The Best Phones: My top picks, tried and tested
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase from the links on this page.
Which is the best phone to buy right now? Should you get the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max, Google's Pixel 10 Pro XL or is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra a better choice? Or... is there some low-key great smartphone that you might not even know about?
I have made this list of the best phones on the market in an effort to help you find the phone for your specific needs. Some people may want an all-out premium smartphone, whilst others want a more compact device.
Some might be picky about camera quality and battery life. Below, you will find the best new phones across these different categories and I will explain why I think our nominees stand out.
Best smartphones of 2026 at a glance:
Also read:
iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the best iPhone you can get at the moment | Image by PhoneArena
Key iPhone 17 Pro Max specs:
- Display: 6.9-inch 120Hz screen
- Processor: Apple A19 Pro
- Cameras: 48MP main + 48MP ultra + 48MP telephoto (4x zoom), 18MP Center Stage front cam
- Battery: 5,088 mAh for eSIM model, 4,823 mAh for physical SIM model
- Charging: 40W wired, 25W MagSafe
- Storage versions: 12/256GB, 12/512GB, 12GB+1TB, 12GB+2TB storage
- iPhone 17 Pro Max full specifications
Why I Picked It
If you are looking for the most premium and newest iPhone with the biggest screen and best battery life, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the one to get.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max keeps the signature features of the previous models, but evolves the design with a new aluminum unibdody and tweaks the telephoto camera lens.
The screen on the 17 Pro Max gets a bit brighter than before, hittin 3,000 nits peak brightness and now has an anti-reflective coating. The A19 Pro chipset is a big boost in performance, especially for gaming as you can now play AAA console games at 50+ fps frame rates. However, the biggest improvements might be battery life as the eSIM model now has a battery size of over 5,000 mAh.
And now that Apple no longer has a new Plus model, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the only big phone with big battery in the new family.
While the main camera remains mostly the same, I also loved the change from a 5X telephoto camera to a 4X one. It's not only more practical for portrait photos, but it has a 56% larger sensor and you can get 8X photos with sensor cropping.
Apple has also improved charging speeds in a big way, with wired charging that hits 40W now and a full charge takes just around 1 hour and 15 minutes, half an hour faster than before.
Who’s It For
The iPhone 17 Pro Max caters to Apple users who are invested in the ecosystem and also prefer big phones with big screens. It's hard not to recommend this model, as it covers everything you might want from a candy bar phone, except for some very niche and specific cases.
Even for Android users who are planning on switching to iOS, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a great choice. This is especially true if you're coming from an Android flagship such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra or even the S25 Ultra.
Even for Android users who are planning on switching to iOS, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a great choice. This is especially true if you're coming from an Android flagship such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra or even the S25 Ultra.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If you don't like big phones and prefer models that are more suited for one-handed use, the iPhone 17 Pro Max might be too big for you. Another reason to avoid the iPhone 17 Pro Max is if you prefer foldable devices – Apple is yet to announce such a model, so iPhone users are limited to non-folding phones.
If you want the fastest charging possible, this iPhone is still a bit slower than the OnePlus 13 (but it's now as fast as a Galaxy Ultra). Finally, if you're looking for something on the affordable side, you should probably look elsewhere, as the iPhone 17 Pro Max carries a premium price tag.
If you want the fastest charging possible, this iPhone is still a bit slower than the OnePlus 13 (but it's now as fast as a Galaxy Ultra). Finally, if you're looking for something on the affordable side, you should probably look elsewhere, as the iPhone 17 Pro Max carries a premium price tag.
For alternatives, you are not losing out too much with the previous generation Pro Max models such as the 16 Pro Max and 15 Pro Max, so if you find them at a good price, they are definitely a good buy.
To dig deeper into the differences between iPhones, read the best iPhones breakdown.
Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the best Android phone and it also features a built-in stylus | Image by PhoneArena
Key Galaxy S25 Ultra specs:
- Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440 x 3120 pixels, 120Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3nm)
- Cameras: 200MP main + 50MP ultra-wide + 10MP 3X zoom + 50MP 5X zoom, 12MP front
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 60W wired charging, 25W wireless charging
- Versions: 12/256GB, 12/512GB, 16GB RAM + 1TB storage
- Galaxy S26 Ultra full specifications
Why I Picked It
The Galaxy S26 Ultra builds on Samsung’s already dominant Ultra formula and refines it further with faster performance, improved optics and significantly faster charging.
The phone runs on Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, delivering noticeable gains in CPU, GPU and AI performance compared to its predecessor. Samsung also redesigned the vapor chamber to keep the chipset running at peak performance for longer sessions.
The camera system remains extremely versatile with a 200MP main camera and two dedicated telephoto lenses. This year Samsung improved the optics of both the main camera and the 5X zoom camera, allowing them to capture more light and produce cleaner images in challenging lighting conditions.
Another interesting addition is the Privacy Display, a built-in feature that narrows viewing angles so people around you cannot easily see your screen. It works similarly to a privacy screen protector but without degrading image quality when you view the display head-on.
Samsung also improved charging speeds in a meaningful way. The S26 Ultra now supports up to 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, making it much quicker to top up than previous Galaxy models.
The camera system remains extremely versatile with a 200MP main camera and two dedicated telephoto lenses. This year Samsung improved the optics of both the main camera and the 5X zoom camera, allowing them to capture more light and produce cleaner images in challenging lighting conditions.
Another interesting addition is the Privacy Display, a built-in feature that narrows viewing angles so people around you cannot easily see your screen. It works similarly to a privacy screen protector but without degrading image quality when you view the display head-on.
Who's It For
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is ideal for Android users who want the most powerful and feature-packed smartphone available. It combines strong performance, an extremely capable camera system, excellent display quality and long software support.
It is also a great choice for people who like the S Pen, which remains unique among flagship phones and can be useful for note-taking, drawing and productivity tasks.
It is also a great choice for people who like the S Pen, which remains unique among flagship phones and can be useful for note-taking, drawing and productivity tasks.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If you prefer smaller phones, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feel too large and heavy for comfortable one-handed use. It is a big device with a nearly 7-inch display.
Price can also be a factor. The Ultra sits at the top of Samsung’s lineup and carries a premium price tag, so buyers on a tighter budget might want to consider more affordable alternatives further down this list.
Price can also be a factor. The Ultra sits at the top of Samsung’s lineup and carries a premium price tag, so buyers on a tighter budget might want to consider more affordable alternatives further down this list.
Best Value Flagship
Galaxy S25 FE
The Galaxy S25 FE comes with flagship specs but at a bargain price | Image by PhoneArena
Key Galaxy S25 FE specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED main screen, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 2400
- Cameras: 50MP main + 12MP ultra + 8MP 3X zoom, 12MP front
- Battery: 4,900 mAh, 45W charging
- Versions: 8/128GB, 8/256GB
- Galaxy S25 FE full specifications
Why I Picked It
Samsung's Galaxy S25 FE is the closest you come to a flagship experience at a mid-range price, and it's one of the best Samsung phones on a budget. This might not be the best phone to buy in 2026 overall, but it sure is a good cell phone for the price.
The S25 FE comes with a big, 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz fast refresh rate, it's got three cameras on the back including a capable 3X zoom camera, and the battery capacity at 4,900 mAh is very good.
Who's It For
If you're budget-oriented but don't want to compromise on the important things when getting a smartphone, the Galaxy S25 FE might be just what you're looking for.
Equipped with a top-notch Samsung processor, this affordable phone is almost as fast as the Galaxy S25 Plus, but it has a much lower retail price of $650 (and you can easily find it on sale for around $500).
Who Should Avoid This Phone
In fact, we had to really nit-pick to find the little differences between the S25 FE and the S25 Plus. The S25 FE has less RAM on board (8GB), but that is still enough for Galaxy AI features.
It uses an optical fingerprint reader rather than an ultrasonic one, its screen does not get quite as bright, charging is a bit slower and the zoom camera has slightly lower resolution. If these things are important to you, the S25 FE might not cut it.
It uses an optical fingerprint reader rather than an ultrasonic one, its screen does not get quite as bright, charging is a bit slower and the zoom camera has slightly lower resolution. If these things are important to you, the S25 FE might not cut it.
And if the price is still too high for you, check out our best sub-$500 pick further down this article or the dedicated Best budget and affordable phones pick.
Best Camera Phone
Galaxy S26 Ultra
The S25 Ultra gets a new 50MP ultra-wide camera with faster aperture
Key Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera specs:
- 200MP main camera, 23mm lens, f/1.7 aperture
- 50MP, 13mm, f/1.9 ultra-wide
- 10MP 3X zoom, f/2.4
- 50MP 5X zoom, f/3.4
- 12MP front camera
Why I Picked It
Samsung continues to refine one of the most flexible smartphone camera systems on the market.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra keeps the same sensor lineup but introduces improved optics for both the main camera and the 5X telephoto lens. The wider apertures allow more light to reach the sensors, improving image quality in low light and delivering cleaner zoom shots.
Having two dedicated telephoto cameras remains a big advantage. With both a 3X and a 5X zoom lens, the Ultra can capture sharp photos across a wide zoom range where many competitors struggle.
Video creators will also appreciate the improvements here. The phone now supports 4K recording at up to 120 fps in Pro Video mode, along with a new APV (Advanced Professional Video) format that preserves more detail and color information for editing later.
Combined with Samsung’s improved processing and strong stabilization, the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains one of the most capable camera phones you can buy.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra keeps the same sensor lineup but introduces improved optics for both the main camera and the 5X telephoto lens. The wider apertures allow more light to reach the sensors, improving image quality in low light and delivering cleaner zoom shots.
Having two dedicated telephoto cameras remains a big advantage. With both a 3X and a 5X zoom lens, the Ultra can capture sharp photos across a wide zoom range where many competitors struggle.
Combined with Samsung’s improved processing and strong stabilization, the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains one of the most capable camera phones you can buy.
Who's It For
Photography enthusiasts who want maximum flexibility from a smartphone camera system will appreciate the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The combination of high-resolution sensors, multiple zoom cameras and advanced video tools makes it suitable for everything from portraits and wildlife shots to professional-style video recording.
The combination of high-resolution sensors, multiple zoom cameras and advanced video tools makes it suitable for everything from portraits and wildlife shots to professional-style video recording.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If photography is not a priority for you, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera system might be more than you need. Many other flagship phones can deliver excellent photos with simpler camera setups at a lower price.
Best Foldable Phone
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Samsung's latest foldable flagship ticks all the boxes | Image by PhoneArena
Key Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs:
- Displays: 8.0-inch main screen + 6.5-inch front screen
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Cameras: 200MP main + 12MP ultra + 10MP 3X zoom
- Battery: 4,400 mAh, 25W charging
- Versions: 12/256GB, 12/512GB
- Galaxy Z Fold 7 full specifications
Why I Picked It
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 takes the lead as the best foldable in 2026 as it's such a huge leap with an extremely slim body, yet a sturdy hinge and a reassuring durability.
I also love the extra-large 8-inch main screen and the sleeker design. It's one of the thinnest phones in existence and it's a massive improvement from the first generations. Plus, you now get a much wider and actually usable cover screen. Nice!
I also appreciate the latest One UI software, fast performance and the overall refinement with the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Who's It For
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 marks an important milestone in foldable phone evolution. If you want to dip your toes into the foldable experience, the Fold 7 is the one to go with its protection from the elements and a super sturdy hinge.
Being a Samsung phone, it will get major OS updates for seven long years.
Being a Samsung phone, it will get major OS updates for seven long years.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If you're not sure about folding phones, you should know that they are still more fragile than traditional phones. You might be better off with a regular flagship in that case.
Best Flip Phone
Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)
Key Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) specs:
- Display: 7.0-inch OLED main screen (22:9), 4.0-inch front screen
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Cameras: 50MP main + 50MP ultra, 50MP front
- Battery: 4,700mAh, 68W wired charging, 30W wireless
- Versions: 16/512GB
- Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) full specifications
Why I Picked It?
Samsung used to be the only company making modern flip phones, but its comfort was disturbed by challenger Motorola.
And the new Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) takes flip phones to the next level with a more spacious outer screen than the Galaxy Flip 6, as well as a much faster processor and a bigger battery.
It's also notable how Motorola makes stylish and beautiful devices, while Samsung in the past few years has settled for safe and somewhat boring designs.
The new Razr even has an improved camera, almost matching the one on the Galaxy (it's still a bit behind, but not by much). Learn everything about the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) vs Galaxy Z Flip 6 differences here. Don't forget to check out this separate breakdown of all the rest best flip phones on the market.
Who's It For
The design is tried and tested and now returning with a futuristic twist, so if this form factor appeals to you, there's no going wrong with the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025).
Who Should Avoid This Phone
There's one reason to shy away from the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025). Generally speaking it's the form factor. If you prefer the conventional candy bar phone or want a big, book-like foldable that unfolds into a tablet, you should skip the Razr.
Best Phone Under $500
Google Pixel 10a
Key Pixel 9a specs:
- Display: 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G4
- Cameras: 48MP main + 13MP ultra, 13MP front-facing
- Battery: 5,100 mAh, 30W wired, 10W wireless charging
- Versions: 8/128GB, 8/256GB
Why I Picked It
The Pixel A series continues to be one of the easiest budget phones to recommend, and the Pixel 10a keeps that tradition alive.
It retains the same excellent camera system as its predecessor and pairs it with Google’s Tensor G4 chip, which is designed with AI features in mind. That means you get many of the same useful tools found on more expensive Pixel models.
The phone also gets a small but meaningful upgrade in charging speeds. Wired charging now reaches 30W, allowing the Pixel 10a to reach roughly 50% in around 30 minutes with Google’s recommended charger.
Google also improved the display brightness this year, pushing peak brightness up to around 3,000 nits, which makes the screen easier to read outdoors.
The phone also gets a small but meaningful upgrade in charging speeds. Wired charging now reaches 30W, allowing the Pixel 10a to reach roughly 50% in around 30 minutes with Google’s recommended charger.
Google also improved the display brightness this year, pushing peak brightness up to around 3,000 nits, which makes the screen easier to read outdoors.
Who's It For
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If you want top-tier gaming performance or premium build materials, the Pixel 10a might not be the best fit. While it is a very capable mid-range device, it cannot match the raw power and premium hardware of flagship phones.
Best Phone for Battery Life
iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max wins another category! | Image by PhoneArena
Key iPhone 17 Pro Max battery specs:
- Battery: 5,088 mAh for eSIM model, 4,823 mAh for physical SIM model
- Charging: 40W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless
Why I Picked It
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is not only one of the best flagship phones of the year, but it also has one specific advantage. I suspected the iPhone 17 Pro Max would have longer battery life when I first saw the bigger battery capacity, but it beat my expectations and also scored very high in the PhoneArena battery score.
The 17 Pro Max scored above 20 hours on our web browsing test, nearly 10 hours of non-stop YouTube video streaming and a very high 11 hour and a half score for gaming.
Based on these tests, the estimated screen time lands at around 8 hours for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Who's It For
The iPhone 17 Pro Max already won the "Best iPhone" category, so everything we said applies here as well. It's the perfect flagship for iOS users and people inside the Apple ecosystem. But even if you don't have many Apple gadgets, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will give you that solid battery life to get you through the day easily with plenty to spare.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
The charging situation has also improved a lot with the 17 Pro Max, so this is no longer a downside.
However, if you want the fastest charging or biggest battery there are a bunch of upcoming phones. In the US, the OnePlus 13 is still the fastest charing phone, topping up fullyin about 45 minutes. You should also check out the Fastest charging phones article for more information and a deep dive.
Best Small and Light Phone
iPhone Air
The iPhone Air smaller than a Pro Max and incredibly thin and light | Image by PhoneArena
Key iPhone Air specs:
- Display: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Apple A19 Pro
- Cameras: 48MP main, 18MP front Center Stage cam
- Battery: 3,150 mAh, 20W charging wired + MagSafe
- Versions: 12/256GB, 12/512GB, 12GB RAM + 1TB storage
- iPhone Air full specifications
Why I Picked It?
The definition for what goes as a small and light phone seems to change almost every year as phones get bigger and bigger.
The iPhone Air is not exactly tiny, but it is incredibly thin and lightweight. This is no iPhone mini, but because of the light weight it has the feeling of a mini phone.
And let's be real: the time of the 5.4-inch screens of the iPhone mini are not coming back.
So in the current modern smartphone world, I pick the iPhone Air as the best balance of small, thin and light.
The iPhone Air is also a powerful thing, equipped with the A19 Pro chip and a bright and beautiful 6.5-inch display.
Who's It For
People who prefer fashionable and light phones will love the iPhone Air. The tides have shifted in 2026 and you can no longer find sub-6 inch phones, but the iPhone Air is one of the flagships that have defined the new compact norm.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If you want a very small phone, the iPhone Air is not it. You can get the Galaxy S25 which has a much smaller footprint, or the base iPhone 17.
Best AI Features
Pixel 10 Pro XL
The Pixel 10 Pro XL comes with all the AI magic Google has to offer | Image by PhoneArena
Key Pixel 10 Pro XL specs:
- Display: 6.8-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G5
- Cameras: 50MP main + 48MP ultra + 48MP 5X Zoom, 42MP front-facing
- Battery: 5,200 mAh, 45W charging
- Versions: 16/256GB, 16/512GB, 16GB RAM + 1TB storage
- Pixel 10 Pro XL full specifications
Why I Picked It
Google is at the forefront when it comes to AI, and this year AI is a hot topic. Pixel phones have the innate advantage (much like iPhones) to share hardware and software - in this case Google takes care of it all.
This comes with many advantages, but in terms of software and AI in particular, the Pixel 10 Pro XL excels over its competitors with some AI features tailored specifically for Pixel phones.
From the Pixel Studio app that's an AI-powered image lab, to the call screening and translation options, to Magic Cue everything is neatly integrated into Pixel 10 Pro XL's UI. Of course, you also have Gemini, Google's own AI agent, and even though other Android phones rely on the same LLM, Pixel phones feel the most advanced in that area.
Who's It For
Android fans that enjoy all the new and wonderful AI tools and features integrated into their daily smartphone experience will feel right at home with the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google keeps on updating Gemini's capabilities, so if you opt for the Pixel, there won't be a dull moment for years and years to come.
Gemini and Google aren't the only AI game in town. If you prefer Galaxy AI or you're an iPhone user waiting for Apple Intelligence to catch up, the Pixel 10 Pro XL might not cut it for you.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
Gemini and Google aren't the only AI game in town. If you prefer Galaxy AI or you're an iPhone user waiting for Apple Intelligence to catch up, the Pixel 10 Pro XL might not cut it for you.
FAQ
What is the best phone in 2026?
This is a million-dollar question. "Best" can be subjective, and it also depends on your personal preferences – whether you value a great camera system over battery life, for example, or the brightest display over the fastest processor.
If you want the best overall smartphone experience, it is hard to go wrong with either the iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Both phones represent the very best from the iOS and Android ecosystems.
If you want the best overall smartphone experience, it is hard to go wrong with either the iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Both phones represent the very best from the iOS and Android ecosystems.
iPhone or Android - Which is better in 2026?
Both iPhones and Android devices offer great smartphone experiences. It's really hard to say which of these two platforms is "better", as the final choice might be down to personal needs and preferences.
If you're deep into the Apple ecosystem and have various devices such as iPads, MacBooks, and AirPods, going down the iPhone route could offer a polished, secure and seamless experience.
If you're deep into the Apple ecosystem and have various devices such as iPads, MacBooks, and AirPods, going down the iPhone route could offer a polished, secure and seamless experience.
Android phones, on the other hand, are more customizable, and you also have a wider range of options, including dedicated gaming phones and foldable devices.
What features matter most in a phone camera?
There are a lot of variables when we talk about smartphone photography and smartphone cameras, in particular.
In the era of post-processing algorithms and AI, things are even more difficult, but hardware features such as sensor size, pixel size, aperture, and lens quality still matter quite a lot.
Megapixel count can also contribute to the quality of the image, but you shouldn't focus too much on that particular number.
In the era of post-processing algorithms and AI, things are even more difficult, but hardware features such as sensor size, pixel size, aperture, and lens quality still matter quite a lot.
Megapixel count can also contribute to the quality of the image, but you shouldn't focus too much on that particular number.
How can I tell if a phone has good battery life?
Normally, the battery capacity is a good indicator of the overall battery life of a smartphone. This equation is a complex one, and there are a lot of variables in it, but in terms of battery life, more is always better.
Battery technology is evolving all the time, and now we are starting to see phones with 6,000 mAh and even 7,000 mAh batteries. But generally speaking, you should aim at 5,000 mAh or more, and that will almost certainly guarantee you one full day of use.
Battery technology is evolving all the time, and now we are starting to see phones with 6,000 mAh and even 7,000 mAh batteries. But generally speaking, you should aim at 5,000 mAh or more, and that will almost certainly guarantee you one full day of use.
Which phones have the best AI tools in 2026?
AI is a big topic not only on the smartphone scene but in the world in general. Most modern flagship phones, as well as some midrange models, have some sort of an AI system on board.
Samsung launched Galaxy AI in January 2024, and since then, the system has been evolving steadily, offering interesting tools and features. Currently, all the latest Galaxy phones from the S-series are a great choice, and if you want to save some money but still try out the AI on a Samsung phone, there's the lite version called Awesome Intelligence, available on Galaxy A-series phones.
Google Pixel phones are also at the forefront of AI development, both with integrated tools and also with Google's own AI agent – Gemini. Opting for a Pixel also guarantees you seven years of software updates and many more new AI features in the years to come.
Finally, Apple has its own AI system called Apple Intelligence, and even though it's still not on par with what Google and Samsung are offering, we're positive that it will eventually get there. So, if you're in the iPhone camp, getting one of the latest flagships is a good choice.
Samsung launched Galaxy AI in January 2024, and since then, the system has been evolving steadily, offering interesting tools and features. Currently, all the latest Galaxy phones from the S-series are a great choice, and if you want to save some money but still try out the AI on a Samsung phone, there's the lite version called Awesome Intelligence, available on Galaxy A-series phones.
Google Pixel phones are also at the forefront of AI development, both with integrated tools and also with Google's own AI agent – Gemini. Opting for a Pixel also guarantees you seven years of software updates and many more new AI features in the years to come.
Finally, Apple has its own AI system called Apple Intelligence, and even though it's still not on par with what Google and Samsung are offering, we're positive that it will eventually get there. So, if you're in the iPhone camp, getting one of the latest flagships is a good choice.
How often should I upgrade my smartphone?
Statistics show that most people upgrade their smartphones every 2 to 3 years. However, this is another case of personal preference, and with the push from various companies to offer longer software update cycles, you can easily extend that period to 4 or 5 years.
Google started offering 7 years of major OS updates with the Pixel 8 series, and Samsung followed suit shortly after. Apple, on the other hand, has always supported its models for quite a long time – 5 to 6 years – so if you want software longevity, there are a lot of options in 2026.
Google started offering 7 years of major OS updates with the Pixel 8 series, and Samsung followed suit shortly after. Apple, on the other hand, has always supported its models for quite a long time – 5 to 6 years – so if you want software longevity, there are a lot of options in 2026.
What to Consider When Choosing a Phone in 2026?
This is another of those questions that beg the answer, "It depends." Different aspects of the smartphone experience have different importance. But we can outline some important areas that are key.
Battery life is important to be able to go through a day of heavy use without battery anxiety and looking for a charger all the time. A fast and snappy processor can help you get everything done quickly and enjoy a smooth smartphone experience.
Battery life is important to be able to go through a day of heavy use without battery anxiety and looking for a charger all the time. A fast and snappy processor can help you get everything done quickly and enjoy a smooth smartphone experience.
The camera system is also very important, so be sure to see what specific camera the phone you're aiming for comes with and what the image and video quality is.
Last but not least, display quality is also paramount, and even though most phones have great displays nowadays, things like peak brightness and display refresh rate can further enhance your viewing experience.
Finally, the price is also a limiting factor, and you should always weigh everything above versus the price you're going to pay and if it's worth it.
Finally, the price is also a limiting factor, and you should always weigh everything above versus the price you're going to pay and if it's worth it.
How PhoneArena tests phones
I've included the most important results from PhoneArena's in-house benchmarks next to each phone in this ranking. Here is what you should know about these numbers: first, the PhoneArena Review Rating accounts for a dozen different categories, ranked by importance (so battery life has more weight in the final score than other categories like design).
The numbers here are on а 0 to 10 scale, with the best 2026 phones scoring around the 7.5 to 8 mark.
As a reader, you might be wondering: "why such a low score for the top rated smartphones currently around, and don't they deserve a nine or even ten out of ten?". This is a peculiarity of the new and revised review rating system, as it looks further into the future.
This way, a phone might score a nine out of ten in a few years, and then you will be able to see the exact evolution and improvements in a much clearer way. Just remember that the best way to interpret the score of a particular phone in this system is in comparison with others in its class, rather than relying on the number alone to guide you.
Second, we have the PhoneArena Battery Score, which aims to give you an approximate number for screen time use. It is calculated based on scores from our web browsing, video streaming and 3D gaming tests. Anything above 7 hours is considered very good here, while a score of around 5 to 6 hours is typical for smaller phones.
Third and last, we have the PhoneArena Camera Score, our comprehensive camera benchmark that looks at each camera separately, assigning scores for both photo and video performance, and averaging them for the final score. The maximum possible score is 200 points, and the best camera phones currently hover around the 150-160 mark.
Found Your Perfect Phone?
There you have it! The best phones you can get in 2026, neatly arranged and organized by category and use case. If you want the best iPhone, there's the iPhone 17 Pro Max waiting for you. If you're in the Android camp, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will not only get the job done but also do it with flying colors.
There are compact choices for people who prefer smaller phones – both the Galaxy S25 and the iPhone Air are true flagships with a small footprint. And if you want to hop on the foldable train, there are options as well – the rebooted Razr lineup offers a slew of flip models to choose from, with the best one currently being the Razr Ultra (2025).
On the folding front the competition is also heating up; Samsung still holds a big market share and the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a huge improvement.
There are compact choices for people who prefer smaller phones – both the Galaxy S25 and the iPhone Air are true flagships with a small footprint. And if you want to hop on the foldable train, there are options as well – the rebooted Razr lineup offers a slew of flip models to choose from, with the best one currently being the Razr Ultra (2025).
On the folding front the competition is also heating up; Samsung still holds a big market share and the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a huge improvement.
The affordable smartphone scene has never been so crowded, but we managed to nominate a favorite – the Google Pixel 9a, featuring most of the flagship specs and features at a very good price.
Be sure to check this piece on a regular basis, as I'll be updating the list and adding new phones on a regular basis. Exciting times ahead!
Follow us on Google News
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: