How to Choose a Smartphone in 2026, Including Whether to Buy Renewed
By the CamTech Compare team · Updated October 2026
Smartphones have become so good that most people are better served by thinking about how long they will keep the phone than by chasing the newest spec. A phone that receives software and security updates for years, takes great photos and has a battery that lasts the day will serve you well whether it costs $400 or $1,400. This guide explains how to choose, and when buying a renewed phone makes sense.
What matters most
Software support
Security updates keep your phone safe to use for banking and personal data. Apple, Google and Samsung now support their recent phones for many years, which makes even mid-range models a long-term purchase. Budget phones from smaller brands usually receive fewer updates, so check before buying.
Cameras
Every flagship takes excellent photos in good light. The differences appear in low light, zoom and video. If you care about zoom, look for a dedicated telephoto camera. If you shoot a lot of video, iPhones remain particularly strong, while Pixel phones lead in AI-powered photo processing and editing.
Battery and charging
Larger phones generally have bigger batteries. Check real-world reviews rather than battery capacity alone, since efficiency varies a lot between processors.
Size and form factor
Foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold8 open into a small tablet, which is fantastic for reading, multitasking and reviewing photos, but they cost more and are heavier. Try one in a store before buying if you can.
Should you buy a renewed phone?
"Renewed" phones on Amazon are pre-owned devices that have been inspected, tested and cleaned by qualified sellers, and they come with Amazon's Renewed guarantee. They can save hundreds of dollars on a recent iPhone.
Pros: large savings, recent hardware, less electronic waste, and models like the iPhone 16 Pro still receive years of iOS updates.
Cons: battery health varies, there may be minor cosmetic wear, accessories may be generic, and the warranty is shorter than a new phone's. Check the battery health in Settings when it arrives and return it within the window if it disappoints.
Our rule of thumb: renewed is an excellent choice for iPhones one or two generations old, because Apple supports them for a long time. Be more cautious with older or lesser-known Android models.
Our picks
Best budget phone: Motorola Moto G Play
A dependable, very affordable phone for calls, messages, maps and social media. Do not expect strong cameras or long software support.
Best mid-range: Google Pixel 10a
Google's AI camera processing and long software support at a mid-range price make the Pixel "a" series one of the best values in phones.
Best renewed iPhones: iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 gives you a recent iPhone at a big discount. The 15 Pro Max adds the titanium build, a large screen and a long telephoto camera.
Best Android flagship: Google Pixel 11 Pro
Excellent cameras, clean software and Google's latest Gemini AI features.
Best foldable: Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
The largest and most capable foldable screen for people who use their phone as a work tool.
For eye comfort: TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro
A matte, paper-like display mode makes long reading sessions easier on the eyes.
Photography tips for any phone
- Wipe the lens. A smudged lens causes more blurry photos than any spec.
- Tap to focus and slide to adjust exposure before taking the shot.
- Use the main camera in low light; it usually has the largest sensor.
- Shoot video in 4K at 30fps for the best balance of quality and file size.
Compare all smartphones. Ready to step up from phone photography? Read mirrorless vs DSLR.
Prices change often; check the product page for the latest price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, which never affects our scores. See how we score products and all buying guides.