Top 10 Best Smartphones in 2026: iPhone vs Android, Ranked

Your phone is the device you use most, so it is worth getting right. The best phones today have brilliant cameras, all-day battery life, fast charging and years of software updates — but they differ a lot in size, ecosystem, zoom capability and price.

We ranked the ten best smartphones you can buy right now across iPhone and Android, from no-compromise flagships to foldables and great-value models, so you can find the right fit quickly.

How we chose

We compared each smartphone against its closest rivals at the same price using manufacturer specifications, independent test data and long-term owner feedback from verified buyers. Every pick is scored out of 10 on performance, value, build quality and longevity — see our editorial policy. We never accept payment for placement.

The 10 best smartphones in 2026

1. Apple iPhone 17 Pro — Best iPhone

The iPhone 17 Pro is the most capable iPhone yet. Its triple 48MP camera system handles everything from ultrawide landscapes to long-range zoom, and video recording remains the best of any phone for creators.

A redesigned body with better cooling helps it sustain performance in games and long video recordings, and battery life is excellent.

2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — Best Android flagship

Samsung’s Ultra is the most feature-packed Android phone: a huge anti-reflective screen, a versatile quad-camera system and the built-in S Pen. It is now widely discounted, which makes it even better value.

Read our full Galaxy S25 Ultra review.

3. Google Pixel 10 Pro — Best camera for photos

Pixel phones take consistently excellent photos with almost no effort, and the Pixel 10 Pro is Google’s best yet. Its 5x telephoto and powerful processing produce sharp, natural shots in any light, and Night Sight remains outstanding.

Clean software, seven years of updates and Gemini features make it a joy to use day to day.

4. Apple iPhone 17 — Best value iPhone

The iPhone 17 brings ProMotion and an Always-On display to the standard iPhone for the first time, plus double the base storage. For most people it offers 90% of the Pro experience for far less.

See how it compares in our iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 guide.

5. Samsung Galaxy S25 — Best compact Android

If you want flagship power in a phone you can use one-handed, the Galaxy S25 is the pick. It shares the Ultra’s fast processor and gets a 3x telephoto camera, all in a pocket-friendly size.

Battery life is good rather than great because of the smaller size.

6. Google Pixel 10 — Best mid-price flagship

The Pixel 10 adds a telephoto camera to Google’s standard model, making it one of the most versatile phones at its price. Photos are superb, and magnetic Qi2 charging makes accessories easy.

It lacks some Pro extras, but most people will not miss them.

7. OnePlus 13 — Best battery and charging

The OnePlus 13 is the phone for people who hate battery anxiety. A 6,000mAh battery easily lasts two days for many users, and charging is dramatically faster than Apple, Google or Samsung.

Performance is top-tier and the display is excellent, with IP68/IP69 water and dust protection.

8. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 — Best foldable

The Fold 7 finally feels like a normal phone when closed, thanks to a much thinner design, and opens into a tablet-sized display that is perfect for reading, spreadsheets and split-screen apps.

It remains very expensive, and the inner screen crease is still visible in some light.

9. Apple iPhone Air — Thinnest iPhone

The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever and feels remarkably light in the hand. It still has a big ProMotion display and a powerful chip.

The trade-offs are a single rear camera and shorter battery life than the Pro models.

10. Google Pixel 9a — Best under $500

The Pixel 9a gives you much of the Pixel experience for far less. The main camera is excellent, the battery is big and Google promises seven years of updates.

Charging is slow and there is no telephoto camera. See more options in our best budget phones.

Comparison at a glance

Product	Best for	Our score
Apple iPhone 17 Pro	iPhone users who want the best	9.3/10
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra	Power users and S Pen fans	9.0/10
Google Pixel 10 Pro	Point-and-shoot photographers	9.0/10
Apple iPhone 17	Most iPhone buyers	9.1/10
Samsung Galaxy S25	Small hands and pockets	8.8/10
Google Pixel 10	Great cameras for less	8.8/10
OnePlus 13	Heavy users	8.7/10
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7	Multitasking on the go	8.7/10
Apple iPhone Air	Style and lightness	8.4/10
Google Pixel 9a	Budget buyers	8.7/10

How to choose a smartphone

• Ecosystem: iPhone works best with Mac, iPad and Apple Watch; Android offers more choice and customisation.
• Size: check the screen size and weight — big phones are hard to use one-handed.
• Cameras: a telephoto lens matters if you shoot sports, pets or concerts.
• Software support: Apple, Google and Samsung offer the longest update promises.
• Charging: look for Qi2 or MagSafe magnets if you like wireless accessories.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best phone overall?

The iPhone 17 Pro is the best iPhone and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best Android phone for most power users. For photography, the Pixel 10 Pro stands out.

Is it worth buying a foldable phone?

If you want a tablet-sized screen in your pocket for reading and multitasking, yes — but they cost more and are less durable than regular phones.

How long should a smartphone last?

With Apple, Google or Samsung’s long update promises, a flagship can comfortably last five years or more; the battery may need replacing along the way.

Protect and power your phone with the best phone chargers and power banks.