Buying a new smartphone today can easily give many people a headache. The market is crowded with options, prices range from just a few million dong to tens of millions, and advertising claims and technical specifications grow more complex by the year.

Yet if you grasp a few core principles, you can absolutely choose a phone that suits your needs without overspending.

The best phones you can buy in 2026 - such as the vibrant orange iPhone 17 Pro, the well-rounded Pixel 10 Pro or the all-in-one Galaxy S25 Ultra - share many similarities. They offer blazing-fast processors, near-professional cameras, large sharp displays and a suite of smart AI features that have become standard on modern flagships.

It is no surprise these devices represent the pinnacle of mobile technology. They also share another trait: very high price tags.

With starting prices from US$1,000 and above, flagship models are clearly out of reach for many users, or simply unnecessary for those who only need a phone for communication, social media and daily news.

Fortunately, today’s smartphone market offers countless alternatives, from premium to mid-range and budget devices, meaning you do not have to spend excessively to enjoy a good experience.

Ironically, the abundance of choices does not always make shopping easier. For many buyers, it creates confusion.

To help filter out the noise and spend wisely, here are the most important factors to consider when buying a new phone.

Understand what matters most to you

Start by identifying your top priority: a large or compact display, excellent photography, long battery life or powerful performance. Once your priorities are clear, selecting a device becomes much simpler.

For example, the iPhone 17 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra all offer impressive cameras with quality approaching mirrorless cameras. If photography is your passion and you want a high-end camera in your pocket, investing in a strong camera system is worthwhile.

If not, you can save a considerable amount.

Do not underestimate the mid-range

A common rule in the smartphone world is that last year’s flagship features trickle down to this year’s mid-range.

That means you can buy a phone that performs nearly everything a premium model does, but at a much lower price.

The Pixel 10 Pro may boast excellent zoom capabilities, yet the standard Pixel 10 retains most core specifications at a friendlier price. Even more affordable models such as the Nothing Phone 3A Pro can deliver smooth performance that satisfies the majority of users.

Look for deals and consider older models

Timing matters. Major sales events such as Prime Day or Black Friday often bring significant discounts.

Waiting for new releases and purchasing the previous generation at a reduced price is also a smart strategy.

Refurbished devices can be a worthwhile option as long as they still receive security updates from the manufacturer. This approach can save you a substantial amount of money.

Try before you buy

Marketing images cannot replace real-world experience. A phone may look stunning online but feel uncomfortable in your hand.

Whenever possible, visit a store and handle the device before making a decision.

Ecosystem compatibility matters

If you have invested heavily in iOS apps, movies on iTunes or other Apple services, staying with an iPhone makes practical sense.

Similarly, if you have purchased many Android apps, remaining on Android avoids unnecessary inconvenience. Switching platforms is not overly difficult, but it can disrupt your routine.

Performance and budget: not everyone needs a flagship

Generally, price correlates with performance. Premium models offer the most powerful chips, best cameras and latest technologies. However, not everyone needs that level of power.

The mid-range segment is increasingly competitive, offering features such as wireless charging, multiple cameras and more than enough performance for daily tasks.

Even budget phones today handle web browsing, messaging, music streaming and social media smoothly.

Bigger screens, fewer compact phones

The trend is clear: smartphones are getting larger. The iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra feature screens up to 6.9 inches. Devices under 6 inches are nearly extinct.

Apple has discontinued the iPhone Mini, while the older iPhone SE has been replaced by the 6.1-inch iPhone 16e. On the Android side, the Pixel 9A has also grown to 6.3 inches.

For those who prefer compact phones, this is hardly good news.

Software support: increasingly crucial

A phone remains truly secure only while it receives security updates. In the past, many devices were supported for just two or three years. Now, Google and Samsung have raised the bar to as many as seven years of updates on newer models.

This not only provides long-term peace of mind but also benefits the environment, as devices are used longer instead of quickly becoming electronic waste.

Camera, battery and storage: essentials to weigh

Multiple camera lenses offer flexibility, but overall quality still depends on the phone’s tier. Most batteries last a full day, but few go much beyond that. Fast charging, wireless charging and software optimization can create noticeable differences.

As for storage, 64GB may suffice for basic needs, but 128GB is a safer choice. Phones with microSD support are increasingly rare, though external storage via USB-C remains a practical solution.

Buy for your needs, not for marketing

The best smartphone is not necessarily the most expensive one. It is the one that best matches your usage habits.

By clearly understanding your needs, setting a realistic budget and choosing the right time to buy, you can own a device that delivers real value and serves you reliably for years.

Hai Phong