Best Smartphone Guide: The best phones of 2026 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 test every new handset with the full intention of giving you the very best smartphone options for performance, battery life, cameras, and value that you can buy.

Our reviewers use each phone as their main device for at least a week to determine how well it performs. We look at how long the battery lasts, how the cameras perform in different lighting conditions, as well as things like display quality, software experience, and overall performance – all backed up with benchmarking data.

The result is a carefully curated list of the best phones that impressed us the most, covering a range of budgets and use cases. Unlike other publications we don’t have a best overall category due to people’s preferences over operating systems – but we do have best options for both iPhones, Androids and SIM deals.

Which is the best smartphone to buy in 2026?

Best Android phone: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Best iPhone: Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Best phone software: Google Pix e l 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

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Learn more about how we test mobile phones

Every phone included in the below list has been properly tested and used for an extended period by one of our product experts. We don’t review phones based purely on specs or a manufacturer’s claims – we use them as our everyday devices for at least five days and usually for much longer.

If you read a phone review on Trusted Reviews, you’ll know the reviewer has popped their personal SIM card into the phone, transferred across their most-used apps and even their backlog of WhatsApp messages. We go all in, so you know you’re getting an honest view of a product.

Our review process includes a mixture of real-world tests, along with more than 15 measured tests and industry-standard benchmarks. We believe this gives the most rounded view of a device. The scores a phone receives from a run under our professional colourimeters aren’t worth much if the screen can’t be used comfortably on a sunny day, for example.

FAQs

Should I buy an iPhone or Android phone?

There are a couple of different operating systems these days, but the majority run on either iOS and Android. And honestly, what you choose to go for depends on personal preference. Generally speaking those who’ve used Android phones will stay within the Android ecosystem, as will those already using iPhones. Swapping between the two is fairly easy now, but you can’t move paid-for-apps or app data from one to another, so that’s something to bear in mind if you’re looking to switch sides.

How long should a flagship phone last?

These premium handsets often come with extended software support – usually for up to seven years. With that in mind – and with regular use – a flagship phone should last approximately five or six years. However, you might need to replace your battery in that time if you don’t want to upgrade.

How much should I spend on a phone?

There are excellent phones at all price points these days, with the best often costing above a grand if you want the very best. If you aren’t so fussed about things like camera performance and display quality, you can get an excellent device for £500/$600.