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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 Z Fold4
8.4
Flagship Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
Samsung · Android 12L
Compass Verdict

A unique phone that balances productivity with entertainment, but it’s not for everyone.

Pros
+ Sturdy construction
+ Improved cameras
+ Excellent multitasking
+ S Pen support
+ High performance
Cons
− Expensive
− Battery life could improve
− Slow charging
− Visible screen crease
− Under-display camera quality
Google Pixel 6a
8.3
Mid-range Google Pixel 6a
Google · Android 12
Compass Verdict

A capable, budget-friendly phone offering solid performance and good photography in a compact design.

Pros
+ Solid build quality
+ Good camera performance
+ Stock Android experience
+ Good value for money
+ Compact design
Cons
− No wireless charging
− 60Hz refresh rate
− Plastic back
− No charger in box
− Limited storage
Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
8.3
Premium Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
Motorola · Android 13
Pros
+ Large cover display
+ Smooth hinge action
+ High-quality stereo sound
+ Compact design
+ Strong battery life
Cons
− Expensive price tag
− Aging processor
− Weak low-light camera
− Basic water resistance
− No charger included
Samsung Galaxy S21
8.3
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung · Android 11
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
8.3
Flagship Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Samsung · Android 13
Compass Verdict

A foldable phone with a larger cover screen that enhances functionality without needing to open the device.

Pros
+ Bigger cover screen
+ Durable build
+ Good performance
+ Decent camera upgrades
+ Solid software support
Cons
− Still pricey
− Limited app continuity
− Battery life average
− No telephoto camera
− Colorways need improvement
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
8.3
Premium Apple iPhone 14 Plus
Apple · iOS 16
Compass Verdict

A large phone with great battery life and good overall performance, offering a big-screen experience at a more affordable price.

Pros
+ Big display for entertainment
+ Long battery life
+ Affordable for its size
+ Durable build
+ Modern, repairable design
Cons
− No high refresh rate
− Older chipset used
− Lacks always-on display
− Fingerprint-prone finish
− No telephoto camera
Apple iPhone 13 mini
8.3
Mid-range Apple iPhone 13 mini
Apple · iOS 15
Compass Verdict

If you’re looking for the features of the latest iPhone in an ultra-portable size, the iPhone 13 Mini lives up to its name.

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
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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