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10 Best Smartphones 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Night Mode Camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Fast Processor, 5000mAh Battery, Built-in S Pen, 2025, US 1 Yr Warranty, Titanium Whitesilver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,243
Battery Life
Build Quality
Processor

Most important from
4356 reviews

Battery Life
The phone delivers outstanding battery life with rapid charging that gets even faster using a 45W charger.
Build Quality
Its robust metal frame and ergonomic design combine durability with a comfortable feel despite the large size.
Processor
Performance is exceptionally smooth and fast, with blazingly quick app loading and scrolling.
Camera
The camera system impresses with clear, high-quality photos and advanced features that outperform previous models.
Storage
Generous storage options provide ample space for apps, photos, and videos without concern for running out.
Display
The large, vibrant display offers a visually stunning experience, making media consumption truly enjoyable.
Operating System
Customizability of the software enhances the user experience, allowing for a personalized interface.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium smartphone that stands out with a large, vibrant 6.9-inch display, perfect for watching videos or browsing with clear, sharp images. It’s powered by a fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 12GB of RAM, which can smoothly handle multiple apps and demanding tasks. Storage is generous at 512GB, providing plenty of space for photos, videos, and apps without worrying about running out.

The 5000mAh battery offers strong endurance, likely lasting a full day with typical use, and it supports fast and wireless charging for added convenience. The camera system is a highlight, featuring an AI Night Mode and Audio Eraser that help take clear, bright photos even in low light, while reducing background noise in videos. Portraits benefit from advanced features that keep skin tones natural and detailed. Running on the latest Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, the phone offers a smooth and customizable user experience.

Build quality is solid, with a sleek Titanium Whitesilver finish and water resistance, plus the added bonus of a built-in S Pen for note-taking and creativity. The phone's large size and weight might feel bulky for some users, and with no traditional headphone jack, wireless or USB-C headphones are necessary. Although the phone is unlocked and compatible with all carriers, its premium price could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. This model suits users seeking a high-performance device with excellent camera capabilities, long battery life, and a stylish, durable design.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,243
Battery Life
Build Quality
Processor

Most important from
4356 reviews

Battery Life
The phone delivers outstanding battery life with rapid charging that gets even faster using a 45W charger.
Build Quality
Its robust metal frame and ergonomic design combine durability with a comfortable feel despite the large size.
Processor
Performance is exceptionally smooth and fast, with blazingly quick app loading and scrolling.
Camera
The camera system impresses with clear, high-quality photos and advanced features that outperform previous models.
Storage
Generous storage options provide ample space for apps, photos, and videos without concern for running out.
Display
The large, vibrant display offers a visually stunning experience, making media consumption truly enjoyable.
Operating System
Customizability of the software enhances the user experience, allowing for a personalized interface.
#2

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Cell Phone, 512GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Photo Edits, Large Screen, Long Battery Life, 2025, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty, Silver Shadow

Rating
10.0
Display
Battery Life
Camera

Most important from
709 reviews

Display
The cover screen might feel narrow at first but quickly proves fully functional for everyday apps, matching the usability of standard flagship displays.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably lasts all day under typical use, with adaptive power saving and dark mode extending screen time up to 10 hours on the cover display, though heavy gaming reduces endurance to around 5–6 hours.
Camera
The camera system excels by enabling high-quality rear camera selfies and streaming, offering sharp and vibrant photos that surpass what standard phones can deliver.
Build Quality
The phone's slim, lightweight design is surprisingly comfortable to hold and carry, feeling less bulky than traditional ultra-large phones despite the expansive foldable screen.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is a premium foldable smartphone that stands out with its large 8-inch main screen, allowing you to multitask with up to three apps open at once — great for productivity or entertainment. Despite the big screen, it remains surprisingly slim and light, making it comfortable to carry. Its 512GB storage offers plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos, while the 12GB of RAM and the customized Snapdragon 8 Elite processor ensure smooth and fast performance, whether you're browsing, streaming, or gaming. The phone runs on the latest Android 16 with Samsung’s OneUI 8, providing a modern and user-friendly interface.

The camera system is impressive, featuring a 200MP main sensor that delivers very detailed pictures, making it one of the best cameras you can find on a foldable phone. Battery life is designed to support a busy day with its 4400mAh capacity, but given the large screen size and powerful components, heavy users might need to recharge by evening. Build quality has improved with a tough Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, offering better durability for a foldable device, although foldables are generally more delicate than traditional phones.

The phone's unlocked status means it works with all carriers, and extra features like AI photo editing and screen-sharing with Google Gemini add convenience. This phone suits users wanting a cutting-edge device that blends a tablet-like display with smartphone portability, especially if multitasking and photography are priorities. For those who prioritize battery endurance above all or prefer a more compact, less expensive phone, this model might feel like a compromise.

Rating
10.0
Display
Battery Life
Camera

Most important from
709 reviews

Display
The cover screen might feel narrow at first but quickly proves fully functional for everyday apps, matching the usability of standard flagship displays.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably lasts all day under typical use, with adaptive power saving and dark mode extending screen time up to 10 hours on the cover display, though heavy gaming reduces endurance to around 5–6 hours.
Camera
The camera system excels by enabling high-quality rear camera selfies and streaming, offering sharp and vibrant photos that surpass what standard phones can deliver.
Build Quality
The phone's slim, lightweight design is surprisingly comfortable to hold and carry, feeling less bulky than traditional ultra-large phones despite the expansive foldable screen.
#3

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Cell Phone (2025), 256GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, Large Display, 4900mAh Battery, High Res-Camera, AI Photo Edits, Durable, US 1 Yr Warranty, Navy

Rating
9.4
Display
Battery Life
Build Quality

Most important from
4356 reviews

Display
The lightweight design combined with a large, vibrant screen makes it comfortable to use all day, even for those with smaller or arthritic hands.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, easily lasting through a full day of heavy use with smart charging features that extend battery longevity.
Build Quality
The phone feels and performs like premium models costing over $1,200, delivering excellent speed and built-in AI features that enhance everyday use.
Storage
Generous storage options mean users can keep vast amounts of apps, photos, and documents without worrying about space constraints.
Camera
The camera delivers sharp, clear photos with great detail, complemented by AI tools that simplify photo editing.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a solid choice if you want a large and vibrant screen, thanks to its 6.7-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and bright colors that make videos and scrolling look great. It’s also quite light and easy to carry around, which helps if you use your phone a lot during the day. The camera setup shines with a 12MP front camera designed for sharp selfies, plus AI features that let you easily edit photos by moving or removing unwanted objects. This is great if you like tweaking pictures.

Battery life is strong, with a 4,900mAh capacity promising up to 33 hours of talk time, and the fast charging feature means less waiting to power up. Inside, the Exynos 2400 processor and 8GB RAM keep apps running smoothly without slowing down, suitable for everyday use and some multitasking. The phone runs the latest Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI 8, providing a user-friendly experience with useful features like Google Gemini for smart assistance. Storage is generous at 256GB, offering plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos.

The build quality is tough, featuring an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ to resist scratches and bumps, plus water resistance for extra protection. It lacks a traditional headphone jack, relying on USB-C for audio. This phone suits users who want a stylish, durable phone with a big screen, strong battery, good selfie camera, and reliable performance without going into very advanced photography or gaming needs.

Rating
9.4
Display
Battery Life
Build Quality

Most important from
4356 reviews

Display
The lightweight design combined with a large, vibrant screen makes it comfortable to use all day, even for those with smaller or arthritic hands.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, easily lasting through a full day of heavy use with smart charging features that extend battery longevity.
Build Quality
The phone feels and performs like premium models costing over $1,200, delivering excellent speed and built-in AI features that enhance everyday use.
Storage
Generous storage options mean users can keep vast amounts of apps, photos, and documents without worrying about space constraints.
Camera
The camera delivers sharp, clear photos with great detail, complemented by AI tools that simplify photo editing.

Buying Guide for the Best Smartphones

Choosing the right smartphone can be a daunting task given the plethora of options available in the market. The key to making the right choice is to understand your own needs and preferences, and then match them with the specifications of the smartphone. Here are some key specs to consider when picking a smartphone, along with explanations to help you navigate through them.
DisplayThe display is the screen of the smartphone where you view all your content. It is important because it affects your overall experience, from watching videos to reading text. Displays come in various sizes and resolutions. Smaller screens (under 5.5 inches) are more compact and easier to handle, while larger screens (5.5 inches and above) are better for media consumption and multitasking. Resolution, measured in pixels, determines the clarity of the display. Higher resolutions like Full HD (1080p) and Quad HD (1440p) offer sharper images, but they can also consume more battery. Choose a display size and resolution that fits your usage habits and comfort.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long your smartphone can operate before needing a recharge. It is crucial for users who are frequently on the go or use their phones extensively throughout the day. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Generally, a higher mAh rating means longer battery life. For light users, a battery around 3000mAh may suffice, while heavy users or gamers might need a battery of 4000mAh or more. Consider your daily usage patterns to determine the right battery capacity for you.
CameraThe camera is a key feature for many smartphone users, especially those who love photography or social media. Smartphone cameras come with various specifications like megapixels (MP), aperture size, and additional features like optical image stabilization (OIS) and multiple lenses. Higher megapixels can capture more detail, but other factors like sensor quality and software optimization also play a significant role. If you take a lot of photos or videos, look for a smartphone with a high-quality camera system. Casual photographers might be satisfied with a mid-range camera setup.
ProcessorThe processor, or CPU, is the brain of the smartphone, determining how fast and efficiently it can run apps and perform tasks. Processors come in different types and speeds, measured in gigahertz (GHz). High-end processors offer better performance and are ideal for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding applications. Mid-range processors are suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming. If you are a power user, opt for a smartphone with a high-performance processor. For basic use, a mid-range processor should be sufficient.
StorageStorage refers to the amount of space available on the smartphone to store apps, photos, videos, and other data. It is measured in gigabytes (GB). Smartphones typically come with storage options ranging from 32GB to 512GB or more. If you store a lot of media files or install many apps, you will need more storage. Some smartphones also offer expandable storage via microSD cards. Consider your storage needs based on your usage habits and choose accordingly.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that runs on the smartphone, with the two most common being Android and iOS. The OS affects the user interface, app availability, and overall user experience. Android offers more customization options and a wider range of devices, while iOS is known for its smooth performance and integration with other Apple products. Choose an OS that you are comfortable with and that meets your needs in terms of app availability and user experience.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the smartphone. It affects the durability and feel of the device. Smartphones can be made from plastic, metal, or glass. Metal and glass builds tend to feel more premium and are often more durable, but they can also be more fragile and prone to damage from drops. Plastic builds are generally more resistant to drops but may not feel as high-end. Consider how you use your phone and your preference for durability versus aesthetics when choosing the build quality.

FAQ