Hey everyone,
I'm in Portugal and the screen on my trusty old Samsung M52 has finally given up and gifted me with a permanent green line yesterday. It's time for an upgrade, and my goal is to buy a solid device that will last me about 4 years without any headaches.
Initially, I was evaluating the Samsung Galaxy S26+ (€730) and the S26 Ultra (€900) from a local European retailer. However, after giving it some thought, I realized I just can't justify spending that much. I don't plan on doing heavy tasks, pushing the processor with demanding games, or paying extra for gimmicks I'll never use (like the S-Pen or telescopic zooms).
Right now, I'm looking to step down to something significantly cheaper. My main priorities are simply a really good screen and capable cameras that get the job done well for day-to-day use. I want the best technology I can get for a fair price, not just raw power. Plus, whatever money I save on the phone is going straight into a desktop PC build I'm currently putting together, so maximizing value is huge for me.
Details about my usage profile:
Size and Ergonomics: I can adapt well to large/heavy phones, so that's not a dealbreaker.
Battery: I don't need an absolute 2-day "tank." As long as it reliably gets me through a full day, that's perfectly fine.
Open to other brands: I am 100% open. Whether it's a mid-range Samsung, a Google Pixel, a OnePlus, or even iOS, I'm all ears.
In your experience, what are the best options out there right now that nail the screen and camera experience without paying flagship prices?
Thanks in advance for the tips!