What’s the Best Mobile Phone in 2026?

Updated: 21/05/2026

Ah, smartphones. The little pocket rectangles we simply can’t live without. Every year, they get shinier, faster, cleverer, and somehow even more expensive.

If you are looking for the latest AI wizardry, one of the best camera phones, a premium iPhone, a powerful Android flagship, or just a phone that won’t die before lunch, we’ve got you covered. Here are what we believe are five of the best mobile phones in 2026, followed by how to get the best deals on iPhone and Android mobiles in the UK.

At a Glance

• Best iPhone: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
• Best premium Android phone: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
• Best AI camera phone: Google Pixel 10 Pro
• Best performance and battery flagship: OnePlus 15
• Best mid-range alternative: Nothing Phone (4a) Pro

1. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Still one of the kings of the premium phone market, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max is essentially a mini supercomputer with a camera system so good it makes your holiday snaps look like you knew what you were doing.

The A19 Pro chip delivers blistering speeds, battery life is seriously impressive, and Apple’s AI-powered features continue to make everyday tasks feel smoother. Slightly terrifying, but undeniably useful.

Pros: Ridiculously good camera system, powerful chip, seamless iOS experience. The best iPhone, with one of the best phone cameras.

Cons: Costs more than Oasis tickets. Still no plug-head with the charger cable.

UK Starting Price: £1,199

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2. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

For those who want an Android phone that does almost everything, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is one of the go-to choices. Its camera system is packed with clever processing and powerful zoom, while Samsung’s latest customised flagship processor keeps everything feeling lightning-fast.

Plus, the S Pen is still here for those who like to doodle, take notes, or pretend they’re doing important work during meetings.

Pros: Stunning display, top-tier performance, S Pen for creative types, strong long-term software support. One of the best Samsung phones, and one of the strongest Android camera phones.

Cons: Feels like carrying a small tablet.

UK Starting Price: Around £1,279 at launch, though retailer prices and offers now vary.

3. Google Pixel 10 Pro

Google’s Pixel phones have always been about the camera, and the Pixel 10 Pro is no exception.

Thanks to Google’s AI wizardry, even your worst shots can come out looking like they belong in a gallery. Very handy if 99% of your photos are still of your cat.

It’s also one of the best Android phones for software support, with years of updates to help keep it secure. Nice!

The Tensor G5 chip isn’t quite as fast as Apple’s, but unless you’re editing huge videos on your phone, you probably won’t notice.

Pros: Excellent AI-powered camera tools, clean Android experience, years of updates. A bit less expensive than some premium flagships when offers are available.

Cons: Not as flashy as Samsung or Apple. Battery life is good, but not the main reason to buy it.

UK Starting Price: £550, though offers may bring it lower.

4. OnePlus 15

Along the same lines as the Pixel 10 Pro, here’s another extremely powerful phone that is a little less wallet-obliterating than some premium flagship handsets. Although, let’s face it, £849 is still a lot of money.

With a huge 7300mAh battery, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, smooth performance and very fast charging, this phone is a genuine contender for anyone who wants flagship power without quite stepping into the priciest Apple and Samsung territory.

Pros: Excellent performance, huge battery, very fast charging, and a lower starting price than some premium rivals.

Cons: Camera performance is strong, but not quite as consistent as the very best camera phones. OxygenOS still will not be to everyone’s taste.

UK Starting Price: £849

5. Nothing Phone (4a) Pro

The indie darling of the smartphone world, Nothing, is back with another phone that refuses to look like everything else.

The classic Nothing weirdness is still here, but the design has evolved, with a more premium aluminium body and a clever rear Glyph Matrix-style display. It is still slightly gimmicky, of course, but at least it is gimmicky in a way that looks cool.

But aside from the design flourishes, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is a genuinely excellent mid-range handset, with a clean software experience, a strong main camera, useful AI tools, and a much more reasonable price tag than the premium flagships above.

Pros: Unique design, strong value, smooth software, and a more premium feel than you might expect for the price.

Cons: Camera performance is not as consistent as the biggest names, especially in trickier lighting, and the Glyph Matrix is still partly a party trick.

UK Starting Price: From £499, with 12+256GB models around £549.

Final Verdict

If you want the absolute best iPhone and money is no object, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is your best bet.

For Android lovers who want a premium phone that does just about everything, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a very strong choice.

Google’s Pixel 10 Pro is the best choice here for AI-powered photography and clean Android software, while the OnePlus 15 delivers huge battery life and flagship performance at a slightly more reasonable price.

And if you want something a bit different, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is a breath of fresh air and punches well above its weight for a mid-range phone.

Where to get the best mobile phone deals?

You’ll find some websites like AO, Amazon, Argos and John Lewis offer some of the best deals on iPhones and Android mobiles, however, we do recommend you check out discount and price-comparison sites like hotukdeals and PriceSpy too, as cheap deals on phones will tend to appear on those soon after they become available.***

Also, consider waiting for key times of year like Black Friday and January sales, as that tends to be when the best prices or bundles are available.

Happy upgrading! 😃

You might also like:

- Gadget insurance with Protect Your Bubble: get your devices covered now*.

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- iPhone Insurance: Get cover for your Apple handset.

- Student Gadget Insurance: Get 15% off with Protect Your Bubble.

Prices are reflective of the research conducted at the time of writing and are subject to change, as of 21.05.2026.

* Underwriter Assurant General Insurance Limited. Gadget age restrictions, T&Cs and excesses apply. Customer UK 18+.

** Trustpilot Score 4.4, 22,632 total reviews as of 21st May 2026.

*** We do not earn any commission from sites or links within this article. Our reviews and advice are based wholly on impartial desk research.