Best Galaxy S9 Alternatives: 4 Upgrades To Buy In 2026
The Galaxy S9 launched in 2018, and Samsung stopped updating it in 2022, so the best alternatives today are current phones, not other 2018 models.
These four Android picks cover a range of budgets, and all of them get far longer software support than the S9 ever did.
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What is the best Galaxy S9 alternative in 2026? Quick picks
| Award | Phone | US launch price | Updates | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best budget pick | Samsung Galaxy A37 5G | From $449.99 | 6 years | Check price |
| Best midrange Samsung | Samsung Galaxy A57 5G | From $549.99 | 6 years | Check price |
| Best long-term support | Google Pixel 10a | $499 | 7 years | Check price |
| Best step-up pick | Samsung Galaxy S26 FE | $699.99 | 7 years | Check price |
Is the Galaxy S9 still safe to use?
Samsung ended software support for the S9 and S9+ in early April 2022, and the March 2022 security update was the last one.
Its final Android version was Android 10, per XDA Developers.
That is the main reason to replace it, and it is why the picks below are chosen by update promise first.
How do you choose a replacement?
Start with how many years of updates you want, because that sets how long the phone stays safe.
- Update length: Samsung promises up to six years of Android and security updates on the A37 and A57, and seven years on the S26 FE.
- Price: prices here are US launch prices, so check current deals before buying.
- Version: make sure the listing says unlocked and US version.
If you are on a tight budget, also see Best Budget Android Phones.
1. Samsung Galaxy A37 5G: best budget pick
The A37 gives you a big 120 Hz AMOLED screen and six years of updates for the lowest price on this list.
Specs: 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, up to 120 Hz | 50MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 12MP front | 6GB+128GB or 8GB+256GB | from $449.99
Pros:
- Up to six generations of Android and One UI upgrades.
- Large 6.7-inch screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate.
Cons:
- Smaller ultra-wide camera than the A57 (8MP versus 12MP).
- Only the Charcoal color is sold at carriers, per Samsung.
2. Samsung Galaxy A57 5G: best midrange Samsung
The A57 is the A37’s step-up sibling, with a better ultra-wide camera and a 5,000 mAh battery.
Specs: 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED+, up to 120 Hz | 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro | 8GB+128GB or 8GB+256GB | from $549.99
Pros:
- Up to six years of security updates, with the clock starting from the global launch date.
- More RAM at the entry level than the A37.
Cons:
- $100 more than the A37 for a modest hardware step up.
- Updates are counted from global launch, so you may get slightly less than six years.
3. Google Pixel 10a: best long-term support
The Pixel 10a is the pick if you want clean Android and the longest update promise at a mid price.
Specs: 6.3-inch display | 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Google Tensor G4 | 30+ hours typical battery | $499
Pros:
- Seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drops updates.
- Wired charging up to 30W.
Cons:
- Smaller 6.3-inch screen than the Samsung A-series.
- No telephoto camera.
4. Samsung Galaxy S26 FE: best step-up pick
The S26 FE is the most flagship-like phone here, with a telephoto camera and seven years of updates.
Specs: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 Hz | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP 3x telephoto | 4,900 mAh | 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB | $699.99
Pros:
- Seven years of Android OS and security updates.
- 3x optical zoom, which the cheaper picks lack.
Cons:
- Costs $250 more than the A37.
- Price and launch details come from a September 2026 news report, so confirm on Samsung’s site.
How do the four phones compare?
| Phone | Screen | Main camera | Storage | Update promise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A37 5G | 6.7-inch, 120 Hz | 50MP | 128GB / 256GB | 6 years |
| Galaxy A57 5G | 6.7-inch, 120 Hz | 50MP | 128GB / 256GB | 6 years |
| Pixel 10a | 6.3-inch | 48MP | Not confirmed | 7 years |
| Galaxy S26 FE | 6.7-inch, 120 Hz | 50MP | 128GB / 256GB | 7 years |
Why are the old S9 alternatives no longer worth buying?
Older lists of S9 rivals pointed to phones such as the Essential Phone, but Essential shut down in February 2020 and ended software updates for it.
Any phone from that era is far past its update window, so a swap would leave you with the same problem the S9 has.
Buy something launched in 2026 instead, where the update clock has just started.
When did each phone go on sale in the US?
| Phone | US sale date | Starting price | Battery note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A37 5G | April 9, 2026 | $449.99 | Not listed by Samsung |
| Galaxy A57 5G | April 9, 2026 | $549.99 | 5,000 mAh typical |
| Pixel 10a | March 5, 2026 | $499 | 30+ hours typical use |
| Galaxy S26 FE | September 4, 2026 | $699.99 | 4,900 mAh |
Google says the Pixel 10a can reach up to 120 hours with Extreme Battery Saver turned on.
What should you do before switching phones?
Back up your S9 before you sell or reset it, and keep it charged while you move your data.
If you are changing carriers or plans at the same time, read How To Switch Phones On Google Fi.
If the S9 still works for now but is acting up, this S9 freezing and lagging guide may buy you time.
Verdict: which one should you pick?
Pick the Galaxy A37 if you want the cheapest safe upgrade, or the Pixel 10a if long software support matters most.
Pick the S26 FE if you want a telephoto camera and the most flagship-like experience of the four.
Sources: Samsung’s A57 and A37 announcement and Google’s Pixel 10a announcement.