Best Smartphones 2026: Top Picks Reviewed
Our experts analyzed 5 top smartphones based on professional reviews from 37 expert sources. See our top picks for 2026.
Ethan Mercer
Editor-in-Chief
The iPhone 17 Pro Max just keeps stealing the spotlight, like that one friend who walks into a room and somehow turns every head. After combing through expert reviews from the likes of Tom's Guide, RTINGS, and CNET, it’s clear: this isn’t just another pretty face in the smartphone crowd. With a jaw-dropping average rating of 9.50, it’s a masterclass in performance, offering everything from a camera that makes even my culinary disasters look Instagram-worthy to a battery life that could outlast my endurance for Zoom meetings.
But before you get swept off your feet, let’s not discount the other contenders in this lineup of five. The Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers remarkable value while the Pixel 10 Pro XL charms with its user-friendly features—like that friend who always remembers your coffee order. Each phone has unique strengths that cater to different lifestyles and budgets, so buckle up as we explore what makes each one tick.
★ Quick Navigation
- 1Galaxy S25 UltraBest Overall
SamsungDeals LikelyNewer model likely available — look for deals on this one
- 2iPhone 17Best Value
AppleGood TimingGood Time to Buy — Early in the product cycle
- 3Pixel 10 Pro XLBest Premium
GoogleGood TimingGood Time to Buy — Early in the product cycle
- 415Also Great
OnePlusNew ReleaseJust Released — Great time to buy the latest model
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Best OverallSamsungDeals LikelyNewer model likely available — look for deals on this one
iPhone 17
Best ValueAppleGood TimingGood Time to Buy — Early in the product cycle
Pixel 10 Pro XL
Best PremiumGoogleGood TimingGood Time to Buy — Early in the product cycle
15
Also GreatOnePlusNew ReleaseJust Released — Great time to buy the latest model
How We Review
Every product on this list was evaluated by aggregating expert reviews from trusted, independent sources. We don't accept pay-for-placement — our rankings are based entirely on review consensus, real-world testing data, and measurable performance.
Products are scored on a 10-point scale using a weighted formula that factors in expert ratings, price-to-value ratio, and recency. Newer products with strong reviews get a meaningful boost because we believe our readers deserve current recommendations.
Sources analyzed for this article: 4 products across multiple expert reviews.
We may earn commission from links on this page. Learn more
More Reviews
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Which Flagship Wins?
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the crown with its stunning display, versatile cameras, and complete feature set. See how it beats iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Google Pixel 9 Pro vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro: Which $999 Flagship Wins?
Google Pixel 9 Pro and Apple iPhone 16 Pro both cost $999, but only one deserves your money. We compare cameras, performance, and value to pick a winner.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which Flagship Wins?
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra head-to-head. We compare cameras, performance, displays, and value to crown the ultimate flagship winner.



