Samsung

If you want the single best smartphone to buy in 2026 overall, the strongest pick is the iPhone 18 Pro / iPhone 18 Pro Max. Tom’s Guide’s 2026 awards put the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max at the top for the best phone overall, and their latest 2026 best-phones roundup says Apple’s newest Pro line takes the top spot again. (tomsguide.com)

If you want the best Android phone, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the top Android choice, with Tom’s Guide describing it as the best Android phone that “can do just about everything well.” (tomsguide.com)

Quick practical advice:

• Best overall: iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max. (tomsguide.com)
• Best Android: Galaxy S26 Ultra. (tomsguide.com)
• Best cheaper option: Google Pixel 10a. (tomsguide.com)

If you want, I can also give you the best phone for your budget or compare iPhone vs Android in 2026.