Best smartphones August 2026
Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, but this guide is here to help. We've compared the top mobile phones on the market right now, looking at their performance, cameras, battery life, and key features. Use this independently ranked list to find the perfect smartphone for your needs and budget.
Last updated: 14 August 2026
Samsung Galaxy A57 5G 8GB RAM 128GB climbed 2 positions
Samsung Galaxy S26 5G 12GB RAM 256GB dropped 1 position
Apple iPhone 17 Pro 256GB dropped 1 position
Mobile Phones: Top 5
1
Apple iPhone 17 256GB
from £689.9920 stores
from £689.99
20 stores
2
Samsung Galaxy A57 5G 8GB RAM 128GB
from £259.998 stores
2
from £259.99
8 stores
3
Samsung Galaxy S26 5G 12GB RAM 256GB
from £543.9919 stores
1
from £543.99
19 stores
4
Apple iPhone 17 Pro 256GB
from £974.9914 stores
1
from £974.99
14 stores
5
Google Pixel 10a 5G 8GB RAM 128GB
from £328.9911 stores
from £328.99
11 stores
The Apple iPhone 17 is a significant upgrade to the standard lineup, incorporating premium features previously reserved for Pro models. With its 120Hz ProMotion display, always-on capabilities, and powerful A19 chip, it offers a fluid and responsive experience. It's a fantastic choice for users upgrading from older iPhones who want a top-tier feel without springing for the Pro model.
Pros
Smooth 120Hz ProMotion display
Powerful A19 chip for fast performance
Upgraded 48MP main camera
Features an always-on display
Supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard
Cons
Slow USB 2.0 data transfer speeds
No memory card reader for storage expansion
Battery life can be inconsistent under heavy use
The Samsung Galaxy A57 5G is a standout mid-range phone that offers a near-flagship experience for a more affordable price. It impresses with a huge 5,000 mAh battery, a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED screen, and a premium build quality. While the camera doesn't compete with top-tier models, it provides exceptional value for everyday use.
Pros
Excellent battery life with a 5,000 mAh battery
Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
Premium-feel glass and aluminium design
IP68 water and dust resistance
Cons
Does not support wireless charging
Camera quality is not at flagship level
Slow USB 2.0 data transfer speeds
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a compact powerhouse, offering top-tier performance in a manageable size. It features a fast 10-core processor, a generous 12GB of RAM, and an advanced triple-camera system with 3x optical zoom. With its snappy performance and useful AI features, it represents a complete flagship Android experience.
Pros
Powerful 10-core processor with 12GB RAM
Versatile triple-camera with 3x optical zoom
Fast Wi-Fi 7 and USB 3.2 speeds
Bright and fluid 120Hz AMOLED display
Cons
No memory card slot for expandable storage
Battery capacity is smaller than some competitors
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro is the ultimate choice for power users and content creators within the Apple ecosystem. It builds on the standard model with a more powerful GPU, more RAM, and much faster USB transfer speeds. The main draw is its superior triple-camera system, enhanced by a LiDAR sensor for exceptional photos and videos in all conditions.
Pros
Pro-grade triple camera system with LiDAR
Very fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 data transfer speeds
12GB of RAM for excellent multitasking
Superb battery life for all-day use
Cons
Heavier than the standard iPhone 17 model
A significant price jump for its extra features
No memory card reader
The Google Pixel 10a focuses on delivering a smart, streamlined experience with a clean version of Android. Its strengths are Google's powerful AI-driven software, an excellent camera for still photos with 8x optical zoom, and outstanding battery life from its 5,100 mAh cell. It's also a more repairable device than many of its rivals, making it a thoughtful choice.
Pros
Massive 5,100 mAh battery for long endurance
Clean Android experience with smart AI features
Good repairability score (Class B)
Impressive 8x optical zoom capability
Cons
Video recording is limited to 1080p resolution
No memory card reader for storage expansion
Lacks the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard
Compare specifications
| Series | iPhone 17 | — | Galaxy S26 | iPhone 17 | Google Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.3 inches | 6.7 inches | 6.3 inches | 6.3 inches | 6.3 inches |
| 5G (NR) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Storage | 256GB | 128GB | 256GB | 256GB | 128GB |
| RAM size | 8GB | 8GB | 12GB | 12GB | 8GB |
| Release year | 2025 | 2026 | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via 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 retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
