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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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OnePlus 8
8.2
OnePlus 8
OnePlus · Android 10
Pros
+ Screen design
+ Lightweight
+ Fast charging
+ Long battery life
+ Inexpensive
Cons
− No wireless charging
− Picky touchscreen
HTC Sensation XE
8.2
HTC Sensation XE
HTC · Android 2.3 Gingerbread
OnePlus 9
8.2
Premium OnePlus 9
OnePlus · Android 11
Compass Verdict

Offering outstanding performance, eye-catching and durable design, the latest software, and display that hits nearly all the important marks, the OnePlus 9 might not be quite as budget-friendly as previous models, but its still far more affordable than its similarly specced competitors.

Pros
+ Good battery life
+ Insane charging speed
+ Fast, smooth performance
+ 120Hz refresh rate
Cons
− Cannot expand storage
− No IP rating
LG G4
8.1
LG G4
LG · Android 5.1 Lollipop
Pros
+ Display brightness and color reproduction
+ Case design
+ Camera quality
+ Removable battery
+ MicroSD support
Cons
− Low light performance on front facing camera
− Awkward button placement for instant camera mode
− Expensive
Xiaomi 12 Lite
8.2
Xiaomi 12 Lite
Xiaomi · Android 12
Google Nexus 6
8.2
Google Nexus 6
Motorola · Android 5.0 Lollipop
Pros
+ Sharp display with bold colors
+ Excellent battery life
+ Lightning fast performance on all tasks
+ Great photo quality in good and low lighting
Cons
− Impossible to use one-handed
− Whites on display have yellow tint
− Size makes it almost impossible to fit in pants pocket
HTC U11+
8.2
HTC U11+
HTC · Android 8.0 Oreo
Pros
+ Blazing performance
+ Excellent image quality in almost every lighting situation
+ Great battery life
+ Sleek design
Cons
− Glass back attracts smudges and fingerprints
− Not available worldwide
− A bit heavy
Huawei Honor 9 Lite
8.2
Huawei Honor 9 Lite
Huawei · Android 8.0 Oreo
Compass Verdict

If you’re looking to play games or use your phone often, the Honor 9 Lite might not be up to the task. However, if you’re looking for a capable media streamer and a great camera for selfies and video chat, the phone offers an appealing package that looks great too.

Pros
+ Great front camera
+ microSD support
+ Bright, detailed screen
+ Comfortable grip
Cons
− Not up to heavy use or gaming
− Prone to scuffs and smudges
− Battery slow to charge
− Slippery when set down
Motorola Edge 40
8.2
Motorola Edge 40
Motorola · Android 13
Motorola Moto G7
8.2
Motorola Moto G7
Motorola · Android 9.0 Pie
Compass Verdict

While it won’t compete with the top releases of 2019, the Moto G7 offers excellent value for anyone looking for a phone that is budget-friendly but offers a taste of the premium experience.

Pros
+ Solid design
+ Bright, colorful display
+ Price
+ microSD support
+ Decent performance for the price
Cons
− No NFC
− No wireless charging
− Easy-to-block speaker
− Weak camera
Xiaomi Mi 11
8.2
Xiaomi Mi 11
Xiaomi · Android 11
Compass Verdict

If it’s available in your region and you can overlook the weak camera, the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers great performance and a brilliant display at a great price.

Pros
+ Inexpensive
+ Good specs
+ Great performance
+ Amazing screen
Cons
− Not available everywhere
− Middling camera
− Lacking battery life
Sony Xperia XZ Premium
8.1
Sony Xperia XZ Premium
Sony · Android 7.1 Nougat
Pros
+ Great Performance
+ Plenty of Storage Space
+ microSD Support
+ 960 FPS Video Recording
+ Android 7.1 Nougat
+ All-Day Battery Life
+ IP68 Rating
Cons
− Cluttered Camera Interface
− Duplicate Apps
− Bulky Design
− Fingerprint Magnet
Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5g
8.1
Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5g
Samsung · Android 9.0 Pie
Oppo Reno8
8.1
Oppo Reno8
Oppo · Android 12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T
8.1
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T
Xiaomi · Android 9.0 Pie
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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