I Wouldn’t Buy These Smartphones for Android 17: The Update Will Only Kill Them

Recently I covered which smartphones will definitely handle Android 17 without lag, and gathered powerful models with fresh chips. Now here’s the mirror list. These smartphones for Android 17 will officially receive the update — I checked the lists — but I wouldn’t buy them today for the sake of the new system. Some have a weak processor, others are barely scraping by on RAM, and still others have hardware from 2023. If your device is on this list and is already lagging after updates, it might be time to buy a new smartphone for Android 17.

Don’t buy these smartphones if you want to update to Android 17

A small disclaimer: if you already own one of the listed smartphones, you might simply skip the update, and the device will continue to work just fine. But if you’re planning, for example, to switch from an iPhone or choose a different Android phone, buying one of these is a big risk. Keep that in mind and don’t say you weren’t warned!

Samsung Galaxy A15 — An Outdated Smartphone for Android 17

Once a hero among budget phones, but now too weak

I’ll start with the most affordable one. Galaxy A15 is on the list of Android 17 recipients — I checked the full list of models, so the update will reach it. The question is whether it can handle it. Inside is the Helio G99 processor, and the base version comes with 4 GB of RAM.

For calls and messengers, this is enough, but the new system with AI features will quickly push this combo to its limits. Animations will start stuttering, and some new features simply won’t work properly. I see no point in buying the A15 in 2026 for Android 17. Better get the new Galaxy A27 — it has more to offer.

Realme Note 80 — A Smartphone with Very Weak Hardware

Yes, it came out recently, but the update is unlikely to run well on it

Realme Note 80 is a fresh 2026 budget phone, and it’s the most controversial pick in this list. It’s on the Android 17 list, but the choice of this device for the new system raises questions. Inside is the Unisoc T7250 processor, which is a frankly weak platform. It’s complemented by a maximum of 4 GB of RAM and up to 128 GB of storage on slow eMMC memory, which today sounds almost like a joke.

For calls, messengers, and a couple of apps, the phone is passable right now, and the huge battery helps. But buying it expecting Android 17, let alone a couple of versions beyond that, I wouldn’t: the RAM won’t be enough, and the chip will choke. Honestly, I recommend not counting on it.

Google Pixel 8a — Not Enough RAM for 2026

The difference between Pixel a-series models seems small, but you definitely shouldn’t get the “8”

Pixel 8a is a favorite choice for fans of stock Android, and it will be one of the first to receive Android 17. But there’s a catch: it has only 8 GB of RAM. Today that’s the bare minimum — you really shouldn’t go that low. And the phone is supposed to handle new AI features not just for a year or two. Add to that the Tensor G3 processor, which heats up noticeably and drops nearly half its performance in stress tests.

Think you’ll get lucky? Think again: the 4492 mAh battery will eventually let you down. Of course, Google will keep pushing updates for a long time, but how comfortable the phone will remain after a couple more system versions is an open question.

Xiaomi 13T — A Sub-Flagship with a Weak Battery

The once-hit 13T will probably barely survive Android 17

Xiaomi 13T was once an excellent mid-ranger with flagship ambitions, and HyperOS 4 with Android 17 will reach it. But under the hood is the Dimensity 8200 Ultra processor from 2023. It’s still enough for everyday tasks, but under the new system with heavy graphics and neural network features, it will start loading noticeably slower.

The device also tends to heat up under load, and battery life with the 5000 mAh battery is average at best. The camera and display are still impressive, but as a purchase for Android 17, this model is already past its prime.

OnePlus 11 — Will Receive Its Last Android Update

Let’s be honest: this smartphone is really outdated