Best Phones Forever: For Good

For a phone to truly last “forever” (or as close as technology allows), it needs a trifecta of long-term software support, durable hardware, and easy repairability.

As of May 2026, here are the top contenders that balance these factors to give you the longest possible lifespan.

🏆 The Top All-Rounder: Google Pixel 10 & 9 Series

Google has set the gold standard for longevity by promising 7 years of guaranteed OS and security updates.

• Support: With updates until 2032–2033, your phone will stay secure and feature-rich for nearly a decade.

• Why it lasts: The Tensor G5/G6 chips are designed specifically for Google’s AI features, meaning the hardware shouldn’t feel obsolete as quickly as older models.

• Repairability: Google has a partnership with iFixit to sell genuine spare parts, making it easier to swap a battery or screen yourself.

💎 The Premium Workhorse: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung matches Google’s 7-year update commitment but adds a layer of hardware “future-proofing.”

• Durability: The S26 Ultra uses “Gorilla Glass Armor” (which significantly reduces reflections and scratches) and a Titanium frame.

• Repairability: It recently received a high repairability score (9/10 in some teardowns) due to its modular internal design, which is a massive improvement over older, glue-heavy flagships.

   

• Longevity Perk: The 200MP camera system and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor ensure the phone remains “high-end” for years after its release.

🛠️ The Repairability King: Fairphone 5

If your definition of “forever” means being able to fix it with a screwdriver, this is the only choice.

• Modular Design: You can replace the battery, screen, camera modules, and even the USB-C port in minutes without professional help.

• Software: While the hardware is mid-range, Fairphone aims for 8–10 years of security support, though OS updates may stop sooner than Google’s.

   

🍏 The Reliable Classic: iPhone 18 & 17 Series

Apple doesn’t give a “guaranteed” number of years, but their track record is legendary.

• Resale & Parts: Even 6 years later, you can find a repair shop in almost any city that has iPhone parts in stock.

• Efficiency: The A-series chips (like the A20) are so far ahead of the curve that they rarely feel “slow” even five years down the line.

• Software: Expect 6–7 years of major iOS updates.

Summary Table: Longevity Comparison

Pro Tip: Regardless of which phone you choose, the battery is the first thing that will “die.” Look for a phone that makes battery replacement straightforward, or plan to spend ~$80 at a repair shop around Year 3 or 4 to give the device a second life.