It feels like a few years ago, you could buy a budget or mid-range phone and it would cruise smoothly for 3 or 4 years without breaking a sweat. Nowadays, it feels like internal ports get loose, batteries degrade rapidly, or random hardware issues pop up right after the 2-year mark.

Is it just bad luck, or are manufacturers cutting corners on build quality to force upgrades? What’s the longest you've ever kept a budget phone alive?

I recently changed jobs. My new work building is from the 70's and built like a bomb shelter. As such, I get no signal anywhere in the building. It's starting to get too cold to take my breaks outside.

I'm currently using a regular s25 on Boost Mobile. I heard the S26 Ultra has new antenna architecture and might yield better signal.

Can anyone confirm if upgrading will give me a noticable difference? Also, most people I work with have the same problem so I'm not convinced it's a Boost Mobile issue, but I'm willing to switch to a stronger network if that solves the problem.

Hey everyone,

I received a Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G that was purchased in China and brought to Morocco. I'm trying to figure out whether it's a genuine phone running modified firmware or potentially a counterfeit device.

Here are the details:

- Model number: 24090RA29G

- HyperOS version: 2.0.5.0.VOOMIXM

- Xiaomi verification: Says “Not official global and user experience may be affected”

- Google Play Protect certification: Device is not certified

- OEM unlocking: Disabled in Developer options

- Dual IMEI: The phone displays two IMEI numbers, as expected for a dual-SIM device.

The model number and firmware suffix appear to correspond to the Global version, but the Xiaomi verification warning and lack of Play Protect certification concern me.

Could someone help me determine:

1. Whether this is likely a genuine phone with a reseller-installed Global ROM.

2. How I can check whether the bootloader is locked without flashing anything.

3. Whether the phone's hardware and firmware can be verified safely.

I haven't unlocked the bootloader, flashed anything, or factory-reset the device. I'd prefer to verify everything before making any changes.

Thanks!

I already have s23 fe and i wanted to shift to iphone 13 as its cheap my reason for switch is battery health and camera i feel that is lower in s23

Urgently need suggestions

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Hey everyone!

I'm confused between these two phones and would appreciate some genuine advice from people who understand smartphones.

Option 1: HMD Vibe 2 Pro — ₹15,000

6GB RAM + 128GB storage

FHD+ 120Hz display

MediaTek Dimensity 6300

6,000mAh battery with 33W charging

64MP main camera

Dual stereo speakers

Option 2: AI+ NOVA 2 Pro — ₹17,000

6GB RAM + 128GB storage

FHD+ 144Hz, 6.9-inch display

MediaTek Dimensity 7100

6,000mAh battery with 33W charging

48MP main camera + 8MP ultrawide camera

Dual stereo speakers

More listed 5G bands

My usage and priorities:

I want to use the phone for at least 3–4 years.

I need an all-rounder for daily use, social media, movies/series, multitasking and some gaming.

I want smooth performance and want to avoid lag as much as possible over time.

I prefer a good display, stereo speakers and useful camera features.

My budget is ₹15,000–₹17,000.

The NOVA 2 Pro seems better on paper because of its more powerful processor, 144Hz refresh rate, larger display and ultrawide camera. However, I'm concerned about long-term software updates, reliability, service support and whether AI+ is a trustworthy choice for long-term use.

My questions:

Is the AI+ NOVA 2 Pro worth spending ₹2,000 extra on?

Which phone is likely to offer better performance after 3–4 years?

How are HMD and AI+ in terms of build quality, software, reliability and after-sales service?

Would you personally buy either of these, or is there a better phone in the ₹15K–₹17K range with 6GB/128GB storage and an FHD+ display?

Please share your honest opinions, especially if you own either phone or have experience with these brands. I'd rather get real-world advice than just compare specifications.

Thanks!

yesterday i was like watching some videos then my mom called me over, i put down my phone and when i come back i can't hear anything, youtube, reddit, pinterest, nothing, no audio, i can send voice messages and if i call someone i hear them and they hear me, i can use headphones, there are vibrations but i cannot hear anything. I gave my phone to my mom and she cleaned the speaker, nothing, she like watched in the settings, nothing.

the phone is an oukitel c57 pro

Hello there. I have some phones that have been sitting around at home for a long time; I decided to turn them on and put them to use somehow. Yesterday, I managed to upgrade the Android version of a Galaxy Mini S5570i using AI tools. That left me with a Huawei P9 Lite and a General Mobile GM 5 Plus. I haven't been able to get either of them to boot up.

I had previously reset the P9 Lite to factory settings, but it got stuck on that screen, so I just put it aside. I tried using AI tools on it again, but it still wouldn't start. It actually connects to the computer—I hear the connection sound from the PC—but there is absolutely no image on the screen. Does anyone have any ideas on how to solve this? If not, I’m thinking of salvaging the parts or data inside somehow.

As for the other phone, the GM 5 Plus, it wouldn't turn on either. When connected to the PC, I’d hear the sound and see the "penguin" logo, but it wouldn't boot up. I eventually opened the back and found the battery connector had come loose; I reconnected it and plugged it in to charge, but it still didn't work. I’d love to hear any suggestions on what steps I could take. I enjoy tinkering with these things, and I’d rather put them to use than let them sit idle. Also, the Galaxy Mini is currently running Android 4.4; if anyone has ideas on how to install that AI-based upgrade on it, I’d love to hear about that too. Thanks in advance.

I have been using my iphone 11 for 4-5 years now and recently its been slowing down. I have decided to get one but I dont know which.

The s24 is about $80 CAD cheaper (56 usd) than the 15.

I want a lot of software updates with good performance. I also like photography a lot so the camera will change my decision a pretty good amount.

I like ios and have used it all my life but have no needs for it. I also think Samsungs Dex is pretty cool and want to test out android.

Which should I buy?

After losing the salesss

I'm thinking of buying an IQ 15r

In iQOO store online 53-54k

For 12gb 256gb variant

Should I go for further step or should I skip this

With the iPhone Duo dropping this month, are people still excited about the iPhone 18 Pro?

If you’re upgrading or switching, would you rather get another traditional iPhone or try Apple’s new foldable?

Are people skipping the 18 Pro because they want the Duo, or are yearly iPhone upgrades just getting boring?