Shopping for a cellphone could be sophisticated. Whether or not you need a normal slab-style smartphone, a contemporary folding cellphone, or a fundamental characteristic cellphone, there are a number of small however necessary components to contemplate earlier than making a selection. PCMag has been overlaying cell telephones for at the very least three a long time and may also help you type via all of the noise. Proper now, 4 telephones stand out amongst our Editors’ Alternative winners: the Apple iPhone 17 with its nice mixture of options and efficiency for the value, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely with its artist-friendly S Pen stylus, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 with its expansive inside display, and the Google Pixel 10a for its excellent worth. Nevertheless, all of the telephones listed here are value your consideration, so you should definitely discover our full evaluations, linked beneath. Additional down, we stroll you thru every thing you could know to choose the most effective one.
Deeper Dive: Our High Examined Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
March 31, 2026: With this replace, we added the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely, the Google Pixel 10a, the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, and the OnePlus 15. Our remaining suggestions are unchanged and have been vetted for forex and availability.
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Professionals & Cons
Greatest worth amongst iPhone 17 fashions
Quick efficiency
Aggressive battery life
Speedy wi-fi connections
Professional-level show
Versatile cameras
Why We Picked It
With the iPhone 17, Apple has meaningfully upgraded the bottom mannequin to deliver it in keeping with the remainder of the iPhone 17 household—and competing flagships. With greater than 24 hours of battery life, quick charging, fashionable radios, and high-quality {hardware}, it is a near-total package deal. Until you are an influence consumer who needs the picture and video instruments of the Professional fashions, the iPhone 17 is the higher worth proposition.
Who It is For
Worth-seeking iPhone followers: The entry-level iPhone 17 can be thought of a Professional-level mannequin only a few years in the past. In actual fact, it will get you a lot of the iPhone Professional expertise for tons of much less. For $799, it packs 256GB of storage, a robust Apple processor, and wonderful cameras. What’s to not like?
Selfie lovers: Apple’s iPhone 17 introduces a brand new selfie digital camera able to capturing each vertical and horizontal images with out requiring the consumer to rotate the cellphone. If you’d like some selection in your selfies with out having to vary the way in which you utilize your cellphone, the iPhone 17 is a good decide.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
iOS 26
CPU
Apple A19
Dimensions
5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
Display Measurement
6.3 inches
Display Decision
2,622 by 1,206 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
48MP, 48MP; 18MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
24 hours, 31 minutes
Be taught Extra
Apple iPhone 17 Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Professionals & Cons
Refined and interesting {hardware}
Superior, easy-to-use AI options
Wonderful cameras
Lengthy-term help
Battery life ought to be longer
No bodily SIM card help
Why We Picked It
Google’s Pixel 10 Professional packs the corporate’s greatest {hardware} and software program into a tricky, midsize cellphone. You get premium development, a shiny, detailed display, sharp cameras, and AI that runs regionally to hurry up on a regular basis duties. Options like reside name translation and language-based picture edits create standout experiences you hardly ever discover elsewhere.
Who It is For
Uncompromising small cellphone followers: The Pixel 10 Professional packs nearly every thing its bigger sibling has in a small, dense physique. Google’s AI options work exceptionally properly on this cellphone, whereas its cameras produce a number of the greatest images you will see from any smartphone.
Lengthy-term cellphone customers: Google provides seven years of working system updates, safety fixes, and have drops. Meaning the Pixel 10 Professional {hardware} could age, however its software program will keep present because of Google’s beneficiant coverage. When you favor to carry onto your funding, the Pixel 10 is value contemplating.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 16
CPU
Google Tensor G5
Dimensions
6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches
Display Measurement
6.3 inches
Display Decision
2,856 by 1,280 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
12 hours, 40 minutes
Be taught Extra
Google Pixel 10 Professional Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Professionals & Cons
Class-leading cameras
Wonderful efficiency
Privateness Show hides your display
Sensible AI instruments
Helpful S Pen stylus
Restricted viewing angles
Common battery life
Lacks magnetic charging
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely options high-end specs, together with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, as much as 1TB of storage with 16GB of RAM, and the most effective digital camera stack accessible on an Android cellphone within the US. The embedded S Pen stylus is one other vital level in its favor, notably if you happen to’re an artist or note-taker who likes to sketch or jot on the run. Let’s not overlook Galaxy AI, which is equal components helpful and enjoyable, and Samsung’s highly effective productiveness software program, which helps you to multitask on the big display with ease. Lastly, if you happen to care about safety, it has a Privateness Show that may disguise the display from view, decreasing the chance of shoulder browsing.
Who It is For
Privateness Seekers: The Privateness Show shields the show from onlookers, which implies you possibly can view delicate materials in public the place solely you possibly can see it.
Artist and Notetakers: The Galaxy S26 Extremely retains stylus followers comfortable. The Extremely contains a detachable S Pen, which helps you to place the stylus on the display for longhand writing, mind-mapping, or sketching, in methods a keyboard can not replicate.
Individuals who need the most effective Samsung cellphone: The S26 Extremely’s specs are out of this world, with a 5x optical telephoto zoom, a 200MP principal digital camera, a superfast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and an unlimited 6.9-inch OLED.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 16
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.61 by 3.37 by 0.35 inches
Display Measurement
6.9 inches
Display Decision
3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
15 hours, 5 minutes
Be taught Extra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Professionals & Cons
Excellent cameras for the value
Sharp, shiny display
Wonderful Google AI
Lengthy software program help dedication
Easy, well-made {hardware}
Outdated processor
No magnetic charging
No mmWave 5G
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 10a is a wonderful midrange worth for Android followers because of its succesful pair of cameras, shiny display, easy efficiency, and refined design. It additionally provides a great vary of AI-based photo-editing options, together with greater than 14 hours of battery life and an IP68 ranking for cover towards mud and water ingress. We particularly like that Google guarantees seven years of software program updates, similar to for the flagship Pixel 10 lineup.
Who It is For
Google followers in search of a discount: When you’ve ever puzzled what the large deal is about Pixels, the Pixel 10a provides the most effective of Google in an reasonably priced package deal. That is Android as Google envisions it, with numerous AI options that make the Pixel 10a enjoyable to make use of.
Individuals who love taking images: Each cellphone on this listing can take good images, however the $499 Pixel 10a gives the most effective worth. Google’s {hardware} and software program form the Pixel’s picture workflow to effortlessly produce lovely photos.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 16
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.06 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches
Display Measurement
6.3 inches
Display Decision
2,424 by 1,080 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
48MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
12 hours, quarter-hour
Be taught Extra
Google Pixel 10a Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Professionals & Cons
Distinctive {hardware}
Wonderful shows
Strong efficiency
Highly effective software program
Sturdy radios
Outlandishly costly
Solely common battery life
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the most effective large-screen foldable but. It is lighter and extra compact than the Z Fold 6, but nonetheless provides a bigger cowl display and a bigger inside display. We additionally just like the IP48 ranking and Samsung’s dedication to seven years of software program help. It contains a stronger hinge, highly effective multitasking capabilities, superior Galaxy AI instruments, wonderful 5G and Wi-Fi radios, and a strong Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor—all of which contribute considerably to justifying its admittedly excessive value.
Who It is For
Pill lovers: If you’d like a bigger display whereas working with the Z Fold 7, simply open it up, and you have got a pill to work with. It is an amazing choice for these seeking to do extra with one system (although it prices as a lot as two).
Design buffs: Someway, Samsung made the Z Fold 7 so skinny that it resembles a daily (non-folding) smartphone whereas closed. Opening up the Z Fold 7 reveals its outstanding thinness, measuring simply 0.17 inches. The refined hinge feels sturdy, whereas its wonderful construct high quality showcases Samsung’s capabilities.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 16
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open
Display Measurement
8 inches
Display Decision
2,184 by 1,968 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
200MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
13 hours, 10 minutes
Be taught Extra
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Overview
(Credit score: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit score: Iyaz Akhtar)
Professionals & Cons
Good battery life
Fast-enough 5G and Wi-Fi
Spectacular cameras for the value
6-year help dedication
Respectable high quality construct
Outdated processor
Restricted RAM
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is a wonderful worth for beneath $200. Highlights embrace a big 90Hz display, a great digital camera system, an IP54 ranking towards mud and water, and a assure of six years of safety updates. It isn’t as robust as pricier telephones, nor as quick, however given its low value, you possibly can’t ask for extra.
Who It is For
Funds-conscious consumers: In case your finances is proscribed, the Galaxy A17 5G is a wonderful selection because of its good on a regular basis usability, above-average cameras, and lengthy battery life. Midrange fashions outgun it, but it surely’s simply the most effective cellphone beneath $200.
Mother and father: If the considered spending almost $1,000 on a flagship cellphone in your baby appears daunting, the Galaxy A17 ought to seize your consideration. This Samsung is completely able to dealing with the fundamentals, so youngsters will not consider it as a toy. The cellphone’s six years of help additionally imply the system will stay safe for years to come back.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 16
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1330
Dimensions
6.47 by 3.07 by 0.30 inches
Display Measurement
6.7 inches
Display Decision
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
15 hours, 45 minutes
Be taught Extra
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Overview
(Credit score: Sarah Lord)
(Credit score: Sarah Lord)
Professionals & Cons
Reasonably priced
5G and Wi-Fi
Lengthy battery life
Fast efficiency
Restricted third-party apps
Poor cameras
Embedded battery
Why We Picked It
The TCL Flip 4 5G is a wonderful voice cellphone with an embedded battery, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C charging port. It additionally contains a 2MP digital camera, which is beneficial in a pinch. Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G connectivity, together with e-mail entry, may also help preserve you within the communication loop.
Who It is For
Individuals who simply wish to make calls: When you aren’t excited by proudly owning a smartphone, the reasonably priced TCL Flip 4 5G confidently performs fundamental cellphone capabilities. The speakerphone and earpiece sound fairly clear, and the battery lasts for a substantial period of time.
Retro lovers: The Flip 4 is a classic-style clamshell flip cellphone designed for right now’s mobile networks. When you favor to textual content utilizing a bodily quantity pad, the TCL Flip 4 is the perfect selection. This system has no contact screens and no social media apps, so overlook about infinite swiping. The Flip 4’s restricted app choice ought to be ample for the lightest duties (equivalent to e-mail), however its main perform is solely to be a cellphone.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
KaiOS
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2
Dimensions
4.29 by 2.34 by 0.84 inches
Display Measurement
3.2 inches
Display Decision
240 by 320 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
5MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
20 hours
Be taught Extra
TCL Flip 4 5G Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Professionals & Cons
Excellent cameras
High video options
Class-leading battery life
Terrific display
Quick efficiency
Excessive-quality {hardware}
May be too huge for some
Costliest iPhone
Why We Picked It
The iPhone 17 Professional Max is full of every thing Apple has to supply. It options the most important display amongst iPhones, its battery lasts over 32 hours, the Digital camera Management button provides extra inventive flexibility, and upgraded radios guarantee sooner wi-fi efficiency. It additionally options superior video seize instruments which might be among the many greatest accessible on any cellphone.
Who It is For
Severe multimedia creators: The iPhone 17 Professional Max contains a number of the strongest digital camera and video options of any cellphone in the marketplace. Few others can file tremendous high-quality ProRes footage in HDR at 4K120. When you create content material for a residing, that is the cellphone to get. Furthermore, it provides as much as 2TB of storage, greater than sufficient to carry all of your tasks.
Individuals who need the most effective battery life: The iPhone 17 Professional Max’s battery life is remarkably lengthy, lasting 32 hours and 11 minutes in our battery rundown take a look at. The Professional Max outlasts not solely its siblings but additionally most Android telephones.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
iOS 26
CPU
Apple A19 Professional
Dimensions
6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches
Display Measurement
6.9 inches
Display Decision
2,868 by 1,320 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
32 hours, 11 minutes
Be taught Extra
Apple iPhone 17 Professional Max Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Professionals & Cons
Shiny shows
Class-leading battery life
Highly effective efficiency
Enjoyable folding type issue
Middling cameras
Mediocre AI
Why We Picked It
The Motorola Razr Extremely embraces its dual-screen design in a manner many alternate options do not; you possibly can run nearly any app you need on both the vivid 4.0-inch outer show or the expansive 7.0-inch inside panel. We additionally like its IP48 waterproof ranking, trendy design, aggressive efficiency, and quick 68W wired charging.
Who It is For
Individuals with small pockets: The Razr Extremely helps you to simply carry a 7-inch display round with you, regardless of how huge or small your pockets are, by folding it in half. Just like the clamshell telephones of previous, the Extremely closes with a satisfying thunk, supplying you with a squarish brick to hold round. Moreover, its entrance display is giant sufficient to let you accomplish so much with out opening the cellphone.
The style–aware: In a world of bland telephones, the Razr Extremely stands out. Its folding type issue makes it flip heads, whereas its shade choices are not like something within the competitors, because of a partnership with Pantone. The Extremely is accessible in Cabaret (pink), Mountain Path (wooden veneer), Rio Pink, or Scarab (black Alcantara).
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Cell Platform
Dimensions
6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open, 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed
Display Measurement
7 inches
Display Decision
2,992 by 1,224 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 50MP; 50MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
22 hours, 3 minutes
Be taught Extra
Motorola Razr Extremely Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Professionals & Cons
Class-leading battery life
Wonderful display
Fast efficiency
Excellent worth
No mmWave
Restricted availability
Why We Picked It
OnePlus telephones aren’t as widespread to see as these from Google and Samsung, however they’re typically value contemplating. The corporate’s newest flagship matches right now’s main telephones spec-for-spec when it comes to show, battery life, efficiency, and digital camera. It even sees OnePlus dipping its toe into AI and helps wired charging speeds of as much as 80W by way of a proprietary energy block.
Who It is For
Individuals who wish to strive one thing completely different: The OnePlus 15 is good if you happen to’re on the lookout for a tool not made by Google or Samsung. OnePlus produces persistently good telephones with genuinely helpful software program that can obtain 4 years of OS upgrades.
Battery worriers: With greater than 26 hours of battery life, the OnePlus 15 is among the longest-lasting telephones you should purchase within the US. Its 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery is second solely to Apple’s largest iPhone battery.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 16
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Dimensions
6.35 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches
Display Measurement
6.78 inches
Display Decision
2,772 by 1,272 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 50MP, 50MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
26 hours, 11 minutes
Be taught Extra
OnePlus 15 Overview
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The Greatest Telephones for 2026
Examine Specs
Shopping for Information: The Greatest Telephones for 2026
Which Cell Cellphone Service Has the Greatest Protection?
Regardless of all of the latest improvements in {hardware} and cell software program, selecting a wi-fi service supplier stays a very powerful resolution. It doesn’t matter what cellphone you purchase, it is a paperweight except you might have dependable wi-fi protection. You need to select a provider with honest costs and the most effective protection in your space.
When you’re excited by efficiency and reside in a metro space, pay shut consideration to the place the most important carriers have deployed “mid-band” 5G (also called C-band) and use telephones that help this expertise.
UScellular is at the moment accessible all through the US, although a lot of its protection is offered by way of associate networks. In the meantime, Increase Cell covers a great portion of the nation with its 5G-first service.
Left to proper: Google Pixel 10, 10 Professional, and Professional 10 XL (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Many digital operators additionally use the large three networks for service, however provide decrease month-to-month charges, cheaper worldwide calls, or different advantages. They’re usually higher for much less intensive customers, and a few do not even have household plans.
Mint Cell (on T-Cell), Client Mobile (on AT&T), and Spectrum Cell (on Verizon) all acquired greater rankings in our Readers’ Alternative survey than the businesses that host their companies.
AT&T owns Cricket, Dish owns Increase Cell, T-Cell owns Metro by T-Cell and Mint Cell, Verizon owns Seen, and Google owns Google Fi (which additionally runs on T-Cell). Verizon additionally owns Easy Cell, Straight Speak, Complete Wi-fi, and Tracfone. We highlight a few of our favourite digital operators in our roundup of the most effective low-cost cellphone plans. We even have a narrative on the most effective low-cost telephones.
When you’re on T-Cell, you need to think about using a mid-band 5G-compatible cellphone. That is a straightforward selection—all T-Cell 5G telephones at the moment are mid-band suitable.
To entry AT&T’s C-band community, any fashionable Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel will do. Lots of Motorola’s US telephones additionally help AT&T C-band.
When you’re in certainly one of Verizon’s C-band areas, upgrading to a C-band-compatible 5G cellphone is an efficient transfer. The provider’s ultra-wideband community additionally gives super-fast mmWave 5G in choose places. In case you are in a type of areas and wish to take benefit, make sure that your cellphone has that help.
Yow will discover extra 5G suggestions on our listing of the most effective 5G telephones.
Ought to You Get an Unlocked Cellphone?
Carriers typically have complicated service and pricing plans, making unlocked telephones as related and invaluable as ever.
Unlocked telephones are these you purchase from a third-party retailer or instantly from the producer; they don’t seem to be tied to a particular provider. Often, you need to use them with AT&T or T-Cell. Nevertheless, some standard unlocked telephones are additionally suitable with Verizon. For probably the most flexibility, search for a latest Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S or Z flagship, or high-end Motorola Edge cellphone. When you use a low-cost MVNO service, guarantee your unlocked cellphone is suitable; some MVNOs do not help telephones that ought to work on their networks.
Apple iPhone 17 (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Up to now, unlocked 4G telephones usually labored on all main carriers; nevertheless, 5G telephones are completely different. Apple, Google, and Samsung’s 5G telephones usually work on each main US provider; nevertheless, many different manufacturers have restricted band help or are solely licensed for particular carriers.
What Is the Greatest Smartphone?
There’s really much less variety in smartphone platforms and designs than ever. Android and iOS are the 2 remaining main smartphone platforms, each in US gross sales and within the availability of third-party apps. The iPhone has a well-developed App Retailer and a number of the greatest media options. However Apple’s tightly managed ecosystem can really feel stifling to some, although iOS is extra customizable than ever. Android handsets provide a higher selection, and the OS means that you can customise almost every thing to tailor your cellphone to your wants. However it could possibly additionally imply provider bloatware you possibly can’t take away, and fewer constant OS updates. Google and Samsung present as much as seven years of OS updates and safety fixes. If you’d like an Android cellphone for the long term, contemplate these two producers.
Samsung Galaxy S26 sequence (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Strictly excited by Android? Head over to our roundup of the greatest Android telephones. Baffled by the number of iPhones? Here is learn how to determine which iPhone to purchase. And if you wish to doc the world round you along with your cellphone, we have additionally rounded up the greatest digital camera telephones.
Beneficial by Our Editors
What Is the Greatest Characteristic Cellphone?
Some folks nonetheless use easier telephones, regardless of the restricted variety of selections accessible. The highest causes to contemplate these fashions are their decrease costs, ease of use, and infrequently cheaper related service plans (since cell information is usually not an element). You will discover some nice offers for voice-only plans on digital carriers equivalent to TracFone and Client Mobile.
In contrast to smartphones, characteristic telephones are a matter of “what you see is what you get.” They do not obtain software program upgrades or run 1000’s of apps. Wi-fi community protection is all the time the most important issue, however particular person telephones can range in reception, earpiece high quality, transmission high quality via the microphone, and sidetone (the echo of your voice that helps forestall you from yelling on the different particular person on the road). A cellphone with middling to poor reception high quality could be virtually unimaginable to make use of in areas with marginal protection. In distinction, one with wonderful reception could make the most effective of the little sign accessible.
For extra, see our picks for the most effective telephones for seniors and our roundup of the most effective telephones for youths.
What is the Greatest Time to Purchase a New Cellphone?
One of the best time to purchase a brand new cellphone is if you want one. In case your cellphone dies on the pavement, get no matter is accessible that greatest meets your wants. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re watching your finances or staying on the innovative, just a little information and planning can prevent from shopping for a cellphone that is about to be discounted or changed with one thing newer and extra superior.
As an illustration, Google’s flagship Pixels got here out final August. Apple launched the iPhone 17 fashions in September. Samsung launched its new Galaxy S sequence in February and Galaxy Z folding telephones final July. Motorola has been sticking to a spring cadence for its folding telephones, whereas OnePlus introduced its newest flagship in late 2025.
We replace this story each time we evaluate a brand new cellphone value a spot on the listing, so it modifications typically. Make sure to test again quickly for our newest suggestions.
