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HomeCell Phones
Expert Reviews

Cell Phone Reviews & Rankings

Independent cell phone reviews, Compass Scores from dozens of expert critics, and specs side by side. Browse every phone we cover below, or jump straight to the latest rankings.

Last updated May 20, 2026

Cell Phone Reviews & Rankings

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Apple iPhone 16 Pro
8.5 / 10
Premium Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Apple · iOS 18
Compass Verdict

Offers robust features but lacks innovation, maintaining the same design with marginal upgrades that may not justify an upgrade for recent models.

Pros
+ 5x optical zoom
+ Upgraded ultrawide lens
+ New camera control button
+ Slightly larger screen
+ Better battery efficiency
Cons
Incremental updates
No Apple Intelligence yet
Pricey accessories
Similar design to predecessor
Low resolution selfie camera
Camera
Main: 48MP f/1.8
Front: 12MP f/1.9
Video: Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) 60fps
Lens 2: 12MP f/2.8
Lens 3: 48MP f/2.2
Flash: Yes (Dual LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, HDR, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, ISO, Night mode
Performance
Chip: Apple A18 Pro Hexa-core
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 128/256/ 512/1000 GB
Speed: 4050MHz
AnTuTu: 1,808,835
Geekbench S: 3,591
Geekbench M: 9,090
Display
Size: 6.3" Color
Res: 1206 × 2622
PPI: 460 ppi
Refresh: 120 Hz
Brightness: 2000 nits
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 3,582 mAh
Fast charge: 45W
Wireless: 25W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Talk time: 23.6h
Video playback: 27h
GSMArena: 14:17h
Design
Weight: 199g
IP: IP68
Material: Titanium
Type: Bar
Colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium
Fingerprint: No
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi ac/6e/be
BT: BT 5.3
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, 6e, be
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: usb-3.2
Apple iPhone 16
8.5 / 10
Premium Apple iPhone 16
Apple · iOS 18
Compass Verdict

A well-rounded phone offering balanced performance and great cameras for regular use.

Pros
+ Excellent performance
+ Strong camera setup
+ Durable design
+ 5 years of updates
+ Rich stereo speakers
Cons
Slow charging
Limited 60Hz display
USB 2.0 speeds
Basic design unchanged
Apple Intelligence delay
Camera
Main: 48MP f/1.6
Front: 12MP f/1.9
Video: Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) 60fps
Lens 2: 12MP f/2.2
Flash: Yes (LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, Night mode
Performance
Chip: Apple A18 Hexa-core
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 128/256/ 512 GB
Speed: 4040MHz
AnTuTu: 1,982,709
Geekbench S: 3,291
Geekbench M: 8,136
Display
Size: 6.1" Color
Res: 1179 × 2556
PPI: 460 ppi
Refresh: 60 Hz
Brightness: 2000 nits
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 3,561 mAh
Fast charge: 45W
Wireless: 25W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Talk time: 26.1h
Video playback: 22h
GSMArena: 15:42h
Design
Weight: 170g
IP: IP68
Material: Aluminium
Type: Bar
Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine
Fingerprint: No
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi ac/ax/7
BT: BT 5.3
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, ax, 7
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: usb-2.0
Google Pixel 9a
8.5 / 10
Mid-range Google Pixel 9a
Google · Android 15
Compass Verdict

This phone merges standout features with affordability, offering reliable everyday performance and excellent value.

Pros
+ Excellent camera performance
+ Long battery life
+ AI features add value
+ High brightness display
+ Strong software support
Cons
No telephoto camera
Slow charging speeds
Design feels generic
Thicker display bezels
Camera
Main: 48MP f/1.7
Front: 13MP f/2.2
Video: Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) 60fps
Lens 2: 13MP f/2.2
Flash: Yes (Dual LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, Night mode
Performance
Chip: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) Octa-core
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 128/256 GB
Speed: 3100MHz
Display
Size: 6.3" Color
Res: 1080 × 2424
PPI: 422 ppi
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 5,100 mAh
Fast charge: 23W
Wireless: 7.5W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Talk time: 25.1h
Video playback: 13.7h
Design
Weight: 186g
IP: IP68
Material: Aluminium
Type: Bar
Colors: Iris, Peony, Porcelain, Obsidian
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi n/ac/6e
BT: BT 5.3
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, 6e
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: USB Type-C
ZTE nubia Z80 Ultra
7.6 / 10
Mid-range ZTE nubia Z80 Ultra
ZTE · Android 16
Compass Verdict

This device offers a unique design, solid battery life, and a capable camera system.

Pros
+ Unique camera setup
+ Astonishingly affordable
+ Performance to spare
+ Long-lasting battery
+ Comfortable to hold
Cons
Software not polished
Heavy for some users
Selfie camera issues
Underwhelming speaker output
Limited software features
Camera
Main: 50MP f/1.7
Front: 16MP f/2.0
Video: 8K (7680 × 4320 pixels) 30fps
Lens 2: 64MP f/2.5
Lens 3: 50MP f/1.8
Flash: Yes (Dual LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, ISO, Night mode
Performance
Chip: Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Octa-core
RAM: 12/16 GB
Storage: 256/512/ 1000 GB
Speed: 4600MHz
AnTuTu: 3,790,413
Geekbench S: 3,570
Geekbench M: 10,974
Display
Size: 6.85" Color
Res: 1216 × 2688
PPI: 431 ppi
Refresh: 144 Hz
Brightness: 2000 nits
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 7,200 mAh
Fast charge: 80W
Wireless: 80W
Type: Silicon Carbon (Si/C)
Removable: No
Talk time: 40.5h
Video playback: 27.2h
GSMArena: 20:13h
Design
Weight: 227g
IP: IP69
Material: Aluminium
Type: Bar
Colors: Black, White, Starry Night
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi ac/ax/be
BT: BT 6.0
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP
USB: usb-3.2
Sony Xperia 1 VII
7.6 / 10
Flagship Sony Xperia 1 VII
Sony · Android 15
Compass Verdict

A solid performer with specialized features, but its high cost may deter the average buyer.

Pros
+ High-quality build
+ Gorgeous OLED display
+ Solid battery life
+ Good sound quality
+ MicroSD card slot
Cons
Expensive price tag
Camera underwhelms
Slow charging speed
Outdated design
No significant upgrades
Camera
Main: 48MP f/1.9
Front: 12MP f/2.0
Video: Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) 120fps
Lens 2: 12MP f/2.3 - 3.5
Lens 3: 48MP f/2.0
Flash: Yes (LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, ISO, Night mode
Performance
Chip: Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite Octa-core
RAM: 12 GB
Storage: 256/512 GB
Speed: 4320MHz
AnTuTu: 2,994,112
Geekbench S: 3,094
Geekbench M: 9,293
Display
Size: 6.5" Color
Res: 1080 × 2340
PPI: 396 ppi
Refresh: 120 Hz
Brightness: 1300 nits
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 5,000 mAh
Fast charge: 30W
Wireless: 15W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Talk time: 25h
Video playback: 7.3h
GSMArena: 15:32h
Design
Weight: 197g
IP: IP68
Material: Aluminium
Type: Bar
Colors: Moss Green, Orchid Purple, Orchid Purple
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi ac/ax/be
BT: BT 6.0
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: usb-3.2
Honor Magic 7 Pro
8.4 / 10
Flagship Honor Magic 7 Pro
Honor · Android 15
Compass Verdict

A feature-rich phone with standout camera capabilities and solid performance, offering many creative and AI-driven features.

Pros
+ Excellent display brightness
+ Fast charging options
+ Versatile camera setup
+ Solid build quality
+ Innovative AI features
Cons
Limited availability
Battery life concerns
Mixed AI performance
Saturated image colors
Lacks intuitive software design
Camera
Main: 50MP f/1.4
Front: 50MP f/2.0
Video: Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) 60fps
Lens 2: 50MP f/2.0
Lens 3: 200MP f/2.6
Flash: Yes (LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, ISO, Night mode
Performance
Chip: Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) Octa-core
RAM: 12 GB
Storage: 512 GB
Speed: 4320MHz
Display
Size: 6.8" Color
Res: 1280 × 2800
PPI: 453 ppi
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 5,270 mAh
Fast charge: 100W
Wireless: 80W
Type: Silicon Carbon (Si/C)
Removable: No
Talk time: 30.4h
Video playback: 14.7h
Design
Weight: 223g
IP: IP69
Material: Aluminium
Type: Bar
Colors: Lunar shadow Grey, Breeze Blue, Black
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi ac/ax/be
BT: BT 5.4
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: USB Type-C
TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra
7.5 / 10
Mid-range TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra
TCL · Android 15

No editorial review yet. View full specs →

Camera
Main: 50MP f/1.8
Front: 32MP f/2.0
Video: Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) 30fps
Lens 2: 50MP f/2.4
Lens 3: 8MP f/2.2
Flash: Yes (LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, ISO, Night mode
Performance
Chip: MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Octa-core
RAM: 12 GB
Storage: 256/512 GB
Speed: 2600MHz
AnTuTu: 851,109
Geekbench S: 1,029
Geekbench M: 3,073
Display
Size: 7.2" Color
Res: 1080 × 2340
PPI: 359 ppi
Refresh: 120 Hz
Brightness: 850 nits
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 5,200 mAh
Fast charge: 33W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Design
Weight: 227g
IP: IP68
Material: Plastic
Type: Bar
Colors: Lunar White, Nebula Black
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi n/ac/ax
BT: BT 5.4
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, ax
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: usb-2.0
Motorola Moto G86 Power
7.5 / 10
Budget Motorola Moto G86 Power
Motorola · Android 15

No editorial review yet. View full specs →

Camera
Main: 50MP f/1.8
Front: 32MP f/2.2
Video: Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) 30fps
Lens 2: 8MP f/2.2
Flash: Yes (LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Night mode
Performance
Chip: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Octa-core
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 512 GB
Speed: 2500MHz
AnTuTu: 926,844
Geekbench S: 1,045
Geekbench M: 2,955
Display
Size: 6.67" Color
Res: 1220 × 2712
PPI: 446 ppi
Refresh: 120 Hz
Brightness: 4500 nits
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 6,720 mAh
Fast charge: 30W
Type: Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Removable: No
Design
Weight: 198g
IP: IP69
Material: Plastic
Type: Bar
Colors: Pantone Spellbound, Pantone Cosmic Sky, Pantone Golden Cypress, Pantone Chrysanthemum
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi n/ac/ax
BT: BT Yes
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, ax
BT profiles: A2DP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: usb-2.0
Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 4G
7.1 / 10
Budget Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 4G
Xiaomi · Android 15

No editorial review yet. View full specs →

Camera
Main: 108MP f/1.7
Front: 20MP f/2.2
Video: Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) 30fps
Flash: Yes (LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, ISO, Night mode
Performance
Chip: MediaTek Helio G100 Ultra (6 nm) Octa-core
RAM: 6/8 GB
Storage: 128/256/ 512 GB
Speed: 2200MHz
AnTuTu: 556,782
Geekbench S: 730
Geekbench M: 2,025
Display
Size: 6.77" Color
Res: 1080 × 2392
PPI: 388 ppi
Refresh: 120 Hz
Brightness: 3197 nits
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 6,000 mAh
Fast charge: 33W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Design
Weight: 183.7g
IP: IP66
Material: Plastic
Type: Bar
Colors: Black, Forest Green, Glacier Blue, Purple
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi g/n/ac
BT: BT 5.3
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: usb-2.0
Xiaomi 14T Pro
8.3 / 10
Premium Xiaomi 14T Pro
Xiaomi · Android 14
Compass Verdict

A great value option with solid performance, long battery life, and impressive charging speed.

Pros
+ Impressive value and price
+ Strong performance
+ Bright, color-rich display
+ Fast wired and wireless charging
+ Leica camera quality
Cons
Bloatware included
No charger in box
Ultrawide camera issues
Software ads and clutter
Limited availability
Camera
Main: 50MP f/1.6
Front: 32MP f/2.0
Video: 8K (7680 × 4320 pixels) 30fps
Lens 2: 50MP f/2.0
Lens 3: 12MP f/2.2
Flash: Yes (Dual LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, ISO, Night mode
Performance
Chip: MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ (4 nm) Octa-core
RAM: 12/16 GB
Storage: 256/512/ 1000 GB
Speed: 3400MHz
AnTuTu: 2,283,895
Geekbench S: 2,175
Geekbench M: 7,032
Display
Size: 6.67" Color
Res: 1220 × 2712
PPI: 446 ppi
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 5,000 mAh
Fast charge: 120W
Wireless: 50W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Talk time: 24.8h
Video playback: 13.8h
Design
Weight: 209g
IP: IP68
Material: Aluminium
Type: Bar
Colors: Titan Black, Titan Blue, Titan Gray
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi ac/6e/7
BT: BT 5.4
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, 6e, 7
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: USB Type-C
Honor 200
8.3 / 10
Honor 200
Honor · Android 14

No editorial review yet. View full specs →

Camera
Main: 50MP f/1.95
Front: 50MP f/2.1
Video: Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Lens 2: 50MP f/2.4
Lens 3: 12MP f/2.2
Flash: Yes (LED)
Features: Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer
Performance
Chip: Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) Octa-core
RAM: 8/12 GB
Storage: 256/512 GB
Speed: 2630MHz
Display
Size: 6.7" Color
Res: 1200 × 2664
PPI: 436 ppi
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 5,200 mAh
Fast charge: 100W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Design
Weight: 187g
Material: Plastic
Type: Bar
Colors: Emerald Green, Moonlight White, Black
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: No
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi n/ac/ax
BT: BT 5.3
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, ax
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: USB Type-C
Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
8.3 / 10
Flagship Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
Motorola · Android 15
Compass Verdict

A well-rounded flip phone with impressive performance and a standout cover screen, while some wishes remain for better software support.

Pros
+ Vibrant, bright screens
+ Strong performance
+ Long battery life
+ Great cover screen
+ Unique material options
Cons
No charger in box
High price point
Limited software updates
Camera could be sharper
AI button not needed
Camera
Main: 50MP f/1.8
Front: 50MP f/2.0
Video: 8K (7680 × 4320 pixels) 30fps
Lens 2: 50MP f/2.0
Flash: Yes (LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, ISO, Night mode, Smile detection
Performance
Chip: Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) Octa-core
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 512 GB
Speed: 4320MHz
Display
Size: 7" Color
Res: 1224 × 2912
PPI: 464 ppi
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 4,700 mAh
Fast charge: 68W
Wireless: 30W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Talk time: 35h
Video playback: 19.5h
Design
Weight: 199g
IP: IP48
Material: Aluminium
Type: Flip
Colors: Pantone Rio Red, Pantone Scarab, Pantone Cabaret, Pantone Mountain Trail
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi ac/6e/7
BT: BT 5.4
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, 6e, 7
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: USB Type-C
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
8.3 / 10
Premium Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Apple · iOS 18
Compass Verdict

A large-screen phone with a solid battery life and useful features for daily users, without a massive cost.

Pros
+ Stunning large display
+ Great battery life
+ Strong camera performance
+ Faster MagSafe charging
+ Sleek, colorful design
Cons
60Hz display limit
Bulky for some users
No optical zoom
No charger included
Limited storage options
Camera
Main: 48MP f/1.6
Front: 12MP f/1.9
Video: Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) 60fps
Lens 2: 12MP f/2.2
Flash: Yes (LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, Night mode
Performance
Chip: Apple A18 Hexa-core
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 128/256/ 512 GB
Speed: 4040MHz
AnTuTu: 1,918,031
Geekbench S: 3,256
Geekbench M: 8,096
Display
Size: 6.7" Color
Res: 1290 × 2796
PPI: 460 ppi
Refresh: 60 Hz
Brightness: 2000 nits
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 4,674 mAh
Fast charge: 45W
Wireless: 25W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Talk time: 33.3h
Video playback: 27h
GSMArena: 18:49h
Design
Weight: 199g
IP: IP68
Material: Aluminium
Type: Bar
Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine
Fingerprint: No
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi ac/ax/be
BT: BT 5.3
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: usb-2.0
Google Pixel 9
8.3 / 10
Premium Google Pixel 9
Google · Android 14
Compass Verdict

A capable phone offering impressive cameras and AI features but feels pricier than it should be.

Pros
+ Great camera
+ Improved AI features
+ Solid battery life
+ Stylish design
+ Seven years update
Cons
No telephoto camera
Price increase
A few AI glitches
Slower performance
Limited charger options
Camera
Main: 50MP f/1.7
Front: 10.5MP f/2.2
Video: Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) 60fps
Lens 2: 48MP f/1.7
Flash: Yes (Dual LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Image stabilization, ISO, Night mode
Performance
Chip: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) Octa-core
RAM: 12 GB
Storage: 128/256 GB
Speed: 3100MHz
Display
Size: 6.3" Color
Res: 1080 × 2424
PPI: 422 ppi
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 4,700 mAh
Fast charge: 27W
Wireless: 15W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Talk time: 26.4h
Video playback: 15.4h
Design
Weight: 198g
IP: IP68
Material: Aluminium
Type: Bar
Colors: Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, Obsidian
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi ac/ax/be
BT: BT 5.3
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: USB Type-C
Motorola Moto G (2026)
7.0 / 10
Budget Motorola Moto G (2026)
Motorola · Android 16
Compass Verdict

An affordable phone with strong battery life, but weaker performance and display quality.

Pros
+ Long battery life
+ Low price
+ Decent performance
+ Textured design
+ Headphone jack
Cons
Low resolution screen
Mediocre cameras
Slow charging speed
Limited software support
Underwhelming sound quality
Camera
Main: 50MP f/1.8
Front: 32MP f/2.2
Video: Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) 30fps
Lens 2: 2MP
Flash: Yes (LED)
Features: Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, Night mode
Performance
Chip: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 Octa-core
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 128 GB
Speed: 2400MHz
AnTuTu: 585,233
Geekbench S: 790
Geekbench M: 2,098
Display
Size: 6.7" Color
Res: 720 × 1604
PPI: 262 ppi
Refresh: 120 Hz
Brightness: 1000 nits
Multi-touch: Yes
Sensors: Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Battery
Capacity: 5,200 mAh
Fast charge: 30W
Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Removable: No
Video playback: 10.4h
GSMArena: 16:48h
Design
Weight: 202g
IP: IPX2
Material: Plastic
Type: Bar
Colors: PANTONE Cattleya Orchid, PANTONE Slipstream
Fingerprint: Yes
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Connectivity
WiFi: Wi-Fi g/n/ac
BT: BT 5.4
NFC: Yes
WiFi standards: a, b, g, n, ac
BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
USB: usb-2.0
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Buying guide

How to choose the right phone

Most people buy more phone than they need. These four points will steer you right.

Start with your budget

The best phone is the one that doesn’t create financial stress. Decide on your ceiling before you start comparing — excellent phones exist at every price point from $300 to $1,600+. Flagship features rarely justify flagship prices for most buyers.

Pick your OS first

iOS and Android are fundamentally different ecosystems. If you’re in the Apple family (Mac, iPad, AirPods), staying on iOS makes sense. If you value flexibility, customisation, and broader hardware choice, Android is where to look. Switching is possible but adds friction.

Battery life beats specs on paper

A phone with a 4,000 mAh battery on an efficient chip will often outlast a 5,000 mAh phone on a hungrier one. Look at GSMArena endurance ratings and our battery sub-scores rather than raw capacity numbers.

Software support matters more than ever

A phone guaranteed updates until 2031 is a meaningfully better long-term purchase than one abandoned in 2027. Google Pixel and Samsung flagship lines lead with 7 years. Apple typically supports devices for 5–6 years. Budget Android varies widely — check before buying.

Compass Tip

Don’t let the spec sheet distract you. The questions that actually matter: Does the camera produce good photos in real conditions? Does the battery last your full day? Will you still get security updates in four years? The Compass Score weights real-world outcomes, not numbers on paper.

Common questions

It depends on your budget and needs. The Google Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro lead our overall rankings. For the best value under $700, the Pixel 9a scores near the top. Use the filters above — the Compass Score ranks the best options within your criteria.

Usually yes. Buying unlocked means no carrier contract, any SIM or eSIM, and often faster software updates. Pairing an unlocked phone with a no-contract MVNO (Mint Mobile, Visible, US Mobile) typically saves $200–$500 over 24 months vs a carrier deal.

Refurbished means returned, inspected, repaired if needed, and resold. “Renewed” is Amazon’s term for the same. Both are legitimate, but quality varies. Look for Grade A or “Excellent” from Back Market or Swappa — they include warranties.

Only if a specific device is within 4–6 weeks of its announced launch. Otherwise, waiting is a trap — there’s always a new phone coming. Today’s top-rated devices will serve you well for 3–5 years.

A weighted aggregate of expert reviews from established publications, scored across six dimensions: camera, performance, display, battery, design, and value. Sources are weighted by editorial credibility. 9.0+ is near-flawless. 7.5–8.9 is excellent for most buyers.

Scores update when new reviews are published. Pricing is sourced from retailer feeds and refreshed regularly — always confirm the final price at checkout.

Why trust PhoneCompass
Independent, always
Our rankings are editorially independent. No sponsored placements, no paid carrier deals.
Compass Score methodology
Weighted aggregate of expert reviews across 6 dimensions.
Transparent about affiliates
We earn commissions from deal clicks. This never affects rankings.
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To ensure accuracy, this page has been reviewed and fact-checked by Carl Perlas, Jon Stone and Branden S. as part of our editorial review process. Learn how we score.

Last updated: May 20, 2026 · See an error? Report it