2026 Best Smartphone guide so far
Choosing a new smartphone isn’t easy. With dozens of new models launching every year – from affordable handsets to expensive feature-rich flagships – it can be difficult to know which phone is actually worth your money.
That’s where we come in. Our mobile experts put every new handset through rigorous testing, with the aim of bringing you the very best smartphones for performance, battery life, camera quality and value for money.
Our reviewers use each phone as their main device for at least a week to assess how well it performs in everyday use. We test battery life, camera performance in a range of lighting conditions, display quality, software experience and overall performance, all backed up by benchmarking data.
The result is a carefully curated list of the phones that have impressed us the most, covering a range of budgets and use cases. Unlike some other publications, we don’t have a best overall category, as personal preferences around operating systems can vary considerably. Instead, we’ve selected the best options for both iPhone and Android users, as well as the best SIM deals.
Which is the best smartphone to buy in 2026?
- Best Android phone: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Best iPhone: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Best phone software: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Best phone for performance: OnePlus 15
- Best phone for gaming: RedMagic 11 Pro
- Best ultra-slim iPhone: Apple iPhone Air
- Best ultra-slim Android phone: Motorola Edge 70
- Best clamshell foldable phone: Motorola Razr 70 Ultra
- Best book-style foldable phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Best mid-range phone: Google Pixel 10a
- Best affordable phone: Nothing Phone 4a
- Best foldable phone for looks: Honor Magic V5
- Best Android flagship alternative: Honor Magic 8 Pro
- Best phone for battery life: Oppo Find X9 Pro
- Best camera phone: Oppo Find X9 Ultra
