Why I'm not planning to upgrade my Pixel 10 to a Pixel 11 in 2026
… Phone performance has plateaued in recent years. Instead, manufacturers are trying to lean on AI to sell us new hardware. …
Seven years of OS and security updates have been standard on Pixel phones since the Pixel 8, but few phones exemplify the longevity of modern smartphones more than the Pixel 10 Pro. Google's software commitment is excellent, but seven years is a long time in smartphones. The Pixel 3 launched just over seven years ago. Would you still find it viable in 2026? Phone performance has plateaued in recent years. Instead, manufacturers are trying to lean on AI to sell us new hardware. While some noticeable features have been introduced in recent Android updates, I don't think I'll be upset about missi
Why I'm not planning to upgrade my Pixel 10 to a Pixel 11 in 2026… Phone performance has plateaued in recent years. Instead, manufacturers are trying to lean on AI to sell us new hardware. …
… Despite the powerful hardware, the new SoC promises longer battery life and faster charging speeds thanks to its 3nm process. The faster hardware should translate into smoother animations and better performance when using apps.
… Sign in to your Android Police account Every once in a while, Google upgrades the Linux kernel powering Pixel devices to a newer version. Such updates rarely introduce major new features, but they typically improve system stability, security, and performance. …
… AI features don't feel like upgrades I can get most of those features without a new phone Lately, phone upgrades have started to feel different for me. I can appreciate the advancements in AI, but improvements in AI are less noticeable than enhancements in hardware. …
… Premium hardware without added friction Alongside its AI focus, the Galaxy S26 family maintains the premium hardware experience Samsung’s flagship line is known for. Buyers still get high-end displays, advanced camera systems, and the performance headroom expected from a modern Galaxy device. …
… Performance upgrades are all well and good, but if they don't affect your phone in day-to-day use, do they really matter? …
… Whether those upgrades were exciting is another matter, but they were easy to understand because they directly affected how you used your phone every day. Today, hardware often feels like the supporting act. …
… Will AI skeptics have to foot the bill for smartphone upgrades? I don't want to pay more for better AI performance Every year, I think about how much of each new flagship's cost is taken up by the camera module. …
… Now, instead of switching to the main camera, the 5x shooter can focus on close-up subjects that, technically, the hardware was already capable of. …
… This change should significantly improve heat dissipation while also shortening the signal path, reducing latency, and boosting overall performance. A higher thermal ceiling will also enable Samsung to push for higher clock speeds, leading to better performance. …