Hi,
Looking to replace my Samsung S21 FE - mainly because I have a couple big trips coming up and I'd like a better camera. The camera on the S21 isn't too bad in general (especially for landscape pics), but isn't great in lower light or with fast moving objects (pets, kids etc).
It's also just getting a bit tired and slow, and I'm well out of contract, so figure I may as well replace now.
Looking for:
Very good camera (especially low light, fast moving objects, landscapes)
Good battery life (bikepacking trips)
Fairly durable (bikepacking trips)
Happy to get refurbished
I don't do any gaming or anything, so performance for that isn't important.
I tend to keep phones for a few years so would like something that lasts
Ideally looking to spend ~£30 per month with ~£100 upfront (or, £800 ish total over 24 months), with 20GB+ data per month.
Looks like I can get a Pixel 9 Pro for this money which looks to tick the above boxes. Any better suggestions? I don't have anything Apple so probably doesn't make sense to go iPhone, assume they are still more expensive for equivalent specs?
Thanks,
Duane
Very good camera (especially low light, fast moving objects,
Pretty much your only choice is Pixel of the mainstream manufacturers. Samsung somehow still have incredibly laggy shutter response and a bias towards slower shutter speeds and over-exposure even on the S25 Ultras of this world. Pixels are way better at anything involving movement.
The pixel 9 range feels a significant step up in build quality/solidity than previous pixels (I've had a few...). They're also IP68 rated so a solid amount of waterproofness.
If you sign up to perks at work (anyone can, just use any old personal email address) you can get 30% off google store and 113 trade in for your S21 so £586ish for a 128gb P9 pro which you can finance for 2 years. Then add a cheap SIM only for your calls and data.
I got a discounted Pixel8 Pro from John Lewis a few weeks back. It was about £500.
There are a few deals around on the Honor Magic7 Pro e.g. https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/honor-magic7-pro-512gb-id-100gb-data-min-text-eu-roaming-ps134-upfront-with-code-ps2999pm-500gb-data-for-ps20-more-4569545
I recently upgraded from the Magic5 Pro and been very pleased with it. Great pics, strong performance, tough screen.
The 9A gets a good review: https://www.theverge.com/phone-review/646135/google-pixel-9a-review-a-midrange-phone-done-right
The Samsung S24 camera(s) are markedly better than they used to be, and I assume that has continued with the S25. I'm very happy with my S24.
There are usually compact, regular, and ultra (XL) versions available of each too.
Pixel 7a is currently £250 in John Lewis. I've been mulling over getting one myself.
Battery life seems to only be about average though, which may put you off.
STW, last week.
Pixel 7a is currently £250 in John Lewis. I've been mulling over getting one myself.
Battery life seems to only be about average though, which may put you off.
I have a 7a. I suppose it depends how hard you batter it, but I get a few days out of a charge. If you really need any phone to last weeks whilst out in the sticks, you're looking at an external power bank.
Pixel 8pro and happy. Well apart from the fact I paid more than the John Lewis link above
