You shouldn’t buy the best Android phone

Last week, I came across a now-deleted Reddit thread from a Google Pixel user who discussed their perceived satisfaction when using a Google Pixel 9a versus the more expensive Pixel 9 Pro. The original poster detailed their experience buying the most expensive Pixel out there, not being happy with it, returning it, and buying the Pixel 9a instead, and ending up much more content with the cheaper phone despite their (very tech-savvy) friends’ constant taunting about the 9a’s lower specs and cheaper build quality.

That thread hit a chord for me because it’s something I’ve experienced time and again when buying or reviewing phones for Android Authority, as well as when talking about phone purchases with my friends and family. Everyone is just happier with the cheaper phones; it’s anecdotal evidence, sure, but looking for the absolute best Android phone is bound to end in misery and dissatisfaction.