The smartphone market has plateaued, so buying devices from a couple of years back is a great way to save money without sacrificing quality. SlashGear has put together a list of five reliable older Android models that are worth buying in 2026 because they’ll have long-term software support. The list includes the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with an S Pen and updates through 2031. The OnePlus 12 is the second on the list and it’s known as the ‘flagship killer’ because of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and the 100-watt charging. The experts also highlighted the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE with a 6.7-inch screen based on the Exynos 2400e (with similar support through 2031) and two devices from Google: The Pixel 8 Pro is based on the Tensor G3, which has a really powerful AI camera. The base Pixel 9 has Gemini AI support, and offers stock Android, stability, and a long update cycle.
The smartphone market has gradually reached a plateau: manufacturers are increasingly copying one another, and the main changes concern not hardware, but software, artificial intelligence, and extended update support.
With that in mind, many of the devices released two or three years ago are still great choices in 2026 and will save you a lot of money without losing any quality. SlashGear made a list of the “timeless” smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung S24 Ultra is still one of the most well-rounded flagship phones, even 2.5 years after it was released. The device has a top-tier display, a powerful camera, and hardware that easily competes with new models. The device will get updates up to 2031.
One of the best things about it is the S Pen with Bluetooth. It’s not just a stylus, it’s a proper remote control too. It’s also got a distinctive “angular” design, which sets it apart from today’s more rounded devices.
OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 is still going strong as a flagship killer. The phone’s got top-notch hardware and cutting-edge tech, and it’s way cheaper than similar phones on the market.
It’s got the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip inside, so it’ll give you top-notch performance. The 120Hz AMOLED display is bright enough for multimedia use, even when it’s sunny outside. OnePlus also stands out with 100W fast charging (0 to 100% in 25 minutes).
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
The Galaxy S24 FE is a more affordable version of the flagship model, but it still has all the key features of the higher-end series. The phone has a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera with a telephoto lens, and support for Samsung’s AI features.
It’s got the Exynos 2400e, which might not be the most powerful processor, but it’ll do the job for most things. The device’s main advantage is its long update cycle, which is also scheduled to last until 2031.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
If you’re into stock Android and mobile photography, the Pixel 8 Pro is still one of the best options. Google has promised seven years of updates for this model, including full Android updates, which is a first.
The phone’s got a Tensor G3 chip and a triple camera, which is still one of the best out there. People love this device because of its photo-editing software, which fixes optical errors and lets you get more creative.
Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 is the most affordable model in the range, but it’s basically as good as the higher-end versions for day-to-day use. It’s got a 120Hz OLED display, support for Gemini AI, and a long-term update program that’ll keep you covered through 2031.
The smartphone runs on stock Android without any extra software, which makes it a great choice for users who like things simple and reliable. When it comes to camera performance, speed and display quality, the Pixel 9 is still one of the best value options on the market.