Max. I figured, yeah it’s expensive, but if it can last me years without random hardware failures, it’s worth it.

But ever since I placed the order, YouTube has decided to shove every single “iPhone 16 Pro Max sucks” video into my recommendations. Now I’m seeing people say it overheats, the battery drains too fast, the titanium scratches easily, the camera has lens flare issues, and the charging speed is way behind modern Androids. And I can’t tell if any of this is a real problem or just clickbait feeding the Apple vs Android war.

The thing is, I’m not even that picky about phones. I can live with a bit of input delay or stuff like that. I’m not sitting there counting pixels or obsessing over benchmarks. All I need is a phone that runs smoothly most of the time, takes good photos and videos, and doesn’t randomly develop some bizarre defect in the middle of its life cycle like my Samsung did. I just want something reliable that isn’t going to make me regret my purchase in six months.

So now I’m in this weird limbo where I’ve sworn off Samsung, but I’m also wondering if I’ve just set myself up for another round of frustration. For people who actually own the iPhone 16 Pro Max and use it daily, how bad are these “issues” really? Are they exaggerated online or should I brace myself for disappointment?

I currently have iphone11 and I could just buy an iphone 16 pro but nope I just wanna have a better phone and just not go with the popular choice (iphone) I am currently looking at all the major android companies and I have picked out two phones, xiaomi15 or oneplus13 or samsung S25 (you could also recommend me any phone of your choice in the same price range) I do not have any prior experience with ANY android so please just tell me what phone to get and not regret my decision I deeply care about battery life and battery health (meaning the battery life is great but l don't want the battery to be absolutely roasted after 1-2 years of use) and I do not want the camera to be the BEST but I also do not want it to be bad in todays standard, please and thank you.

I am looking at this car charger that has two USB A inputs on back to allow me to charge 3 devices at once, as I often charge my phone while also charging vape or headlamp. I was concerned this would divide the charging capacity 3 ways, or compromise it in any way?

I finally got a Pixel 9a for just 300€ and i gotta say i’m really impressed. So smooth and intuitive.

Think this might be a keeper till someone steps up and makes a decent phone below 6”

Anyway, i highly recommend this phone - even as a long time iOS user.

As title says really. All modern day smartphones seem to be essentially the same. I really miss when you used to get phones that were a bit different.

Some of my most favourite phones I've owned include HTC Dream, HTC Desire Z and Sony Experia Play.

I don't need a brand new phone, something within the last couple of years is fine. Don't care about camera or processor as my uses are just normal stuff. I just want something a bit different

US based. Don't want Chinese not because of any political reasons, just because I hear the software/OS' are always frustrating and also because I want to trade this phone in for credit easily. If such a site/phone exists, great, let me know.

I keep going through the same circle over and over:

- Samsung 24 ultra because I've never done the Samsung thing before. 24 because I want an S Pen that actually does everything. I like the aesthetics of the sharp edges and lens layout. Mostly just curious.

- Pixel 9 pro because cameras. But then I figure I should wait to see if the 10 pro is that much of an upgrade.

- iPhone 17 because camera rumors sound great. I'm insanely bored of Apple though. I switched from android around 2019. I tried spicing it up with ios 26 beta but its still just an iphone. I love RCS but everyone has it now. I'm not in the ecosystem I don't have Apple computer/headphones/tablet so that doesn't matter to me at all.

- OnePlus 13 because everyone goes crazy for it but then people constantly bitch about the cameras and that's what most important to me. Still, the photo/video must be better than 13PM after all these years I'd assume?

So really, I just can't make up my mind and keep doing the same loop and waiting impatiently for the next Pixel and iPhone to drop to see if either are worth it.

Would love some thoughts. Been watching dozens and dozens of videos for weeks and just can't make my mind up.

Title. I prioritize battery and camera. I don’t want to spend too much more than 1100. Also, I’m in the US so it might be harder to get some Chinese phones due to tariffs.

I'm currently rocking a Pixel 7 which I've had since launch which was in 2022. I'm looking to upgrade next year to the Pixel 11 Pro XL hopefully.

What I do?

hi! I’m looking for an android phone with a really good camera. I honestly don’t care about anything else. all I do is chat and take photos (for products). my galaxy S22 has been awful for pictures it’s insane how bad they look.

I was looking into the Vivo X200 but I’m worried I won’t be able to transfer my data from my Samsung to a Vivo. also I’m sticking with Aandroid so no iphones.

any recommendations? thanks in advance!

Hey, i am looking for a phone which lasts a couple of years. It doesn't has to have best best processor, RAM etc. I am a casual user who doesnt use the phone for excessive gaming etc. A good Camera is obv. a big plus. I think the biggest factor is a good battery...

Read that pixels have 7 years of software support but their battery doesnt last more than 2-3 years With the rest, i dont really have a lot of experience

Does somebody have a good siggestion?

I've had a Xiaomi Redmi 9 for 5 years now and it's still working pretty good but I feel like the battery won't last long (I need to charge it everyday now), so I thought about buying a new phone next year or maybe in a few months. The xiaomi was good overall but it's been a long time that I'm no longer getting updates, and I heard that on Samsung you get them for way longer.

I'm also planning to get a Samsung tablet for university, because I don't want to switch to Apple. Is that also worth it and is it better to get a Samsung phone with it or doesn't it change anything as long as they are both android?

My budget isn't very high, so can only afford a mid-range (300-500€), but I've heard very different opinions about them. Some people say that the A-series are not worth it and that you should either get an A-series or just go for a Xiaomi or Motorola, others say that they are satisfied so I don't really know if it's a good option for me.

It can be a phone made now, the specs of it, the materials, anything. Just curious!

Hello guys so I am based out of US and I am confused between the 2 phones in the title, I just use social media mostly and don't take a lot of photos as such, everything seems comparable except moto g power's RAM is 24GB while oneplus nord's RAM is just 8GB, and moto g has a 5000 milliampere hours vs 4805 milliampere hours in oneplus nord n30, please help me decide guys! Also the OnePlus costs 300 dollars while the moto g costs 250 dollars! TIA!

Hey everyone,

My name’s John. Over the past few months, I’ve grown increasingly frustrated with my smartphone. I’m seriously considering switching to a dumbphone or minimal phone to drastically reduce my screen time and improve my overall well-being.

I’ve been looking into options like the Bigme HiBreak Pro, Minimal Phone, and Light Phone 3 but each seems to come with its own set of limitations. I want to use one of these as my full-time daily driver, not just as a side device.

The main goal for me is to get away from the endless dopamine hits that smartphones provide. I’ve noticed that constantly being exposed to feeds and notifications has rewired my brain to the point where more meaningful, healthy, and productive activities no longer feel rewarding. That’s something I really want to change.

If you’ve made the switch already, I’d love to hear what your experience has been like. What worked? What didn’t? And what would you recommend, considering my goals?

Thanks in advance!

John

Hey everyone,

My name’s John. Over the past few months, I’ve grown increasingly frustrated with my smartphone. I’m seriously considering switching to a dumbphone or minimal phone to drastically reduce my screen time and improve my overall well-being.

I’ve been looking into options like the Bigme HiBreak Pro, Minimal Phone, and Light Phone 3 but each seems to come with its own set of limitations. I want to use one of these as my full-time daily driver, not just as a side device.

The main goal for me is to get away from the endless dopamine hits that smartphones provide. I’ve noticed that constantly being exposed to feeds and notifications has rewired my brain to the point where more meaningful, healthy, and productive activities no longer feel rewarding. That’s something I really want to change.

If you’ve made the switch already, I’d love to hear what your experience has been like. What worked? What didn’t? And what would you recommend, considering my goals?

Thanks in advance!

John

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for advice on picking a new smartphone to replace my trusty OnePlus 6T, which I've had since 2017. I'm hoping to get some hands-on insights or additional suggestions from people who may already own one of the phones I'm considering.

So far, my shortlist includes:

• ⬆️ Poco F7 Pro: ( €435 ) ( €350 wt Xiaomi store discount )

• Poco F6 ( €236 )

• Poco X6 Pro ( €280 )

• ⬇️ Xiaomi 14T ( €450 )

• ⬇️ Samsung S24 FE ( €400 )

My main use cases are:

• Emulating PS1/PS2 games with upscaling + extended gaming sessions

• Watching lots of videos and movies

• Occasionally recording videos

I tend to keep my devices for as long as possible, so longevity and durability are very important to me. I’d prefer not to have to upgrade again anytime soon.

From what I’ve read so far:

• The F6 outperforms the X6 Pro in benchmarks

• But the X6 Pro handles sustained gaming better

• The X6 Pro has worse cameras, but I prefer its design over the F6

• The F6 is super cheap right now — only €236 in Italy (Amazon)

Would love to hear your thoughts — especially if you own any of these phones. Are there any major pros/cons I should be aware of? Or maybe a totally different phone I should consider?

Thanks in advance!

Hello,

I'd like to get your opinion to buy a new smartphone.

I've currently had the Pixel 7 for about 3 years.

What I'm looking for a new smartphone with:

• The best camera for good-quality photos in all environments: day, night, up close, and zoomed in. Besides photos, I also want good video quality.

• Good battery capacity;

• Phone brightness (NITS) so you can use the phone even with sunlight.

• Good processor, but not specifically for gaming. More for multitasking;

Possible budget: Between €1,000 and €1,300

I'm undecided between the Vivo x200 Ultra and the Pixel 10 Pro XL, which will be released in less than 3 weeks.

From what I've seen, the Vivo excels in photography; it lacks video stabilization on the selfie camera, but it delivers good photos. Regarding the battery, I've seen reports that it drains quickly or that the phone gets very hot.

I've seen positive reports about Original OS (Chinese version), but there are some incompatibilities.

The Pixel typically has more natural color tones, but in terms of quality, there's sometimes a noticeable overprocessing.

In the case of the Pixel, pure Android, there are no compatibility concerns.

I believe I'll see some improvement in photos if I make the jump from the Pixel 7 to the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

The question is, which is better between Vivo and Pixel?

Thank you.

Can anyone give me ideas for a new phone? I’ve had an iPhone for ages, previously had a Samsung. I do enjoy the iPhone but equally don’t care if I come away from it. I’m looking for something durable, good quality, great camera (and Live Photos, I love live photos) and most importantly, affordable. I know we all have different ideas of affordable, I mean something that isn’t 1k and only because of its name like some apple products can be. Thanks

Hello so if recently lost my phone in different country and I am looking to buy a new iPhone I previously had the iPhone 13 and was satisfied. I am currently looking at the 16 pro but I am open to suggestions any advice?

❗️UPDATE: I just got it!!!! I'm actually very happy with my decision. It was definitely very bittersweet setting up this phone while my iPhone was being wiped. I am enjoying the z flip 7 so far and I'm enjoying samsung more than i thought I would! Thank you everyone for your advice!

Hi everyone! I’ve been with iPhone for about 7 years now. I have all things apple, however, I am very heavily considering getting the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. I think it’s a beautiful phone!

I had a Samsung in the past and didn’t like it but I’ve heard that recently there have been more people switching from Apple to Samsung because the quality has been a lot better recently. I am also just getting very tired of Apple and their lack of creativity when it comes to new phones.

It’s possible for me to upgrade but I just recently ordered a new iPhone case for my current phone and it’s supposed to come in the mail either today or tomorrow. I wasn’t expecting to get so hooked on the Flip 7. Should I just re-sell the case once I get it and switch to Samsung? I’d like some advice please!

Hi, I don't know much about cellphones, and I'm looking to buy a new one after using mine for 10 years.
I’m not very familiar with current phone specs, so here’s what’s important to me:
-I don't care much about the camera or playing video games.
-What matters to me is video playback/quality (Youtube/other social media) and internet browsing.
- Where i live. there's no Pixel or Nothing phone to sell.
- I'm looking for something that will last me another 10 years.
- Inflation

For the last almost three years I have been using a Xiaomi 13 Pro. Bought it mainly for the camera which have been great with its 1" sensor but the OS has some horrible flaws and bugs. Now the battery is getting worse and the screen has some serious cracks. So, what phone would better this camera and still have decent software? Pixel 9 Pro is out due to its slow charging and slow processor. The 10 Pro will probably be too expensive. Been looking at:

Xiaomi 15 Ultra (but...) Oppo Find X8 Pro/Ultra Moto Edge 60 Pro (weaker camera?) OnePlus 13 (weaker camera?) Nothing Phone 3 (weaker camera?) Vivo X200 Pro/Ultra

I am leaning towards Vivo X200 Pro Mini. Like the camera (if I could down the worst AI processing) and the small format. But anther Chinese OS might scare me away (I need Google Pay to work and it doesn't on my 13 Pro).

Photography has been a big part of my life and even though I phone camera has its obvious limits, its a camera I always carry with me.

Currently using a OPPO find X5 which I find easy to use. But would love something with a better camera. I've used iPhones in the past but can't justify the huge pricetag. I've had a Samsung but wasn't a huge fan of the interface (message notifications etc) Thank you for any suggestions 😊

I have a tecno spark 10c I need a new phone asap for under 200$, I saw an infinix hot 60 pro plus for 190$ looking at it on paper the specs look good for the price so i was wondering if i should get it or not

Hello,

I've been an android user for more than 12 years (didn't do the math precisely). Before that I had a Blackberry and not a smartphone so let's say in the smartphone business I've always had Android phones.

I've had phones from Wiko, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi and Google Pixel.

My last phone is a Pixel 6 and after 4 years I'm considering changing it.

I'm hesitating between waiting for the Pixel 10 (or taking the Pixel 9 if the 10 doesn't live up to expectations) or switching to iPhone.

What made Android phones more useful to me before is becoming less and less relevant (jack for headphones, USB-C, being able to personalize everything, the Google ecosystem etc).

Now I'm using more and more vanilla personnalisation, I don't use the Google ecosystem as much (I switched to Proton for most stuff), there are almost no phones with jack plugs for headphones, I don't use paid apps (only apps base on subscriptions so it doesn't matter if I take them from Android, from my PC or from an iPhone) and the google ecosystem (what's left and that I use) is well integrated into the iPhone etc.

Why the iPhone ?

First of all, and that may be the less relevant argument for switching (but I feel that's the strongest feeling I have) : I want to change a bit. I feel I've made the tour of what Android has to offer and I kinda want to see how using the iPhone is on a daily basis.

Second argument (again maybe not relevant) : my wife has an iPhone. I don't see why that would be an argument but I've read here and there that it's easier to have both the same OS especially if it's iPhone (imessages, facetime, though Whatsapp does that anyway so meh).

Third argument : I have an iPad. Which means I can sync the iPad and the iPhone, right ?

What are your thoughts ? Am I wrong if I decide to switch from Android (Pixel phones) to iPhones ?

Hi!

I’m honestly done with my Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G. HyperOS is bloated, buggy, and frustrating, and the constant overheating is driving me insane. I don’t want to waste any more time flashing custom ROMs or troubleshooting — I just want a phone I can keep for years, with a clean/lightweight Android implementation and long-term support.

Right now, I’m considering:

Pixel 9a – €370 (~$405), EU warranty, brand new.

Pixel 8 Pro – €450 (~$495), AliExpress (so warranty situation is unclear).

Nothing Phone 3a – price TBD, but seems interesting.

My main priorities:

Battery life: better or at least on par with my current phone (heavy use).

Camera: equal or better than the Note 14 Pro 5G.

Software: lightweight Android experience with frequent updates and long support window.

For context: I take a lot of photos, use my phone heavily for messaging, browsing, and light gaming, and I hate thermal throttling. I’m in the EU, so warranty matters, but I’m open to importing if it’s worth it.

What would you pick in my situation, and why? Especially curious about real-world battery life and update longevity between these options.

Thanks!

I currently have a Pixel 6a, and looking for a new phone, can't decide between Pixel 10 vs iPhone 17.

Google always has these pre-sale trade enhanced deals, where I don't think Apple does, this is why I have always stuck with Android due to lower prices and better deals, though I've always wanted to give apple a try as my daily driver.

Thoughts? Thanks.

I don't know what to do in this situation. I'm kinda disappointed. Firstly It was only one green line, I was kinda scared and schocked. I took some time for a research and found some info. I tried some fix solutions but didn't work. Now I know it's physical issue. Today second line appeared after few days. Looks like it will keep getting worse.

I enjoyed my realme and I felt it would support me for another 1/1.5 year max (just needed to change the battery for new one). Now I know it is repairable but it cost 700 + 250-350 PLN new battery ( around 256-270$).

Wdyt? At this point should I go for a new 500-600$ phone - similar budget or stay with it and repair?

Hi Guys, like the title says, I’m absolutely sick of paying the “apple tax”. FYI I’m currently using an iPhone 14 (but have previously had their pro models). I’m currently contemplating whether to get a Samsung S25 or wait it out until Apple releases the 17, and hence will reduce prices of the 16 pro. As it stands, it currently makes zero sense financially to buy from an Apple Store @£999 when other retailers sell the 16 pro models £100 less.

To summarise, what phone should I get as a replacement that is equivalent to Apple’s pro models and is more budget friendly?

Requirements:

1. I am using K20PRO, most imp for me is build quality

2. Camera

3. Clean ui

4. Battery

5. Performance

Какой компакт телефон выбрать для повседнева, не считая vivo. Я хотел бы выбрать что-то из xiaomi 15, iphone 14 pro, но послушал бы и ваши варианты. Бюджет 700$

What compact phone to choose for everyday life, not counting vivo. I would like to choose something from xiaomi 15, iphone 14 pro, but I would also listen to your options. Budget 700$

Coming from S22 Ultra (wasn't ever really happy with it). Been stuck deciding for 3 months now.

Current options:

• Xiaomi 15 (512GB) - €640

• Pixel 9 Pro (256GB) - €800

• iPhone 16 (256GB - €750 currently) - or wait for iPhone 17 in September?

• Wait for Pixel 10 (announced Aug 20) - but will be expensive again

My usage: Photography + YouTube and reading, want compact size, keeping for 2-3 years. For really good photos I'll use a mirrorless camera, this is more of a daily shooter.

My thoughts:

• Xiaomi: More storage, cheaper, better battery life

• Pixel: Pure Android, longer updates, good camera software

• iPhone: Premium but pricey, and iPhone 17 coming soon...

All three have good enough cameras for my needs. Pure Android would be nice but HyperOS seems decent too.

What would you choose? Worth waiting until September or just pick one now?

Edit: Samsung is not really on the table - not going back after the S22 Ultra experience.

i'm about to buy a new phone but confused between s24 and vivo t4 ultra...i want a good camera good ui and performance...s24 is compact and i prefer compact phones but i tried t4 ultra and i got impressed by the cam but s24 has pro vid mode..one ui7/8....ahh i'm so confused i need good optimisation...and mainly for photos n videos..suggest pls

Premise:

I used to be an iPhone user and loved the simplicity and design language of iOS. However when my iPhone 13pro didn't receive the rather barren apple AI release, I tried out the Pixel 9 and it impressed me greatly. Speaking to Gemini felt like speaking to a person.

A. Not much between phones nowadays (even across iPhones and Android phones):

Now almost a year later, I feel that phone hardware is optimized to such an extent nowadays that the only differentiating factor is the OS. At first I found android a little boisterous, however I found that I could quickly customize it the way I kept my iPhone. Fewer pages, muted dark colours etc.

I feel most top phones are very good at what they do, Samsung, Google and iPhone.

iOS will launch apple intelligence with Siri at some point, only then the playing field will be level. Apple also misled users by stating that 7 years old models will still get iOS update. Apple AI should have been provided to older models such as 13pro, they are barely 3 years old. If an org cannot optimize AI to that extent, then they are doing it wrong. Apple AI only on newer iPhones felt like a sales tactic, which I hate.

B. Couldn't let go of iPhone completely UNTIL iOS 26 beta:

• I still have my old iPhone and seldom use it when as I still liked the UX. Hence i went ahead and even upgraded to the IOS26 beta Yesterday - and voila, it wrecked my phone completely. I know it's a beta and the stable release will likely not have the issues, but my god it's unusable.

C. Android is becoming the benchmark OS, but here's what do they need to beat iPhone/iOS handsdown (my VOC from a Pixel standpoint):

1. Hoping expressive design also allows one to keep things minimalistic if one wants. Currently it's too colourful and unprofessional for my taste, from the beta videos. I'm guessing this is one area heavily demographic driven.

2. Pixel phones should improve their microphone quality, as my iPhone still has better recordings I feel.

3. Gemini is yet not as good as chatgpt. One gripe I have is Gemini voice prompt keeps cutting off even before I articulate my thoughts completely. Chatgpt doesn't do that. This needs to be fixed, I for one, use AI assistants a lot.

4. The overall finesse of iOS still felt better (until iOS 18) than android. Simple things like swiping up to go back from Netflix full screen or font and visibility, just felt better on iPhone. This is what android and pixel need to beat iPhone. It will be perfect then.

5. Google needs in store flawless customer service model similar to apples. Right now some customers are skeptical about purchase only since Google doesn't have that model yet and relies on 3rd party tie ups (which works fine but doesn't do much for trust).

6. Make the ecosystem better: the software ecosystem is peak (Google office apps), however hardware products such as pixel buds, arent there yet. The apple airpods still have better audio quality (both input and output).

D. My hope for consumers:

Don't be a blind fan of any company. You can like apple or Google or Samsung or any other company, but hold them accountable to improve their products to your liking. They can have their USP and differentiators but what they produce should match your expectations. I have seen folks online mindlessly defend their favourite company, create misleading posts to protect that brand - I just don't understand it. We pay thousands of dollars to get these products, its fair to be critical of something you own.

For example Apple has for the longest time monopolized cross brand usage with iPhones such as headphones, watches etc - this should be illegal and it's currently being contested in US Congress. Hopefully consumers don't remain headless sheeps and voice their demands as well. They also marketed and never launched Apple AI with the iPhone launch, which is unprecedented.

Similarly for Google and android, their entire focus has been rapid growth and catering to GenZ, that they made android 16 expressive design a spectacular colourful expressive OS, alienating corporate and older business users (atleast this is what it feels to me). They also must focus on improving versatility of ancillary products such as pixel buds ( which I feel some issues).

Let me know your thoughts on this.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a smartphone under $400 / €400 with at least 256GB storage. My main use is photography, day and night. I also need reliable GPS navigation, and I sometimes analyze charts, so a smooth display is important too.

Good battery life, clean software, and strong performance are key. I prefer Android, but open to other suggestions if they’re outstanding.

I’ve been considering: Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+, Nothing Phone (3a), Samsung Galaxy (?), Poco X7 Pro, and even a Pixel (?).

Any insights or personal experiences ... especially regarding the camera quality and software experience ... would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

So the tale as old as time. IOS or Android. iPhone or a different Phone. My backstory I had a lot of smartphones over the time of 14 years. Starting with Samsung Galaxy S2. At that time it was one of the best phones out there. I tried Samsung,HTC, couple Huaweis, cheap Sony, LG, Xiaomi and now I have a Motorola Edge 40 Neo. In the near future I want a new one. I want really good hardware a really good software and a really good camera. So my idea was a S25 or S25 Ultra or an basic iPhone. iPhone because I never tried Apple and wanted to know what's the magic about. But as a technology fan I think Android is just better and has more freedom. Third party apps from different sources can be really good and Apple isn't known for letting them in. I definitely don't want Xiaomi. Im even think of maybe buying a powerful Motorola. What Smartphones do you recommend? I appreciate phones where you get your money worth.

Did infinix note 50s has auto pickup item like in infinix gt 30pro games like genshin impact.

Looking for a beast phone under ₹25,000 with:

12GB RAM + 256GB storage

50MP main + Ultrawide + 32MP front

Snapdragon 7/8 Gen or Dimensity

5000–6000mAh battery, stereo speakers

Any solid picks? Performance & camera matter most. Just want the best combo!

I’ve been testing the refresh rate on my Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max, and I keep getting identical results no matter which browser I use — Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or anything else.

Here are my results:

Galaxy S25 Ultra

deviceTests.com → 125 Hz

frameratetest.org → 120.18 FPS

iPhone 16 Pro Max

deviceTests.com → 62 Hz

frameratetest.org → 59.88 FPS

So each phone gives the same result across browsers, but the S25 Ultra is literally twice as high as the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

You can check all four of my screenshots here:

Has anyone else tried this and gotten the same thing? Or do you see differences between browsers on your devices?

So I’m getting away from iOS (iPhone 14Pro). Things i do on my phone:

1. YouTube and surfing, WhatsApp basic stuff

2. no intense gaming, mostly Clash of clans

3. lots of pictures when traveling or in the gym, so I would say the camera isnt most important but still important to me

I can’t decide between these:

Pixel 9/10: I like the clean look of stock android and they do amazing photos.

S25 Ultra: top tier specs but I’m not sure if I like the software. I tried a normal s25 but returned it because of the software, but maybe I didn’t give it enough time.

Z Flip 7: I absolutely love the flip thing and want to try it for a few weeks to see if it’s cool and useful or more annoying.

I posted this in Samsung pixel and smartphone Reddit to get many different opinions :)

I am not looking to soend like 1k euros for a phone i dont use it much. I only use it for:

• youtube

• reddit

• whatsapp

• discord I would like it to be dureable so it doesent break easily? Any recommendations?

Hi. Daughter had an iPhone. Great as we all do so find my worked so we could see her. However she dropped it twice and now we are debating saving the money from iPhones to something cheaper. So I have 2 questions if that’s ok.

1. As we all have iPhones if we got an android is there a find my feature built in where I can see where she is and can I use parental controls from my iPhone on hers?

2. Is there a really cheap one that will do the job for now? Talking less than £50 ideally ( or 80 usd?)

Thanks :-)

So my old phone is getting very old and im getting tired of apple being well... apple. So I want to switch to an android or whatever other options there may be.

Im on a bit of a budget and would like to keep it around 300-500$ Im in sweden so the prices will change a bit and be more expensive. Im gonna get it refurbished if possible so i dont want too obscure so it wont be sold refurbished.

My main requirements would be good battery life, pretty good camera and I want to be able to customize the phone software wise

Any Help and reccomendation is reccomended, thanks a ton :)

I am going to join my college soon in 1 month so I need a phone which is also going to be my first phone as until now i had a tablet and mostly phone related stuff were done in that and in adverse case I used my mother's phone. My father told me to get either a SAMSUNG S SERIES ONE OR AN IPHONE.but at a condition that it should have 8GB RAM AND 128GB STORAGE MINIMUM . I am also going to buy a new laptop so I don't want to spend too much on phone but i do videography on some monthly basis hence I need a good camera. Can anyone suggest me which one should I go for ?

I tried magnifying and app but cannot scan this. I already use 13PM, magnifier and scan app with indoor lighting

AI didn’t work Scanning a small QR code on an iPhone is definitely possible! The built-in Camera app is usually the best tool, but you might need a few extra techniques. Here's how to do it effectively:

Method 1: Using the Native Camera App (Best First Try)

1. Open the Camera App: Swipe up from the bottom (or down from the top right on newer models) and tap the Camera icon.

2. Point at the Code: Hold your iPhone so the QR code is centered in the viewfinder. Get closer than you normally would for a larger code.

3. Focus & Scan:

   • Hold Steady: Keep your hand as still as possible. The camera needs a moment to lock onto the code.

   • Move Closer Slowly: If the camera doesn't focus immediately, slowly move the phone closer to the code until it fills more of the screen. Don't rush.

   • Tap to Focus (Optional): If the code is very small and the background is busy, try tapping directly on the QR code on your screen. This forces the camera to focus and meter light specifically on that spot.

   • Ensure Good Lighting: Bright, even lighting is crucial. Turn on a light or move to a brighter area. Avoid glare or harsh shadows on the code.

4. Wait for the Notification: Once the camera recognizes the QR code, a notification banner will appear at the top of the screen. Tap it to open the link or action.

Method 2: Use the Magnifier Tool (Built-in Accessibility Feature)

This is great for extremely small codes or if the camera struggles:

1. Enable Magnifier (If not already):

   • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier. Toggle it On.

   • (Optional but Recommended): Under "Accessibility Shortcut" (at the bottom of the main Accessibility settings page), select Magnifier so you can triple-click the side button to launch it quickly.

2. Open Magnifier:

   • Triple-click the Side Button (if you set the shortcut), OR

   • Open your Control Center (swipe down from top right corner), and tap the Magnifier icon (looks like an eye inside a dark circle).

3. Scan the Code:

   • Point your iPhone camera at the small QR code.

   • Use the Zoom Slider: Drag the slider on the right side of the screen up to zoom in significantly on the code. Get close enough so the QR code fills a good portion of the magnified view.

   • Focus: The Magnifier usually has good auto-focus, but you can tap the screen on the code if needed. Ensure it's well-lit.

   • Look for the Link Icon: When the Magnifier recognizes the QR code, a small chain link icon will appear in the bottom right corner (next to the capture button).

   • Tap the Link Icon: Tap this icon to open the QR code's link or action.

Method 3: Use a Dedicated QR Scanner App (Alternative)

If the native methods struggle, third-party apps often have more robust scanning algorithms or zoom controls:

1. Download a Scanner: Search the App Store for "QR scanner" – popular free options include QR Reader for iPhone, Scan, Kaspersky QR Scanner, or Norton Snap.

2. Open the App & Grant Permissions: Open the app and allow camera access when prompted.

3. Point & Zoom: These apps usually have manual zoom controls. Zoom in on the small QR code until it's clearly visible within the scanning frame. Hold steady and ensure good lighting.

4. Tap to Scan: The app will typically scan automatically or have a button to press once the code is framed.

Method 4: Take a Screenshot & Zoom (Workaround for Static Codes)

If the QR code is on your own screen (not a physical object) and you can't scan it directly:

1. Take a Screenshot: Press the Side Button + Volume Up button simultaneously.

2. Open the Screenshot: Tap the preview thumbnail that appears in the bottom left corner, or find it in your Photos app.

3. Pinch to Zoom: Use two fingers to zoom in significantly on the small QR code within the screenshot.

4. Long-Press: Press and hold your finger directly on the zoomed-in QR code image within the screenshot.

5. Open Link: If iOS recognizes it as a scannable code, a menu will pop up. Tap "Open Link" (or similar).

Key Tips for Success with Small Codes:

• Patience is Key: Hold the phone steady and give the camera time (a few seconds) to detect the code.

• Get Closer (Slowly): Fill the viewfinder with the code as much as possible without getting so close it blurs.

• Maximize Lighting: This is critical. Shine a light directly on the code if necessary.

• Clean the Lens: Wipe your iPhone's rear camera lens with a soft cloth.

• Try Different Angles: Sometimes a slight tilt helps.

• Steady Your Hand: Rest your elbow on a table if possible.

• Use the Magnifier Tool: It's designed for this exact purpose (examining small details) and works great for tiny QR codes.

• White Background: If the code is on a dark or patterned surface, try placing a plain white piece of paper behind it for better contrast.

By combining getting closer, ensuring bright light, holding steady, and potentially using the Magnifier tool, you should be able to scan even quite small QR codes with your iPhone's built-in features.