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Then and now: what’s changed in the past few years? (Android edition) – 2026

  • July 10, 2023
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Then and now: what’s changed in the past few years? (Android edition) – 2025
Matthew T
iD Mobile Employee
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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 S26, S26 Plus, S26 Ultra.

 

 

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 S26Samsung S26 Plus and Samsung S26 Ultra on iD Mobile.

 

Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL.

 

 

Google’s Pixel 10 family pushes the boundaries of smartphone intelligence, combining a stunning design with a pro-level camera system and even more helpful AI.

All models are powered by the new Tensor G5 chip, which is up to 60% more powerful for incredibly smooth performance in everything you do. Google AI with Gemini is at the core, ready to help you write emails, create images, and make everyday tasks feel effortless.

The Pixel 10 features a big, bright Full HD+ OLED display with a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It now boasts an upgraded triple camera system, with wide, ultra-wide, and 5x telephoto lenses for capturing everything from sweeping landscapes to distant subjects in pin-sharp detail.

The Pixel 10 Pro upgrades to an even sharper Quad HD+ OLED display. Its 50MP triple camera system takes photography to the next level with an incredible 100x Pro Res Zoom, so nothing is too far away. It also features a sharp 42MP front camera, perfect for high-quality selfies and video calls.

At the top of the range, the Pixel 10 Pro XL offers a larger display for a more immersive experience, alongside a bigger battery for maximum endurance. With 16GB of RAM, it’s built for power users who demand the ultimate in screen space and multitasking performance.

Why upgrade? The Pixel 10 family delivers a truly intelligent experience. The Pro models offer incredible photography tools like 100x Pro Res Zoom, while the Pro XL is the ultimate choice for those who want peak performance on a larger screen. All models share the powerful Tensor G5 chip and the promise of seven years of software updates, making this the smartest, most secure Pixel yet.

 

Check out the Google Pixel 10Google Pixel 10 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL on iD Mobile.

 

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE.

 

 

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 Galaxy A26 5G.

 

 

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

The Galaxy A26 5G eeps 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.