Please suggest the "best", "future-proof phone"(!)

[sillyette]

(This is obviously not for me, because even if I wanted the "best, future-proof" phone, there's no way I could afford it!)

So someone I know wants to buy the "best" phone. Also wants it to be "future-proof". I don't know if it's even possible to buy a future-proof phone, but I promised to find out, hence this post.

I'm thinking a phone like that would need to have eSIM. I'm guessing it would need to have 5G capability for sure. And I suppose it needs to be an all-carrier phone. Beyond that, I'm not even sure what attributes a "best and future-proof" phone would need to have. Any insights, info, suggestions, etc much appreciated! Thank you! Recommendations on phone models also welcome. Thank you very much.

[zapjb]

"best, future-proof"

Impossible.

[kevink1]

You probably want to exclude previous year models. So some unlocked flagship US model phone for use in the US.

[Boz1]

Even though I use and will probably continue to use Pixel, I'm going to say iPhone 14. If I HAD to buy the closest thing to a future-proof phone, that's what it would be. Just be aware (I'm sure you are) that the iPhone 14 has no physical eSIM slot, which is really a bummer!

[Serial Port]

I agree that a "future proof" phone is impossible. What is new this year is obsolete next year. Phone technology simply evolves too fast.

[Boz1]

I agree that a "future proof" phone is impossible. What is new this year is obsolete next year. Phone technology simply evolves too fast.

Except that's just not completely accurate. A gently used iPhone 11, 3 generations old, is still going for $250 to commercial buying companies, meaning they're somehow reselling them for even more than that. A 3-generation old iPhone 11 is absolutely not obsolete.

[cnypackerfan]

How far into the future? The best thing to do is pick one that promises updates for the longest time from now. And,has the most up to date technology, which would put you in the higher end phones.


Sent from my moto g stylus 5G (2022) using HoFo mobile app

[nnd_newbie]

What time span are you referring to? Ten years is pretty much impossible. The 5-year timeframe is doable. Software updates are the most common source of new functions. In the last couple of years, the biggest hardware changes have been: 1) high-refresh screens, 2) 5G networks. If you want your phone to work on all networks, choose an unlocked top model like the Samsung Galaxy S, iPhone, or Google Pixel. They usually have their hardware feature top up in advance of what will become standard within the next 1-2 years, which should give you a premium feeling for 1-2 years. After that, they might be implemented some new features that require new hardware, but the experience should still be flawless for the next 3-4 years, especially when it comes to everyday things such as screen quality and camera quality. Compared to Android phones, iPhones provide software updates for 5 years, whereas Android phones offer 3-4 years of new features updates and 5 years of security updates. It was still a good experience using flagship Android phones after software support ended.

[robbyrobby]

you can get a phone that software and onboard performance wise should last 5 years without any unforeseen physical damage. i would suggest looking at iPhones since they tend to stay updated the longest. Pixel's may be a good android option although I have known a few people who had sudden failures with Pixel to where they simply would not turn on any more. I feel hardware might not be quite as reliable as some other brands.

the more complex concern is if it will be reliable on the cellular network that long. we are in the middle of a transition to 5G and as the network gets built out at different frequencies and different added technologies like carrier aggregation the same gets added to the handsets. likewise as more customers are on 5G we will start to see a shutdown of 4G parts of the network.

an example I have an iPhone X that is still quite usable in term of the Camara, software, overall performance running apps, etc. on the other hand compared to my iPhone 12 calls will commonly drop and data slowdown to nearly unusable speeds are common. this is on multiple networks.

whatever you end up getting I would invest in a good case and make you careful with it, ever drop, every-time its in a back pocket and gets sat on, left in hot car on a summer day, etc. can have its impact on shortening the life.

one more thing to keep in mind. flagship phones(particularly Android) tend to have more powerful chips that generate more heat. especially if it used extensively on a daily basis I would expect a S23 Ultra for example to have a shorter lifespan than say a Samsung A54 that does not have higher powered and higher heat generating components inside. this is in terms of the chance of a sudden electronic failure. also the more you use your device the shorter life span you should expect from both degradation of the electronics and the physical wear and tear of the usage.

Good luck and let us know what you decide on.

[robbyrobby]

i want to add one other thing

this is more often talked about with computers but applies to phone and all electronics

spending more money to 'future - proof' is NEVER a way to actually save money in the long term if that is the goal. if the idea is to save money than I would suggest finding the lowest priced device that meets your immediate needs and than upgrading when needed.

most people who use the phrase 'future - proof' are inevitably looking for an excuse to but latest and greatest high end flagship device. if anything most will be upgrading sooner not later than the average person. for a person who wants the best they can get RIGHT NOW recommendations would be quite different than what will last the longest. my personal recommendation in that case would probably be the Oneplus 11, i have not used it but have owned several other Oneplus device and read the reviews and like what i have read.

[Serial Port]

most people who use the phrase 'future - proof' are inevitably looking for an excuse to buy latest and greatest high end flagship device.

I am guilty as charged. I upgraded from the Samsung Galaxy S21 (standard model) to the Galaxy S23 Ultra not that I had to, but I just wanted to. The S21 supported 5G just fine and likely would be for more than a couple years longer, so that wasn't a concern for me. I just like the newer toys. I average 3 years between phone updates.

[rpz1]

Isn't battery life the real determiner since phones no longer come with easily replaceable batteries, unless you're up to tearing apart your phone and replacing it.

[advcomp2019]

I would like to upgrade to a new phone, but I have not found one that I like to replace my S20 FE 5G yet. The largest issue is Samsung removed the microSD card in the newer S series. If I would go to one of the new S series phone, I would want to go to 256GB or 512GB at least.

Beyond that, I think the closest to future-proof phone would have 3 to 5 years of updates tho. These would be iPhones and some of the flagship models of the companies.

I have not followed the update release years that much beyond the S series tho.

[ShredFred]

The best phone is the one that works with your carrier and plan with the bands you need for functionality. Having a phone that gets T-mobile band 71 is only important if you happen to be or plan to be a T-mobile customer. Same with 5g. No need to get a Verizon UW phone unless you are willing to pay up for top tier Verizon plan.

Getting Android updates is a plus but due to planned obselescence, there's only so far you'll ever go. Samsung and Pixels might go longer.

Just retired my Umidigi S3 Pro after 4 years. battery started to bulge causing the screen to have white streaks and digitizer malfunction. Was not a bad phone for $268. Oh well, On to something else.

That being said, I'd look for a phone with better than 5000 mah battery, all the bands needed for 5g, and atleast 8-12 gig of Ram. Apps are getting hungrier and my phone with 4 gig of ram does lag noticeably with normal use now. It's as normal and predictable as when my phones had 256-384 mb of ram and apps outgrew that size.

Sent from my motorola one 5G UW ace using HoFo mobile app

[robbyrobby]

Isn't battery life the real determiner since phones no longer come with easily replaceable batteries, unless you're up to tearing apart your phone and replacing it.

while not the days of popping off the back cover, batteries are pretty reasonable and fast service at any phone repair shop