can’t say about the ads in samsung apps

I use the S23 ultra, it can get though the full day, standby with screen off doesn’t take up much battery. e.g. charged to 100%, woke up after 8 hours, phone is at 93-95%

shutter lag is still a thing, you have to go into certain settings to prioritize speed over quality.

family grew up with it

better customization and user abilities

ability to emulate old consoles

more innovative/experimental (fold, spen, 100X zoom camera)

If you can, I’d try to get you at least a flagship from a few years ago. maybe the S10 or the S20. a flagship from a few years ago should beat out a budget phone from 1-2 years ago. Plus, if you have a US carrier, you will have a higher trade-in value with the S series vs the A series.

a good start is the samsung s23

or the s23 ultra if you want one of the best cameras, and the spen

or the Z fold3 or Zfold 5 (i started using a used Zfold 2, the big screen and multitasking is very cool)

current promo with verizon is $800 off on a mid-high tier plan, with a mid-high tier trade-in (unfortunately, the iphone 8 is a low tier phone, but you could get a mid tier $100 pixel 4a or a nokia 8 V 5g, and use those as a trade-in)

I swim in the pool with my watch 4. it should be fine.

although if its ocean water, I’d probably take it off.

If I didn’t upgrade to the S23U, I’d still be rocking the S10+, still a solid phone.

I went from S5, to S10+, to S23 Ultra. it is an awesome phone, but it is the highest of the high.

I recently got a spare Z Fold2, and I… am… loving it.

if 23 ultra is in your budget, you can go with that, and probably not have to upgrade for the next 3-5 years.

if it’s between the s23 or pixel 8. I might go with the pixel 8 for the slightly better pictures, and the AI.

if you are more on a budget, and you’re ok with used/refurbished, I’d recommend looking into a S21 Ultra, pixel 7 pro, or a Z fold 3 on Swappa.

I mean, those are the prices on amazon and swappa.

I’d be careful. a lot of people on this subreddit have been experiencing overheating or battery issues.

I might even suggest getting the s21 for $220

might not be worth it if the changes are small.

if you’re ok with the used market, and don’t mind losing the 3.5mm jack. I might recommend a used/refurbished S21 Ultra* or fold3 from Amazon or Swappa.

*might not recommend the s22 series at this time. hearing people complain about overheating and poor battery life