Best smartphones June 2026
Finding the right smartphone can be a challenge, but this guide makes it easier. We have gathered the top models on the market, allowing you to compare their features, performance, and unique strengths. Explore our independent ranking to discover which phone best suits your needs and budget.
Last updated: 23 June 2026
Mobile Phones: Top 5
1
Apple iPhone Air 256GB
from £727.9919 stores
from £727.99
19 stores
2
Apple iPhone 17 256GB
from £668.0019 stores
from £668.00
19 stores
3
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G 8GB RAM 256GB
from £281.9915 stores
from £281.99
15 stores
4
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB
from £1,199.0011 stores
from £1,199.00
11 stores
5
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G 4GB RAM 128GB
from £129.9115 stores
from £129.91
15 stores
The Apple iPhone Air stands out with its incredibly thin and light design, making it a joy to hold and use. It features a large, vibrant 120Hz OLED display and premium materials like titanium and ceramic. This model is perfect for those who prioritize sleek aesthetics and a comfortable feel over having the most versatile camera system.
Pros
Extremely thin and lightweight design
Bright 6.5-inch 120Hz OLED display
Premium ceramic and titanium build
Latest Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
Good battery life (27h video playback)
Cons
Only one rear camera
No expandable storage
Reports of unstable Bluetooth
The Apple iPhone 17 is a major upgrade for the standard model, incorporating premium features that were previously exclusive to the Pro line. It boasts a fluid 120Hz ProMotion display, an always-on screen, and the powerful A19 chip. For many users, this phone offers the perfect balance of high-end features and value.
Pros
120Hz ProMotion display
Always-on display functionality
Fast performance with A19 chip
Excellent battery life (30h video)
Capable 48 MP dual-camera system
Cons
Slower USB-C 2.0 data speeds
Battery can drain quickly under heavy load
The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G is a strong mid-range contender, offering a large 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen and a massive 5,000 mAh battery. It is a practical choice that includes desirable features like expandable storage via a microSD card and an IP67 water resistance rating. However, it does cut corners by omitting support for wireless and fast charging.
Pros
Large 5,000 mAh battery
Large 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display
Expandable storage via microSD
Good dust and water resistance (IP67)
Cons
No wireless charging support
Does not support fast charging
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple's powerhouse flagship from the previous generation, excelling with a massive 6.9-inch screen and the best battery life in this lineup. Its professional-grade triple-camera system, featuring 5x optical zoom, and a fast USB 3 port make it a top choice for content creators and power users.
Pros
Exceptional battery life (33h video)
Advanced triple-camera with 5x optical zoom
Huge 6.9-inch ProMotion display
Fast USB-C 3 data transfer speeds
Cons
Very heavy and large (240g)
Premium price point
AI features may be limited in the EU
The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is a budget-friendly phone that features a large 6.7-inch screen and a long-lasting 5,000 mAh battery. While it offers practical features like expandable storage, its performance is significantly held back by having only 4GB of RAM, making it suitable only for very basic tasks.
Pros
Large 5,000 mAh battery
Expandable storage via microSD
Large 6.7-inch AMOLED display
Cons
Sluggish performance due to 4GB RAM
Video recording capped at 1080p
Lower 90Hz refresh rate screen
Limited water resistance (IP54)
Compare specifications
| Series | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 | Galaxy A56 | iPhone 16 | Galaxy A17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.5 inches | 6.3 inches | 6.7 inches | 6.9 inches | 6.7 inches |
| 5G (NR) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Storage | 256GB | 256GB | 256GB | 256GB | 128GB |
| RAM size | 12GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 4GB |
| Release year | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | 2025 |
How we built the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular with our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert reviews. Specifically, we take into account how many users follow a product through price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in stores. No products are paid placements — the ranking is governed solely by data.
