Smartphone upgrade advice and top budget models for 2026

Consumer experts argue that replacing a smartphone every year offers little benefit. The short answer is a firm “no”, noting that recent releases from Apple, Samsung and Google provide only marginal performance gains, minor design tweaks and software‑driven AI features that many users do not need. They stress that the real drivers for a new phone should be hardware fatigue, battery degradation, reduced performance, or the end of security updates, which can expose users to risks.

A separate review lists seven cost‑effective smartphones available in August 2026 for under R$2,800, focusing on Samsung’s Galaxy A17 and A36. The A17 offers a 6.7‑inch Super AMOLED display, 8 GB RAM and a 50 MP camera, but its battery life fell short in testing. The A36 adds Gorilla Glass Victus+, IP67 protection, a 120 Hz panel and higher brightness, while still using a mid‑range Snapdragon processor. Both models promise up to six years of software updates, positioning them as viable alternatives to premium devices for budget‑conscious consumers.