Last year was a prosperous year for smartphones. The OnePlus 13 set the tone early, followed by the Galaxy S25 series and, more recently, Apple's barrage of iPhone 17 models, including the new iPhone Air. Apple even followed up its iPhone launch with the official release of iOS 26, bringing a refreshed look and feel to its software.
That's to say, there's a slew of phones screaming for your attention right now. The best options on the market feature displays that can outshine the outdoor sun, cameras that capture great photos in the most difficult lighting environments, and software features that truly enhance your communication and productivity.
What is the best smartphone right now?
After extensive testing of dozens of devices, our pick for the best phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, thanks to its immersive and vibrant display, reliable battery life, and wealth of special features, some of which are powered by the company's latest generative artificial intelligence (AI) model.
It's not cheap, starting at $1,299, but our testing found it to be worth the money, especially if you can snag a carrier deal or trade-in promotion. Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max is a close second, with a new aluminum design, a vapor chamber cooling system for heat management, and an 18MP Center Stage selfie camera for flexible recording.
Of course, our pick for the best phone overall may not be the best for you. Regardless of which option on this list you choose to invest in, expect it to be high-performing, feature a display that is bright enough for outdoor use, and include a camera system that will meet your photography needs.
Also: We ran battery tests on 17 phones - this model lasted the longest
In our February update, we added the OnePlus 15 as the best phone for battery life, based on our extensive testing.
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Best phones of 2026
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