Best phones to buy in 2026: top smartphones tested, reviewed, and ranked by our experts

1. Apple iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 is Apple’s best all-rounder yet — and arguably the iPhone most people should buy in 2026. Despite being the entry-level iPhone and the Pro variant now having reached version 18, this handset delivers a largely Pro-level performance without the eye-watering price or bulk. While its design hasn’t changed much, the new Ceramic Shield 2 improves scratch resistance, and the build feels as premium as ever.

The biggest win is the display. Apple’s finally upgraded the standard iPhone to a 120Hz OLED panel, matching the Pros for smoothness and adding a 1Hz always-on mode. During testing, scrolling felt far more fluid than on the iPhone 16, and brightness hit 3000 nits – clearly visible even in direct sunlight. The stereo speakers also pack a surprising punch when watching videos or gaming.

The dual 48MP camera system impresses in most conditions. In testing, macro shots showed noticeably better sharpness, and 1x photos looked rich and detailed. The lack of a telephoto lens remains the biggest gap versus the Pro models, digital zoom quickly loses quality beyond 2x, but 4K/60fps video recording and stabilisation keep it competitive.

Performance is stellar thanks to the A19 chip. Games like Assassin’s Creed ran smoothly (with only minor heating), and music production in Korg Gadget performed better than on an M1 iMac. Battery life easily lasts a day of mixed use. The main gripes? USB 2.0 speeds and iOS 26’s flawed “Liquid Glass” interface. Despite that, Apple’s ecosystem remains unmatched for creative tools and premium apps.

Why we chose it

Unless you need a telephoto lens or ultra-thin bragging rights, the iPhone 17 nails the essentials. It’s powerful, practical and, for once, a sensible choice.

2. Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

While the Pixel 11 makes another strong case for skipping the Pro, there’s no question Google’s top-tier handset duo deserve their flagship status. We’ve nominated the Pixel 11 Pro XL for this list, but the smaller Pro is just as valid a choice if you prefer a smaller, more palm-friendly phone.

Both have wonderfully capable rear cameras, assisted by the firm’s extensive image processing know-how, and you’re getting a host of Gemini-powered shooting modes and editing tools to help even novice photographers get satisfying snaps.

Design-wise the new model is an iterative effort but still absolutely looks the part, while up front you’re getting a sharp, colourful and gloriously smooth OLED screen. It gets properly bright too, while the stereo speakers pack a punch.

It’s not a record breaker performance wise and battery capacity is pretty average for a 2026 hero phone, but there’s still enough oomph in apps and games, and longevity away from the mains, that the average phone buyer will feel right at home. As will Google’s streamlined take on Android, which feels even slicker than ever

Why we chose it

Clean looks, ample performance, dependable battery life and still some of the best cameras around, at a price that (just about) undercuts the Apple and Samsung competition. As safe a bet as it gets in the Android world.

3. Nothing Phone 4a

Nothing has once again reimagined its signature feature – the Glyph LED – for its latest affordable smartphone generation. The Phone 4a ditches scattergun LEDs for a neater stacked bar, which sits alongside an upgraded rear camera trio. A periscope telephoto lens capable of 3.5x optical zoom instantly gives this handset an advantage over budget rivals that make do with 2x zoom – or no zoom at all.

A new Gen4 version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s chipset brings respectable levels of power, with a choice of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, or 12GB and 256GB if you want to spend a little extra. It copes just fine with Play Store games, albeit at lower detail settings than a pricier handset can deliver. The battery capacity hasn’t changed but efficiency tweaks mean this is still an all-day phone, with 50W wired charging being faster than anything Google or Samsung offers for similar money.

Nothing’s take on Android is a big part of Phone 4a’s appeal: the minimal styling is slick and there’s no shortage of useful widgets to customise the home and lock screens with. It has a few useful AI-accelerated features but doesn’t overwhelm you like some rivals, and there’s essentially no bloatware. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for not very much money.

Why we chose it

It’s cheaper than a Pixel 10a (which is barely changed from its predecessor) yet has it beat in a few key areas. The Nothing Phone 4a has more distinctive styling, an equally long-lasting battery, and a more versatile rear camera setup. Things aren’t as clear-cut for US shoppers, with the Phone 4a not officially available there; a good carrier contract deal could make the Google Pixel 10a a better bet after all.

5. iPhone 18 Pro Max

If you want the top-tier iPhone experience, the iPhone 18 Pro is the one to beat. It’s lightning-fast, takes outstanding photos, and its display is nothing short of gorgeous – though it doesn’t come cheap.

After spending time with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, there’s no doubt it’s every bit as powerful as Apple claims. Performance is jaw-dropping and battery life has dramatically improved in a single generation.

The 6.9in OLED panel is a stunner, being bright enough to stay clear even in direct sunlight. The “plateau” camera design still stands out, and the updated 48MP triple-lens system produces sharp, detailed shots. Even at 8x zoom, images stay clean, while the variable aperture main snapper can handle more varied lighting conditions with added depth effects.

Liquid Glass continues to split opinion, yet it looks stunning on such a large, vivid display – and iOS 27 lets you dial the effect down a bit, mercifully.

Why we chose it

If you want the most capable iPhone Apple makes, this is the one.

6. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung once again focuses on refinement, rather than reinventing its long-running flagship. The Galaxy S26 Ultra does debut some world-first display tech that’s genuinely innovative, and its performance is second to none. It iterates a familiar design to near-perfection, with skinnier bezels and less weight (even if it did require a return to aluminium from the S25 Ultra’s titanium) – and the S Pen hasn’t gone anywhere.

The 6.9in AMOLED screen may not be the brightest on the market, but its trump card is Privacy Display – a hardware filter that can narrow viewing angles at the press of a button, keeping your private information safe from shoulder snoopers. Samsung has also upgraded two of the four rear cameras with wider apertures for better low light performance, and brought a ‘For Galaxy’ version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 silicon for good measure.

OneUI might be trying a little too hard to push AI innovation – the Now Nudge feature really didn’t prove helpful at all during my testing – but there’s no question it’s as fully featured a take on Android as you’ll find, with a strong ecosystem of supporting products like wearables, earbuds, tablets and laptops.

Battery life is a weak link now, and it’s true there are better cameraphones if you’re willing to shop outside the Samsung bubble. But the S26 Ultra otherwise excels as a long-term upgrade for Samsung fans.

Why we chose it

There’s safety in sticking with what you know, and with Samsung’s Western popularity under no real threat from the Chinese competition, this becomes the de facto choice for most Android power users.

7. Oppo Find X10 Pro Max

Oppo was always going to be the obvious contender to fill the slot left by stablemate OnePlus pulling out of the US and European markets, but the Find X10 Pro Max hasn’t gone down the ‘flagship killer’ route; this hero phone has gone all out on imaging, with three 200MP rear camera sensors that promise – and deliver – some of the best shots I’ve seen from a phone. Processing influenced by Hasselblad certainly helps, as does the optional lens extender kit that gives more reach than many phone photographers will know what to do with.

The rest of the phone is just as uncompromising, with a rapid MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset built on energy-sipping 2nm architecture that lets the sizeable 7150mAh battery last comfortably into a second day, even with heavy use. It’s not as much of a palm-stretcher as some rivals, with a 6.78in display that’s simply gorgeous and a relatively svelte metal and glass body that’s as weather-resistant as it gets.

ColorOS has embraced Apple’s Liquid Glass look, but not quite to the extent of some rivals, meaning it still feels unique rather than a “me too” iOS homage, and Oppo hasn’t tried to overwhelm you with AI either. It’s undeniably expensive but you really do get what you pay for.

Why we chose it

While US shoppers sadly miss out, Oppo has given European phone photography fans a gem of a handset with some truly tasty image processing and hardware that puts the competition to shame

8. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

It may not have scored a full five stars at the first time of asking, but Samsung’s wide-style foldable is still the best of the breed right now. Apple’s iPhone Duo costs considerably more and has multiple teething problems, from cracked displays to a confusing UI that can’t work out if it wants to be a phone or a tablet. The Fold8 is more confident – that’s what more than half a decade of foldable experience will do for you.

Samsung’s handset is as pocket-friendly as it gets, has more than enough oomph for apps and games, and snaps a decent (if not class-leading) photo. Unfolded, the shape is fantastic for social scrolling and website reading without feeling too cramped, while videos fill up almost as much physical space as they do on the larger Z Fold8 Ultra.

Battery life is merely OK, as is to be expected of Samsung at this point, and you’re inundated with Galaxy AI right from the initial setup screens. Expect other Android brands to catch up with their own takes on the form factor very soon, likely with bigger batteries and better cameras – Xiaomi already has one for the Chinese market. For Westerners, however, this is the obvious pick.

Want more folding phone suggestions? Check out Stuff’s guide to the best folding smartphones.