Why last year’s flagships look better than many new phones
Reviewers who’ve tested the latest wave of 2026 phones are finding an unexpected pattern: many of the best phones you can buy in 2026 are actually from 2025. With memory prices spiking, manufacturers are under pressure to either raise prices or cut specs, especially on mid-range models. Analysts note that memory can represent a large share of a phone’s total bill of materials, so brands are trimming features or nudging prices up instead of delivering big generational leaps. The result is that 2026 launches often feel incremental and more expensive, while last year’s premium devices are now discounted and still offer top-tier processors, cameras and displays. If you want to buy phone 2026 without overpaying, last year flagship deals often deliver better value than the newest mid-range or entry flagships, making this year an unusually smart time to look back rather than only chasing the latest model.
Flagship bargains: iPhone 17, Galaxy S series and Pixel 10
Several headline devices from last season are now positioned as sweet-spot upgrades. Tech reviewers highlight the iPhone 17 as a rare flagship they can recommend to almost anyone, with a straightforward design, powerful A-series chip and strong cameras, without the divisive tweaks and higher price of the Pro models. Carriers are leaning in too: some are offering the iPhone 17 line with substantial trade-in incentives and extra perks, and retailers are promoting it as one of the best bang-for-buck phones in recent memory. On the Android side, Google’s Pixel 10 has dropped from USD 799 (approx. RM3,680) to USD 549 (approx. RM2,530) at a major retailer, the lowest price yet, while still delivering a Tensor G5 processor, advanced triple camera with 5x telephoto and Google’s latest AI features. These last year flagship deals give power users and camera fans premium experiences for far less than many brand-new launches.
How shifting strategies are reshaping mid-range and budget phones
If you plan to upgrade phone now on a tighter budget, the market is getting trickier. Component shortages and rising memory costs are pushing manufacturers to scale back low-end and some mid-range lines while concentrating on high-end models that can absorb higher bills of materials. Industry insiders report that orders for thousand-yuan-level devices and other mid-low-end products are being cut, while high-end series from brands like OPPO and others see increased orders. Dealers say many brands are limiting shipments of lightweight, low-margin models because they lose money on every unit sold. For buyers, this means fewer genuinely good cheap phones and more pressure to step up into upper mid-range or slightly older flagships. It also means the best time to buy might be when last year’s high-end or solid mid-range phones get discounted, rather than waiting for brand-new budget models that may compromise too heavily on memory, cameras or long-term support.
The RAM squeeze: why older mid-range phones can be smarter buys
The current RAM crisis is also reshaping what you actually get for your money. Newer budget and mid-range phones sometimes boast eye-catching specs like bright 120 Hz OLED screens and strong battery life, but ship with surprisingly low RAM. One recent example offers only 4 GB of RAM, down from up to 12 GB in its own predecessor, leading to frequent app reloads and sluggish multitasking. This is the kind of component trade-off IDC warned about: as memory prices soar, manufacturers either hike prices or cut memory, and cheaper phones get hit hardest. If you multitask heavily or rely on many apps, slightly older devices with 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM may run smoother than a shiny new model with a better display but constrained memory. For many buyers seeking the best time to buy, last year’s mid-range phones with healthier RAM configurations can be a smarter, more future-proof upgrade.
Phone upgrade guide: upgrade now or wait for the next big launch?
To decide whether to buy phone 2026 or hold off, start with your current device’s pain points. It’s time to upgrade if battery health has deteriorated to the point you can’t comfortably get through a day, your storage is constantly full even after cleaning up, or your phone stutters under everyday multitasking and camera use. Power users, mobile photographers and gamers will benefit most from discounted 2025 flagships like iPhone 17 or Pixel 10, especially when paired with strong carrier or retailer deals. Casual users or parents buying for kids can look at last year’s mid-range phones with solid RAM and storage instead of new models that cut memory. On the other hand, if your phone still holds a charge, runs current apps smoothly and your main complaint is boredom, waiting for a more meaningful generational leap may make sense. Use these factors to set your own best time to buy.