The best smartphones for summer 2026: A comparison of 26 phones

[Redaktion]

Samsung is trying to hold its own against a flood of rivals, including those from China, in the high-end segment, while Apple is expanding its portfolio more towards the lower end. As a result, there's been a lot going on in our smartphone testing labs over the past three months. Here are our favorites.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/The-best-smartphones-for-summer-2026-A-comparison-of-26-phones.1325270.0.html

[Dalorfish]

Hi,
is there a reason for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra not to be included in this list while you gave it the highest score?

Thanks.

[Sergey]

The 17 Ultra was reviewed in January, you see. This article covers the best smartphones of the last few months - spring's best smartphones.

[Dalorfish]

Thanks for your answer, this article and your work in general.

[Sergey]

Thanks for taking the time to give it a read! The article.

[1winbizpk]

Nice roundup. Battery life is the one spec I keep prioritising over everything else now - a slightly slower phone that comfortably lasts a full day beats a flagship I have to top up by the afternoon. Camera and screen are great, but endurance is what I actually feel every day.