We start 2026 with the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max at the top spot as our best phone overall. Last year, Apple pushed the iconic iPhone design in bold new directions and introduced a 48MP triple-camera system that set a new high-water mark for mobile photography, redefining what we expected from a flagship. Now it’s time for the Android world to deliver.
The competition has never been closer. Our phone experts have rigorously tested the latest contenders, from powerhouse Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, fresh out this year, to last year’s Google Pixel 10 Pro and its AI-powered brilliance and refined engineering of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7.
This guide is the result of thousands of hours of hands-on testing. We don’t just run benchmarks; we live with these devices. We use them as our primary work phones, shoot hundreds of real-world photos, and push their batteries until they drop.
The best iPhone
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Buy it if
✅ You want the best iPhone ever made: This is the pinnacle of Apple’s engineering, offering the biggest screen, best battery life, and most powerful internals.
✅ You want pro-level photography: Between the three 48MP sensors and the new 8x optical-quality zoom, this phone produces some of the best photos I have ever seen from a smartphone.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want an affordable flagship: The Pro Max remains at the top of the price bracket. If you want a more budget-friendly option, you might consider the standard iPhone 17.
❌ You prefer a more compact device: At 6.9 inches, this is a massive phone. The iPhone 17 Pro offers almost all the same features in a smaller, more pocketable frame.
The bottom line
📱 The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the ultimate smartphone for those who want it all. With its bold new design, the incredibly powerful A19 Pro chip, and a camera system that redefined my expectations for mobile photography, it is a powerful, durable, and stylish beast. ★★★★½
Design: This year’s iPhone 17 Pro Max features a fresh redesign with new materials and a broad, bold camera plateau that adds a distinctive flair. The unibody chassis is carved out of aluminum, allowing for the striking new Cosmic Orange finish. Because Apple has radically cut down on edges, the phone feels incredibly comfortable to hold, and the switch to aluminum provides useful heat-management benefits.
Display: The expansive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is brighter than ever, now ranging up to 3,000 nits. In my tests, it is significantly more visible in direct sunlight, an effect assisted by a new anti-reflective coating. With its narrow bezels and butter-smooth ProMotion technology, everything from photos to games looks fantastic on this giant canvas.
Camera: This is undoubtedly Apple’s best camera array yet. There are now finally three 48MP lenses on the rear, including a new 48MP 4x optical zoom lens that offers access to a stunning 8x sensor-crop zoom. The new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera is a game-changer, automatically widening the frame for group shots and allowing you to rotate the frame into landscape mode via software. Whether you’re shooting night photography or professional-grade 4K 120fps video, the results are eye-popping.
Performance: The new A19 Pro chip, supported by 12GB of RAM, raises the bar for smartphone power. It ably handles 4K video editing and AAA console-level gaming with equal aplomb. What’s more remarkable is the new vapor-chamber heat management system, which keeps the phone relatively cool to the touch even during heavy workloads, helping the system maintain peak performance.
Battery life: The iPhone 17 Pro Max combines power and efficiency with a larger battery to provide incredible longevity. In my experience, I went over 30 hours before needing a charge. Wired charging is also faster this year, reaching a 50% charge in just 20 minutes with a compatible high-wattage adapter.
Value for money: While it’s a true pro-level smartphone with a price tag to match, Apple has held the line on pricing, starting at the same $1,199 as the previous model. Given the significant upgrades to the camera system, design, and performance, the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers more value than ever for creative professionals and power users.
Read our full iPhone 17 Pro Max review
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Value |
More power, fresh design and better camera while holding the line on price. |
4 / 5 |
|
Design |
New look, materials, and color while still undeniably iPhone. |
5 / 5 |
|
Display |
Apple holds the line on its display technology but enhances it just enough with a brighter and more resilient screen. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Software |
iOS 26 brings Liquid Glass to virtually every corner of the iPhone with mostly positive results. We could do with some less translucency in a few spots. Apple Intelligence improves but we await the full-boat Siri experience. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Camera |
Three fantastic cameras produce eye-popping images across a range of shooting styles. Happiness is the new 4x/8x zoom lens. |
5 / 5 |
|
Performance |
Apple’s A19 Pro chip is fast and effective in every scenario. It may be especially adept at local AI operations. The new heat management system helps keep the system relatively cool to the touch. |
5 / 5 |
|
Battery |
Anecdotal battery tests provided 30-hours plus of battery but lab tests are lower. |
4.5 / 5 |
The best Android
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Buy it if
✅ You want the best battery life ever: This phone isn’t just a leader; it’s practically in its own category, lasting through entire weekends on a single charge.
✅ You need extreme durability: This is the only flagship phone certified to survive high-temperature water jets and heavy-duty use.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need a carrier payment plan: You’ll likely need to buy this phone upfront or through the manufacturer, as it isn’t sold through major carrier contracts.
❌ You rely on built-in magnets: There are no magnets built into the chassis for MagSafe-style accessories, though you can easily add this functionality with a OnePlus case.
The bottom line
📱 The OnePlus 15 is a perfect smartphone. It demolishes expectations with its three-day battery life, console-quality gaming performance, and incredible durability. It isn’t just a step down from more expensive flagships – it’s the phone they are trying to keep up with. ★★★★★
Design: The OnePlus 15 features a refined, precisely machined design that prioritizes durability without the bulk of a “rugged” phone. It is remarkably svelte, being only a hair thicker than an iPhone 17 despite housing a massive battery. The new design is “Jurassic tough,” certified to survive intense, high-temperature water sprays and drops that would shatter lesser devices.
Display: This 6.78-inch LTPO OLED screen is a marvel, especially for gamers. While it offers a smooth 1-120Hz refresh rate for everyday tasks, it can push to a staggering 165Hz in gaming mode. It features the most consistent and quick fingerprint scanner I’ve used on a phone this year, rivaling the speed of Apple’s FaceID.
Camera: For hundreds less than its “Ultra” competitors, you get a versatile triple 50MP camera array, including a high-quality 3.5x optical zoom lens. It is particularly impressive for action photography; the combination of zoom and its high-speed shutter captures fast-moving subjects—like a football in mid-air—with incredible clarity even in challenging light.
Performance: As one of the first devices featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the OnePlus 15 is a benchmark champion. It puts that power to practical use in mobile gaming, where titles like Call of Duty look and play like current-gen console games with flawless frame rates. Everyday tasks feel instantaneous thanks to the polished OxygenOS 16.
Battery life: The battery life is so good you’ll swear I’m exaggerating. The massive 7,300mAh cell lasted nearly three full days in my real-world testing. When you finally do need to charge, the included 80W charger (up to 100W in some regions) can take you to an 80% charge in just 30 minutes. It even supports 50W wireless charging, which is faster than most flagship wired connections.
Value for money: The OnePlus 15 is a “flagship killer” in every sense. It offers the performance and battery of a $1,300+ phone for a starting price of $899. While it isn’t sold in carrier stores, its top-tier specs and build quality make it a much better deal than almost any other high-end phone on the market.
Read our full OnePlus 15 review
|
Value |
Priced less than competitors’ Pro and Ultra models, with features that blow those flagships out of the water. I wish it were available on a payment plan, but it’s a fantastic value nonetheless. |
5/5 |
|
Design |
A more refined design gives up flashy colors and a ginormous camera bump for extreme durability and classy looks. It’s astonishing OnePlus got so much tech into this phone, especially the huge battery. |
5/5 |
|
Display |
Excellent display is bright and colorful, and capable of extreme gaming performance with the right titles. It can refresh up to 120Hz, or up to 165Hz on select games, and you can really see the difference when you play. |
5/5 |
|
Software |
Smooth and polished version of Android 16 in Oxygen OS, with plenty of useful customization options and features, and just the right touch of AI (that you can also ignore). This phone also has 4 years of updates on the way. |
5/5 |
|
Cameras |
Excellent camera quality beats anything at this price range and aims to be one of the best camera phones you can buy. For action shots and detailed zoom photos, the OnePlus might be the best choice, but all of my pics looked good and there are camera modes I still want to try. |
5/5 |
|
Performance |
Top notch performance makes this phone a benchmark champ, and OnePlus puts all of that power to use in fantastic gaming. Max out the graphics on your favorite title, this phone can defeat whatever monsters you throw its way. |
5/5 |
|
Battery |
Unbelievable battery life thanks to a massive cell hidden inside the svelte design. This phone beats everything by hours and hours – it lasted almost three days in my real world testing. Also it charges super fast, if you ever need to charge it. |
5/5 |
The best iPhone cameras
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Buy it if
✅ You want the best cameras in a smaller size: You get the same triple 48MP array and 8x sensor-crop zoom as the Pro Max without the extra bulk.
✅ You are a selfie enthusiast: The Center Stage Camera’s ability to fit groups automatically and switch to landscape mode is brilliant.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want the absolute maximum screen space: If you prefer a 6.9-inch canvas for movies and games, the Pro Max is still the king.
❌ You need more than 1TB of storage: The Pro Max is the only model that offers the massive 2TB storage tier.
The bottom line
📱 The iPhone 17 Pro is the “Pro for less,” delivering Apple’s most powerful camera array, a brilliant 3,000-nit screen, and the lightning-fast A19 Pro chip in a stylish, pocketable design. It’s a photography powerhouse that never fails to impress. ★★★★½
Design: The iPhone 17 Pro features a bold, nearly full-width camera plateau and a new aluminum unibody design. This switch from titanium allows for striking new colors like Deep Blue and Cosmic Orange. The aluminum body is carved with smoother corners, making the 6.3-inch device feel incredibly comfortable and secure in your hand.
Display: The Super Retina XDR display is sharper and more resilient than ever. It now hits a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, which, combined with a new anti-reflective coating, makes it easy to view even in direct, harsh sunlight. ProMotion technology keeps everything from scrolling to AAA gaming butter-smooth with its 120Hz refresh rate.
Camera: This is the best camera array Apple has ever produced. For the first time, all three rear lenses feature 48MP sensors: A versatile 48MP (f/1.78) lens with a 2x optical sensor crop. A 48MP (f/2.2) lens that shoots stunning 24MP wide shots and 12MP macros. A 48MP (4x optical) lens that can achieve an incredible 8x optical sensor crop.
Performance: Powered by the A19 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM, the iPhone 17 Pro is a “little powerhouse.” It features a new vapor chamber heat-management system that wicks heat away from the processor, allowing it to maintain peak performance during intense tasks like 4K video editing or console-grade gaming.
Battery life: Despite its smaller size, the iPhone 17 Pro offers the best battery life ever seen on a base Pro model, lasting between 25 and 30 hours in my testing. This is thanks to a larger physical battery and the energy efficiency of the A19 Pro chip. It also supports faster wired charging, reaching 50% in just 20 minutes with a compatible adapter.
Value for money: Starting at $1,099, the iPhone 17 Pro offers the exact same camera system and processor as the larger Pro Max. It is a “better phone in virtually every way for the same price as last year,” providing professional-grade tools in a more affordable and manageable package.
Read our full iPhone 17 Pro review
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Value |
A better phone in virtually every way for the same price as last year. |
5 / 5 |
|
Design |
A refreshed design that also brings some performance dividends. |
5 / 5 |
|
Display |
Display technology slightly better thanks to more brightness and a tougher screen. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Software |
iOS 26 is gorgeous but sometimes a bit overdone. Still the overall software package, even without the ultimate Siri Apple Intelligence upgrade, is excellent. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Camera |
The best camera array Apple has ever produced. |
5 / 5 |
|
Performance |
A19 Pro is powerful and backed by more memory than ever. It’s ready for any task. |
5 / 5 |
|
Battery |
A bigger battery means 30 hours of operation is possible. |
4.5 / 5 |
The best Android cameras
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Buy it if
✅ You want more than just a smartphone: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is packed with features, meaning it can be a form of laptop replacement, a notepad and pen, and an entire camera bag.
✅ You want to feel the future: The phone’s AI features keep improving and getting better, and now there’s the smart new Privacy Display.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You already have a Galaxy S25 Ultra: The upgrades the S26 Ultra offers are iterative so don’t make it a big enough upgrade to jump to.
❌ You want a simple phone: Samsung software can be a bit of a love it or hate it situation, with a huge amount of features to navigate. For people who want a simpler experience, a Pixel phone might be the way to go.
The bottom line
📱 Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra is one of the most feature-packed Android phones around, but while that might be overkill for some people, the flagship phone shines with its camera suite. The quartet of rear cameras and their features, plus AI tools, make for a system that’s flexible, powerful and a serious tool for people keen to get the most photography chops out of a phone. ★★★★½
Iteration might be the name of the game with the latest flagship Galaxy phone, but the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra takes a winning formula and refines it even further. It’s one of the most powerful, capable, and feature-packed phones you can buy today. A champion in many areas, it stands out as offering the best suite of cameras on any Android phone and perhaps any smartphone overall.
Design: The Galaxy S26 Ultra sports a slightly more rounded design than its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which makes it nicer to hold in one hand. Titanium is ditched in favor of the lighter, but still tough, Armor Aluminum. You’ll still find a selection of attractive if muted color options, and the inclusion of an S Pen and port to store it.
Display: The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a sharp 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with bold colors and a refresh rate that goes from 1Hz to 120Hz. But the biggest innovation here is the new Privacy Display that can switch off pixels in the screen to limit what can be see on the display if you’re not looking at it directly. This can keep snoopers at bay, and can be customized to work on specific features, such as notifications, than just the while display. Expect others to copy this flagship feature from Samsung.
Cameras: The biggest selling point of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is its quad-rear camera array that offers two optical zoom range options, a sharp ultra-wide camera, and a 200MP main camera. While this is the same setup as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, wider apertures on the main camera and 5x telephoto camera allow for better low-light photography and video capture. Improvements on the software side and AI features means the already excellent cameras of the Ultra phones are even better.
Performance: With the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is more powerful than ever. That power boost might not be noticeable for all but the most die-hard of users. But our Future Labs testing the Galaxy S26 Ultra basically matches and beats the iPhone 17 Pro Max in Geekbench 6.5, with a single-core score of 3,766 and a multi-core score of 11,537 to the flagship iPhone’s respective scores of 3,871 and 9,829. So with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, you can rest assured you’re getting a lot of performance.
Battery: In our battery rundown testing, the Galaxy S26 Ultra lasted a massive 16 hours and 10 minutes. That’s not quite as long as the 17 hours plus of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but the Ultra phone has a bigger screen to power, and its battery life is more than enough to get your through a day of heavy use with some juice left in the tank. Charging is fast, with it being able to hit 77% in 30 minutes in or testing.
Value: With the same starting price as its predecessor that Galaxy S26 Ultra is arguably solid value for a flagship phone that’s packed with features and an innovative display. It’s far from cheap and not a slam-dunk of an upgrade if you have the S25 Ultra. But for people looking to upgrade from older phones or who want one of the best Android phones with the best camera array, the Galaxy S26 Ultra justified its price tag.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review
|
Value |
Keeping the same price while increasing capabilities, speed, and photo quality is always a good thing. It’s a pricey flagship but I think the inclusion of the S Pen makes it a better value than most. |
4.5/5 |
|
Design |
If you liked the design of the last Ultra, you should appreciate this incremental update that slims the phone down, makes it lighter and just a little bit softer around the edges. The new colors are a bonus, too. |
5/5 |
|
Display |
It’s a fantastic 6.9-inch AMOLED that makes every image pop. Plus it has that fast and buttery-smooth 120hz refresh rate. The marquee update, though is Privacy Display, a one-of-a-kind innovation that actually does what it promises |
5/5 |
|
Cameras |
While this is essentially the same set of cameras as with the S25 Ultra, Samsung has upgraded the aperture on a couple of key lenses, thereby effectively upgrading light-capturing capabilities and we have a selfie camera that can fit more friends and family in the frame. Photos taken with all the lenses are excellent and Super Steady with horizontal lock is shockingly effective. |
5/5 |
|
Software and AI |
Samsung has stuffed the Galaxy S26 Ultra full of AI possibilities to the extent that the options can be overwhelming. You can use the powerful Gemini, the photo and creativity-enhancing Galaxy AI, the phone system-knowledgeable Bixby, or its new partner Perplexity. Each lets you do many AI-infused wonderful things (though some things don’t always work as anticipated). Some consolidation is in order. At least OneUI 8.5 feels more consistent and useful than ever. The Now Brief is a useful widget, but I remain unmoved by Now Nudge and Now Bar. |
4.5/5 |
|
Performance |
The S26 Ultra’s Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 8 Elite 5 for Galaxy is more powerful and efficient than ever. It’s hard to find a task it can’t handle. |
5/5 |
|
Battery |
Fantastic battery life; days if you keep settings to a mid-range resolution. |
5/5 |
The best Android for AI
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Buy it if
✅ You want the most helpful AI on a phone: From screening calls to translating conversations in your own voice, the Pixel 10 Pro is a productivity beast.
✅ You take a lot of photos at night: Google’s Night Sight remains the gold standard, making nighttime photos look as clear as day.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You are a hardcore competitive gamer: The Tensor G5 chip lags behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite found in other Android flagships for high-intensity gaming.
❌ You want the fastest possible charging: While the magnets are convenient, the 30W wired charging is slower than what you’ll find on the OnePlus 15.
The bottom line
📱 The Google Pixel 10 Pro is a “software powerhouse” that delivers the most refined and helpful AI experience on the market. With its stunning 2,500-nit display, magnetic charging convenience, and “Samsung-beating software,” it’s the best choice for anyone who wants their phone to work harder for them. ★★★★
Design: The Pixel 10 Pro features a polished, premium design with edges that feel more refined and tightly aligned than ever before. A major highlight this year is Pixelsnap, a built-in magnetic system that makes the phone compatible with a huge ecosystem of MagSafe chargers, wallets, and battery packs. It’s a simple, “unfussy” design that prioritizes ease of use over excessive buttons.
Display: Google’s Super Actua display is a standout feature, reaching a staggering 2,500 nits in laboratory testing—crushing the competition from both Samsung and Apple. This 6.3-inch screen is technically sharper than even the Pro XL model, offering incredible detail and colors that pop even when you are using the camera in direct, bright sunlight.
AI and Software: This is the primary reason to buy a Pixel. The new Magic Cue tool quietly works in the background, scanning your messages and calendar to offer helpful buttons for restaurant reservations or contact info exactly when you need them.
Camera: The Pixel 10 Pro may be the best camera phone you can buy, especially for night photography. In side-by-side tests against the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Pixel produced shots with “more visibility, sharper focus, and better colors at night.”
Performance: The Google Tensor G5 chipset is designed specifically to power the phone’s advanced AI features. While it may not be the fastest chip for hardcore gaming, it handles the “Material 3 Expressive” interface and local AI operations with “race car” speed. With 16GB of RAM, the Pixel 10 Pro has plenty of headroom for future AI updates and complex multitasking.
Battery life: The Pixel 10 Pro comfortably lasts through a full day of standard use. While the Tensor chip is power-hungry, the addition of Pixelsnap magnetic charging makes it easier than ever to keep the phone topped up using a variety of convenient magnetic stands and portable battery packs.
|
Value |
A more refined and interesting phone than similar flagships like the iPhone 16 Pro or Galaxy S25 Plus, but there is plenty of scope for Google to offer more (or drop the price for the holidays). |
4/5 |
|
Design |
Excellent design refines the Pixel look even further, with great materials and color options that are classy and durable. No need to change anything here; the Pixel was already a great-looking phone. |
4/5 |
|
Display |
The Pixel 10 Pro’s standout feature. Google’s phone displays are always a knockout, and this screen is brighter and more sharp than any other display I’ve seen (and I’ve seen them all). |
5/5 |
|
Software |
A mix of useful new tools and questionable AI additions. The Pro model is worth the upgrade, thanks to AI features you won’t find on cheaper Pixel phones, but some new features like Magic Cue didn’t work the way Google promised. |
5/5 |
|
Cameras |
Some of the best camera you can buy on a smartphone, with unique AI tools and helpers. The AI goes too far sometimes, but the end results are more impressive than what your friends are shooting. |
5/5 |
|
Performance |
Lackluster performance from the Tensor G5 chip. Most features run fast enough, but I found lag in the camera between shots, and the chipset wasn’t as fast or efficient as any other recent Android flagships. |
3/5 |
|
Battery |
Battery life was fine, but every other Android phone saw major gains with faster chips inside, while the Tensor-powered Pixel was left behind. Pixelsnap and magnetic charging help bridge the gap, and keep the phone charged enough to last you a day. |
3/5 |
The best foldable phone
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Buy it if
✅ You want the fastest foldable: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, which is the fastest and most efficient chipset we’ve tested.
✅ You want a foldable with real cameras: The Z Fold 7 packs the same 200MP sensor as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, one of our favorite camera phones. This is the best camera on any foldable phone, by far.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You have to pay rent this month: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the most expensive phone you can buy in most markets, and it costs more than a laptop… or a month’s rent.
❌ You love to draw and doodle: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 sadly loses its S Pen capabilities, making the Ultra the only phone for folks who love to draw and sign documents on the go.
The bottom line
📱 If you can swing the high price tag, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is more than just the best superphone you can buy, it truly is like carrying two devices hidden in one compact package. With the improved camera sensor and the new lighter, thinner design, Samsung has toppled most barriers to buying a big foldable, except for the cost. ★★★★½
Samsung slims down the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to nearly impossible thinness, making it one of the thinnest phones we’ve ever seen. It’s still a remarkable powerhouse, with an even better camera than before, but it costs more than ever as well.
Design: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 finally gets the design right, with a cover display that looks and feels like any other flagship smartphone, not the narrow look of Fold’s past. It’s so incredibly thin and lightweight that it feels like a normal phone when it’s closed – you almost forget it opens to an 8-inch tablet with as much room as an iPad mini.
Display: The displays on the Z Fold 7 are both top-notch. They are bright and colorful, and perfectly sharp for any task. If you’re worried about the crease on the inner display, don’t be. It’s unnoticeable when you are using the huge screen for browsing, games, or just as a viewfinder for the amazing new cameras.
Camera: Just like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Z Fold 7 has the Samsung ISOCELL HP2 200MP camera sensor inside, and it takes the best photos of any foldable phone we’ve seen. That big display is also great for Samsung’s advanced AI photo editing tools.
Performance: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor isn’t just the fastest chipset you’ll find in any smartphone today, it’s also incredibly efficient, and the Z Fold 7 has better battery life than you’d expect, along with top notch performance for the most advanced games and multitasking.
Battery life: The Z Fold 7 has a smaller battery than most phone’s this size, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor helps it sip juice slowly, and it had no trouble lasting a full day in our hands-on review time. Too bad it can’t charge faster.
Value for money: To justify the incredibly high price, Samung needed to create a phone like no other, with capabilities that no other foldable or flagship smartphone can match. It has mostly succeeded, but the price is still a big, tough pill to swallow.
Read our full Galaxy Z Fold 7 review
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
|
Value |
The most expensive foldable out there, but it might also be worth it |
4 / 5 |
|
Design |
Excellent, slim and light design that still feels elegant and solid. |
5 / 5 |
|
Display |
Two fantastic and now larger screens. The crease is almost gone, but so is support for an S Pen. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Performance |
Better than the best Qualcomm chip on other Androids, and the performance knocked our socks off. |
5 / 5 |
|
Software |
Android 16! One UI 8! So much AI. It may sound like a lot, but it’s a winning combination. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Cameras |
The 200MP sensor is a major upgrade, and overall photography is excellent. We would have liked a 5x optical zoom. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Battery |
Really good battery life |
4.5 / 5 |
The best bargain phone
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a smart smartphone for under $500: This is a proper AI phone for under $500, and one that offers offers some of the most compelling AI features in the current crop of phones.
✅ You want a durable phone that will last a while: With seven years of major Android OS and security updates, as well as a solid build quality, the Pixel 10a is designed to last.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want the best in phone design: While well built, the Pixel 10a is pretty uninspiring on the design side. This isn’t a deal-breaker but it’s not going to win any phone design awards in my opinion.
❌ You have a Pixel 9a: There aren’t enough upgrades over the Pixel 9a to justify upgrading to this phone.
The bottom line
📱The Google Pixel 10a is the latest A-series phone from Google, and that means it offers strong phone photography, a host of AI features, and solid performance. The design isn’t inspiring but it’s perfectly functional, especially for the compelling sub-$500 price. ★★★★
The Pixel 10a delivers typical Pixel strengths like great photos and useful AI, backed by a seven-year update promise, but wraps it all in a surprisingly bland design.
Design: Following on from the Pixel 9a, the Pixel 10a features a plain desing, but now with a rear camera module that sits flush with the phone’s back. Fun colors complete the package.
Display: The 6.3-inch OLED ‘Actua’ display is excellent for the price – very bright and colorful, and has 120Hz refresh rate. To help protect the display against scratches and drops, the Pixel 10a’s display uses Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which is an upgrade from the Gorilla Glass 3 used on the 9a.
Camera: Photos surprisingly hold up well even against the Pixel 10 Pro in terms of color and balance, though there are no big upgrades over the 9a. The new Camera Coach feature that uses AI and haptics to nudge users into taking what the Pixel 10a reckons is the best possible photo is a neat touch.
Performance: The Pixel 10a uses the same Tensor G4 chip as its predecessor. This provides adequate performance for daily tasks and runs most AI features, but it’s not as fast as competitors and can feel a bit sluggish in more demanding tasks like image editing or summarization. Seven years of software and security updated should help keep the Pixel 10a running nicely for some time.
Battery life: With a 5,100mAh battery inside, which is the same capacity as the Pixel 9a, the Pixel 10a performed well in Future PLC’s lab battery test, lasting 15 hours and 16 minutes, which is more than two hours longer than the Pixel 9a in the same test. For the money, that’s a solid battery life.
Value for money: Sticking with the same $499 / £499 / AU$849 price as the 9a, the Pixel 10a offers solid value, especially considering the seven-year update commitment. However, like previous A-series phones, expect potential discounts down the line, making it potentially an even better bargain if you wait.
Read our full Google Pixel 10a review
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Design |
An ergonomic, premium feeling phone with a fully flush design. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Display |
The 6.3-inch Actua display here definetly punches above the price point, and was great indoors or outdoors. |
4 / 5 |
|
Camera |
It’s unchanged, but the 10a still offers a flexible main and ultra-wide camera system. |
4 / 5 |
|
Software |
Out of the box, the 10a provides a simple Android 16 expereince that still puts AI features at the center. |
4 / 5 |
|
Performance |
The Tensor G4 isn’t brand new, but you likely won’t notice it with daily use. |
4 / 5 |
|
Battery |
No PixelSnap is a disappointment, but the 10a lasts even longer than the 9a. |
4 / 5 |
|
Value |
With an excellent feature, and the same starting price, the 10a remains one of the best value options. |
5 / 5 |
The best phone for teens
Image 1 of 5
Buy it if
✅ You love taking group selfies: The 18MP Center Stage camera and Dual Capture mode are the best social tools Apple has ever released.
✅ You want a Pro screen for less: Finally, you get 120Hz ProMotion and an Always-On display without paying the $1,000+ Pro price.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need a dedicated zoom lens: If you want to take clear photos from the back of a stadium, you’ll still need the iPhone 17 Pro’s telephoto lens.
❌ You want the absolute longest battery: While it lasts all day, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is still the king of battery endurance.
The bottom line
📱 The iPhone 17 is the ultimate iPhone, delivering Pro-level features like a 120Hz display and a 48MP ultra-wide camera in a fun, durable package. With double the storage and the powerful A19 chip, it’s a fast, reliable, and social-media-ready smartphone that screams value. ★★★★½
Design: The iPhone 17 stays the course with a durable, recognizable design featuring a frosted glass back and matte aluminum sides. It’s built to survive the rigors of a busy lifestyle with Ceramic Shield 2, which is three times more scratch-resistant than previous models. It also features the Action Button and Camera Control, giving you instant, customizable shortcuts to your favorite apps or the camera.
Display: The 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display is the star of the show. For the first time on a standard model, it features ProMotion (120Hz), making scrolling through TikTok and playing games feel incredibly fluid. The Always-On functionality means you can glance at the time or notifications without even touching your phone, while the Dynamic Island keeps your music, sports scores, and food deliveries front and center.
Camera: This is a massive year for the base iPhone cameras. Both the main and ultra-wide lenses are now 48MP, ensuring sharp, color-accurate shots whether you’re taking a landscape or a macro close-up of a flower.
Performance: Inside is the brand-new A19 chip, which makes the iPhone 17 feel “fast, fluid, and responsive” for everything from high-graphics gaming to multitasking with picture-in-picture video. Even better, Apple has doubled the starting storage to 256GB, so you have plenty of room for thousands of photos, 4K videos, and all your favorite apps without hitting a storage wall.
Battery life: The iPhone 17 consistently lasts through a full day of use, even with heavy social media scrolling and the Always-On display active. When you do need a boost, the new 40W fast charging is a lifesaver, getting you to 50% battery in just 20 minutes—perfect for a quick charge before heading out.
Value for money: By keeping the $799 starting price while doubling the storage and adding Pro-level display tech, Apple has created its “best-value iPhone ever.” It delivers the “Pro” experience most teens want at a significantly lower cost.
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Design |
A similar design to the 16, with new colors and a more durable build. |
4 / 5 |
|
Display |
Finally, a 120Hz Always-On screen. |
5 / 5 |
|
Camera |
New capture modes, plus the addition of a 48MP ultra-wide lens next to the 48MP main, make the iPhone 17’s camera setup plenty versatile. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Software |
iOS 26 brings a lot of new features, and the iPhone 17 lets you use them all. |
4 / 5 |
|
Performance |
The A19 chip is plenty fast for now and should last well into the future. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Battery |
It can still last all day, but no major improvement. |
4 / 5 |
|
Value |
Same price as the 16 but with double the storage and more features. |
5 / 5 |
Also consider
We test a lot of phones each year, and while this list is a selection of the very best for particular uses, people and platform/brand preference, there are still plenty of smartphones we’ve reviewed that are very worthy of your attention. So here’s a list of the best phones to also consider.
- iPhone Air: This is Apple’s first foray into making a super-slim phone, and while it only has one rear camera and the battery life won’t blow you away, it’s a fantastic example of a really slim phone done well.
- iPhone 17: Probably the best value iPhone at the moment given it now comes with a 120Hz display, a pair of rear cameras that won’t let you down, and more than enough performance for most tasks. It’s the every-person iPhone.
- Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus: While the Galaxy S26 Ultra might be our pick of the best Android camera phone and could be argued as the best overall phone for some people, its smaller siblings are still excellent phones, with great specs, features and a neat design.
- Google Pixel 10: Much like the iPhone 17, the Pixel 10 is arguably the Pixel phone for most people if they can do without the highest-spec cameras; the Pixel 10 still takes great photos. it won’t blow you away with sheer performance, but it might just be one of the smartest smartphones around.
FAQs
Which phone has the best cameras?
The best camera phone will depend on the photos you like to take, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max is probably the best camera among iPhone devices, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the best camera for Android fans.
What is the best cell phone service?
That will depend on where you live and your local providers, not the phone you choose. Ask your neighbors and nearby friends about their experience. Don’t be afraid to try a new service for up to a month and then switch to a different carrier if it isn’t working for you.
What is the best Samsung phone?
The best Samsung phone is the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It demonstrates all of Samsung’s most advanced technology, especially its design prowess. Samsung is the best as fitting more phone into a smaller package, and the Z Fold 7 is the ultimate expression of that philosophy.
Which phone carrier is best?
Which wireless mobile network should I choose?
That’s a tough call, so the best advice I can offer is to ask around and find people in your area who are happy with their cell service – then choose the network they use. Networks vary greatly over the miles and miles of US geography, so while I might be able to say that one offers better performance nationwide, that same carrier might not be the best in your area. I’ve used all of the major US networks – Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile – and I have seen great performance from all of them, as well as signal loss and dropouts from each.
How we test
We’ve only included phones on this list that have been thoroughly tested. We perform tests both in our Future Labs and in the real world by our expert reviewers. We test a host of main features on a phone, then we dive deeper to discover all of the hidden goodies.
Our testing will push the phones rigorously for battery life and charging times, processor speed and performance, and especially for camera and video recording capabilities. And we make sure that phones deliver on the promises and claims they make. If Samsung says a phone charges in 30 minutes, we time it to make sure.
We will also compare phones of similar price and quality to each other to get a feel for how the phone we’re actively reviewing holds up against others in the market.
Who has the best cell phone deals?
We track the best phone deals every day, so we can always tell you who has the best phone deals at the moment you are shopping for a phone.
Which is the best iPhone?
If you want the best iPhone for you, check out our list of the best iPhones you can buy right now. We don’t just list them from most expensive to least expensive, we can help you choose the iPhone that meets both your budget and your phone needs.
What phone has the best battery life?
The OnePlus 15 is our current battery life champ. In our Future Labs tests, the OnePlus 15 lasted almost 22 hours of constant use, which is more than an hour longer than the best iPhone or Galaxy phone managed.
