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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 October 23, 2026

Top-Rated Phones, Ranked

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Samsung Galaxy Note8
8.9
Premium Samsung Galaxy Note8
Samsung · Android 7.1.1 Nougat
Pros
+ Bright, vivid screen
+ Blazing performance
+ Plenty of storage
+ S-Pen support
+ IP68 water and dustproofing
+ Great camera
Cons
− So-so battery life
− Price
− Too big for one-handed use
− Awkward fingerprint scanner placement
− Bixby still inaccurate
Samsung Galaxy S6
8.9
Mid-range Samsung Galaxy S6
Samsung · Android 5.0 Lollipop
Pros
+ Performance
+ Display quality
+ Camera
+ Design
+ Wireless charging
+ Android 5.0 Lollipop
Cons
− No microSD support
− Non-removable battery
− Price
Samsung Galaxy S8+
8.9
Premium Samsung Galaxy S8+
Samsung · Android 7.0 Nougat
Apple iPhone 6s
8.9
Mid-range Apple iPhone 6s
Apple · iOS 9
Pros
+ 3D Touch adds new layer of information and navigation to touch screen
+ Upgraded rear and front camera for crisp and accurate pictures
+ Incredibly smooth and fast performance
+ Solid build construction
+ Live Photos capture short video moments seamlessly
Cons
− Display doesn't offer as high contrast or details as competing Android phones
− Live Photos take huge amount of space
− 3D touch easy to confuse with long touch
− Live Photos often come out choppy and erratic
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
8.9
Flagship Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Apple · iOS 14
Apple iPhone 11
8.9
Premium Apple iPhone 11
Apple · iOS 13
Compass Verdict

Unless you need the best screen available, the iPhone 11 is the phone in Apple’s 2019 lineup to suit the average buyer. It has enough battery for work and play, can handle any app or game you throw at it, and looks good while doing so. But unless you’re a light phone user, plan to pick up a faster charger.

Pros
+ Blazing performance
+ Plenty of storage
+ Great cameras
+ Good audio
+ Face ID
+ Decent screen
+ All-day battery life
Cons
− No 3.5mm headphone jack or Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter
− Slow charger included
Huawei Mate 20 Pro
8.9
Flagship Huawei Mate 20 Pro
Huawei · Android 9.0 Pie
Compass Verdict

The Mate 20 Pro might not be Huawei’s cheapest phone but it’s one of the best. It provides an attractive package in terms of design, features, performance and camera capabilities.

Pros
+ Beautiful design
+ Bright, vibrant display
+ Smooth performance
+ Great battery life
+ Good camera
+ Fast charging
Cons
− Auto mode on camera leads to hit-or-miss pictures
− Heavy at 189 grams
Huawei P30 Pro
8.9
Flagship Huawei P30 Pro
Huawei · Android 9.0 Pie
Apple iPhone Xs
8.8
Premium Apple iPhone Xs
Apple · iOS 12
Compass Verdict

Unless you already own an iPhone X, the Xs is a worthy upgrade to just about any other phone on the market. It offers a great camera, unmatchable performance, a beautiful display, and a sleek design — but it comes with a hefty price tag.

Pros
+ Fastest mobile phone to date
+ Solid, classy design
+ Great display
+ Fast, detailed cameras
+ Powerful speakers
+ eSIM support
+ IP68 rated
Cons
− Price
− No microSD support
− No fast charger included
− No 3.5mm-to-Lightning adapter included
− No 3.5mm jack
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
8.8
Flagship Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
Apple · iOS 13
Xiaomi 13 Ultra
8.8
Premium Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Xiaomi · Android 13
Samsung Galaxy S10
8.8
Samsung Galaxy S10
Samsung · Android 9.0 Pie
Compass Verdict

Sitting in the middle of Samsung’s 2019 lineup, the S10 offers an excellent balance of performance and design with a price typical of today’s high-end phones. If you’re looking for a capable phone that still fits in your pocket, reviews show the phone is a great choice.

Pros
+ Stunning HDR display
+ Great build quality
+ Excellent performance
+ Plenty of storage
+ Headphone jack
+ Latest version of Android
Cons
− Sluggish fingerprint sensor
− Camera so-so in low light
− Hole punch camera annoyed some reviewers
Huawei P20 Pro
8.8
Flagship Huawei P20 Pro
Huawei · Android 8.1 Oreo
Samsung Galaxy Note10+
8.8
Flagship Samsung Galaxy Note10+
Samsung · Android 9.0 Pie
Google Pixel 3
8.8
Premium Google Pixel 3
Google · Android 9.0 Pie
Compass Verdict

The Pixel 3 offers a refined, premium Android experience with a camera that competes with — if not beats — the best mobile cameras on offer to date. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, powerful Android phone, it’s sure to please.

Pros
+ Colorful, detailed display
+ Plenty of storage
+ Blazing performance
+ Android 9.0 Pie
+ Three years of updates
+ Class-leading camera
+ Wireless and fast charging
+ Stereo speakers
Cons
− No microSD support
− Slightly dim display
− So-so battery life during heavy use
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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.

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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: October 23, 2026 · See an error? Report it