You told us: These are the phones you should totally avoid buying in February

February 2026: The Smartphone Launch Frenzy That Could Save You From Buying the Wrong Phone

The final weeks of February 2026 are shaping up to be one of the most explosive periods in smartphone history, with tech giants dropping their latest flagships like clockwork bombs. Google has already pulled the trigger on the Pixel 10, with the iPhone 17e hot on its heels. But the real showstopper? The Galaxy S26 series is set to drop like a bombshell at the end of the month, and if that wasn’t enough, the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 could unleash even more surprises.

With this avalanche of launches, buying a “new” phone right now might feel like grabbing yesterday’s leftovers when tomorrow’s feast is just around the corner. My colleague Joe Maring recently dropped a bombshell of his own, listing eight phones you should absolutely avoid buying in February—and boy, did it strike a nerve. Thousands of you flooded in to help us crown the least-desired phone of the month, and the results? They’re as spicy as they are telling.

The Phones You Absolutely Don’t Want This Year

We asked our readers to vote for the phones they’d never recommend or buy this month, and two devices emerged as the clear villains of the story. Check out the pie chart below to see which phones made the cut—and why.

1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: The Biggest Letdown

Our readers are vehemently opposed to buying any of the Galaxy S25 phones this month. Sure, the Galaxy S26 is only expected to bring incremental upgrades, but some of those could be game-changers. Take the Privacy Display, for example—a brilliant shield against nosy shoulder surfers. Or the faster 60W charging on the Ultra, which could save your bacon in a pinch. But let’s be real: Samsung’s decision to skip magnets inside the body (even AirPods’ charging case has MagSafe now) and the lack of sound camera upgrades are major buzzkills. On the flip side, the slimmer bodies across all devices might just win back some fans.

2. Google Pixel 9a & Samsung Galaxy A56: Yesterday’s News

Hot on the heels of the Galaxy S25 backlash are the Google Pixel 9a and the Galaxy A56. Why? The Pixel 10a is launching this week, and the Galaxy A57 is rumored to drop soon with a sleek metal frame, design upgrades, and faster charging. These are valid reasons to skip the older models and wait for the next big thing.

3. OnePlus: A Disappointment for the Masses

OnePlus’ latest flagship phones also made the list, and for good reason. While they still pack a punch for gamers and performance junkies, they’ve fallen short for the average user. The cameras, in particular, have taken a hit—downgrades instead of upgrades. After the OnePlus 13 and 13R set such high standards, these new models just don’t cut it for the wider audience.

The Verdict: Wait It Out

If you’re on the fence about buying a new phone, let this community consensus be your guide. Why settle for less when the best is just around the corner? February 2026 is a make-or-break month for smartphone buyers, and the smart money is on waiting for the next wave of launches.

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