PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

The Best Phones for 2026

Whether you're looking for an Android phone, an iPhone, or a simple handset for voice calls, these are the top phones we've tested for various budgets across the major US wireless carriers.

 & Iyaz Akhtar Mobile Writer

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS

Buying a phone can be complicated. Whether you want a standard slab-style smartphone, a modern folding phone, or a basic feature phone, there are several small but important factors to consider before making a choice. PCMag has been covering cell phones for at least three decades and can help you sort through all the noise. Right now, four phones stand out among our Editors' Choice winners: the Apple iPhone 17 with its great mix of features and performance for the price, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with its artist-friendly S Pen stylus, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 with its expansive inner screen, and the Google Pixel 10a for its superb value. However, all the phones here are worth your attention, so be sure to explore our full reviews, linked below. Further down, we walk you through everything you need to know to pick the best one.

You Can Trust Our Reviews

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

  • Apple iPhone 17
    Best iPhone for Most People

    Apple iPhone 17

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Best value among iPhone 17 models
      • Fast performance
      • Competitive battery life
      • Speedy wireless connections
      • Pro-level display
      • Flexible cameras
      • No telephoto camera

    Why We Picked It

    With the iPhone 17, Apple has meaningfully upgraded the base model to bring it in line with the rest of the iPhone 17 family—and competing flagships. With more than 24 hours of battery life, fast charging, modern radios, and high-quality hardware, it's a near-total package. Unless you're a power user who wants the photo and video tools of the Pro models, the iPhone 17 is the better value proposition.

    Who It's For

    Value-seeking iPhone fans: The entry-level iPhone 17 would be considered a Pro-level model just a few years ago. In fact, it gets you much of the iPhone Pro experience for hundreds less. For $799, it packs 256GB of storage, a powerful Apple processor, and excellent cameras. What's not to like?

    Selfie lovers: Apple’s iPhone 17 introduces a new selfie camera capable of capturing both vertical and horizontal photos without requiring the user to rotate the phone. If you want some variety in your selfies without having to change the way you use your phone, the iPhone 17 is a great pick. 

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life (As Tested) 24 hours, 31 minutes
    Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP, 48MP; 18MP
    CPU Apple A19
    Dimensions 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
    Operating System iOS 26
    Screen Resolution 2,622 by 1,206 pixels
    Screen Size 6.3
    Get It Now
  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
    Best for Artists and Note-Takers

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Class-leading cameras
      • Excellent performance
      • Privacy Display hides your screen
      • Practical AI tools
      • Useful S Pen stylus
      • Limited viewing angles
      • Average battery life
      • Lacks magnetic charging

    Why We Picked It

    The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features high-end specs, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, up to 1TB of storage with 16GB of RAM, and the best camera stack available on an Android phone in the US. The embedded S Pen stylus is another significant point in its favor, particularly if you're an artist or note-taker who likes to sketch or jot on the run. Let's not forget Galaxy AI, which is equal parts useful and fun, and Samsung's powerful productivity software, which lets you multitask on the large screen with ease. Lastly, if you care about security, it has a Privacy Display that can hide the screen from view, reducing the risk of shoulder surfing.

    Who It's For

    Privacy Seekers: The Privacy Display shields the display from onlookers, which means you can view sensitive material in public where only you can see it.

    Artist and Notetakers: The Galaxy S26 Ultra keeps stylus fans happy. The Ultra features a removable S Pen, which lets you place the stylus on the screen for longhand writing, mind-mapping, or sketching, in ways a keyboard cannot replicate. 

    People who want the best Samsung phone: The S26 Ultra’s specs are out of this world, with a 5x optical telephoto zoom, a 200MP main camera, a superfast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and an enormous 6.9-inch OLED.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life (As Tested) 15 hours, 5 minutes
    Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP
    CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
    Dimensions 6.61 by 3.37 by 0.35 inches
    Operating System Android 16
    Screen Resolution 3,120 by 1,440 pixels
    Screen Size 6.9
    Get It Now
  • Google Pixel 10 Pro
    Best Android Phone for Most People

    Google Pixel 10 Pro

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Refined and appealing hardware
      • Advanced, easy-to-use AI features
      • Excellent cameras
      • Long-term support
      • Battery life should be longer
      • No physical SIM card support

    Why We Picked It

    Google’s Pixel 10 Pro packs the company’s best hardware and software into a tough, midsize phone. You get premium construction, a bright, detailed screen, sharp cameras, and AI that runs locally to speed up everyday tasks. Features like live call translation and language-based photo edits create standout experiences you rarely find elsewhere.

    Who It's For

    Uncompromising small phone fans: The Pixel 10 Pro packs virtually everything its larger sibling has in a small, dense body. Google's AI features work exceptionally well on this phone, while its cameras produce some of the best photos you'll see from any smartphone.

    Long-term phone users: Google offers seven years of operating system updates, security fixes, and feature drops. That means the Pixel 10 Pro hardware may age, but its software will stay current thanks to Google's generous policy. If you prefer to hold onto your investment, the Pixel 10 is worth considering.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life (As Tested) 12 hours, 40 minutes
    Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP
    CPU Google Tensor G5
    Dimensions 6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches
    Operating System Android 16
    Screen Resolution 2,856 by 1,280 pixels
    Screen Size 6.3
    Get It Now
  • Google Pixel 10a
    Best Midrange Android Phone

    Google Pixel 10a

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Outstanding cameras for the price
      • Sharp, bright screen
      • Excellent Google AI
      • Long software support commitment
      • Simple, well-made hardware
      • Outdated processor
      • No magnetic charging
      • No mmWave 5G

    Why We Picked It

    The Google Pixel 10a is an excellent midrange value for Android fans thanks to its capable pair of cameras, bright screen, smooth performance, and refined design. It also offers a good range of AI-based photo-editing features, along with more than 14 hours of battery life and an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water ingress. We especially like that Google promises seven years of software updates, just like for the flagship Pixel 10 lineup.

    Who It's For

    Google fans seeking a bargain: If you've ever wondered what the big deal is about Pixels, the Pixel 10a offers the best of Google in an affordable package. This is Android as Google envisions it, with various AI features that make the Pixel 10a fun to use.

    People who love taking photos: Every phone on this list can take good photos, but the $499 Pixel 10a provides the best value. Google’s hardware and software shape the Pixel’s image workflow to effortlessly produce beautiful pictures. 

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life (As Tested) 12 hours, 15 minutes
    Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP, 13MP; 13MP
    CPU Google Tensor G4
    Dimensions 6.06 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches
    Operating System Android 16
    Screen Resolution 2,424 by 1,080 pixels
    Screen Size 6.3
    Get It Now
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
    Best Folding Phone

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Exceptional hardware
      • Excellent displays
      • Solid performance
      • Powerful software
      • Strong radios
      • Outlandishly expensive
      • Only average battery life

    Why We Picked It

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the best large-screen foldable yet. It's lighter and more compact than the Z Fold 6, yet still offers a larger cover screen and a larger internal screen. We also like the IP48 rating and Samsung's commitment to seven years of software support. It features a stronger hinge, powerful multitasking capabilities, advanced Galaxy AI tools, excellent 5G and Wi-Fi radios, and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor—all of which contribute significantly to justifying its admittedly high price.

    Who It's For

    Tablet lovers: If you want a larger screen while working with the Z Fold 7, just open it up, and you've got a tablet to work with. It's a great option for those looking to do more with one device (though it costs as much as two).

    Design buffs: Somehow, Samsung made the Z Fold 7 so thin that it resembles a regular (non-folding) smartphone while closed. Opening up the Z Fold 7 reveals its remarkable thinness, measuring just 0.17 inches. The refined hinge feels sturdy, while its excellent build quality showcases Samsung's capabilities.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life (As Tested) 13 hours, 10 minutes
    Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 200MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP
    CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    Dimensions 6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open
    Operating System Android 16
    Screen Resolution 2,184 by 1,968 pixels
    Screen Size 8
    Get It Now
  • Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
    Most Affordable Android Phone

    Samsung Galaxy A17 5G

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Good battery life
      • Quick-enough 5G and Wi-Fi
      • Impressive cameras for the price
      • 6-year support commitment
      • Decent quality build
      • Outdated processor
      • Limited RAM

    Why We Picked It

    The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is an excellent value for under $200. Highlights include a large 90Hz screen, a good camera system, an IP54 rating against dust and water, and a guarantee of six years of security updates. It's not as tough as pricier phones, nor as fast, but given its low price, you can't ask for more.

    Who It's For

    Budget-conscious buyers: If your budget is limited, the Galaxy A17 5G is an excellent choice thanks to its good everyday usability, above-average cameras, and long battery life. Midrange models outgun it, but it's easily the best phone under $200.

    Parents: If the thought of spending nearly $1,000 on a flagship phone for your child seems daunting, the Galaxy A17 should grab your attention. This Samsung is perfectly capable of handling the basics, so kids won't think of it as a toy. The phone's six years of support also mean the device will remain secure for years to come.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life (As Tested) 15 hours, 45 minutes
    Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
    CPU Samsung Exynos 1330
    Dimensions 6.47 by 3.07 by 0.30 inches
    Operating System Android 16
    Screen Resolution 2,340 by 1,080 pixels
    Screen Size 6.7
    Get It Now
  • TCL Flip 4 5G
    Best Voice Phone

    TCL Flip 4 5G

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Affordable
      • 5G and Wi-Fi
      • Long battery life
      • Quick performance
      • Limited third-party apps
      • Poor cameras
      • Embedded battery

    Why We Picked It

    The TCL Flip 4 5G is an excellent voice phone with an embedded battery, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C charging port. It also features a 2MP camera, which is useful in a pinch. Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G connectivity, along with email access, can help keep you in the communication loop.

    Who It's For

    People who just want to make calls: If you aren't interested in owning a smartphone, the affordable TCL Flip 4 5G confidently performs basic phone functions. The speakerphone and earpiece sound quite clear, and the battery lasts for a considerable amount of time.

    Retro enthusiasts: The Flip 4 is a classic-style clamshell flip phone designed for today's cellular networks. If you prefer to text using a physical number pad, the TCL Flip 4 is the ideal choice. This device has no touch screens and no social media apps, so forget about endless swiping. The Flip 4's limited app selection should be sufficient for the lightest tasks (such as email), but its primary function is simply to be a phone.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life (As Tested) 20 hours
    Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 5MP
    CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2
    Dimensions 4.29 by 2.34 by 0.84 inches
    Operating System KaiOS
    Screen Resolution 240 by 320 pixels
    Screen Size 3.2
    Get It Now
  • Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
    Best Battery Life

    Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Outstanding cameras
      • Top video features
      • Category-leading battery life
      • Terrific screen
      • Fast performance
      • High-quality hardware
      • Might be too big for some
      • Most expensive iPhone

    Why We Picked It

    The iPhone 17 Pro Max is packed with everything Apple has to offer. It features the largest screen among iPhones, its battery lasts over 32 hours, the Camera Control button offers more creative flexibility, and upgraded radios ensure faster wireless performance. It also features advanced video capture tools that are among the best available on any phone.

    Who It's For

    Serious multimedia creators: The iPhone 17 Pro Max includes some of the most powerful camera and video features of any phone on the market. Few others can record super high-quality ProRes footage in HDR at 4K120. If you create content for a living, this is the phone to get. Moreover, it offers up to 2TB of storage, more than enough to hold all your projects.

    People who want the best battery life: The iPhone 17 Pro Max's battery life is remarkably long, lasting 32 hours and 11 minutes in our battery rundown test. The Pro Max outlasts not only its siblings but also most Android phones.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life (As Tested) 32 hours, 11 minutes
    Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP
    CPU Apple A19 Pro
    Dimensions 6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches
    Operating System iOS 26
    Screen Resolution 2,868 by 1,320 pixels
    Screen Size 6.9
    Get It Now
  • Motorola Razr Ultra
    Best Flip Phone

    Motorola Razr Ultra

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Bright displays
      • Category-leading battery life
      • Powerful performance
      • Fun folding form factor
      • Middling cameras
      • Mediocre AI

    Why We Picked It

    The Motorola Razr Ultra embraces its dual-screen design in a way many alternatives don't; you can run virtually any app you want on either the vivid 4.0-inch outer display or the expansive 7.0-inch inner panel. We also like its IP48 waterproof rating, stylish design, competitive performance, and fast 68W wired charging.

    Who It's For

    People with small pockets: The Razr Ultra lets you easily carry a 7-inch screen around with you, no matter how big or small your pockets are, by folding it in half. Like the clamshell phones of old, the Ultra closes with a satisfying thunk, giving you a squarish brick to carry around. Additionally, its front screen is large enough to allow you to accomplish a lot without opening the phone.

    The fashion-conscious: In a world of bland phones, the Razr Ultra stands out. Its folding form factor makes it turn heads, while its color options are unlike anything in the competition, thanks to a partnership with Pantone. The Ultra is available in Cabaret (pink), Mountain Trail (wood veneer), Rio Red, or Scarab (black Alcantara).

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life (As Tested) 22 hours, 3 minutes
    Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 50MP; 50MP
    CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
    Dimensions 6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open, 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed
    Operating System Android 15
    Screen Resolution 2,992 by 1,224 pixels
    Screen Size 7
    Get It Now
  • OnePlus 15
    Best Alternative to Google and Samsung

    OnePlus 15

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Category-leading battery life
      • Excellent screen
      • Quick performance
      • Superb value
      • No mmWave
      • Limited availability

    Why We Picked It

    OnePlus phones aren't as common to see as those from Google and Samsung, but they are often worth considering. The company's latest flagship matches today's leading phones spec-for-spec in terms of display, battery life, performance, and camera. It even sees OnePlus dipping its toe into AI and supports wired charging speeds of up to 80W via a proprietary power block.

    Who It's For

    People who want to try something different: The OnePlus 15 is ideal if you're looking for a device not made by Google or Samsung. OnePlus produces consistently good phones with genuinely useful software that will receive four years of OS upgrades.

    Battery worriers: With more than 26 hours of battery life, the OnePlus 15 is one of the longest-lasting phones you can buy in the US. Its 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery is second only to Apple's largest iPhone battery.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life (As Tested) 26 hours, 11 minutes
    Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 50MP, 50MP; 32MP
    CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
    Dimensions 6.35 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches
    Operating System Android 16
    Screen Resolution 2,772 by 1,272 pixels
    Screen Size 6.78
    Get It Now
    Learn More OnePlus 15 Review
The Best Phones for 2026

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Our Pick
Rating
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
Best For
Best iPhone for Most People
Best for Artists and Note-Takers
Best Android Phone for Most People
Best Midrange Android Phone
Best Folding Phone
Most Affordable Android Phone
Best Voice Phone
Best Battery Life
Best Flip Phone
Best Alternative to Google and Samsung
Best iPhone for Most People
Best for Artists and Note-Takers
Best Android Phone for Most People
Operating System
iOS 26Android 16Android 16Android 16Android 16Android 16KaiOSiOS 26Android 15Android 16iOS 26Android 16Android 16
CPU
Apple A19Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxyGoogle Tensor G5Google Tensor G4Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxySamsung Exynos 1330Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2Apple A19 ProQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile PlatformQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5Apple A19Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxyGoogle Tensor G5
Dimensions
5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches6.61 by 3.37 by 0.35 inches6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches6.06 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open6.47 by 3.07 by 0.30 inches4.29 by 2.34 by 0.84 inches6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open, 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed6.35 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches6.61 by 3.37 by 0.35 inches6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches
Screen Size
6.36.96.36.386.73.26.976.786.36.96.3
Screen Resolution
2,622 by 1,206 pixels3,120 by 1,440 pixels2,856 by 1,280 pixels2,424 by 1,080 pixels2,184 by 1,968 pixels2,340 by 1,080 pixels240 by 320 pixels2,868 by 1,320 pixels2,992 by 1,224 pixels2,772 by 1,272 pixels2,622 by 1,206 pixels3,120 by 1,440 pixels2,856 by 1,280 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 48MP; 18MP200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP48MP, 13MP; 13MP200MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP5MP48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP50MP, 50MP; 50MP50MP, 50MP, 50MP; 32MP48MP, 48MP; 18MP200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
24 hours, 31 minutes15 hours, 5 minutes12 hours, 40 minutes12 hours, 15 minutes13 hours, 10 minutes15 hours, 45 minutes20 hours32 hours, 11 minutes22 hours, 3 minutes26 hours, 11 minutes24 hours, 31 minutes15 hours, 5 minutes12 hours, 40 minutes

Buying Guide: The Best Phones for 2026


Which Cell Phone Carrier Has the Best Coverage?

Despite all the recent innovations in hardware and mobile software, choosing a wireless service provider remains the most important decision. No matter what phone you buy, it's a paperweight unless you have reliable wireless coverage. You should choose a carrier with fair prices and the best coverage in your area.

If you're interested in performance and live in a metro area, pay close attention to where the major carriers have deployed "mid-band" 5G (also known as C-band) and use phones that support this technology.

UScellular is currently available throughout the US, though much of its coverage is provided via partner networks. Meanwhile, Boost Mobile covers a good portion of the country with its 5G-first service.

Left to right: Google Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and Pro 10 XL
(Credit: Eric Zeman)

Many virtual operators also use the big three networks for service, but offer lower monthly rates, cheaper international calls, or other benefits. They're typically better for less intensive users, and some don't even have family plans.

Mint Mobile (on T-Mobile), Consumer Cellular (on AT&T), and Spectrum Mobile (on Verizon) all received higher ratings in our Readers’ Choice survey than the companies that host their services.

AT&T owns Cricket, Dish owns Boost Mobile, T-Mobile owns Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile, Verizon owns Visible, and Google owns Google Fi (which also runs on T-Mobile). Verizon also owns Simple Mobile, Straight Talk, Total Wireless, and Tracfone. We spotlight some of our favorite virtual operators in our roundup of the best cheap phone plans. We also have a story on the best cheap phones.

If you're on T-Mobile, you should consider using a mid-band 5G-compatible phone. That's an easy choice—all T-Mobile 5G phones are now mid-band compatible.

To access AT&T's C-band network, any modern Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel will do. Many of Motorola’s US phones also support AT&T C-band.

If you're in one of Verizon's C-band areas, upgrading to a C-band-compatible 5G phone is a good move. The carrier's ultra-wideband network also provides super-fast mmWave 5G in select locations. If you are in one of those areas and want to take advantage, make sure your phone has that support.

You can find more 5G recommendations on our list of the best 5G phones.


Should You Get an Unlocked Phone?

Carriers often have confusing service and pricing plans, making unlocked phones as relevant and invaluable as ever.

Unlocked phones are those you buy from a third-party store or directly from the manufacturer; they aren't tied to a specific carrier. Usually, you can use them with AT&T or T-Mobile. However, some popular unlocked phones are also compatible with Verizon. For the most flexibility, look for a recent Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S or Z flagship, or high-end Motorola Edge phone. If you use a low-cost MVNO service, ensure your unlocked phone is compatible; some MVNOs don't support phones that should work on their networks.

Apple iPhone 17
(Credit: Eric Zeman)

In the past, unlocked 4G phones typically worked on all major carriers; however, 5G phones are different. Apple, Google, and Samsung's 5G phones typically work on every major US carrier; however, many other brands have limited band support or are only certified for specific carriers.


What Is the Best Smartphone?

There's actually less diversity in smartphone platforms and designs than ever. Android and iOS are the two remaining major smartphone platforms, both in US sales and in the availability of third-party apps. The iPhone has a well-developed App Store and some of the best media features. But Apple's tightly controlled ecosystem can feel stifling to some, though iOS is more customizable than ever. Android handsets offer a greater variety, and the OS allows you to customize nearly everything to tailor your phone to your needs. But it can also mean carrier bloatware you can't remove, and less consistent OS updates. Google and Samsung provide up to seven years of OS updates and security fixes. If you want an Android phone for the long run, consider those two manufacturers.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series
(Credit: Eric Zeman)

Strictly interested in Android? Head over to our roundup of the best Android phones. Baffled by the variety of iPhones? Here's how to decide which iPhone to buy. And if you want to document the world around you with your phone, we've also rounded up the best camera phones.  


What Is the Best Feature Phone?

Some people still use simpler phones, despite the limited number of choices available. The top reasons to consider these models are their lower prices, ease of use, and often cheaper associated service plans (since mobile data is often not a factor). You'll find some great deals for voice-only plans on virtual carriers such as TracFone and Consumer Cellular.

Unlike smartphones, feature phones are a matter of "what you see is what you get." They don't receive software upgrades or run thousands of apps. Wireless network coverage is always the biggest factor, but individual phones can vary in reception, earpiece quality, transmission quality through the microphone, and sidetone (the echo of your voice that helps prevent you from yelling at the other person on the line). A phone with middling to poor reception quality can be almost impossible to use in areas with marginal coverage. In contrast, one with excellent reception can make the best of the little signal available.

For more, see our picks for the best phones for seniors and our roundup of the best phones for kids.


What's the Best Time to Buy a New Phone?

The best time to buy a new phone is when you need one. If your phone dies on the pavement, get whatever is available that best meets your needs. However, if you're watching your budget or staying on the cutting edge, a little knowledge and planning can save you from buying a phone that's about to be discounted or replaced with something newer and more advanced.

For instance, Google's flagship Pixels came out last August. Apple released the iPhone 17 models in September. Samsung introduced its new Galaxy S series in February and Galaxy Z folding phones last July. Motorola has been sticking to a spring cadence for its folding phones, while OnePlus announced its latest flagship in late 2025.

We update this story every time we review a new phone worth a spot on the list, so it changes often. Be sure to check back soon for our latest recommendations.

About Our Expert

Iyaz Akhtar

Iyaz Akhtar

Mobile Writer

My Experience

I've been into technology for as long as I can remember. As a PCMag mobile writer, I get to test the newest phones and tablets. Since you rely on our buying advice, I make sure you get everything a manufacturer claims, which means lots of testing. This is your phone we're talking about; it's like a part of you. I've covered technology as a career for around two decades (yikes, I had to think about that). You've seen my work at The Apple Blog, PCMag (from my first go around), This Week in Tech, and CNET. I also occasionally produce independent video projects, including This Old Nerd, a how-to series that shows practical ways to get the most from your tech.

The Technology I Use

I use a 2023 M3 MacBook Pro customized with lots of keyboard shortcuts thanks to Raycast. Pixelmator Pro is my go-to photo editing application because there is no subscription, and I'm trapped with Evernote because I've used it forever.

I'm between phones at the moment, but I use a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 now, and used a Z Fold 6 before that. Considering that I like to have multiple windows open at once, the large inner screen of folding phones can show a baseball game on the top while I keep a chat app and Reddit open beneath. I do miss being able to write on the Z Fold 7's screen, though, which has me eyeing a Galaxy S25 Ultra.

My home is semi-smart, with many Google Home products that I thoroughly enjoyed in the pre-Gemini days. Be warned: smart bulbs are a gateway drug into smart home life.

Read full bio