The best phones of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
The Galaxy S25 Ultra beats iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL in rigorous testing.
Deep Dive
ZDNET's expert team, led by Editor Kerry Wan, tested 2026's flagship phones to create definitive rankings. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra earned 'Best Overall' for its display and performance, beating Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max. Other winners include the OnePlus 15 for battery life, Google Pixel 10 Pro XL for camera, and foldables from Samsung and Motorola. The list helps buyers navigate major releases from Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus.
Why It Matters
Provides data-driven guidance for professionals investing in premium mobile devices for productivity and communication.