Looking for a smartphone with strong performance, long battery life, and good cameras without overspending? Should we wait for a new launch? This guide breaks it down with a curated list of last year’s budget smartphones that still deliver excellent long-term value.
What to look for in a Smartphone for Long-Term use
When purchasing a smartphone with the intention of using it for several years, it’s important to prioritize the following key features.
- Long-Term OS Support & Security Patches: Leading brands such as Apple, Google, and Samsung provide long-term software support with 4-6 years of OS upgrades and additional security updates, ensuring better device longevity, improved security, and continued app compatibility.
- Processor, RAM & Storage: For long-term usage, ensure the smartphone is equipped with a Snapdragon 7-series or higher processor (or equivalent MediaTek and Apple silicon), backed by 6GB or more RAM and at least 128GB or more of storage.
- Connectivity: To stay future-ready, choosing a smartphone with 5G support and Wi-Fi-6 or newer connectivity standards is essential.
- Camera: Having a good camera is always welcome in the long run.
A smartphone that meets these criteria is future-ready for 2026. If you are considering an upgrade, the following recommendations are worth your attention. (Note: The smartphones in the list are not ranked)
Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a clearly checks all the priority check boxes with flying colours, not only does it come with a processor Tensor G4 that scores between 1-1.3 million score in AnTuTu v10, with 7 years of OS update, but also comes with a good camera, Google Pixel is known for its camera quality, and a modest UI. Price ₹40,999
| Dimentsion | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
|---|---|
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Screen | 6.3 inches, P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, (~422 ppi density) |
| OS/UI | Android 15, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) |
| RAM / ROM | 8/128GB, 8/256GB |
| Camera |
48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), sensor size1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF,
OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), sensor size 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Front Camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video Capability |
Main: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS Selfie: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Battery | 5100 Li-Po |
| Charging Speed |
23W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
OnePlus 15R
The OnePlus 15R stands out as one of the best value-for-money smartphones in its segment. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite processor, it delivers flagship-level performance in a mid-range package. OnePlus also promises four years of major OS updates along with two additional years of security patches, ensuring long-term reliability.
The phone features a solid build quality and offers capable, well-balanced cameras, making it a dependable all-rounder. Priced at ₹47,998, the OnePlus 15R is a compelling choice for users seeking strong performance, durability, and long-term software support without stepping into flagship pricing.
| Dimentsion | 163.4 x 77 x 8.1 mm (213g) |
|---|---|
| Build | Screen Gorilla Glass 7i, aluminum alloy frame, glass back |
| Screen | 6.83 inches, AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, PWM, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 3600 nits (peak)1272 x 2800 pixels (~450 ppi density) |
| OS/UI | Android 16, OxygenOS 16, up to 4 major Android upgrades |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite 5 (3nm) |
| RAM / ROM | 12/256GB, 12/512GB |
| Camera |
50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), sensor size 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), sensor size 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Front Camera | 32 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video Capability |
Main camera: 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS Selfie camrea: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Battery | 7400 Si/C Li-Ion |
| Charging Speed | 80W wired |
Vivo V60
The Vivo V60 also comes with 4 years of major os update, and this smartphone is photo centric smartphone which comes with a triple camera setup and is powered by Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4nm), AnTuTu scores of 1milion +. Vivo V60 cost ₹38999
| Dimentsion | 163.5 x 77 x 7.5 mm (~200g) |
|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or glass back |
| Screen | 6.77 inches, AMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1500 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak), 1080 x 2392 pixels (~388 ppi density) |
| OS/UI | Android 15, Funtouch 15 up to 4 major Android upgrades |
| Processor | Qualcomm SM7750-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4 nm) |
| RAM / ROM | 8/128GB,8/256GB |
| Camera |
50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), sensor size 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.7, 73mm (periscope telephoto), sensor size 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.0, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 50 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (wide), sensor size 1/2.76", AF |
| Video Capability |
Main camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS Selfie camrea:4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Battery | 6500 Si/C Li-Ion |
| Charging Speed | 90W wired |
OnePlus Nord CE 5
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 stands out as one of the best entry-level smartphones in its category. It offers reliable camera performance and delivers a strong AnTuTu score of 1,390,108, ensuring smooth day-to-day usage. OnePlus also promises four years of major OS updates along with two additional years of security patches, making the Nord CE 5 a dependable choice for long-term use. The OnePlus Nord CE5 costs ₹24,998 (8/128GB) & ₹26,998 (8/256GB)
| Dimentsion | 163.6 x 76 x 8.2 mm, ~200g |
|---|---|
| Build | Mohs level 5, plastic back |
| Screen | 6.7 inches,AMOLED,(~387 ppi density) |
| OS/UI | Android 15, ColorOS 15 up to 4 major Android upgrades |
| Processor | Mediatek Dimensity 8350 Apex (4 nm) |
| RAM / ROM | 8/128GB, 8/256GB |
| Camera |
50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), sensor size 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), sensor size 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Front Camera | 16 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide), sensor size1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video Capability |
Main: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS Selfie: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Battery | 7100 Li-Ion |
| Charging Speed | 80W |
Samsung A56
The Samsung A56 is part of the popular A series, known for offering good performance at a reasonable price. The phone's camera photos are very sharp, balanced, and have good dynamic range. Powered by Exynos 1580 (4 nm), AnTuTu (v10) scores around 908689. The phone will get 6 years of os update, support lasting around 2031. Samsung A56 costs ₹40,999.
| Dimentsion | 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm mm, ~200g |
|---|---|
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front/back), Mohs level 5, Aluminum frame, |
| Screen | 6.7 inches,AMOLED,(~385 ppi density) |
| OS/UI | Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Processor | Exynos 1580 (4 nm) |
| RAM / ROM | 8/128GB, 8/256GB |
| Camera |
50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), sensor size 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), sensor size 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Front Camera | 16 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide), sensor size1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video Capability |
Main: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS Selfie: 4K30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 45W |
Final verdict: Don't Upgrade Yet
Upgrading to a new smartphone every year is no longer necessary. As this list clearly shows, several budget and mid-range smartphones from last year still offer powerful performance, long battery life, capable cameras, modern connectivity, and long-term software support, making them perfectly reliable choices for 2026 and beyond.
Whether it’s the Pixel 9a with its unmatched software longevity and camera consistency, the OnePlus 15R delivering near-flagship performance, the Vivo V60 catering to camera enthusiasts, or value-focused options like the OnePlus Nord CE 5 and Samsung Galaxy A56 with extended OS support, each device proves that smart buying matters more than chasing the latest launch.
If your current smartphone meets the key criteria discussed above, you can confidently continue using it into 2026. And if you’re planning an upgrade, the smartphones featured in this guide offer excellent long-term value without overspending, ensuring you get a device that will remain relevant, secure, and capable for years to come.
In short, don’t rush—upgrade wisely. The right smartphone today can easily carry you through 2026 or more.
If you have a smartphone that matches and ticks off the same specs, write it on comment box.
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