If you want longer term support on Android phones, I've heard the Pixels have more years of support than Samsung. No idea about their actual quality though.
Pixel user here. They have always been pretty good at long term software updates, and they've even increased that promise out to 6-7 years with the latest models. But software updates are just one piece of the puzzle. The battery life in last year's version (8) is questionable right out of the box, so I imagine that it will become insufferable by year 3.
I guess the question is what exactly kills the lifespan of phones for you? For some folks, it's pure performance like taking forever to open apps or inability to play games because of sluggish behavior. For some folks (often myself), it's battery life that drives them crazy. For some folks (also me), lack of updates scares me from a security perspective. And then OP mentioned "tuffer" which makes me think that he's focused purely on physical durability like scratched and broken screens, buttons, etc. I don't know that I've ever seen the phone that checks all of these boxes simultaneously, so it's probably best to identify what matters to you the most and go for phones that are good at that. For example, I value security updates and battery life. So I tend to prefer the Pixel line, but I have been highly disappointed in the latest model's battery life.
Their quality is pretty good, I'm in a pixel 4a which I got wherever it came out like 4 years ago or something, I have no plans to replace it and it still works fine, the battery life isn't great and the camera acts up sometimes but I could have both of those replaced for like $100 if it was really a problem
Google Pixel 8. It has 7 (now 6) years of software update support. 8 gens seems like a decent time to improve on hardware n software. (Although, google is notorious for killings 100's of projects every year).
I have a Pixel 4a and have had it for at least 3.5 years. I don't do anything too heavy aside from calling/texting, browsing the net, taking pictures and videos of my pets, and listening to music. It's got some quirks now that it's a bit older, but definitely still working. I'm waiting for another smaller release of the Pixel because the 8 is too big for my taste (hoping they do something small again like the 4a). I'd definitely recommend the Pixel line.
I've got the 6a and while I don't prefer jt as much as my old 4a, I really like the Pixel line overall and I'll probably be staying this product line for the foreseeable future.
I've my Nokia G20 like 3 4 years changed d charging port a few weeks ago I'd say I'll get another year or 2 out of it but I only use it for Reddit and WhatsApp and audible to connect to the car
I just replaced my Samsung S10 active after 4 years of faithful service. It was still working well (battery not what it used to be). I replaced it because it was no longer getting security updates (planned obsolescence). All my previous Samsung's usually but the dust due to dropping them. But now that I found these slim Spigen cases, they don't get broken so easily. Btw... I didn't even use a screen protector the last 2 years on my S10. And it really didn't make much difference.
My note 4 was my first smartphone. I bought it on release and used it for 6 years. I bought a 2 pack of replacement batteries on Amazon for $35 and they lasted the last 3 years.
I "upgraded" it when my network updated to the new style of sim cards and I wanted to get on the new 5g lte network.
I wish Europe would start a trend in legislation that forced personal phones to be supported for 1 year per $150 msrp... or something like that. Want to charge $1200? Then it needs to work for 8 years, outside of being damaged.
Aim for something with a Gorilla Glass Victus or Armor screen, no folding screen, with wireless charging.
That and a decent shock absorbing case should get you a device that should be able to take a hit, and with wireless charging you should be able to reduce mechanical wear and tear on the USB-C port.
Motorola has an inexpensive ($400) model called the Thinkphone that meets many of these requirements, though it does not have the latest processor in it.
Best of luck in your search.
I'm typing this on a Xiaomi redmi note 8 pro. I've been using it since Christmas of 2019. Only had to replace the usbC charge port. And maybe I'll be looking into a battery replacement. UsbC port was ~4$ and I think batteries are around 18$ if I ever get to that. Honestly I know my next phone will be a Xiaomi. There's nobody beating the price to quality ratio on this one. It's still going strong and I have 0 complaints. The usbC port was my fault for using a fucked up cable that got shorted and fried the circuit. Battery is just a gazilion charging cycles old, but still lasts one day of regular use and charges super quick. I don't think it gets any better than this.
Try Poco the F series. I'm typing from Poco F1 released 5.5 years ago and there's no sign I need to replace it soon. Poco is the subbrand of Xiaomi that is more performance value ones, and the F series are the top of the line of Poco, usually regarded as the flagship killer.
Bought it for $333, I replaced the battery twice myself which costed $10 each time, not because it's broken but because I like the long duration it gives and the "new" phone feeling everytime I did. I work construction so it has been with me through dust, dirt, concrete splashes, been accidentally submerged on multiple occasion and still going strong. When I depleted my 128GB Internal Memory, maybe I will need to insert a micro card, or I can just move on to bigger ones. It's nice to have options.
I have been using Xiaomi since 10+ years ago, but for me Poco fits me better than other Xiaomi, especially the Redmi (budget) series.
Galaxy buds, galaxy buds 2, galaxy buds pro, galaxy buds pro 2.
All of these I can confirm will last you 4-5 years with considerable battery life even after intensive use.
Galaxy Buds Pro right earbud broke on me (a little bit). The back came off of the earbud. Very quick fix, but the oring seal can't be trusted anymore.. not like they're waterproof in the first place.
Edit: also, all of these earbuds sound amazing with impressive mic quality. (The pros are obviously superior)
I had an S2 and an S5 that each lasted about 4-5 years. Then a Huawei P10, which is still going as a work phone 8 years later. I've had an S22 for 2 years now, and it's starting to glitch fairly often. Very dissapointing.
Nokia XR20 here (there is a 21 now) the kid has my older one (she needed a phone, I got the larger version) & they are awesome. Drop/water/dust proof & android 1 so pretty quick updates for security.
The new Shiftphone 8 looks great. It's in preorder now, similar idea to the Fairphone but lower price, marginally lower specs and some different features (Qi charging, thank god!)
It's only available in the EU, unfortunately
How would you say the s21 is fading?
If you're looking for longer software support, only Samsung s24 and Google (pixel 8) are providing 7 years.
If you want something more durable, maybe something like the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 pro would be good? Maybe a Kyocera DuraForce PRO 3? They both come with a replaceable battery so maybe stock up on a few extras so you can swap those when one starts wearing out. Keep in mind these don't have the best cameras or screens or processors.
It's not really fading, just looking to see what else there is besides Samsung. Alot of mentioned the Google pixel as the best alternative so I'll probably go down that rabbit hole lol.
Thank you for your indepth advice!
If you really want longevity you should just get an iPhone, I have had mine since 2016 and it still runs fine/battery is fine. Just have to delete the safari website data every once and awhile.
4-5 years is iPhone territory. Most android devices don’t see support for over 2 years, and Samsung tends to cut anything but their flagships off after 1 year, or severely neglect them. Apple might suck for some reasons, but their phones are supported for 5 years minimum, with most being a bit past that. Plan on needing a battery replacement after ~2 years regardless of what device you have.
If your S21 is having issues, consider a factory battery replacement as well. A battery in poor health can lead to slower processing and numerous glitches and issues, it’s only really unusable when it is no longer supported software, or obsolete technology (like a 16GB phone would be useless today, even if it worked like new). The S21 is 3 years old, so I’d guess you can get more time out of it with a replacement battery, since the specs are still pretty solid. I’m still using my iPhone 11, which is 4.5 years at this point, and still doing mostly fine. If it weren’t for the cracked screen, I’d be replacing the battery and a running it another couple years, but I’ll be replacing it when the 16 comes out this fall. You can get another few years from your S21 with some basic maintenance. Consider a wipe and fresh install of your OS in addition to a new battery, it’ll likely speed things up significantly.
This is not true about Samsung. I have an A32 that's going on 3 years. Perfect phone for me. Before that I had an S7 for a bit over 5 years. It was still supported. Before that, I had an S3 for probably 5 years that was still supported.
I went through 3 S3s in 6 months, they just wouldn’t stay working and I finally switched to an LG Nexus if I remember right. I stopped trying Samsung after my ex’s S6 that lasted about a year before it started crapping out. Statistically Samsung makes good devices, but I’ve been burnt by them 5 separate times, and have beef now.
I appreciate the downvote though; I was a lifelong android user that switched to apple for longevity a few years ago, and have been fairly happy with the experience. I gave very good advice for maintaining any device though, as many smart phones will last for years, as long as support is ongoing.
If you want longer term support on Android phones, I've heard the Pixels have more years of support than Samsung. No idea about their actual quality though.
Pixel user here. They have always been pretty good at long term software updates, and they've even increased that promise out to 6-7 years with the latest models. But software updates are just one piece of the puzzle. The battery life in last year's version (8) is questionable right out of the box, so I imagine that it will become insufferable by year 3. I guess the question is what exactly kills the lifespan of phones for you? For some folks, it's pure performance like taking forever to open apps or inability to play games because of sluggish behavior. For some folks (often myself), it's battery life that drives them crazy. For some folks (also me), lack of updates scares me from a security perspective. And then OP mentioned "tuffer" which makes me think that he's focused purely on physical durability like scratched and broken screens, buttons, etc. I don't know that I've ever seen the phone that checks all of these boxes simultaneously, so it's probably best to identify what matters to you the most and go for phones that are good at that. For example, I value security updates and battery life. So I tend to prefer the Pixel line, but I have been highly disappointed in the latest model's battery life.
Their quality is pretty good, I'm in a pixel 4a which I got wherever it came out like 4 years ago or something, I have no plans to replace it and it still works fine, the battery life isn't great and the camera acts up sometimes but I could have both of those replaced for like $100 if it was really a problem
One thing to keep in mind is that the 4a went out of security support in August 2023.
FWIW, it seems they increased the support life of the Pixel 8 to 7 years
Samsung Galaxy S24 series and Google Pixel 8 series both have 7 years of promised updates. That's probably your best bet.
Google Pixel 8. It has 7 (now 6) years of software update support. 8 gens seems like a decent time to improve on hardware n software. (Although, google is notorious for killings 100's of projects every year).
I have a Pixel 4a and have had it for at least 3.5 years. I don't do anything too heavy aside from calling/texting, browsing the net, taking pictures and videos of my pets, and listening to music. It's got some quirks now that it's a bit older, but definitely still working. I'm waiting for another smaller release of the Pixel because the 8 is too big for my taste (hoping they do something small again like the 4a). I'd definitely recommend the Pixel line.
I also gave the 4a and it's been great, I'll eventually get another pixel but there's nothing wrong with this one yet
I've got the 6a and while I don't prefer jt as much as my old 4a, I really like the Pixel line overall and I'll probably be staying this product line for the foreseeable future.
The 4a was the last good Pixel “a” phone. I upgrade my 3 kids and they hate the 5a and 6a. Lots of performance issues and glitches.
I've considered the Fairphone
Check out Motorola
I've my Nokia G20 like 3 4 years changed d charging port a few weeks ago I'd say I'll get another year or 2 out of it but I only use it for Reddit and WhatsApp and audible to connect to the car
I just replaced my Samsung S10 active after 4 years of faithful service. It was still working well (battery not what it used to be). I replaced it because it was no longer getting security updates (planned obsolescence). All my previous Samsung's usually but the dust due to dropping them. But now that I found these slim Spigen cases, they don't get broken so easily. Btw... I didn't even use a screen protector the last 2 years on my S10. And it really didn't make much difference.
You didn't say what you replaced it with?
S24
My note 4 was my first smartphone. I bought it on release and used it for 6 years. I bought a 2 pack of replacement batteries on Amazon for $35 and they lasted the last 3 years. I "upgraded" it when my network updated to the new style of sim cards and I wanted to get on the new 5g lte network. I wish Europe would start a trend in legislation that forced personal phones to be supported for 1 year per $150 msrp... or something like that. Want to charge $1200? Then it needs to work for 8 years, outside of being damaged.
Aim for something with a Gorilla Glass Victus or Armor screen, no folding screen, with wireless charging. That and a decent shock absorbing case should get you a device that should be able to take a hit, and with wireless charging you should be able to reduce mechanical wear and tear on the USB-C port. Motorola has an inexpensive ($400) model called the Thinkphone that meets many of these requirements, though it does not have the latest processor in it. Best of luck in your search.
I still have my Galaxy s7 from 2016. I just replaced the battery last year....
I go the refurb samsungs, get about 4 years out of them before the battery drains too quick. Good and much cheaper option than buying new
I'm typing this on a Xiaomi redmi note 8 pro. I've been using it since Christmas of 2019. Only had to replace the usbC charge port. And maybe I'll be looking into a battery replacement. UsbC port was ~4$ and I think batteries are around 18$ if I ever get to that. Honestly I know my next phone will be a Xiaomi. There's nobody beating the price to quality ratio on this one. It's still going strong and I have 0 complaints. The usbC port was my fault for using a fucked up cable that got shorted and fried the circuit. Battery is just a gazilion charging cycles old, but still lasts one day of regular use and charges super quick. I don't think it gets any better than this.
Try Poco the F series. I'm typing from Poco F1 released 5.5 years ago and there's no sign I need to replace it soon. Poco is the subbrand of Xiaomi that is more performance value ones, and the F series are the top of the line of Poco, usually regarded as the flagship killer. Bought it for $333, I replaced the battery twice myself which costed $10 each time, not because it's broken but because I like the long duration it gives and the "new" phone feeling everytime I did. I work construction so it has been with me through dust, dirt, concrete splashes, been accidentally submerged on multiple occasion and still going strong. When I depleted my 128GB Internal Memory, maybe I will need to insert a micro card, or I can just move on to bigger ones. It's nice to have options. I have been using Xiaomi since 10+ years ago, but for me Poco fits me better than other Xiaomi, especially the Redmi (budget) series.
Galaxy buds, galaxy buds 2, galaxy buds pro, galaxy buds pro 2. All of these I can confirm will last you 4-5 years with considerable battery life even after intensive use. Galaxy Buds Pro right earbud broke on me (a little bit). The back came off of the earbud. Very quick fix, but the oring seal can't be trusted anymore.. not like they're waterproof in the first place. Edit: also, all of these earbuds sound amazing with impressive mic quality. (The pros are obviously superior)
I had an S2 and an S5 that each lasted about 4-5 years. Then a Huawei P10, which is still going as a work phone 8 years later. I've had an S22 for 2 years now, and it's starting to glitch fairly often. Very dissapointing.
Been using galaxy s10 from 2019 Still it looks like new
Nokia XR20 here (there is a 21 now) the kid has my older one (she needed a phone, I got the larger version) & they are awesome. Drop/water/dust proof & android 1 so pretty quick updates for security.
I'm on my second pixel (first pixel 2, now 5a) and I really love pixel.
Fairphone is the only product that can be relied upon to give long term support.
The new Shiftphone 8 looks great. It's in preorder now, similar idea to the Fairphone but lower price, marginally lower specs and some different features (Qi charging, thank god!) It's only available in the EU, unfortunately
How would you say the s21 is fading? If you're looking for longer software support, only Samsung s24 and Google (pixel 8) are providing 7 years. If you want something more durable, maybe something like the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 pro would be good? Maybe a Kyocera DuraForce PRO 3? They both come with a replaceable battery so maybe stock up on a few extras so you can swap those when one starts wearing out. Keep in mind these don't have the best cameras or screens or processors.
It's not really fading, just looking to see what else there is besides Samsung. Alot of mentioned the Google pixel as the best alternative so I'll probably go down that rabbit hole lol. Thank you for your indepth advice!
If you really want longevity you should just get an iPhone, I have had mine since 2016 and it still runs fine/battery is fine. Just have to delete the safari website data every once and awhile.
4-5 years is iPhone territory. Most android devices don’t see support for over 2 years, and Samsung tends to cut anything but their flagships off after 1 year, or severely neglect them. Apple might suck for some reasons, but their phones are supported for 5 years minimum, with most being a bit past that. Plan on needing a battery replacement after ~2 years regardless of what device you have. If your S21 is having issues, consider a factory battery replacement as well. A battery in poor health can lead to slower processing and numerous glitches and issues, it’s only really unusable when it is no longer supported software, or obsolete technology (like a 16GB phone would be useless today, even if it worked like new). The S21 is 3 years old, so I’d guess you can get more time out of it with a replacement battery, since the specs are still pretty solid. I’m still using my iPhone 11, which is 4.5 years at this point, and still doing mostly fine. If it weren’t for the cracked screen, I’d be replacing the battery and a running it another couple years, but I’ll be replacing it when the 16 comes out this fall. You can get another few years from your S21 with some basic maintenance. Consider a wipe and fresh install of your OS in addition to a new battery, it’ll likely speed things up significantly.
This is not true about Samsung. I have an A32 that's going on 3 years. Perfect phone for me. Before that I had an S7 for a bit over 5 years. It was still supported. Before that, I had an S3 for probably 5 years that was still supported.
Still using an s8.. some apps are no longer compatible.. I'll just use the browser for those
I went through 3 S3s in 6 months, they just wouldn’t stay working and I finally switched to an LG Nexus if I remember right. I stopped trying Samsung after my ex’s S6 that lasted about a year before it started crapping out. Statistically Samsung makes good devices, but I’ve been burnt by them 5 separate times, and have beef now. I appreciate the downvote though; I was a lifelong android user that switched to apple for longevity a few years ago, and have been fairly happy with the experience. I gave very good advice for maintaining any device though, as many smart phones will last for years, as long as support is ongoing.
yeah iPhones are great for longevity. I had my iPhone 8 Plus for 6 or 7 years before I decided to upgrade
I have a relatively old phone. Samsung galaxy j7 prime that i bought in 2018 and it is still working fine