Android fans, rejoice! The latest releases aren’t just about small upgrades — they’re packed with smarter software, more powerful processors, brighter displays, and seriously improved cameras.  But how different are they really from their 2023 equivalents? Let’s take a look at how far we’ve come in just a couple of years, and what’s new across the most popular Android phones right now:

Samsung’s latest S26 flagship line brings meaningful upgrades and next-level intelligence across the board. If you are coming to the end of a 24-month contract on a 2024 Galaxy S24, the leap in performance and AI capabilities is massive. Displays remain incredibly bright and bold, with the Galaxy S26 and S26+ featuring stunning FHD+ and QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED panels that make everything from HDR video to everyday scrolling look effortlessly smooth.

Under the hood, incredibly fast processors make light work of multitasking while powering a suite of advanced Galaxy AI features. The new 'Now Nudge' learns your habits to proactively suggest apps or autofill forms exactly when needed. Meanwhile, Google Gemini is perfectly integrated to help you write, plan, and brainstorm on the go, making this range the personal assistant you never knew you needed.

The camera system on the S26 and S26+ still centres around a brilliant 50MP main sensor, but image quality gets a noticeable lift thanks to Nightography AI. Whether you are at a low-light concert or capturing night-time city streets, your photos will look sharp and full of colour. Plus, editing is an absolute breeze with Photo Assist, which lets you seamlessly add, remove, or adjust background objects with a simple tap for pro-looking shots.

For those going Ultra, the top-tier S26 Ultra packs a breathtaking QHD+ display and a seriously impressive 200MP quad-camera system that ensures every snap is a masterpiece. The Ultra also introduces a clever new Privacy Display, which limits side-angle viewing to keep your sensitive content entirely safe from prying eyes while you are commuting.

Why upgrade? Expect unmatched AI smarts, stunning screens, and professional-grade photography across the entire range. Coming from a 2024 model, the S26 series delivers a transformative, highly resilient experience built to handle everything life throws at you.

Check out the Samsung S26, Samsung S26 Plus and Samsung S26 Ultra on iD Mobile.

The Pixel 11 family takes everything people loved about the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 generations and pushes it even further. Powered by Google's latest AI innovations, the new Tensor G6 chip helps Gemini feel more helpful and responsive than ever, whether you're organising plans, searching for information, writing messages, or editing photos. Compared to a Pixel 9-series device from two years ago, everyday tasks feel faster, smarter, and more intuitive.

Photography receives some of the biggest upgrades. The standard Pixel 11 introduces a significantly improved main camera with better low-light performance and enhanced zoom capabilities, while the Pro models bring upgraded camera hardware, sharper long-range zoom, and smarter AI-powered photo and video tools. New features like Magic Capture make it easier to preserve special moments without worrying whether you should take a photo or record a video.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold continues Google's foldable journey, combining a full smartphone experience with a tablet-sized display that is perfect for multitasking, streaming, and productivity. Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro XL remains the choice for anyone who wants the biggest screen and battery in the Pixel range. Across the entire family, Gemini AI works behind the scenes to help simplify everyday tasks whilst Google's commitment to long-term software support helps keep your phone feeling fresh for years to come.

Why upgrade? The Pixel 11 family delivers Google's smartest and most advanced smartphone experience yet. With more capable cameras, even better AI features, stronger performance, and new foldable options, it's a substantial step forward for anyone upgrading from a Pixel bought two or three years ago.

Check out the Google Pixel 11, Google Pixel 11 Pro, Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold on iD Mobile.

Compared to the Galaxy S23 FE, the S25 FE includes a sharper 50MP main camera, replacing the older 12MP sensor. That means more detail, richer colour and improved clarity — even when zooming or cropping. It also adds an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, giving you more versatility for every shot.

The display is brighter and smoother too, thanks to a 6.7” Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with up to 1,900 nits of peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. That means improved contrast, colour and visibility in bright light — whether you’re watching videos or scrolling through apps.

The processor gets a serious bump, with the new octa-core Exynos processor, so whether you’re gaming, streaming or using multiple apps at once, performance stays fast and fluid. There’s also a boost to battery life, with a 4,900mAh battery (up from 4,500mAh) and support for 25W wired, 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging.

Why upgrade? If you’re after something with flagship-level features but don’t want to go all-in, the S25 FE is a smart upgrade from the S23 FE — with better cameras, smoother visuals, more power and smarter AI tools that make everyday use even more seamless.

Check out the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE on iD Mobile.

Samsung’s A-series is all about getting the essentials right, and this latest release goes above and beyond.

The Galaxy A26 5G keeps the affordable price tag but steps things up with a 6.7” Full HD+ AMOLED display and a smoother 120Hz refresh rate... that’s up from 90Hz on the A14. You’ll notice it when scrolling social feeds, gaming, or watching videos.

The triple camera setup now includes a 50MP main lens, along with ultra-wide and macro options — giving you more variety for capturing your surroundings. Add in features like AI-powered Object Eraser and on-device photo tips, and you’ve got a surprisingly powerful photography setup for the price.

Under the surface, the Exynos 1380 processor keeps everything running smoothly. There’s now 256GB of storage, expandable up to 2TB — a big jump from the A14’s more limited options — and IP67 water and dust resistance gives it more durability for everyday life.

Why upgrade? It’s a worthy step up from the Galaxy A14 in almost every area — display, speed, storage, and camera features — all while keeping things affordable.

Check out the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G on iD Mobile.