Which mobile is best. Advice please

Nuggetchops

Hi I’m looking to purchase a new mobile.  Just mobile no sim as have a sim deal already.  I have 3 phones on my list.  I don’t need anything fancy top of the range etc.  I just want it to do these following:

-make calls
-whatsapp
-general internet searching
-Work well for apps such as games, instagram etc 
- decent camera (bonus if it has magic eraser/clean up tool) 

Think that’s it really.  Which out of the following would be best and are they a decent phone: 

NOTHING Phone (2a)
SAMSUNG Galaxy A56 5G - 256 GB
Google pixel 9a

thanks. 

ButterCheese

I've had a lot of phones, and have not found the expensive ones any better than the cheaper ones.  My only advice is buy new, not used or reconditioned.  The samsung ranges are all good but not really worth the money anymore, they are packed with tech that the everyday user doesn't really need.

I have a Pixel 7a and it's great for my needs.  Yes you could get a 9 but it's way more money and the magic eraser tool can be had on other Apps (like snapseed) for free, with a bit of work and practice.

There are also lots of cheap android phones on Amazon; but people generally don't like them because they might colelct your data and spy on you.  I'm not sure how true that is, and how different that is to buying another brand i.e do they all do the same?

flaneurs_lobster

Here's a recent article that mentions the phones you are considering (albeit Nothing 3a rather than 2a)

https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/technology/phones/best-mid-range-smartphone

What phone are you replacing? 

If you are intending to keep the phone for more than a couple of years then the Samsung & Google phones offer longer update schedules than Nothing.

I've got an A52 that I'm looking to replace soon because it's no longer receiving security updates, will probably choose the A56 (or even the A55 if it is significantly cheaper).

Mark_d

I suggest you compare the phones on gsmarena.  All three phones are excellent handsets but you should understand the differences. Personally I often use my phone one handed.  If a phone is greater than 75mm wide then I can't hold it comfortably and reach all keys on the keyboard with my thumb.

Nuggetchops

Thank you all.  

I currently have a IPhone 15 pro max. It’s too big and I don’t use any of the features really. Literally just do the outlined.  It has a relatively good sell on value atm so I would like to sell for cash and get a cheaper phone but that still fits my needs. I am looking at more Samsung.  A friend had a Google pixel 9 and says that seems good.  

The 3 phones chosen are because I am able to get them through my work so they are the models on offer.  I’ll have a look at the comparison website you stated.  

Beeblebr0x

After buying a few Samsungs, this time I went for a Motorola G54. I'm very happy with it.

giraffe69

I'm also considering a new phone(Currently a no longer updated Samsung A70 which has been a good phone). The Pixel 9a is nearly £500 and the Nothing 3a slightly over £300. The Pixel is guaranteed more updates. I'm leaning towards the Nothing.

pmduk

Beeblebr0x said:

After buying a few Samsungs, this time I went for a Motorola G54. I'm very happy with it.

  I've used several Motorola phones, G34, G54 and G85, and have been happy with them all. However, one caveat is that they have relatively short update lives.  

flaneurs_lobster

pmduk said:

Beeblebr0x said:

After buying a few Samsungs, this time I went for a Motorola G54. I'm very happy with it.

  I've used several Motorola phones, G34, G54 and G85, and have been happy with them all. However, one caveat is that they have relatively short update lives.  

Indeed, my last one (Moto G 5G Plus) by no means cheap, had all updates terminated after 18 months.

ididgetwhereiamtoday

If you want Android then I would go Pixel all the time because you are guaranteed updates for a good time.

The handsets can be very cheap too.

EssexExile

Beeblebr0x said:

After buying a few Samsungs, this time I went for a Motorola G54. I'm very happy with it.

After buying a few Motorolas I've gone to Google Pixel & I'm very happy with it.