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:
Google Pixel 6 Pro
8.9
Premium Google Pixel 6 Pro
Google · Android 12
Compass Verdict

Reviewers consistently refer to the Google Pixel 6 Pro as one of the best Android phones ever released. If you’re looking for an Android phone that can compete with Apple’s iPhone on polish and performance, this is as close as it gets.

Pros
+ Android 12
+ Impressive cameras
+ Great new design
+ Priced lower than competitors
Cons
− Average battery
− Some camera features can be tricky
− Finicky fingerprint sensor
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
8.8
Flagship Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
Apple · iOS 13
Google Pixel 7 Pro
8.8
Premium Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google · Android 13
Compass Verdict

A powerhouse phone with advanced camera capabilities and thoughtful software features, all at a competitive price.

Pros
+ Excellent camera system
+ Beautiful 120Hz display
+ Strong performance
+ Clean Android experience
+ Competitive price
Cons
− No expandable storage
− Slippery design
− Mixed battery life
− Prone to scratches
− Moderate charging speed
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
8.8
Flagship Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung · Android 12
Compass Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a massive, flashy piece of tech. It includes an improved camera with new features, a beautiful display, and top-of-the-line performance, but it will cost you.

Pros
+ Fast charging
+ Superior camera
+ Improved S-pen
+ Long term software support
+ Bright and vibrant display
Cons
− Less RAM than the last model
− Lackluster battery life
− Expensive
− Heavy and awkward
Apple iPhone 12
8.7
Premium Apple iPhone 12
Apple · iOS 14
Pros
+ MagSafe shows promise
+ Beautiful screen
+ 5G compatible
+ Great design
Cons
− 5G taxes battery life
− More expensive than the previous iPhone’s
Google Pixel 6
8.7
Mid-range Google Pixel 6
Google · Android 12
Compass Verdict

The Google Pixel 6 is the closest thing Android has to compare to Apple’s ever-popular iPhone series. With a massive boost to its performance via a new chipset and cameras that reviewers are hailing as phenomenally good, the Pixel 6 seems to be making for smartphone supremacy.

Pros
+ Great performance
+ Android 12 (with rapid updates)
+ Awesome camera utilities
+ New design
Cons
− Slow fingerprint reader
− Unimpressive battery life
− No telephoto lens
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
8.7
Premium Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Apple · iOS 17
Compass Verdict

A refined phone offering improved compatibility and features for a delightful user experience.

Pros
+ Lighter titanium build
+ USB-C port added
+ Fast A17 chip
+ Improved camera system
+ Action Button feature
Cons
− Expensive pricing
− Limited zoom on telephoto
− Average battery life
− No charger in box
− Minor overheating issues
Google Pixel 7
8.7
Mid-range Google Pixel 7
Google · Android 13
Compass Verdict

A solid flagship with impressive cameras and thoughtful software features at an attractive price.

Pros
+ Strong camera quality
+ Great value for price
+ Smooth performance
+ Crisp display
+ Fast software updates
Cons
− Slow charging speed
− No microSD support
− Limited optical zoom
− No charger included
− Fingerprint sensor lag
Google Pixel 8 Pro
8.7
Premium Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google · Android 14
Compass Verdict

This device blends AI-driven features with enhanced hardware for a balanced experience.

Pros
+ Brighter display
+ Matte glass design
+ Seven years of updates
+ Better camera zoom
+ Great AI features
Cons
− Temperature sensor impractical
− High price
− Heavy
− Processor not best for gaming
− Battery life below rivals
Apple iPhone 12 mini
8.7
Mid-range Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple · iOS 14
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
8.6
Premium Apple iPhone 12 Pro
Apple · iOS 14
Pros
+ Superfast performance
+ Excellent camera
+ 5G compatibility
+ Superior video quality
+ Apple ProRAW support
Cons
− So-so battery life on 5G
− Minor upgrade to iPhone 12
− Expensive
− No USB-C support
Apple iPhone 13
8.6
Premium Apple iPhone 13
Apple · iOS 15
Compass Verdict

While it’s a questionable upgrade over the already-impressive iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 brings better battery life, improved cameras, a great display, and Apple’s premium build quality to yet another generation of iPhones. As with past years, it’s only real competition (for the price) are other iPhones.

Pros
+ Great battery life
+ Brighter display
+ Best performance
+ 5G Support
Cons
− No 120Hz display
− Slow charging
Samsung Galaxy S9
8.6
Samsung Galaxy S9
Samsung · Android 8.0 Oreo
Compass Verdict

Unless you already own the Samsung Galaxy S8, the S9 offers an experience you won’t find with many other phones on the market. Whether you’re looking to play games, take pictures, or simply have a phone that will last all day without worrying about charging, the Samsung has you covered… albeit for a premium price.

Pros
+ Blazing performance
+ Sleek design
+ IP68 waterproofing
+ Great low-light camera performance
+ All-day battery life
+ Rapid charging
+ microSD card support
+ Front-facing stereo speakers
Cons
− Bloatware
− Glass front and back means you’ll want a case
− Price
− Not a significant upgrade over the S8 unless you want a better camera
Samsung Galaxy S23
8.6
Premium Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung · Android 13
Compass Verdict

A small yet powerful phone with a bright screen, reliable camera setup, and improved battery life.

Pros
+ Pocket-friendly design
+ Better battery life
+ Impressive camera features
+ Strong performance
+ Solid build quality
Cons
− Limited 25W charging
− No microSD slot
− Slight upgrade from S22
− Remains expensive in some regions
− Lacks ultra-wideband support
OnePlus 9 Pro
8.6
Flagship OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus · Android 11
Compass Verdict

If recharge speeds, camera features, or water resistance is important to you, the OnePlus 9 Pro brings a bit more to the table than the OnePlug 9. However, these subtle differences come at a premium price some reviewers found hard to justify.

Compare is full
From our editors

Not sure where to start?

All phone guides →

Our editorial team tests and compares phones so you don’t have to. These guides are updated regularly with our latest recommendations.

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