5 smartphones to avoid buying in spring 2025

April 11,电报盗号系统破解教程破解技术 2025  10:42

Spring 2025 is fast approaching, and the smartphone market is brimming with tempting options. But not every device, even with flashy specs, is worth your cash. We’ve rounded up five models to steer clear of and suggested better alternatives.

1. Meizu Note 21 Pro — Overrated Budget Option

• Display:6.55", IPS, FHD+, 120 Hz, 550 nits
• Processor:MediaTek Helio G99
• Memory:8 GB RAM / 256 GB storage
• Cameras:64 MP + 2 MP (rear), 13 MP (front)
• Battery:5,000 mAh, 30W charging
• Price:Starting at $250

Meizu once made waves, but the Note 21 Pro isn’t a triumphant comeback. On paper, it’s decent: a smooth 120 Hz screen, a Helio G99 chip for daily tasks and mid-tier gaming, and a 5,000 mAh battery. Yet, chunky bezels, lackluster cameras, and unpolished software drag it down. At $250, brands like Xiaomi or Realme offer far more bang for your buck.

• Alternative:Samsung Galaxy A16 for brand fans, or Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro / Tecno Camon 30S for budget savers.

2. HTC U24 Pro — Overpriced Midranger

• Display:6.8", OLED, FHD+, 120 Hz, 700 nits
• Processor:Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
• Memory:12 GB RAM / 256 GB storage
• Cameras:50 MP + 50 MP + 8 MP (rear), 50 MP (front)
• Battery:4,600 mAh, 60W charging
• Price:Starting at $630

The HTC U24 Pro tries to impress with a vivid OLED display, a solid Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, and cameras with optical stabilization and 2x zoom. But its 4,600 mAh battery fizzles out fast, and a mere two years of updates is a letdown when rivals offer 3–4 years. At $630, it’s a rip-off.

• Alternative:Honor 200 Pro or Xiaomi 14T—more power, better battery, and better value.

3. Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra — Minimal Upgrade, Maximal Price

• Display:6.78", LTPO AMOLED, FHD+, 144 Hz, 2,500 nits
• Processor:Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Memory:16 GB RAM / 512 GB storage
• Cameras:50 MP + 32 MP + 13 MP (rear), 32 MP (front)
• Battery:5,500 mAh, 65W charging
• Price:Starting at $1,230

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra boasts the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite, but it’s nearly identical to its predecessor—same screen, cameras, and battery. Paying $1,230 for a slight power bump makes little sense, especially if you own a Zenfone 11. New buyers can do better too.

• Alternative:Honor Magic 7 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra—flagships with superior price-to-value ratios.

4. Sony Xperia 1 VI — Pricey and Questionable Farewell

• Display:6.5", LTPO OLED, FHD+, 120 Hz, 1,300 nits
• Processor:Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Memory:12 GB RAM / 256 GB storage
• Cameras:48 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP (rear), 12 MP (front)
• Battery:5,000 mAh, 30W charging
• Price:Starting at $1,230

Sony’s Xperia 1 VI, possibly the brand’s swan song, packs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a bright screen, and cameras with 3.5x zoom. But its dated design with huge bezels, underwhelming cameras compared to rivals, and sluggish 30W charging feel ancient. At $1,230, there are far more balanced flagships out there.

• Alternative:Huawei Pura 70 Ultra for camera buffs, or iPhone 16 Pro for a bit more—reliable for years.

5. Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal Imaging — Niche Overkill

• Display:6.67", AMOLED, FHD+, 120 Hz, 2,200 nits + 1.04" AMOLED
• Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 9300+
• Memory:16 GB RAM / 1 TB storage
• Cameras:50 MP + 50 MP + 64 MP + 50 MP (rear), 50 MP (front)
• Battery:10,600 mAh, 120W charging
• Price:Starting at $1,540

The Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra is a beast among rugged phones: a Dimensity 9300+, massive battery, and cameras with thermal imaging and night vision, plus IP69K and MIL-STD-810H durability. But its thermal and infrared features are niche overkill most won’t use, and $1,540 (plus duties) is absurdly steep.

• Alternative:Xiaomi 15 Ultra or any flagship—top power without the gimmicks.

The Bottom Line

These smartphones risk disappointing you—whether it’s weak cameras, outdated designs, or inflated prices. In spring 2025, your money’s better spent on proven picks, from budget-friendly Poco to flagship Galaxy or Honor models. Why pay more for less?