Best Android Phones of 2026: Our Experts Give Their Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra isn’t a radical upgrade from the S25 Ultra, but there are improvements where it counts. It’s the thinnest and lightest Ultra, at 7.9mm thick and 214 grams — an admittedly minor slim-down that’s still noticeable. 

The hardware advancement that steals the spotlight is the Privacy Display, which prevents others from seeing what’s on your screen. Unlike a $10 screen protector you can buy from Amazon, you can toggle Privacy Display on for certain apps, like a banking app or your email, as well as your lock screen, so no one sees your password or PIN. You can also enable it just for incoming notifications, so only part of your screen gets blacked out. 

The S26 Ultra carries over the same camera specs as last year, but it consistently delivers high-quality images. Plus, a neat new Horizontal Lock feature when recording videos keeps the horizon level even as you rotate your phone 360 degrees, leading to astonishingly stable footage.

Why we like it

The S26 Ultra prioritizes both hardware and software. Along with a thinner design and the Privacy Display, there’s also a handful of new intuitive AI features. For instance, Now Nudge surfaces real-time suggestions based on what’s on your screen, so if someone asks for photos from your trip, it’ll automatically point you toward those images in your Gallery so you don’t have to dig for them. And Document Scan will automatically appear when you’re snapping a photo of a document to remove shadows and creases, then let you export the final product as a PDF. Plus, the S26 Ultra’s battery can last well over a day and a half, and it supports 60-watt wired charging, a major perk.

Who’s it best for

If you’re a power user who likes having a larger display, a bigger battery and top-notch cameras — as well as the signature S Pen — the S26 Ultra is the way to go. It’s a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want to worry about charging their phone at the end of each day, since the battery can last well over a day and a half.

Who shouldn’t get it

The S26 Ultra keeps its $1,300 price, even amid a RAM shortage that threatens to raise phone prices. But that’s still not pocket change. If you don’t need the most high-end cameras and prefer a smaller device, the baseline S26 shares many of the Ultra’s features, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and all those AI features.

Expert Take

Google’s $899 Pixel 11 refines and improves its base phone to include many of the Pro-level features you may be looking for – including a third telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. The phone’s one of the more iPhone-friendly Android phones out there, sporting an improved method for transferring data over from iOS, PixelSnap magnets that work with Apple’s MagSafe accessories and AirDrop support through Android’s Quick Share. 

Why we like it

While the Pixel 11 isn’t Google’s most powerful phone, it includes nearly all of the company’s latest software and AI features. That includes Live Translate to automatically dub videos into other languages, Rambler voice dictation to remove filler words and omit any errors as you speak, and access to all of Google’s Gemini assistant features. The phone’s base price increase over the Pixel 10 is understandable, since its $899 price for 256GB matches last year’s storage equivalent.

Who it’s best for

This phone is an ideal upgrade for anyone coming from a Pixel 8 or older. It can also be a good fit for those looking to switch from an iPhone; if you’re using an iPhone 14 or older, you’ll see the most benefit from the Pixel 11’s upgraded features. 

Who shouldn’t get it

If you want a phone that’s better for gaming, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 and Apple’s iPhone 17 series have processors that are better suited for graphically intensive multiplayer games. If you want the absolute best cameras and don’t mind paying $200 more, the Pixel 11 Pro supports faster low-light photography and a 120x Pro Zoom that uses generative AI to sharpen details.

The $900 Samsung Galaxy S26 is a leading flagship with a price hike, and while it’s extremely likely that Samsung is just the first phonemaker in 2026 to give its phone a price hike, it still stings to have to pay $100 above last year’s Galaxy S25. Still, there are some notable software and AI upgrades, including the impressive Horizontal Lock feature that super-stabilizes recorded footage, no matter how you twist the phone around while shooting video.

Why we like it

The Galaxy S26 is a leading smartphone, a jack-of-all-trades that is blisteringly fast, takes good photos, shoots great videos, runs games well and has a decent battery. It’s not the absolute best at any of these among today’s top phones, but makes the podium for most of them, so it’s an easy all-around choice. The new AI features are fun if situational, and aside from Horizontal Lock, there aren’t any standouts. If one has to pay more for the phone, at least it starts at 256GB of storage.

Who it’s best for

The Galaxy S26 is a reliable pick for anyone who just wants a great phone that can do anything. While it won’t win any battery longevity awards (especially compared to the OnePlus 15), its cameras remain stellar, and its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip with 12GB of RAM result in smooth operations. It still gets seven years of software and security updates, so buyers will be able to keep it around for years and expect some AI features from newer Galaxy phones to trickle down, too.

Who shouldn’t get it

The Galaxy S26 doesn’t quite excel in anything — not battery life (OnePlus 15), photo AI features (Google Pixel 10 Pro) or display tech (its Galaxy S26 Ultra sibling). And the $100 price hike is more a reflection of the state of the industry than a result of upgrades, so if you’re looking for a cheaper but still powerful option, look for the Galaxy S25 or other Android phones from last year. 

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a refreshing spin on Samsung’s existing book-style foldable design, with a squat, passport-sized build and a 4:3 aspect ratio when open, making it feel more like a tablet. 

With a spacious 7.6-inch inside display, it’s ideal for watching horizontal videos and multitasking in landscape orientation, and is well-suited for vertical content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok when turned to portrait. The 5.5-inch cover screen is just big enough to handle everyday tasks such as sending a text, responding to an email or snapping a photo. Overall, it’s a versatile yet compact handset that’s made for those of us who can’t stop scrolling or binge-watching.  

Why we like it

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is not only adorable and satisfying to hold, it’s also quite practical if you spend a lot of time consuming content on social media or streaming platforms. It also doubles as a great platform for reading documents and e-books when held in a portrait orientation. Because of its adaptability, it’s well-suited for practically any type of media you want to consume. 

Who’s it best for
This phone is for anyone who spends a lot of time scrolling through social media, watching videos or reading digital documents or ebooks.

Who shouldn’t get it
If you want pro-level photography or a better canvas for multitasking, the more traditionally designed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra might be a better fit for you.

Google’s Pixel 10A remains one of the best value options at $499, pairing consistent Android software updates with an excellent camera. While it won’t steal away anyone enamored by the more expensive Pixel 10, it’s still an easy recommendation when you just need a phone.

Why we like it

The Pixel 10A’s ability to send photos and files over AirDrop via Android’s QuickShare makes this phone a lower-cost way to switch from an iPhone SE to Android without losing that helpful feature. Even those that don’t care about AirDrop can appreciate the Pixel 10A’s camera, which remains one of the best available among phones under $500.

Who it’s best for

Someone who wants a nice phone, but isn’t interested in poring through technical details. It’s also a nice gateway phone for people switching from an iPhone to Android, thanks to its AirDrop support.

Who shouldn’t get it

Google’s prior A-series phones had been almost better versions of their pricier siblings with a lot of the same hardware, but the Pixel 10A doesn’t follow this tradition thanks to its slower processor and lack of a telephoto camera, which the $799 Pixel 10 has. It’s also not ideal if you absolutely need iMessage or FaceTime access.

With its fancy new sensor tech, a rare (if not unique) continuous zoom lens and an actual functional control wheel around the camera unit, Leica’s Leitzphone, powered by Xiaomi, packs in some potent tech to tempt camera enthusiasts. I’ve used it to take some of my best-ever phone photos, and it earned a CNET Editors’ Choice award for its imaging.

Sadly, Xiaomi doesn’t sell its products in the US, so most people reading this aren’t able to actually go and buy this camera champ. Sorry.

Why we like it

Its large main image sensor takes beautiful photos, and the physical control wheel around the camera unit makes it feel like a regular camera when you’re out shooting. The built-in Leica color profiles let you take gorgeous photos with minimal effort.

Who it’s best for

If you strive for truly artistic images from your phone and the iconic Leica red dot logo makes you feel all warm inside, then it’s the phone for you. You’ll need to live in the UK or Europe, though, and have deep pockets — this thing doesn’t come cheap.

Who shouldn’t get it

Anyone who lives in the US. Not because you shouldn’t, but because you can’t.

The Pixel 11 Pro feels like the most refined phone Google’s ever made. From its luscious glass and metal design (especially in that glorious peachy color) to its slick pure Android interface, the phone is one of the nicest Android phones you can use on an everyday basis. 

The Tensor G6 processor isn’t the most powerful around but it’s got more than enough to tackle almost anything you’re likely to throw at it while the battery should keep going for most of a full day as long as you’re careful.

Why we like it

It’s not a revolution by any means but with the Pixel 11 Pro Google has made enough tweaks to make its latest flagship a pleasure to use. It might not excel in any one key area, but the Pixel experience is greater than the sum of its parts. 

Who it’s best for

Those of you wanting a phone to simply tackle all of your daily needs without trying to overcomplicate things with endless options, settings and functions. It’s a straightforward phone with solid performance all round. 

Who shouldn’t get it

Exceptionally demanding photographers will be better served by pricier Android rivals. Ditto those who want the most bleeding-edge performance for high frame rate gaming.

T-Mobile is offering up to $1,300 off the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra when signing up for a new line on the Experience Beyond plan. New customers can take advantage of this promotion without any trade-in required. Existing T-Mobile customers are also eligible to receive this discount by trading in a device in any condition.