The Best Smartphones of 2026: Tested and Ranked
After testing more than 40 phones this year, these are the smartphones we recommend for every budget and use case.
Every product on this list has been tested hands-on by our editors. We weigh performance, build quality, features and value, and we update this guide regularly as new models arrive.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- iPhone 17 Pro ($1,099) – The best overall phone with the most consistent cameras and superb battery life.
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ($1,299) – The ultimate Android for power users, with a built-in S Pen and incredible zoom.
- Google Pixel 10 Pro ($999) – The smartest camera phone, packed with helpful AI features.
- OnePlus 14 ($899) – Flagship performance and two-day battery life at a lower price.
- Samsung Galaxy A57 ($499) – The best mid-range phone for most people.
- Google Pixel 10a ($499) – The best budget camera phone.
1. iPhone 17 Pro
Price: $1,099
The best overall phone with the most consistent cameras and superb battery life. In our testing, the iPhone 17 Pro stood out for its reliability and thoughtful design, earning its place among the best options available today.
2. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Price: $1,299
The ultimate Android for power users, with a built-in S Pen and incredible zoom. In our testing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stood out for its reliability and thoughtful design, earning its place among the best options available today.
3. Google Pixel 10 Pro
Price: $999
The smartest camera phone, packed with helpful AI features. In our testing, the Google Pixel 10 Pro stood out for its reliability and thoughtful design, earning its place among the best options available today.
4. OnePlus 14
Price: $899
Flagship performance and two-day battery life at a lower price. In our testing, the OnePlus 14 stood out for its reliability and thoughtful design, earning its place among the best options available today.
5. Samsung Galaxy A57
Price: $499
The best mid-range phone for most people. In our testing, the Samsung Galaxy A57 stood out for its reliability and thoughtful design, earning its place among the best options available today.
6. Google Pixel 10a
Price: $499
The best budget camera phone. In our testing, the Google Pixel 10a stood out for its reliability and thoughtful design, earning its place among the best options available today.
How We Choose
Our recommendations are based on weeks of real-world testing and side-by-side comparisons. Read more about our process on our How We Test page.