6 Proven Smartphones from Previous Years That I Would Buy Even Today

Recently we compiled six best smartphones of 2026, and today we’ll discuss smartphones from previous years that are still going strong. The market has hit a ceiling, new devices are rising in price due to memory shortages, while last year’s models have dropped in price and continue receiving updates for years to come. Below are six models that in 2026 offer a reasonable price and impressive specs.

We’ve picked great smartphones from previous years that are still worth buying in 2026

Let me say right away: not every older device is equally good. We’ve written separately about Samsung Galaxy models that aren’t worth buying, but these six devices still hold up confidently.

POCO F7 — A Smartphone with a Big Battery and Powerful Processor

A hyped smartphone that’s still great to this day

POCO F7 was released in June 2025 and immediately targeted the affordable flagship segment. Everyone was satisfied: the smartphone impresses with everything, from design to hardware. There’s no doubt it’s worth getting even a year later.

The most compelling aspect here is battery life. The large 6500 mAh battery lasts up to two days with moderate use, and 90W fast charging brings the device back to life in about half an hour. Performance is also solid: the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor easily handles demanding games and multitasking. It’s worth getting for those who need a smartphone with a powerful battery and flagship speed without overpaying for a brand name.

Is It Worth Buying OnePlus 13 in 2026?

Contrary to popular belief, OnePlus 13 was released not two years ago but in January 2025. It became one of the first flagships on Snapdragon 8 Elite. But the processor isn’t the main reason to buy it in 2026. In photos, OnePlus 13 often outperforms even the newer OnePlus 15.

An excellent smartphone with a stunning camera. Feel free to buy it even now

It’s all about the combination of large sensors and Hasselblad’s signature tuning — the Swedes calibrated colors for naturalness and accuracy, plus added recognizable portrait modes. So in some ways, it actually looks even better.

This is an honest flagship with no compromises on speed. The flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite processor remains one of the fastest on the market and will easily last several years. Paired with it is a 6000 mAh battery and 100W fast charging, so you’ll rarely need a power outlet. If you don’t mind the design with the camera “disc,” it’s simply an excellent choice.

Xiaomi 14 — A Compact Camera Phone with Leica Optics

If you find this smartphone for under 35,000 rubles or want to buy it second-hand — go for it without hesitation

Xiaomi 14 was unveiled at MWC in early 2024 as a compact flagship with a Leica camera. To this day, the smartphone is excellent in terms of hardware, not to mention that visually you can’t tell it apart from the Xiaomi 17.

The main highlight is the photos. The triple 50 MP Leica camera delivers signature color reproduction and excellent detail, while portraits and night shots maintain the level of expensive flagships. At the same time, the compact 6.36-inch body fits comfortably in hand, which is already a rarity in 2026. Inside is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which is more than enough for everything. This is the choice for those who need a smartphone with a great camera in a small form factor.

Realme GT 6 — A Smartphone with a Bright Display

A Chinese phone that doesn’t age at all. Even in terms of design

Realme GT 6 was released in June 2024 under the motto “flagship killer.” Believe it or not, it can still be confidently considered one today. Well, why not? Take a look at the specs and you’ll understand — everything is in perfect order here.