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Recently, I have been thinking about what I want to do when I upgrade to my next phone.
However, over time Ive found that both Apple and Samsung arent really capturing my interest anymore.
This is a bit of an issue because eventually I’m going to have to upgrade.
Here’s why I’m looking beyond the iPhone and Galaxy for my next phone.
Both Apple and Samsung have put a lot of marketing muscle behindApple IntelligenceandGalaxy AI.
For instance,Google Geminiwill work just as well on theGoogle Pixel 9 Proas one theGalaxy S25 Ultra.
This focus on AI has led to another issue: the general lack of hardware changes.
Where is the hardware innovation?
Now, I will say that this does make a certain level of sense.
It enables companies to keep costs down, but there’s a limit!
For instance, theGalaxy S25still features mostly the same camera setup as theGalaxy S23, which is nuts.
However, this isn’t a feature that Id ever buy a phone for.
Not only do you get more RAM, but there are also new cameras and a much larger battery.
Apple offers the iPhone 16e for $599.
But you could pick up the very capable Nothing Phone (2a) Plus for only $399.
If we look at foldables again, theSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6was released for $1,899.
Now, theres no getting past that it is a good phone, but it isnt the best.
Based on our testing, the OnePlus Open is thebest foldable phoneand it costs $1,699.
Meanwhile, when it comes to affordable phones, Apple offers theiPhone 16e,which costs $599.
But you could pick up the very capableNothing Phone (2a) Plusfor only $399.
This is especially true if they want to keep charging the same amount, or even increasing the price.
I just don’t plan on being one of them.
