The best smartphones, spring 2026 - 26 phones compared

[Redaktion]

The really big manufacturers are keeping a low profile at the turn of the year, but that doesn't mean that there hasn't been anything new in the last three months: Highlights from smaller manufacturers, new dimensions in battery life and exciting mid-range phones, for example.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/The-best-smartphones-spring-2026-26-phones-compared.1250353.0.html

[Mark e]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the OnePlus 13. Released in January 2025 and is still better than just about every phone on your list. With the exception of a couple 8 elite "Gen5" chips. The 1+13 is still better than most flagships being released more than a year later. Also OnePlus has been very good rolling out updates. I've installed 5 or 6 updates in a year. And OnePlus has somehow gotten into the US smartphone market unlike most Chinese phone manufacturers. Unfortunately we still can't go in to a Verizon or Att store and get a OnePlus 13 with a service plan over priced to pay for the phone they tell you, "is on us" in their highly misleading advertising. I bought my OnePlus 13 on the OnePlus website. I got the OnePlus 13 for $800. I then bought it through Klarna and my payment was under $80/month. Also with the OnePlus buds 3 pro as a($179)gift. The phone also came with an 80 watt charger!! Try getting that from iPhone or Samsung. And the OnePlus 13 out performs the competition in almost every category.A 6000mah battery with upto 100 watt charging, come on. I can't wait to see what OnePlus comes out with in the next few years. It's gonna be huge and it's gonna blow away the competition.

[One of the better OEMs]

And OnePlus has somehow gotten into the US smartphone market unlike most Chinese phone manufacturers.

Same for the UK. I'm surprised by this as well. Almost impossible getting any other Chinese OEM here.

The phone also came with an 80 watt charger!! Try getting that from iPhone or Samsung.
...
A 6000mah battery with upto 100 watt charging, come on.

Yeah. :) although I think they've started phasing out including chargers, at least in some markets for their newer/future phones but at least they're still offering them as free "gift offers" often.

I can't wait to see what OnePlus comes out with in the next few years. It's gonna be huge and it's gonna blow away the competition.

Same. I hope the rumours of
OnePlus shutting down aren't true. Having less choice sucks. It was a shame when LG left the market as they had innovative features too.

The only thing I wish improved is the camera on their R series. I've 12R and it's fairly mediocre in low light. But I understand smartphone camera optics is a fairly complex and expensive topic.

Might upgrade to more expensive OnePlus 15T, if it ever gets released globally. *Prays for global release soon*