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 October 26, 2026
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Compass Verdict
A powerful, secure smartphone with a familiar design and strong business features.
Pros
+
Strong business design
+
Tough build quality
+
Great performance
+
Solid battery life
+
Seamless PC integration
Cons
−
Mediocre camera performance
−
No expandable storage
−
Not the latest chipset
−
No carrier partnerships
−
Chunky design
8.0
Huawei Honor 8
Huawei · Android 6.0 Marshmallow
32 critic reviews
Display
5.2"
Battery
3,000 mAh
Pros
+
Beautiful 15-layer glass back offers unique patterns
+
Snappy performance
+
Good low-light camera performance
Cons
−
Tends to slide on uneven surfaces
−
Auto-brightness adjusts even in steady lighting
−
Screen color on the cool side
8.0
Samsung Galaxy S4 mini
Samsung · Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
20 critic reviews
Display
4.3"
Battery
1,900 mAh
Pros
+
Comfortable to hold.
+
Good overall phone performance.
+
Bright, easy to read screen.
Cons
−
Awkward microSD card location.
−
Low screen resolution.
−
Small onboard storage.
8.0
Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)
Samsung · Android 5.1 Lollipop
10 critic reviews
Display
5.2"
Battery
2,900 mAh
Pros
+
Excellent screen for the price
+
Great battery life
+
Fingerprint scanner
+
NFC support
+
microSD support
Cons
−
Dim camera with slow focus
−
TouchWiz UI feels cluttered
−
Bloatware
−
Not for intense gaming
−
Questionable future performance
Pros
+
Metal unibody design
+
LTE support
+
Vivid display
+
Exceptional battery life
+
Good camera
Cons
−
Mediocre performance
−
EMUI skin
−
Screen brightness
8.0
LG IQ (eXpo)
LG · Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional
2 critic reviews
Display
3.2"
Battery
1,500 mAh
8.0
Motorola Moto Z2 Play
Motorola · Android 7.1.1 Nougat
40 critic reviews
Display
5.5"
Battery
3,000 mAh
Pros
+
All-day battery life
+
TurboCharge support
+
Plenty of storage space
+
Solid performance
Cons
−
Lackluster camera
−
Bland design
−
Weak loudspeaker
−
Limited Moto Mod options
−
Screen not very bright
Pros
+
Great performance
+
Plenty of storage space
+
All-metal design
+
Bright, crisp display
+
XLTE and GSM support
+
MicroSD card support
Cons
−
Lack of app availability
−
Average camera
−
Windows phone interface
Pros
+
Fast and fluid performance
+
Clear and bright display
+
Customizable back covers
+
Long battery life
+
Good daylight and night time picture quality
Cons
−
No NFC
−
Limited editing and settings for camera
−
No Quick Charge
Pros
+
Vivid and sharp main display
+
Shock resistant
+
Additional screen for quick access to time, apps and contacts
+
Smooth performance
+
Rear camera takes detailed and color accurate pictures
Cons
−
Heavy and awkward to use one-handed
−
Wide angle front lens distorts around the edges
−
Added features not necessary for casual smartphone user
Pros
+
Bright, detailed display
+
Solid build quality
+
Buttery smooth performance
+
Great camera quality
Cons
−
Mediocre battery life
−
No optical image stabilization
−
No water resistance
Compass Verdict
If you don’t mind Sony’s design choices, the XA2 is one of their strongest mid-tier phones yet. While it doesn’t excel at any one thing, it offers decent battery life, solid performance, and a detailed — albeit slow launching — camera at a respectable price.
Pros
+
Sturdy, reassuring design
+
Decent rear camera
+
microSD support
+
Android 8.0
+
Solid battery
+
Respectable performance
Cons
−
No fast charger included
−
Phone prone to smudges and scratches
−
Hit-or-miss low-light camera performance
−
Camera slow to launch
−
Lots of pre-installed apps
…
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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.