The Ranking
I think I've had about 40 different phones on my desk in the last three months. It's been a lot of setup time, but it's also given me a really clear idea of what's good and what's just marketing.
If you're spending more than a thousand dollars on a phone, you'll expect perfection. In my experience, none of them are perfect. But these five are the closest we've ever been.
1. Samsung S26 Ultra
Honestly, this is the most powerful thing you can buy. The screen is 6.8 inches of pure bliss. It's bright, it's bold, and it's sharp. The zoom is still the best in the business. I could see the texture of a building from a mile away.
The only thing I don't love? It's huge. It's like carrying a small tablet. If you've got small hands, forget about it. It's $1,299 or more, so be ready to pay.
2. iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple's latest is exactly what you'd expect. It's fast, it's reliable, and it's got the best video camera I've ever used. I think we all knew that was coming. The new "Subtle Mode" for the camera is actually useful. It makes your home movies look like a Netflix documentary.
But it's still just an iPhone. The home screen hasn't changed since I was in high school. It's boring. Boring but brilliant. You'll spend $1,199 on it and you'll love it.
3. Pixel 10 Pro
Google's AI is the real deal this year. I spent a week just talking to the phone and it actually understood me. I didn't have to touch a button. It's $999, so it's a bit cheaper than the big two.
The cameras are fantastic. Not as good at video as the iPhone, not as good at zoom as the Samsung. But for a regular photo? It wins every time.
4. OnePlus 14 Pro
If you want the fastest charging, this is it. Zero to one hundred in 25 minutes. Honestly, it changes how you use your phone. I never charge it at night anymore. I just plug it in while I'm making coffee in the morning and it's done.
It's $899, which is a steal compared to the Ultra. The software is a bit messy though. They've tried to make it look like iOS and it just feels... off.
5. Sony Xperia 1 VII
This one is for the camera nerds. It's got a real shutter button and a headphone jack! I think Sony is the only one who still cares about the old school stuff.
It's expensive at $1,399. Most people shouldn't buy it. But if you're a professional photographer who wants a phone that feels like a camera? You'll love it. I certainly do.
My Final Take
Honestly, just get the S26 Ultra if you want the best of everything. Or the Pixel if you want to save a few hundred bucks. You'll be happy with either.