Top smartphones to buy
Top smartphones to buy in 2026: ranked by real specs like camera hardware, battery capacity, and display refresh rate. After comparing the specs, it's clear this device offers the best blend of performance, camera quality, and battery life. With a 4685 mAh battery lasting up to 33 hours of video playback, it’s perfect for users who need their phone to keep up with a busy lifestyle. In real-world use, the adaptive 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming, making every interaction feel effortless. Use the buttons above to check current prices and availability.
⚡ Quick Summary
For most smartphones buyers in 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers the best combination of performance and value. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a strong alternative.
Top picks
10 picksAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with its 6.9-inch ProMotion OLED display and 48MP Fusion camera, sets a high bar for smartphones in 2026. With a battery capacity of 4685 mAh lasting up to 33 hours of video playback, it's designed for heavy usage without frequent recharging. Tap the button to see today's price.
The iPhone 16 balances performance and affordability, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display and the same powerful A18 chip as its Pro counterpart. With a 3561 mAh battery that lasts up to 22 hours of video playback, it's perfect for users seeking a reliable and compact smartphone. Tap the button to see today's price.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a stunning 200MP quad-camera system, perfect for photography enthusiasts. It also comes with an integrated S Pen for productivity, making it a versatile choice for both work and play. Plus, its 5000 mAh battery lasts up to 30 hours, ensuring you stay powered throughout the day. Tap the button to see today's price.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 offers a balanced performance with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display and a 4000 mAh battery lasting up to 29 hours of video playback. With a commitment to 7 years of OS upgrades, it's a smart investment for future-proofing your smartphone experience. Tap the button to see today's price.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a 200MP camera and a 5000 mAh battery, making it a powerhouse for photography lovers. With its 100x Space Zoom feature, you can capture distant subjects with stunning detail. This phone combines performance and versatility for an exceptional user experience. Tap the button to see today's price.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 combines a compact design with a vibrant 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display and a 3900 mAh battery lasting up to 22 hours. With its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, scrolling and gaming are smooth and responsive. It's a great pick for users who want high performance in a smaller package. Tap the button to see today's price.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra offers a remarkable 108MP camera and comes with an integrated S Pen for enhanced functionality. With a 5000 mAh battery, it ensures you have the power for all-day use. If you're looking for a premium experience with productivity features, this phone is a top contender. Tap the button to see today's price.
The iPhone 17 Air features a sleek 6.6-inch OLED display and a lightweight design at just 5.82 oz. With its 3150 mAh battery lasting up to 26 hours of video playback, it's a stylish option for users on the go. If you value aesthetics without sacrificing performance, this phone is a strong fit. Tap the button to see today's price.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max boasts a 5088 mAh battery, providing up to 39 hours of video playback, making it ideal for heavy users. Its advanced camera system includes an 8x optical zoom, allowing for impressive photography capabilities. If you're looking for a long-lasting smartphone with top-notch features, this is your pick. Tap the button to see today's price.
The iPhone 17 Pro is powered by the A19 Pro chip, delivering exceptional performance and efficiency. Its triple 48MP camera system includes a 4x telephoto lens for versatile shooting options. If you want a high-performance smartphone for both productivity and leisure, this is a strong fit. Tap the button to see today's price.
⚖️ Compare Our Top Picks
Can't decide between our recommendations? Check these head-to-head comparisons:
How to decide
Camera Performance Comparison
When it comes to camera capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out with its triple 48MP Fusion cameras, including an impressive 5x optical zoom. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a versatile 200MP quad camera setup, allowing for detailed shots even from a distance. The differences in optical zoom capabilities are significant; the iPhone offers 8x optical-quality zoom, while the S24 Ultra provides 5x. For video enthusiasts, both phones support 4K Dolby Vision recording, but the iPhone edges out with ProRes capabilities for advanced users. Overall, the camera systems cater to different needs, ensuring that whether you're a casual shooter or a pro, there's a perfect fit.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Battery life is critical for smartphone users, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels with its 4685 mAh battery, providing up to 33 hours of video playback. Comparatively, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's 5000 mAh battery lasts up to 30 hours, which is impressive but still trails behind the iPhone. Charging speeds also differ; the iPhone supports up to 25W MagSafe charging, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra can achieve 65% charge in about 30 minutes with a 45W adapter. If you prioritize longer battery life and faster charging, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a no-brainer.
Display Quality and Refresh Rates
Display quality can make or break a smartphone experience. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring buttery-smooth interactions. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra also sports a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, capable of adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. This means both phones offer excellent performance in terms of display, but the iPhone's higher peak brightness of 3000 nits outdoors makes it more usable in direct sunlight. If you often use your phone outside, the iPhone's display shines brighter.
💡 Expert Tips: Smartphones Buying Advice
Beyond our picks, keep these insider tips in mind when shopping for smartphones:
Don't just chase megapixels—sensor size and computational photography matter more for photo quality.
Check software update policies: iPhones get 5-6 years of updates, while Android support varies widely.
Battery capacity over 4500mAh typically ensures all-day use for most users.
If you're switching ecosystems, factor in the cost of re-buying apps and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Top smartphones to buy in 2026?
The top smartphone to buy in 2026 is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, featuring a 6.9-inch ProMotion OLED display and a 48MP Fusion camera. Its impressive battery life of up to 33 hours of video playback ensures you stay connected throughout the day.
+ Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max worth it in 2026?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is worth it in 2026. With a powerful A18 chip and exceptional camera capabilities, it remains a top choice for users who prioritize performance and photography.
+ What should I look for when buying a smartphone?
When buying a smartphone, prioritize key specs like battery capacity, camera quality, and display refresh rate. For instance, a 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling, while a 5000 mAh battery ensures longer usage.
Conclusion
For users seeking the best smartphone experience, the iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out with its unmatched display and camera capabilities. While the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers excellent features, it can't quite match the iPhone's battery life of up to 33 hours. The iPhone 16 Pro Max truly sets the standard for 2026. Use the buttons above to see live pricing and stock.
Our top recommendation:
Get Apple iPhone 16→