The best Android phones of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Why we like it: Samsung’s flagship phone continues to reign supreme across the board in our tests. The latest model, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, delivers in almost every way, from general performance to display quality to cameras, with flaws that you really have to nitpick for.

The standout feature of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the new Privacy Display, which dims half the screen’s pixels so it appears tinted when viewed at an off angle. This complex display tech can be customized to hide important information, such as 2FA message alerts and passwords. Its one caveat? A screen that’s a little less sharp and vibrant than its predecessor — though the security benefits easily outweigh the drawbacks here.

Review: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung has also equipped the Galaxy S26 Ultra with an updated Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, capable of running high-end games like Genshin Impact and heavy AI tasks without much stuttering. The improved efficiency is paired nicely with 60W wired charging, the first and fastest we’ve tested on any Samsung phone to date.

Who it’s for: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is for users who want a handset with high utility, advanced security features, and a camera system that can shoot virtually anything. You’ll also have to be a user who’s willing to pay to play, as the phone starts at $1,300. Carrier deals, retailer discounts, and other trade-in offers are your best friends if you really want one.

Who should look elsewhere: I mentioned earlier that the S26 Ultra isn’t flawless. For one, it lacks the Qi2 magnetic adapter that’s required to attach compatible accessories without an additional case, has a camera configuration that’s nearly identical to last year’s model (for those hoping for something significantly better or different), and it’s still a large, 6.9-inch phone, at the end of the day.

Those who prefer something less expensive and easier to hold should consider Samsung’s smaller options, such as the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Display size: 6.9 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Price: Starting at $1,300

Why we like it: The Pixel A series is always a treat to review because, for the most part, you’re getting everything you can get in the flagship version of the Pixel, but in a smaller, less expensive package. 

Truth be told, it’s very hard to buy a phone today that doesn’t meet all the table stakes, but Pixels — even midrange Pixels — tend to rise to the top in terms of features. Google’s software is awesome to use — it’s one of the best versions of Android you can find.

The Pixel 10a in particular is quite good at photography. There are two camera sensors — a wide and ultrawide, but it lacks a telephoto lens. That’s fairly common for midrange phones, but what the Pixel 10a does, it does very well, including all of Google’s computational photography tricks and Gemini tricks as well.

Review: Google Pixel 10a

Who it’s for: The Pixel 10a is a budget phone starting at $499. It comes in a variety of fun colors, such as Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian. Though it lacks a telephoto camera, the other two cameras are exquisite. 

I was particularly impressed with its ability to capture moving subjects without the typical blur you’ll see at this price point. Low-light photography is also quite good.

As for the rest of the phone, the software is the main other selling point. This is Google’s phone running Google’s operating system. If you are a tech nerd, that should appeal to you — especially at the attractive price point. You can also easily buy the phone unlocked and take it to any carrier you want in the US, if you’d like. 

Who should look elsewhere: The biggest downside to the Pixel 10a is its design. In addition to the gigantic bezel that runs around the screen, the phone’s back lacks the camera “visor” that’s become iconic to the brand over the last few years. 

On the plus side, the camera bump is nearly flush with the back of the phone. On the downside, it’s frankly a little boring, and the bezels around the front scream 2017-era smartphone. It’s not a great look, so if you’re someone who fancies a phone that stands out from the pack, this phone is not for you.

If you’re a spec nerd, you may also not like that this phone tops out at 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The latter isn’t terrible, but the former doesn’t exactly scream future-proof. Add in the fact that Tensor processors are not known for their impressive power, and gamers might want to find a different option as well.

Google Pixel 10a tech specs: Processor: Tensor G5 | Display size: 6.3-inch | RAM/Storage: 8GB with 128GB or 256GB | Battery: 5,100mAh | Camera: 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, and 13MP front | Price: Starting at $499

Why we like it: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains the best foldable phone in 2026, thanks to its ultra-thin form factor and market-leading camera system, which captures more lifelike images than competing models from OnePlus and Google, according to our tests. 

Samsung took the traditional phone route when refining the outer display of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, opting for a wider, more standard aspect-ratio panel rather than the narrower one on the Galaxy Z Fold 6. That makes a notable difference in hand-feel and ergonomics, even though the two phones are only $100 apart. Compared to the standard slab-style phone, you’re simply getting more screen with the Z Fold 7, with a larger 8-inch display when unfolded. For reference, most modern-day phones range from 6 to 6.8 inches.

Naturally, all the content I’ve been consuming on the phone, like video streaming, social media feeds, and Google Maps, is presented in a highly consumable way; nothing feels disorienting or cropped. While the foldable doesn’t match its Ultra sibling spec-for-spec, the Z Fold 7 truly shines and more than makes up for the “inferior” 200MP camera system in long exposure shots and selfies, thanks to its self-standing nature. 

Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Who it’s for: I often recommend the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold over other foldables because of Samsung’s feature-rich approach to software. Running on the OneUI launcher (over Android 16) means you can expect a simple yet customizable user interface, with support for up to seven years of operating system and security updates. I can’t say the same for the OnePlus Open or Motorola Razr.

This ultra-slim form factor is also ideal for multitaskers and other users who want to see as much information at once as possible without reaching for a tablet or laptop. You simply won’t find a foldable with better ergonomics right now than this.

Who should look elsewhere: With a $2,000 starting price tag, you’re mostly paying for the innovation factor with this phone. So, if you’re more interested in a safe and reliable handset that’s arguably much easier to repair, I’d recommend a traditional slab phone like the Galaxy S26 series.

Users shopping for a foldable phone should also consider the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold if they prefer a handset with less bloatware and a stubbier design, or the older Galaxy Z Fold 6 if they want S Pen stylus support, which the Z Fold 7 omits.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Display sizes: 6.5-inch exterior and 8-inch interior | Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | Front cameras: 10MP front | Battery: 4,400mAh | Price: Starting at $2,000

Why we like it: The OnePlus 15 delivers one of the most well-rounded flagship experiences we’ve tested, with a large 6.8-inch 165Hz AMOLED display, a 7,300mAh battery, a triple-camera setup with a competent 50MP main lens at the helm, the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and more. For a starting price of $899, it’s very difficult to find a better flagship phone deal right now.

Putting the value aspect aside, the OnePlus 15 shines with its charging speed; it’s something I’ve learned not to take for granted, as competing Android flagships tend to require hours longer to top up. From my tests, the phone’s 80W wired charging can power it from 0% to 50% within 10 minutes, with a full charge taking closer to 30 minutes. 

Review: OnePlus 15

That’s compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, for example, which takes more than an hour to fully charge with its 60W standard. OnePlus also includes an 80W charger in the box, a free bonus that benefits users who don’t want to spend more on accessories and are always on the go.

Another vantage point is the OnePlus 15’s IP69 rating, which surpasses that of competing handsets. By IP69 standards, the phone can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and changes in humidity. In other words, leaving the device in a washer and dryer, or even dropping it in a pot of boiling soup, won’t damage it. 

Who it’s for: The OnePlus 15 typically starts at $899, which is cheaper than its closest current competitors, the $1,099 Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus and Google Pixel 10 Pro. The price point alone makes it worth recommending to consumers seeking a flagship phone experience without spending $1,000 or more. For the money, you’ll also get the fastest charging speeds on the US market, great for users who are always on the go or require as much power as possible in a given time.

Who should look elsewhere: While the OnePlus 15 hits almost every mark from our testing, alternatives like the Google Pixel 10 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus are more readily available at carrier stores and promise longer software support, both of which are ideal for users looking for a device they can hold onto for the next 5+ years. 

The OnePlus 15 also falls short in video recording and overall camera quality, with our tests revealing inconsistent HDR capture, color processing, and imperfect stabilization. Therefore, users who rely heavily on video recording should consider other flagship phones, such as the iPhone 17 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

OnePlus 15 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 7,300mAh | Price: Starting at $899

Why we like it: Deciding on the best compact phone came down to the wire, with Motorola’s Razr Ultra just scraping by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7. I went hands-on with the Razr Ultra model last year, and was thoroughly impressed by the improved hinge system (read: the phone feels sturdier to flip open and close), as well as the performance, which is underpinned by an updated Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 12GB of RAM.

Motorola’s outer display still supports virtually any app you throw at it, meaning you can browse the web, play games, scroll TikTok, and do other mobile tasks without ever needing to flip open the device. Samsung’s platform is more limited in this regard, which always felt like a missed opportunity when testing.

It also helps that the Razr Ultra has a textured backing, including new Alcantara and Wood finishes, which I’ve found to be easier to hold and grip than competing flip phones. Considering how fragile these foldable devices can be — anything with so many moving parts typically are — the enhanced grip is easy to appreciate.

Review: Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)

Who it’s for: Typically costing $1,500, the Razr Ultra is not a cheap flip phone by any means. That’s why its more affordable siblings, the Razr and Razr Plus, exist. But if you want the most complete, durable, and visually stimulating flip phone on the market right now, you’ll have to pay to play with the Razr Ultra.

I applauded Motorola for exploring new color and material finishes with this year’s Razr, and that’s something fashion-forward users will likely favor too. The battery on this year’s model — 4,700mAh, up from 4,000mAh — is also much larger, which you can never really complain about.

Who should look elsewhere: When buying the Razr Ultra, you should also consider aspects like Motorola’s relatively short software update cadence, which ranges from 2 to 3 years, versus Google and Samsung’s 7 years. If you’re looking for a phone that’s even more forgiving when dropped, I’d invest in a traditional slab handset instead, like the Samsung Galaxy S26 series or iPhone 17 series.

Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) tech specs: Processor:  Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Display sizes: 4-inch exterior and 7-inch interior | Storage options: 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide | Front camera: 32MP wide | Battery: 4,700mAh | Price: $1,300 (currently on sale for $1,100)

Why we like it: AI is part of the mainstream now, but before you’d ever heard of ChatGPT, Google was using AI to up its photography game in big ways. First, it used AI to help clean up photos and make subjects clearer, then it allowed you to remove objects from photos, and now it allows you to seamlessly merge photos together into that perfect moment. 

All that is to say, if you value photography, the Pixel 10 Pro XL and its suite of creative AI features is what should be in your pocket.

The Pixel 10 Pro series is also the first to support Qi2 25W wireless charging with Pixelsnap magnets. This means it’ll be compatible with the existing suite of MagSafe camera accessories like tripods, mounts, and docks, and can top up at a quicker rate than competing Android phones.

Review: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Who it’s for: The Pixel Pro 10 XL is for photographers who want to grab a quick point-and-shoot photo and then explore how AI can enhance it. 

It democratizes a lot of what you see professional photographers do with apps like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, allowing you to move subjects around and fill in the gaps left behind, enhance lighting, and even put subjects into a new setting. 

This isn’t really new to smartphone photography, but Google has been doing it for so long that it shows, both in the workflow and in the results.

The Pixel Pro 10 XL has the largest non-folding screen that you can use as a viewfinder, which is important for finding the right composition. It also has the largest battery and the fastest charging of all the Pixels, so if those specs are important to you, then this phone is the winner.

Who should look elsewhere: This is the largest and most expensive Pixel you can buy (that doesn’t fold), so people who are on a budget may want to look at our midrange pick in this list — the Pixel 10a. There’s more on that phone below. The Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199, so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

This is also a large phone, so that might eliminate the skinny jean crowd. If you’re a back-pocket phone carrier, you may want to look at this phone’s smaller sibling, the Pixel 10 Pro, which has almost exactly the same specifications (and the same photography chops) in a smaller package.

Google Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL tech specs: Processor: Google Tensor G5 | Display size: 6.3 and 6.8 inches | Storage options: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto | Front camera: 42MP | Battery: 4,870mAh/5,200mAh | Price: Starting at $999 (Pro) and $1,199 (Pro XL)