GoKawiilFrom the vibrant orange iPhone 17 Pro to the tech-packed Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the best phones you can buy in 2026 have a lot in common. Blazing processor speeds and awesome photography skills are expected. Then there are the big, vibrant displays and -- whether you want them or not -- a slew of AI tricks. Throw in features such as water resistance and Samsung's new Privacy Display and it's perhaps no surprise that these phones have something else in common: huge price tags.
Costing $1,000 and more, today's best phones are out of reach for many -- or are simply unnecessary for those of us who just want an everyday handset for keeping in touch with friends or scrolling through Instagram on the bus. Thankfully, there's a huge array of options out there catering to all needs and budgets, whether you're looking for a top-end model or a more affordable option, such as the CNET Editors' Choice award-winning Nothing Phone 3A Pro.
You'd think the vast number of choices would make shopping simple. But the reality is that sometimes all the options make it more confusing. To help you cut through some of the jargon and spend your money sensibly, I've put together tips for buying a phone.
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How to buy a new phone: Top phone-buying tips
Know what you care about most: Is it screen size? Camera quality? Battery life? This will help narrow down your choices. Phones like the iPhone 17 Pro, Galaxy S26 Ultra or Xiaomi Leica Leitzphone, for example, pack incredible cameras that rival the quality you'd get from a mirrorless camera. If you're keen on photography and always want to carry a superb camera for when inspiration strikes, then spending money here is a good idea. If not, you can likely save yourself a bundle.
Is it screen size? Camera quality? Battery life? This will help narrow down your choices. Phones like the iPhone 17 Pro, Galaxy S26 Ultra or Xiaomi Leica Leitzphone, for example, pack incredible cameras that rival the quality you'd get from a mirrorless camera. If you're keen on photography and always want to carry a superb camera for when inspiration strikes, then spending money here is a good idea. If not, you can likely save yourself a bundle. Don't discount the midrange: Features of last year's flagships always trickle down to this year's midrange handsets.You can get a great phone that does almost everything that a premium phone can do for a fraction of the price. Google's Pixel 10 Pro packs a great zoom camera, but the base Pixel 10 has most of the same key specs and comes at a more reasonable price. Even lower-end phones like the Nothing Phone 3A Pro offer a great experience and asks for little cash in return.
Shop the sales: Look for deep discounts and promo deals around major holidays, especially Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday. And find out what your grace period is in case you need a quick return or exchange.
Look for deep discounts and promo deals around major holidays, especially Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday. And find out what your grace period is in case you need a quick return or exchange. Consider last year's phones: They can often be a great deal, too. Wait for this year's launch to get last year's phone for less, when stores and carriers may be trying to offload their existing stock. You should also check for used options as these can save you a ton of money, as long as whatever you buy still receives security updates.
They can often be a great deal, too. Wait for this year's launch to get last year's phone for less, when stores and carriers may be trying to offload their existing stock. You should also check for used options as these can save you a ton of money, as long as whatever you buy still receives security updates. Hold the phone at a store first: You may love or hate the way it looks and feels in person.
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