r/Smartphones • • 18h ago

Which phone is best for taking photos?

0 Upvotes

I’m a Samsung user—I’ve had the S4, Note 4, S20FE, and now the S23. However, I’m not satisfied with the photo quality. I’ve looked at a few reviews, and they suggest that the latest iPhones take better photos than Samsung phones. I’m considering buying either the S26U or the iPhone 18 Pro.

Is it worth switching? I’m familiar with iOS because I have an iPhone 14 for work. Which one would you choose?


r/Smartphones • • 11h ago

Is bad software ruining amazing smartphone hardware nowadays?

0 Upvotes

It feels like a lot of brands are absolutely killing it with hardware right now, giving us insane cameras, fast charging, and beautiful screens for great prices. But the second you turn the phone on, you're hit with a heavy, buggy Android skin full of bloatware, aggressive battery management, or weird glitches that make the phone feel slow anyway. It makes me miss the days when more brands just used a clean, near stock Android setup. Have you ever returned a phone or regretted buying one purely because you hated the software interface, even if the hardware was perfect? Which brand has the worst UI right now?


r/Smartphones • • 17h ago

Why have so many smartphones dropped the headphone jack?

39 Upvotes

To me, removing the headphone jack is one of the biggest steps backwards in smartphone design.

There’s nothing quite like getting home from work, finally getting comfortable in bed with some music, and hearing “battery low” from your earbuds. My phone has plenty of charge, but the two little things responsible for getting the sound into my ears have decided we’re done for the day.

“Just use an adapter.” Fair enough, but mine seems just as easy to misplace as my wireless earbuds. By the time I find it and plug everything in, my phone needs charging too.

I don’t dislike wireless earbuds. There’s certainly more variety in their designs, and my realme Harry Potter edition even has four custom audio cues. But wireless should be an additional choice, not my only option.

I used to keep a cheap pair of wired earphones in my bag. No batteries to check, no case to charge—the only thing I had to worry about was spending ten seconds untangling the cable. Now even my backup headphones need regular charging.

What I don’t understand is whether the space saved by removing the jack really makes a meaningful difference to other features. Is it about appearance, or are there engineering benefits I’m overlooking? Am I the only one who still wants headphone jacks to be standard on phones again?


r/Smartphones • • 7h ago

how do i tell my parents i want to get a new phone

1 Upvotes

i have around 1100 dollars in my wallet and im looking to buy the oneplus 15, 256 gb, black which is 899.999 USD i can obviously buy this but i dont know how to talk to them about this


r/Smartphones • • 10h ago

Apple to Samsung Fold 8 Ultra - Mistake?

0 Upvotes

Have just been through the worst experience ! I’ve been with Apple for about 13 hears straight. Most recent phone is the iPhone 13 Pro Max, battery is awful and I’ve maxed out the storage. I’ve had my eye on folding phones for a while. I was waiting for the iPhone Duo announcement before deciding on my next phone.

After some research (Chat GPT) , I went towards the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra due to better camera specs and tested folding technology.

I’ve had it for one day , I really tried to like it but the camera isn’t great. My almost year old iPhone 13 Pro Max has been producing better photos. I thought it was just a fluke but when I take photos of my cat, they come out blurry if he moves even slightly on the Fold. What’s worse is Samsung has a clause where they say if you’ve installed anything on their phone they will deduct 20% from the original price before refunding you.

I’ve argued with them on the chat as this doesn’t abide by UK consumer law.

I just feel so gutted - had high hopes for this phone but now am left thinking I should have waited for the Duo first or just stuck with what I know and go 17/18 pro max . I knew the folding phones (Apple or Samsung) would have inferior cameras to S26 and iPhone 17/18 but didn’t think my 5 year old iPhone would have better results than the Fold!


r/Smartphones • • 15h ago

What phones would you recommend that has a front camera which makes you look like your mirror self and doesn’t make your nose look massive or has a low lens distortion?

0 Upvotes

r/Smartphones • • 2h ago

iPhone 17 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra - own both but cannot decide...

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I’m currently struggling to decide between my iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. I’ve used Samsung phones for many years before switching to Apple, and now I find myself constantly torn between the two ecosystems.

What I love about the iPhone 17 is its overall design, the polished feeling of iOS, the excellent speakers, video recording, and front camera. I also own a MacBook Air, AirPods Pro 3, and an Apple Watch Series 11, so the Apple ecosystem is a huge advantage. Especially the Apple Watch is something I absolutely love and would really struggle to give up.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers so many practical advantages. The battery life is incredible (I’ve achieved over 12 hours of screen-on time), it feels smoother in everyday use, and I prefer its multitasking, notifications, navigation gestures, file management, and Secure Folder. The camera zoom, charging, and thermal management are also noticeably better for my usage.

However, I don’t particularly like One UI’s visual design and icons, and I genuinely miss the Apple ecosystem whenever I use Samsung. Meanwhile, whenever I use my iPhone, I start missing Android’s flexibility and additional features.

I even compared both phones across more than 20 categories, including display, performance, cameras, battery, usability, and overall satisfaction. Samsung actually won more categories, but the iPhone won in areas that are particularly important to me, especially design and ecosystem integration.

My head tells me Samsung, but my heart keeps pulling me back to Apple.

Whenever I switch to Samsung, I appreciate all its features but eventually miss my iPhone and Apple Watch. When I return to Apple, everything feels familiar and comfortable again, but I start thinking about what I’m missing on Android.

It’s honestly becoming frustrating because I genuinely love both devices for different reasons.

Has anyone experienced something similar? How did you finally decide between iOS and Android when both had advantages you didn’t want to give up?

Small disclaimer: I know this is probably one of the most ridiculous first-world problems imaginable, and I’m fully aware that there are far more important things to worry about. Sorry if this sounds overly dramatic, but I’d genuinely appreciate some advice!


r/Smartphones • • 1h ago

Select one

• Upvotes
  1. New samsung A56 5g 8gb, 128b for 32K

  2. New Samsung A36 5g 8gb, 128gb for 24k

  3. Refurbished samsung S22 5g 8gb, 128gb for 25k on cashify

  4. Refurbished Samsung S23 5g 8gb, 128gb for 32K

  5. New Nothing phone 4a 5g 8gb, 128gb for 35K

  6. Any you suggest.

Conditions,

Ok, i know i shouldn't expect a flagship level experience, but my focus is on camera and Samsung only (optional if worthy of price).


r/Smartphones • • 20h ago

I am literally confused between this 2 phones 🥲, help me please

0 Upvotes
  1. samsung s25 5g snapdragon 8 elite
  2. oppo reno15 pro mini

what i want:

  1. good camera, like actually good camera, long exposure, flexibility for RAW exports, good video quality, better zoom, telephoto( i dont know the meaning though).

I am not a gaming guy, i do play CODM sometimes(once in a year), but ig any good mid range phone can handle it not a big deal ig

i am confused in battery
s25 has 4000
oppo has 6200

also based on youtube and other things whichi chcked, they said s25 battery might look low on paper, but its processor handels it.

oppo is eveything, but its just it dont have raw export thing, its just give you proccesed ready to post images and stuff

SO GUYS PLEASE, HELP ME DECIDE, IF ANYONE HAVE THOSE ABOVE PHONES TELL ME WHATS GOOD WHATS BAD IN REAL LIFE EXPEREICE, AND ANY EXTRA RECOMMEDNATIONS YOU WANT TO GIVE

my budget:
under 65k

I am from India


r/Smartphones • • 17h ago

Nothing Phone (3) or Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which one would you choose?

0 Upvotes

I'm trying to decide between the Nothing Phone (3) and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and I'm genuinely torn between them.

On paper, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra seems better in pretty much every way, especially when it comes to the camera and overall hardware. Price isn't an issue for me, so I'm not looking for the best value for money. I just want the better phone overall.

The problem is that I absolutely love Nothing's design and software. Nothing OS feels unique, clean, and actually has its own identity. It doesn't just look like another generic Android skin, and that's a big deal for me.

On the other hand, HyperOS really puts me off. To me, it feels like Xiaomi is trying too hard to copy Apple's iOS design language, but the result looks less polished and original. Some parts of the UI also seem janky or buggy, at least from what I've seen. I don't know if that's just my impression or if HyperOS actually has noticeable bugs and inconsistencies in everyday use.

So basically, I'm choosing between a phone whose software and design I genuinely love, and a phone that seems superior in almost every technical aspect but has a UI I don't really like.

For people who have actually used these phones, or switched between Nothing OS and HyperOS:

-Is HyperOS genuinely smooth and reliable in everyday use, or does it still feel buggy and inconsistent?

-Is Nothing OS good enough that you'd choose it over significantly better hardware?

-How much of a difference does the Xiaomi's hardware actually make in real-world use?

-If money wasn't a factor, which one would you personally choose, and why?

I'd especially appreciate opinions from people who have used both brands for a while, rather than people judging purely by specs.

Thanks!


r/Smartphones • • 19h ago

Do you still use third-party apps for basic phone tasks?

0 Upvotes

I’ve been wondering how useful third-party utility apps still are now that phones can handle more tasks themselves.

For things like scanning documents, managing storage, finding duplicate photos, or cleaning up files, I’ve noticed that many phones already have built-in tools for these.

Do you generally stick with the features that come with your phone, or are there third-party apps you still find genuinely useful for these tasks?

If you do use separate apps, what do they actually do better than the built-in options?


r/Smartphones • • 23h ago

Feel totally lost trying to find a new phone

2 Upvotes

Hey guys, yet another poster looking for a new phone here. My Samsung A32 finally slowed to the point of being unuseable. I wanted a new phone that -

  • Has a headphone jack
  • Additional storage
  • No AI BS or other unnecessary bloat
  • Is on the cheaper side!

...which I now realise is easier said than done when it comes to new phones, unless you wanna pay out the ass. I naively thought that there'd surely be plenty of options for people like me.

On my partners recommendation I ordered a refurbished Galaxy A15 as that seemed to meet my requirements, but it takes forever to charge, is kinda slow, and the audio is very stuttery listening through the headphone jack which is apparently a common issue.

Now I'm not sure what to do. I know basically nothing about phone brands so I find the endless letter and numbers a bit overwhelming. Any help would be greatly appreciated!


r/Smartphones • • 8h ago

Looking for a upgrade from an iPhone SE3, under 700$? (more details inside)

2 Upvotes

Musts:

  • Only phones that be picked up from a U.S. Carrier store like Verizon, so nothing like Nothing, Xiaomi , etc.
  • Good battery life
  • Under 700 bucks, can go over but only if there's a significant difference than something than can be founder for under 700 bucks

So far I've thought about the S26fe, Pixel 10a, and iPhone 17e, but I'm off course looking for more suggestions.


r/Smartphones • • 13h ago

foldables concern

2 Upvotes

I'm a fan of foldable phones but I don't like apple or galaxy, and I prefer 20:9 style foldables. I'm concerned that in the future, say in 3 to 5 years, that this form factor may permanently discontinue since Samsung and apple have shifted the industry in favor of 3:2 foldables. what brands if any might still make 20:9s in the future?


r/Smartphones • • 22h ago

Cual Es el mejor movil por menos de 200€

3 Upvotes

Actualmente tengo un Samsung A05s y lo querría cambiar porque va bastante mal


r/Smartphones • • 13h ago

Anyone help with this please

2 Upvotes

Can anyone help with this please not getting any help with sky mobile service and it's frustrating the life out of me now?!!

Account is suspended but need pac code to go to new provider

I just need PAC number to leave sky and take my number to new provider but my account is restricted and cant get it tried chat bot and searching community forum.i have 2 sims on my account


r/Smartphones • • 10h ago

Pixel 8a or Samsung S24?

2 Upvotes

I don't want to get a new phone but my Pixel 3a is being nuked by my carrier so it's finally time.

My main criteria for a new phone is; cheap, good camera, small size. A headphone jack would be nice but I think those don't exist anymore 😅

Coming from my current phone, all new phones feel huge. My partner has a pixel 8a and compared to the 3a it's noticibly heavier. I don't use my phone for anything too serious, mostly just taking pictures and scrolling fb marketplace, so I don't really need a massive screen or really good specs. I just want one that's going to last, take decent pictures, and not break the bank. Any advice?

Pixel 8a is $200 and S24 is $350


r/Smartphones • • 4h ago

IOS to Android

2 Upvotes

I’m planning to let go of my iphone 13 and switch back to android mainly cause of battery life. I’m considering honor 600 or xiaomi 15t what are your thoughts? the only reason i use iphone is the camera.


r/Smartphones • • 2h ago

iPhone or an android phone?

5 Upvotes

So, I have been using an iPhone 14 since August 2023 and honestly it has been a great device, smooth since day 1, great camera (for my use case), nice speakers, nice screen, no issues whatsoever. Since buying the iPhone I have also bought an iPad and an Apple Watch so one can say that I am in the ecosystem but not fully.

The only thing bugging me is the battery life. For a phone that I bought around 900€ having to charge once per day and now more than three times per day (85% battery health) is annoying.

I have been thinking to go back to android. I am planning to change my phone next year, and I have done some research. I have considered Samsung, Motorola, and pixel phones. Among all of these I prefer the pixel phones.

What is your opinion? Would it make sense to switch back to android or should I go for an iPhone pro model that has significantly bigger batteries?


r/Smartphones • • 21h ago

Need advice purchasing a vivo model

1 Upvotes

okay so im thinking vivo V29e or vivo Y400, im on a really tight budget, and my main priority is live photos, OIS and stabilization, "natural photos without over contrast and unnatural colorization", basically anything close to iPhone 8 or 12. Please guide me and recommend models that aren't discontinued. Also, plus points if the models you recommend have good battery and performance.

My budget is no more than 250 US dollars.


r/Smartphones • • 13h ago

Need help deciding what to get

3 Upvotes

Important information -

Location - mumbai, India

Smart phone requirements :

1) needs to be fast (I'm assuming 12GB RAM & a latest chip would be G)

2) battery needs to last me atleast 12 hours (I work in healthcare)

3) would prefer a good camera but a fine one is fine too.

4) need 256gb internal space atleast

5) I'm not mentioning budget rn cuz I need to explain my situation a bit better.

Sorry for the long post.

I used my first ever iphone (iphone 11) for almost 7 years. I took SUCH good care of it. It had zero scratches, zero dents. Just in a stunning condition. Until one day during my 24 hour shift it just randomly died on me. The screen is glitching. Took it to the apple store - they said motherboard is damaged and would need 51.5k to repair, I told them to fuck off since my phone was for 55k and I'd rather get a new phone.

If tomorrow, my phone were to magically restart, id continue to use it for more 3-5 years. I love it. I had zero issues. It got slower, the battery got worse, I had to carry a power bank literally every time I stepped out of my house but I'd prefer that over the current mental purgatory I'm in.

Id OBVIOUSLY prefer iphone 17. But it's out of my budget. My budget is 60k. And I checked out various phone and eventually got Xiaomi 17 during Amazon big billion sale. On paper it was WAYYYYY better than iphone. The hardware was unbelievable. So I got it. But i've been using the phone since 4 days and i ABSOLUTELY hate HYPER OS. My situationship told me that Xiaomi has phenomenal hardware but the software is an absolute mess and the glitches/slowness I'm experiencing is cuz the hardware is working overtime to get the phone to function normally. And on paper iPhone might not have the best hardware but it works so well with its software and it's so well done that the hardware lasts for a long time. That's what he said. Idk I'm not a techie guy so Idk all this.

I'm SO upset. I was already ready to get a cheap phone under 30k that'll last me 2-3 years until I'm in the tax bracket where I can afford an iPhone Pro model.

I need advice on - either how to get this damn phone to function right. Or what other phone to get. Amazon is thankfully willing to refund.

Oh and also - the camera sucks ass.


r/Smartphones • • 2h ago

What so u know about those dubai phones

2 Upvotes

Im recording a video and i dont wanna be long here about it, but what do i know about those dubai phone fakes like iphone 17pro max or samsung s26ultra. Can someone tell me what are they like