Best phones: Our experts review the top 5 Android & iPhone models

Choosing the right smartphone can be difficult when so many Android and iPhone models compete for attention with powerful cameras fast performance long battery life and premium designs. The best phone for you ultimately depends on how you use it, from photography and gaming to everyday apps, productivity and value for money. Our experts have reviewed the top five Android and iPhone models to compare their strengths, features and overall experience. Explore these best phones to find a model that matches your needs, preferences and budget.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Review and Design

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro focuses on big changes for small differences, bringing longer battery life, a better screen, an upgraded Siri, a new variable aperture camera, and a refreshed design in 2026. The smaller Pro iPhone keeps the familiar premium approach while receiving faster chips and other upgrades. Starting at £1,199, the phone represents a £100 rise over previous models and is described as a modest refinement of the iPhone 17 Pro.

1. Refreshed design keeps the premium smartphone appearance.

2. Longer battery life is a major improvement.

3. The new variable aperture camera expands photography options.

4. £1,199 starting price reflects the £100 rise.

5. The iPhone 18 Pro remains a premium Apple smartphone.

Display and Dynamic Island

The 6.3in screen uses Super Retina XDR and 120Hz OLED technology with 460ppi, delivering a super bright, crisp and smooth viewing experience. The dynamic island continues to house the Face ID camera while supporting three live activities, including music playback, timers and maps navigation. An anti-glare coating also improves outdoor visibility, while the compact Pro design maintains a manageable phone size.

1.  6.3in screen keeps the Pro model relatively compact.

2. 120Hz OLED provides smooth visuals.

3. 460ppi contributes to crisp image quality.

4. Dynamic Island supports multiple continuing tasks.

5. Anti-glare coating improves outdoor visibility.

Specifications and Connectivity

The Apple A20 Pro chip is paired with 12GB RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The phone runs iOS 27 and includes 48MP, 48MP UW, 48MP 4x, and an 18MP front-facing camera. Connectivity includes 5G, wifi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 6, Thread, USB-C, Satellite, UWB, and GNSS, while IP68 protection supports water resistance.

1. 12GB RAM supports demanding smartphone tasks.

2. 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB provide multiple storage options.

3. 5G and wifi 7 support modern connectivity.

4. USB-C, NFC, Bluetooth 6, and Satellite expand connectivity.

5. IP68 protection supports immersion up to 6 metres for 30 mins.

A20 Pro Chip and Battery Life

The A20 Pro chip is reported as 27% faster than the A19 Pro, with 45% faster graphics performance helping the phone handle gaming and demanding applications. A redesigned cooling system supports longer peak performance, while battery life improves by up to six hours longer than the iPhone 17 Pro. The phone can offer two days between charges, while charging reaches 80% in 33 minutes with a suitable 60W or greater USB-C adaptor.

1. A20 Pro chip provides faster processing performance.

2. 45% faster graphics performance benefits gaming.

3. Redesigned cooling system supports sustained workloads.

4. Two days between charges improves battery endurance.

5. 80% in 33 minutes improves charging performance.

iOS 27 and New Siri AI

iOS 27, released on 14 September, introduces a Liquid Glass redesign alongside faster system performance and a revamped Siri. The new Siri AI is designed to improve its ability to understand and answer questions, while integration with Google’s AI technologies supports a broader AI assistant experience. Siri can also work with Spotlight search, screen awareness, the camera, calendar suggestions, messages and other Apple’s apps.

1.  Liquid Glass redesign refreshes the iOS interface.

2. Revamped Siri improves the intelligent assistant experience.

3. Siri AI is designed to understand and answer questions.

4. Spotlight search and screen awareness expand Siri’s capabilities.

5. Integration with apps such as WhatsApp and Gmail adds broader usefulness.

Sustainability and iPhone 18 Pro Camera

The iPhone 18 Pro places attention on sustainability, with a battery designed for more than 1,000 full-charge cycles while retaining 80% original capacity. Apple also provides battery replacement for £119, while screen repairs cost £349, and iFixit gives the phone seven out of 10 for repairability. On the camera side, the variable aperture and three 48MP rear cameras provide greater control over aperture, shutter speed, exposure controls, depth of field and creative photography.

1. More than 40% recycled material helps reduce environmental impact.

2. More than 1,000 full-charge cycles supports battery longevity.

3. Variable aperture adds creative control to the main camera.

4. Three 48MP rear cameras cover ultrawide and telephoto photography.

5. 18MP centre stage selfie camera supports selfies and video calls.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra – Best Phone Software

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out as a best phone software choice with slick software, One UI, Galaxy AI, and useful AI tools creating a polished Samsung flagship phone experience. Features such as Bixby, Privacy Display, the APV codec, and Horizontal Lock video add useful functionality, while faster charging brings another improvement. Despite some minimal upgrades, the premium smartphone remains a true joy to use.

1. One UI provides a polished Samsung software experience.

2. Galaxy AI adds useful artificial intelligence features.

3. Bixby supports everyday phone interaction.

4. Privacy Display adds an extra layer of screen protection.

5. The Samsung flagship remains one of the best Android phones.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Display and Entertainment

The 6.9-inch AMOLED display makes the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra a strong entertainment device, delivering an immersive experience for Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming services. Its powerful stereo speakers complement the excellent screen quality, while the Privacy Display adds another practical feature. The combination creates a capable entertainment hub for films, shows, applications, and other multimedia content.

1. 6.9-inch AMOLED display provides a large viewing area.

2. AMOLED technology delivers strong screen quality.

3. Netflix and Disney+ benefit from the immersive display.

4. Powerful stereo speakers improve the entertainment experience.

5. Privacy Display helps protect sensitive information.

Privacy Display and Charging

Privacy Display is one of the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s most distinctive features, allowing parts of the screen or the entire display to be blacked out to protect personal texts, banking information, and other sensitive information. This makes screen privacy an important part of smartphone safety. Samsung also improves charging with 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, giving users faster charging options.

1. Privacy Display helps protect personal information.

2. Screen protection reduces unwanted screen visibility.

3. 60W wired charging provides faster charging.

4. 25W wireless charging offers cable-free convenience.

5. The feature combination can be a game-changer for privacy-conscious users.

One UI and Galaxy AI

One UI remains at the heart of the Samsung software experience, giving the Galaxy S26 Ultra its own identity compared with iOS and Google stock Android. Bixby, Galaxy AI, and other AI tools are integrated into the wider Android ecosystem, while Samsung’s software optimisation helps maintain fast performance. The result is a cohesive software experience that connects artificial intelligence, processing power, and everyday features.

1. One UI provides Samsung’s distinctive software architecture.

2. Galaxy AI expands the phone’s AI capabilities.

3. Bixby adds useful voice and device functions.

4. AI tools strengthen the overall software experience.

5. Software optimisation supports fast performance.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Hardware and Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy gives the Galaxy S26 Ultra a super-fast processor and strong processing power for demanding applications, AI functions, and other workloads. This tailor-made chipset works with One UI, Galaxy AI, and Bixby to create strong software integration. The combination of flagship hardware and software allows the Samsung flagship to deliver powerful performance while supporting advanced AI capabilities.

1. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy provides strong processing power.

2. CPU performance supports demanding applications.

3. Galaxy AI benefits from the powerful chipset.

4. Processing speed helps maintain responsive performance.

5. Performance optimisation connects hardware and software effectively.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Drawbacks and Competition

The Galaxy S26 Ultra still has some compromises, including minimal upgrades, S-Pen positioning, and the absence of Qi2 magnets for magnetic Qi2 charging. Its expensive price also makes it a major investment, especially when competitors such as the Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 ranges offer alternative flagship experiences. Even with these drawbacks, Samsung diehards may prefer its software advantage and familiar ecosystem.

1. Minimal upgrades may disappoint users expecting bigger changes.

2. S-Pen positioning can feel awkward.

3. No Qi2 magnets limits magnetic Qi2 charging options.

4. Premium pricing makes the phone an expensive investment.

5. The software advantage keeps it competitive among premium Android phones.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL – Best Android Alternative

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is a strong Best Android Alternative for users seeking a Google flagship with a top-quality bright display, great cameras, and two-day battery life. Its promise of seven years of Android updates supports long-term ownership, while the clean software delivers a smooth Android phone experience. However, its large phone design, very expensive price, and Tensor chip limitations may matter to some buyers.

1. Top-quality bright display for a premium viewing experience.

2. Great cameras and top-of-the-line cameras for photography.

3. Two-day battery life supports extended everyday use.

4. Seven years of Android updates provide long-term software support.

5. Tensor chip may be less convincing for high-end games.

Pixel 11 Pro XL Display and Tensor G6

The 6.8-inch panel on the Pixel 11 Pro XL offers a brighter display suited to everyday use, while the Tensor G6 chipset handles everyday apps and AI requests. Google Tensor focuses heavily on AI processing, but high-end games can expose differences in chipset performance. Compared with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the hardware upgrades improve the Android flagship experience, although the phone remains an expensive smartphone.

1. 6.8-inch panel provides a large-screen viewing experience.

2. Tensor G6 chipset supports everyday performance and AI features.

3. AI processing remains a major Google Tensor strength.

4. High-end games may reveal limitations in gaming performance.

5. Less RAM in the base model adds to concerns around the wider memory crisis in the tech industry.

Pixel Software and Long-Term Updates

The Pixel 11 Pro XL delivers clutter-free software and a clean software experience that can feel almost iOS-like while remaining firmly based on Android. Unlike some software approaches from Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo, the Google Pixel focuses on simplicity and smooth everyday use. Combined with two-day battery life and seven years of OS updates, it is designed for long-term phone ownership.

1. Clutter-free software keeps the interface simple.

2. iOS-like experience makes navigation feel polished and straightforward.

3. Seven years of OS updates support long-term ownership.

4. Two-day battery life improves everyday reliability.

5. Smooth experience makes the big-screen Pixel suitable for everyday use.

Pixel 11 Pro XL Cameras and Photography

The Pixel 11 Pro XL uses three rear-facing cameras and a 42Mp selfie snapper to deliver a photography-focused experience. Its top-notch cameras depend heavily on computational processing and Google software, helping produce vivid colours, strong low-light performance, and outstanding camera quality. The combination of computational photography and image processing remains central to the Google Pixel approach to smartphone photography.

1. Three rear-facing cameras provide a versatile camera system.

2. 42Mp selfie snapper supports detailed selfies.

3. Computational processing strengthens image quality.

4. Low-light performance helps maintain camera quality in darker conditions.

5. Google software adds its distinctive image-processing capabilities.

Pixel 11 Pro XL Camera Performance vs Competitors

The Pixel 11 Pro XL enters a demanding camera competition involving Google, Apple, and Samsung. For still images, Google’s computational processing can produce vivid colours, strong low-light photography, and impressive image quality. However, video performance remains another area where the Pixel flagship must compete with established smartphone cameras and their increasingly sophisticated image processing.

1. Still images remain a major Pixel strength.

2. Vivid colours contribute to the distinctive photography experience.

3. Low-light photography benefits from Google’s computational approach.

4. Top-of-the-line cameras strengthen the Pixel’s position against competitors.

5. Video performance remains important in the wider camera competition.

Pixel 11 Pro XL Drawbacks and Trade-offs

The Pixel 11 Pro XL has several trade-offs, beginning with its large and unwieldy design and very expensive price. The Tensor chip can also be less appealing for users focused on high-end games, while less RAM in the base model adds another hardware limitation. Compared with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the upgrade may feel limited for buyers weighing the phone against the S26 Ultra.

1. Large and unwieldy design may be uncomfortable for some users.

2. Very expensive pricing makes it a significant investment.

3. Tensor chip can limit gaming performance compared with some rivals.

4. Less RAM in the base model creates another hardware concern.

5. Higher price and a limited upgrade increase the importance of the flagship competition.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra – Best Phone Cameras

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra is aimed at photography lovers who want a premium camera phone with incredible cameras, long battery life, and fast charging. The Oppo flagship combines a standout design, excellent screen, and smooth performance into a powerful premium smartphone. Its main drawbacks are the very expensive price, the possibility that it can run hot, and the awkward camera button placement.

1. Incredible cameras make it a strong choice for smartphone photography.

2. Long battery life supports extended daily use.

3. Fast charging reduces charging downtime.

4. Standout design gives the Oppo flagship a distinctive appearance.

5. 512GB storage provides substantial space for photos and videos.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra Camera Performance

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra delivers stunning stills and a strong photography experience across different photography scenarios. Its flagship camera system combines impressive camera quality, image quality, and computational photography to target users seeking high-end photography. For photography lovers, it is positioned as a serious contender for the best camera phone of the year.

1. Stunning stills highlight its strength in still photography.

2.  Incredible cameras provide a versatile flagship camera experience.

3. Computational photography supports detailed image processing.

4. Camera performance remains strong across different photography scenarios.

5. It targets users looking for the absolute best smartphone cameras.

Battery Life and Fast Charging

The 7050mAh silicon-carbon battery gives the Find X9 Ultra impressive battery endurance and supports multi-day battery life. Its 100W wired charging adds substantial charging speed, allowing the phone to be quickly topped back up when needed. The combination of silicon-carbon technology, strong power efficiency, and large battery capacity makes it well suited to extended daily use.

1. 7050mAh silicon-carbon battery provides substantial capacity.

2. Multi-day battery life supports extended use.

3. 100W wired charging delivers rapid charging.

4. 50W charging provides another fast-charging option.

5. Strong battery endurance makes the phone practical for daily use.

Performance and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 provides the Find X9 Ultra with a top-class processor and strong processing power for demanding tasks. Its smooth performance helps the device handle gaming, applications, and intensive workloads, while the flagship chipset supports the broader premium hardware package. However, the phone can run hot, making thermal performance and heat management important considerations during sustained workloads.

1. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers flagship-level processing power.

2. Smooth performance supports demanding everyday tasks.

3. Gaming benefits from the powerful flagship chipset.

4. Processor efficiency contributes to overall device performance.

5.  Heat management remains important during sustained performance.

Display and Design

The 6.82-inch AMOLED panel combines a 144Hz AMOLED refresh rate with strong screen quality and an immersive viewing experience. AMOLED technology produces a stellar display, while the 144Hz refresh rate enables smooth visuals during scrolling, gaming, and other activities. Alongside the display, the standout design and premium build strengthen the identity of the Oppo flagship.

1.  6.82-inch AMOLED panel provides a large display.

2. 144Hz AMOLED enables smooth visuals and high refresh performance.

3.  Excellent screen quality supports an immersive visual experience.

4. Standout design gives the phone a premium appearance.

5. Awkward camera button placement may reduce usability for some users.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra Buying Considerations

For photography lovers, the Find X9 Ultra combines best smartphone cameras, strong camera performance, impressive battery life, and fast charging into one premium smartphone. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and AMOLED panel further strengthen its flagship specifications, while the 512GB standard storage gives photography-focused users plenty of room. Its software experience may still influence buyers comparing it with alternatives.

1. Best camera phone potential makes it attractive to photography-focused users.

2. Very expensive pricing is an important buying consideration.

3. 512GB standard storage adds value for heavy photography use.

4. The Find X9 Pro offers an alternative at a lower price.

5. Buyers should weigh camera performance, battery life, fast charging, and software support before choosing the Ultra sibling.

Motorola Razr Fold – Best Foldable

The Motorola Razr Fold is an impressive book-style foldable that combines an appealingly tactile design, strong camera setup, and big, bright screens. Its 6,000mAh cell delivers good battery life, while 80W wired and 50W wireless charging add useful speed. Although it is relatively bulky and its performance isn’t cutting-edge, the Razr Fold stands out as one of the strongest foldables in its class.

1. Appealingly tactile design with a grippy finish and distinctive styling.

2. Strong camera setup with three rear-facing 50Mp sensors.

3. Big, bright screens provide an impressive viewing experience.

4. Good battery life & fast charging with a 6,000mAh battery.

5. Relatively bulky design and weaker performance are the main drawbacks.

Motorola Razr Fold Design and Build

The eye-catching design is one of the first things that separates the Razr Fold from other foldables. Motorola brings its familiar approach to colour and finishes, with the Pantone Lily White variant standing out particularly well. The backing also provides a good grip, giving the phone a more tactile feel than some competing book-style foldables.

1.  Eye-catching design gives the phone a distinctive appearance.

2.  Pantone Lily White is one of the most attractive finishes.

3. Tactile design makes the phone comfortable to handle.

4. Good grip helps with everyday handling.

5. The design helps Motorola compete with Samsung and Honor.

Motorola Razr Fold Cameras

The Razr Fold carries a strong camera setup featuring three rear-facing 50Mp sensors. Combined with Motorola’s computational processing, the system can capture detailed and vibrant photographs. Daytime snaps have plenty of immediate vibrancy, while low-light shots can extract a considerable amount of detail from darker scenes.

1. Three rear-facing 50Mp sensors provide a versatile camera system.

2. Computational processing improves overall image quality.
3. Daytime snaps deliver vibrant results.

4. Low-light shots retain plenty of scene detail.

5. The camera system makes the Razr Fold appealing to photography-focused users.

Motorola Razr Fold Battery and Charging

Battery life is another area where the Razr Fold makes a strong impression. Its 6,000mAh cell provides long-lasting power, while 80W wired and 50W wireless charging allow the phone to be topped up quickly. This gives Motorola an advantage over some competing foldables, particularly for users who want strong endurance without sacrificing charging convenience.

1.  6,000mAh cell provides substantial battery capacity.

2. 80W wired charging delivers fast charging speeds.

3.  50W wireless charging offers convenient cable-free charging.

4.  Long-lasting battery supports extended everyday use.

5.  Battery performance gives Motorola an advantage over Samsung in this area.

Motorola Razr Fold Software and AI

The Razr Fold’s Android experience is relatively clean and uncluttered once the pre-installed bloatware is removed. Motorola’s software approach keeps the interface straightforward, although Moto AI is less convincing. Its current implementation can feel messy compared with more established Google-led AI features, leaving room for Motorola to refine its software strategy.

1. Clean and uncluttered Android experience after removing unwanted apps.

2. Pre-installed bloatware is an unnecessary software drawback.

3. Moto AI remains less polished than some competing AI systems.

4. Google-led AI features could provide a cleaner direction.

5. The software experience balances simplicity with some unnecessary extras.

Motorola Razr Fold Drawbacks

Despite its strengths, the Razr Fold is not perfect. The phone is relatively bulky, its stylus could be better implemented, and its performance isn’t cutting-edge compared with the fastest flagship smartphones. These compromises are worth considering for buyers who want the most powerful hardware in addition to the flexibility of a foldable design.

1.  Relatively bulky compared with conventional smartphones.

2.  Stylus could be better implemented for users who want advanced pen functionality.

3. Performance isn’t cutting-edge against the strongest flagship rivals.

4.  Moto AI still needs refinement.

5. The Razr Fold remains a compelling choice because its design, cameras, displays, battery and charging balance out these compromises.

Conclusion

Finding the best phone comes down to choosing the features that matter most to your everyday needs, whether that means a standout camera, fast performance, long battery life, a bright display or seamless software. The top Android and iPhone models each offer different strengths so there is no single choice that will suit everyone. Comparing performance, camera quality, battery endurance, design, software experience and overall value can make the decision much easier. Your budget and preferred ecosystem should also play an important role before making a purchase. These expert-reviewed options, you can narrow down the competition and choose a smartphone that delivers the right balance of features, performance, and value for you.

FAQs