6 Old Android Phones You Should Finally Upgrade
▼ Summary
– The Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7a suffer from Tensor G2 overheating and poor battery life; upgrading to the Pixel 10 series offers improved performance, battery, and displays.
– The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip causes overheating and short battery life, making the S26 Ultra a worthwhile upgrade for better battery and extended software support.
– The Motorola Razr Plus (2023) has adequate performance but benefits from upgrading to newer models for a larger cover screen, improved durability, and more software support.
– The Galaxy A54 improved over its predecessor but is outclassed by the Galaxy A57, which offers a better build, larger display, snappier performance, and excellent battery life.
– The Moto G Power (2024) is a good budget phone, but upgrading to the 2026 model is not recommended due to minor improvements and a higher price.
Modern smartphones are built to last longer than ever, with robust hardware and extended software support finally justifying their premium price tags. That makes upgrade timing trickier, but it’s a welcome shift. Still, even the most beloved devices eventually show their age. Annual or biennial upgrades aren’t necessary, but if you’re still carrying one of these six phones in 2026, it’s time to consider moving on.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
My relationship with the Pixel 7 Pro was complicated from launch. It fixed many Pixel 6 frustrations , the hardware felt more polished, the fingerprint sensor worked reliably, and Google smoothed out Android 12’s rough edges. But underlying issues remained. The Tensor G2 chipset ran hot, draining the battery faster than expected. Much of the negative sentiment around Google Pixels originated during the Pixel 6 and 7 era, and with good reason.
The display was adequate but not competitive with today’s panels. Performance holds up for social media and messaging, but upgrading reveals stark improvements. The Tensor G5 inside the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL eliminates overheating problems and delivers better gaming performance. Battery life now stretches to two days of mixed use. The Super Actua display is a game-changer , no more cranking brightness to max just to see outdoors. The Pixel 7 Pro served its purpose, but the Pixel 10 Pro (or 10 Pro XL) is a meaningful step forward.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Tensor chips get plenty of criticism, but Qualcomm has its own misfires. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 inside the Galaxy S22 Ultra was problematic from day one. Even light use caused overheating, and I struggled to reach five hours of screen time without charging. That’s unfortunate, because the rest of the phone holds up well. The 6.8-inch OLED panel remains gorgeous, and the S Pen with Bluetooth is a standout feature.
Still, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a compelling upgrade. Battery life is vastly improved, but the real draw is software support. The S22 Ultra is nearing end of life, while the S26 Ultra promises seven years of Android updates and One UI upgrades. That longevity alone justifies the switch.
Motorola Razr Plus (2023)
The 2023 Razr Plus was a turning point for Motorola, proving the brand could compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset fixed many issues from its predecessor, and battery life, while not stellar, holds up for everyday tasks. The design remains stylish.
Upgrading to the Razr Plus (2026) or this year’s Razr Ultra brings meaningful improvements. The cover screen grows to 4 inches, giving you more room for quick replies or scrolling Instagram. Durability has also improved , the hinge feels noticeably smoother on the first flip. With better software support and a refined experience, it’s time to let the 2023 model go.
Google Pixel 7a
The Pixel 7a and Pixel 6 are my least favorite phones ever. The Pixel 6a was a fantastic value, but the sequel fell short. Tensor G2 performance was disappointing, with constant overheating and poor battery life. The modem also struggled to switch between 5G and LTE, a common complaint. The screen was decent but outdated.
The Pixel 10a changes everything. The Tensor G4 chipset is far more efficient, delivering excellent battery life. The 6.3-inch Actua display is a major upgrade, and the Exynos 5400 modem eliminates connectivity headaches. It’s a comprehensive improvement that makes the Pixel 7a feel ancient.
Samsung Galaxy A54
The Galaxy A54 was a welcome improvement over the A53, which was plagued by lag and an underpowered Exynos 1280 chipset. The Exynos 1380 in the A54 delivered smoother performance and better battery life, paired with a vivid 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display. One UI ran well, and the design matched Samsung’s flagship lineup.
The Galaxy A57 takes things further. It now features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides and an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is larger and sharper. The Exynos 1680 chipset provides snappier performance, and battery life is excellent. The only trade-off is the missing microSD card slot, but the overall experience is a clear upgrade.
Motorola Moto G Power (2024)
The Moto G Power (2024) is a consistent best-seller on Amazon, and for good reason. For around $130, you get a 6.7-inch 1080p LCD, a Dimensity 7020 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery. It handles social media, browsing, and messaging without issue , an incredible value in today’s market.
Unfortunately, the Moto G Power (2026) isn’t a compelling upgrade. The Dimensity 6300 chipset is marginally faster, but the phone still has 8GB of RAM and an LCD panel. At $400, it’s hard to justify. If Motorola had added 12GB of RAM and an OLED display, it might be different. For now, if you own a Moto G Power (2024), keep it going. Upgrade cycles are getting longer, and that’s a good thing. But when the improvements are noticeable, the allure of a new phone is hard to resist.
(Source: Android Authority)