Latest smartphone releases
Samsung Galaxy A57
Another annual update that feels more than a little phoned in, the Galaxy A57 adds improved water resistance and gains a mildly faster Exynos chipset, but otherwise retreads the path its predecessor took a year ago – while also demanding more cash. It’ll keep budget-minded Samsung fans happy, but everyone else will want to check out the competition.
Poco X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max
Proof that the Chinese phone brands now lead the way on battery capacity, the X8 Pro Max finds room inside for a colossal 8500mAh cell and comfortably lasts two days per charge. The smaller X8 Pro still includes a 6500mAh battery, besting pricier rivals from Samsung, Google and Apple.
Nothing Phone 4a Pro
This all-metal mid-ranger stands out with its signature Nothing features like the Glyph Matrix – customisable LEDs that sit alongside three rather capable rear cameras. The firm’s minimalist take on Android is a delight to use and there’s no shortage of CPU muscle for the money.
Nothing Phone 4a
A new take on Nothing’s Glyph lights keeps the Phone 4a feeling fresh, while underneath it’s largely a tried-and-tested take on the affordable phone formula. It takes a decent photo, lasts all day between charges, and isn’t short on CPU oomph. Plus it looks undeniably distinctive, and NothingOS is one of the nicest versions of Android around. There’s little else out there as well-rounded for so little money.
Google Pixel 10a
Another year, another affordable Pixel – only this one isn’t all that far removed from the last-gen effort. Google has revised the styling so subtly you’d struggle to notice it, and stuck with pretty much the same internals. There’s little here for Pixel 9a owners but anyone after a sensibly priced Android will like its cameras.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
With a 1in lead camera backed up by a 200MP telephoto and choice of two Photography Kit accessories, Xiaomi’s latest Ultra-badged flagship is a photography powerhouse that’s comfortably in the running for my cameraphone of the year nomination. There’s also a Leica-badged version called the Leitzphone, complete with rotating camera ring that can control things like aperture and zoom.
Xiaomi 17
Leica-grade optics and a big battery set the Xiaomi 17 apart from compact rivals from Samsung, Google and Apple. It’s a performance beast courtesy of a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, has a gorgeous display, and can manage two days between charges. It’s my first pick for a small yet mighty smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
A shoulder snooper’s worst nightmare. The Galaxy S26 Ultra marks the debut of Samsung’s Privacy Display, a hardware toggle that can cut viewing angles and keep your secrets hidden from view. It also brings faster wired charging speeds, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 For Galaxy chipset with oodles of power, and a refined set of rear cameras. It’ll surely become one of 2026’s best-selling Android flagships, though I’m disappointed that battery capacity remains unchanged.
Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+
This pair of all-rounder Androids aren’t the most exciting of annual updates, with a new home-grown Exynos 2600 chipset being the biggest new addition. The smaller handset does get a bigger battery, but one that still pales in comparison to the silicon-carbon competition. Samsung’s brand appeal will surely see them in good stead against rivals with higher-end hardware, though I’d rather put my money elsewhere.
Honor Magic8 Pro
Honor’s latest flagship is more an evolution of its predecessor than a ground-up rewrite, with similar styling and a largely unchanged trio of rear snappers led by a 200MP periscope zoom. Power now comes from a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, and battery capacity has taken a welcome step up – though the global variant doesn’t get quite as much of a boost as the Chinese model. A four figure RRP at launch and some image processing inconsistencies make it a heart over head purchase, though regular discounts make it easier for me to recommend.
OnePlus 15
The 2026 Android benchmark has been set. Not only does the OnePlus 15 have Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 silicon providing more than most people will know what to do with, it’s also packing a giant battery that makes it a true two-day phone. A gorgeous screen, unique Sand Storm finish and streamlined looks make it stand out, while the rear lens trio comfortably keeps pace with the competition. It’s a fantastic all-rounder at a very reasonable price, and my first choice for anyone looking for a new phone right now.
Oppo Find X9 Pro
Don’t dismiss the Find X9 Pro as ‘just’ a OnePlus 15 but with more of an emphasis on photography. Oppo’s alternative has an even bigger battery and its MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset is more efficient, making it an absolute battery champion. Its 200MP zoom lens is among the best around, and that’s before you bolt the optional Hasselblad lens extender accessory on for 10x optical magnification. If you care strongly about good phone photography it would be my top choice.
Apple iPhone Air
The thinness war has truly escalated now. Apple’s ultra-slim iPhone Air (note no ’17’ in the title there) is just 5.6mm at its narrowest point, yet is also unbelievably strong, with a Ceramic Shield on the rear that can shrug off scratches. Power comes from the same A19 Pro chip as this year’s Pro iPhones, and battery life is slated to last all day. Screen size is an in-betweener 6.5in, and it only comes with a single 48MP rear camera that on paper sounds very similar to the one found on the more affordable iPhone 16e. I’m sure it will find fans, but it’s not for everyone.
Apple iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 may be similar to the iPhone 16, but it’s larger. The display is up to 6.3 inches, matching this year’s Pro, and there’s no bigger Plus version anymore. Apple’s ProMotion has finally trickled down from the Pro models, so you’re getting 120Hz refresh rates for smoother scrolling and video playback. The Always-On Display also belatedly makes its way to the base-level model. An Apple A19 chipset, 256GB base storage, twin 48MP rear snappers and an all-day battery make it all the iPhone most people could need. If you’re an Apple fan, this would be my first choice phone.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max
That huge camera bar across the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max? Apple calls it a ‘plateau’. Subtle it is not, but it does contain some serious camera upgrades. You now get three 48MP snappers, with the Tetraprism Telephoto lens providing 4x optical zoom and 8x magnification that’s essentially lossless. The frame is aluminum now, rather than titanium, and Cosmic Orange might be the bolded Pro iPhone colour ever. Tougher Ceramic Shield 2 glass also comes to the front display (6.3in and 6.9in OLED panels with ProMotion high refresh rates), and an A19 Pro chipset provides the performance muscle. The phone I’d point photography-focused Apple fans toward.
Honor Magic V5
With a top-tier Snapdragon chip, high capacity 5820mAh battery, and three of the most capable cameras ever fitted to a book-style foldable, the Magic V5 was off to a great start when it debuted in China back in July. There was a much smaller gap to the global rollout versus previous years – no surprise given Samsung’s shock skinny Galaxy Z Fold 7. Officially Honor reclaims the title of ‘world’s thinnest’, and it’s cheaper to boot. I’d definitely suggest trying it out if you want maximum staying power.
Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL
Google scored a big win for Android fans everywhere with the Pixel 10 series – it’s the first to finally bring Qi2 magnetic wireless charging to the mainstream. The vanilla Pixel 10 is arguably my pick of the bunch this year, adding a dedicated telephoto lens to an already capable rear camera duo, while all three phones get new Tensor G5 silicon. The XL remains my favourite for anyone that demands maximum battery life, and you get Android 16 across the board, complete with new Gemini smarts.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
After years of iterative updates, the latest Galaxy Fold is an absolute revelation. Samsung’s – and arguably the world’s – slimmest book-style foldable gets a wider, more usable cover screen and an expansive inner display, backed by a fantastic 200MP main camera that takes wonderfully detailed snaps. Battery life is decent rather than class-leading, but wide global availability and the firm’s familiar, comprehensive software suite makes it the new foldable of choice for the majority – me included.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
The clamshell part of Samsung’s foldable duo didn’t get quite as radical a transformation this year, but a full-screen cover display and some seriously skinny bezels have helped bring it up to par with rivals on the design front. Performance is merely OK for the cash, courtesy of a home-grown Exynos chipset, and battery life is bang average too. Still, it takes a nice snap and now has DeX on board for a welcome productivity boost. Flip phones aren’t for everyone, but I can easily point fans of the form factor this way.
Nothing Phone 3
Transparent tech might still be top of the British brand’s agenda, but Nothing has retired Glyph lighting in favour of a Glyph matrix for its highest-end phone to date. Phone 3’s funky rear LED ring can flash to alert you of incoming calls and notifications, show useful info like battery life, and even play fun little micro-games. But it also draws attention to a divisive rear camera layout that not everyone will be on board with. Underneath a step-down Snapdragon chip will have others arguing over what ‘flagship’ means, and the $799/£799/€799 asking price puts it up against some big-name rivals. A good job the software and image quality impress, then. I love NothingOS – the widgets alone are enough to earn it my recommendation.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
The new wave of ‘thin’ phones is surely on the way, now that Samsung has unleashed its debut effort. The S25 Edge is a svelte 5.8mm thick and weighs just 163g – impressive figures given it has a huge 6.7in screen, and a powerful snapdragon 8 Elite chipset underneath. Samsung had to compromise somewhere, so you get two rear cameras instead of three – but the lead is a 200MP unit capable of clean and colourful snaps. The battery is the biggest weak point, struggling to last all day on a single charge. But if you value slimness, I’m sure you’ll appreciate what’s on offer here.
Apple iPhone 16e
After three generations of SE, Apple has taken its most affordable phone more upmarket – and made it a little less affordable in the process. The 16e gets impressively close to the regular iPhone 16, with a 6.1in OLED screen, A18 chip and 48MP rear camera. It sticks with a notch instead of dynamic island, and doesn’t support Magsafe accessories, but you’re otherwise getting the full iOS experience, including Apple Intelligence.
