Forget Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: I found alternatives that are nearly as good for less money - ZDNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. After reviewing the latest Google, Samsung, and Motorola phones, I have a newfound appreciation for last year's models. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. If you’re in the market for a new phone, you might be better off buying one that was released last year. Recent models, especially midrangers, have come with iterative upgrades while also seeing price hikes. Also: Why you’ll pay more for phones and computers in 2026 As businesses scoop more and more memory for their AI data centers and hardware, fewer memory chips are available for consumer products. This is creating a shortage and subsequent price increases. The phones launched in 2026 are facing tougher competition from their predecessors than from their rivals. According to a December report from IDC, the shortage of DRAM and NAND chips used in PCs, smartphones, and other consumer electronics is putting pressure on the overall market. IDC expects the smartphone market to continue facing pressure this year. Also: I measured 5G signals of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in a small town – here’s