Skip to content
Home›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 November 2, 2026

Top-Rated Phones, Ranked

phones
Sort:
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
8.2
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Samsung · Android 10
Pros
+ Great multitasking and gaming
+ Comfortable in the hand
+ Beautiful 120hz HDR screen for movies and videos
+ All-day battery life
+ 5G support
Cons
− Fingerprint scanner is slow
− Tons of pre-installed apps
− No headphone jack
− High price tag
Apple iPhone 14
8.2
Premium Apple iPhone 14
Apple · iOS 16
Compass Verdict

A reliable phone with subtle updates on camera, connectivity, and performance.

Pros
+ Improved camera features
+ Solid performance
+ Strong build quality
+ Long-term software support
+ Emergency satellite feature
Cons
− Stuck at 60Hz display
− Mild design changes
− No A16 processor
− Lacks telephoto lens
− Slow charging speed
Samsung Galaxy S22+
8.2
Premium Samsung Galaxy S22+
Samsung · Android 12
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
8.2
Flagship Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
Samsung · Android 11
Compass Verdict

If you don’t mind the price, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 offers a taste of what could be the future of mobile technology. It’s one of the first foldable phones reviewers seem to actually trust and the large display and S-Pen support give it huge potential for productivity and serious work.

Pros
+ S-pen support
+ Water-resistant
+ Unsurpassed multi-tasking
Cons
− Still expensive
− Bulky
− Lackluster camera
− S-pen not included
Samsung Galaxy A54
8.1
Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung · Android 13
Compass Verdict

An affordable phone offering solid everyday performance, great software support, and looks akin to pricier models.

Pros
+ Solid build quality
+ Bright AMOLED display
+ Long software support
+ Decent battery life
+ Expandable storage
Cons
− Performance stutters
− No wireless charging
− Plastic frame feels cheap
− Disappointing macro camera
− Low-light camera struggles
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
8.1
Flagship Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
Samsung · Android 11
Compass Verdict

Samsung’s latest phone release offers a modern take on the flip phone experience. It’s addressed most of the shortcomings of previous releases, but the battery and camera life left reviewers wanting. Overall, the price is likely to be the biggest factor for many buyers.

Pros
+ A modern flip phone
+ Water-resistant
+ Same price as other high-end smartphones
+ Bigger cover display
Cons
− Disappointing camera
− Slow charging
− Poor battery life
Samsung Galaxy S22
8.1
Premium Samsung Galaxy S22
Samsung · Android 12
Compass Verdict

Samsung had high hopes of bringing in as much excitement for the S22 as was had for the S21. However, it seems they didn’t go far enough away from the original to justify upgrading. Still, if your phone is a few generations old, the S22 offers one of the best Android experiences available.

Pros
+ Fantastic display
+ Convenient size
+ Good build quality
+ Decent camera
Cons
− Limited battery life
− Slow charging
− Questionable upgrade from the S21
Motorola Edge+ (2023)
8.0
Premium Motorola Edge+ (2023)
Motorola · Android 13
Compass Verdict

A powerful phone offering strong battery life and impressive display at a competitive price.

Pros
+ Impressive battery life
+ Fast charging included
+ High refresh rate display
+ Smooth performance
+ Stock-like Android interface
Cons
− Limited zoom capabilities
− Curved screen prone to accidental touches
− Underwhelming fingerprint sensor placement
− Some bloatware present
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
7.9
Mid-range Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Samsung · Android 12
Compass Verdict

A well-rounded choice with a strong screen and camera but hampered by mediocre performance.

Pros
+ Attractive design
+ Capable cameras
+ Impressive display
+ Great software support
+ Solid battery life
Cons
− Sluggish performance
− Slow charging
− No headphone jack
− Plastic build quality
Google Pixel Fold
7.9
Flagship Google Pixel Fold
Google · Android 13
Compass Verdict

A powerful device that transforms from phone to tablet, with a sturdy design and impressive camera capabilities.

Pros
+ Durable hinge
+ Wide outer display
+ Good camera performance
+ Strong build quality
+ IPX8 water resistance
Cons
− Heavy weight
− Price is high
− Inner display crease
− Software not optimized
− Mediocre battery life
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.9
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Samsung · Android 13
Compass Verdict

Attractive design with a strong feature set, but faces intense competition in its price range.

Pros
+ Reasonable price point
+ Strong main camera
+ Big vibrant display
+ IP68 water resistant
+ Wireless charging
Cons
− Older processor
− Chunky bezels
− Hefty size
− Inconsistent telephoto performance
− No charger included
Motorola Edge+
7.8
Motorola Edge+
Motorola · Android 10
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
7.8
Mid-range Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Apple · iOS 15
Compass Verdict

The Apple iPhone SE of 2022 is not your average iPhone. For one thing, it’s tiny. It’s a phone aimed at those who perhaps want something smaller or if they want the essential of the Apple experience without the price tag.

Pros
+ Inexpensive
+ Guaranteed updates
+ Fast performance
+ Water-resistant
Cons
− Dated design
− No night mode for the camera
− Finicky 5G
− The baseline model has only 64GB of storage
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
7.7
Budget Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Samsung · Android 13
Compass Verdict

With reliable performance and budget-friendly features, this affordable phone offers great value at a low price.

Pros
+ 5G connectivity
+ Large battery life
+ High-resolution display
+ Software update support
+ Affordable price
Cons
− Lacks ultra-wide camera
− Cheap plastic build
− Slow charging speed
− Single speaker
− Dull outdoor visibility
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
7.7
Mid-range Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Samsung · Android 12
Compass Verdict

The issue with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Fan Edition isn’t what it does or doesn’t do. It’s the wrong time to release a phone like this when the S22 already exists.

Pros
+ Big, bright 120Hz screen
+ Fast performance
+ Good software support
Cons
− No MicroSD slot
− No headphone jack
− Released at an awkward time
− Disappointing battery life
Compare is full
Buying guide

How to choose the right phone

Most people just buy the same brand again, or whatever the carrier pushes at the counter. Start with what you use your phone for. Then work backward to the specs that matter.

Read the phone buying guide
CP
JS
BS

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: November 2, 2026 · See an error? Report it