Find the best phone in 2026
What makes a great smartphone:
- Performance - Fast processor and smooth user experience
- Camera - Quality photos in various conditions
- Display - Sharp, bright screen with good colors
- Battery Life - All-day usage without charging
Best phones under $300 for everyday use
Samsung SM-A176UZKAXAA
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Motorola PB9D0012US
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the combination of a massive 5200mAh battery for multi-day life and a super-bright 1000-nit, 120Hz display that remains clear outdoors. The phone is universally unlocked for all major U.S. carriers and features a stylish, durable vegan leather design with water repellency. This device is best for budget-conscious users who prioritize exceptional battery life and carrier flexibility over high-resolution gaming or photography.
Google GA03725-US
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the Google Tensor processor, which powers advanced AI photography features like Magic Eraser on its 12.2MP dual-camera system. It offers a compact 6.1-inch OLED display and IP67 water resistance in a lightweight 178g body, making it highly portable. This phone is best for users who prioritize a clean Android experience with smart, computational photography in a durable, mid-sized form factor.
Apple iPhone 12
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the Apple A14 Bionic chip, which delivers excellent performance for a refurbished phone, paired with a capable dual 12MP camera system capable of 4K video. The "like new" condition with original accessories and warranty offers strong value compared to new models. This iPhone 12 is best for users seeking a compact, powerful device for everyday tasks and photography who prioritize cost savings through a high-quality refurbished unit.
Best phones under $600 for everyday use
Google GA10214-US
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Motorola PB6V0014US
Why we recommend this ▼
With its 3000-nit AMOLED display and IP68 water resistance, this phone excels in extreme outdoor visibility and rugged durability. The combination of a 5000mAh battery with 68W wired charging and a full 1TB of storage provides exceptional utility for heavy daily use. It's best for field workers and business users who need a reliable, high-visibility device that can withstand demanding environments.
Samsung SM-A366ULGAXAA
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1900-nit peak brightness, paired with a durable IP67 rating. The phone delivers strong value with its 5000mAh battery supporting 45W wired charging and a promise of six years of OS updates. This device is best for budget-conscious users who prioritize a high-quality screen, long-term software support, and reliable all-day battery life.
Apple MTLY3LL/A
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the 48MP main camera with a 2x optical-quality telephoto, powered by the efficient A16 Bionic chip for excellent all-day battery life. The device introduces the versatile Dynamic Island and a durable, color-infused design with a very bright Super Retina XDR display. This iPhone is best for everyday users and content creators who prioritize a high-quality camera system and seamless ecosystem connectivity in a compact, water-resistant body.
Best phones under $900 for everyday use
Samsung SM-S731UZKAXAA
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Google GA09899-US
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 3,300-nit Super Actua display and Google Tensor G5 chip deliver exceptional outdoor visibility and advanced AI features for photo editing. The 16GB of RAM and 50MP triple-camera system enable pro-level multitasking and creative image manipulation, like generating videos from text descriptions. This phone is best for mobile photographers and creators who prioritize a compact, bright screen and want to experiment heavily with on-device AI for images and videos.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the 48MP main camera with a powerful A16 Bionic chip, enabling exceptional detail in photos and smooth performance. The 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant visuals and fluid scrolling. This phone is best for mobile photographers and power users who prioritize camera quality and a premium display over maximum battery life.
Xiaomi 14
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the compact 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display paired with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a versatile triple 50MP camera system. The phone excels in battery life and offers a premium build with Corning Gorilla Glass. This device is best for users who prioritize a high-performance flagship experience in a smaller, more manageable form factor.
Best phones under $1200 for everyday use
OnePlus 5011116281
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Samsung SM-S942UZKFXAA
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 6.3-inch OLED display with 2600 nits of brightness and the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip deliver top-tier performance in a notably lightweight 164g body. The extensive Galaxy AI suite, including Photo Assist for generative editing and Now Nudge for contextual suggestions, provides unique software-driven capabilities. This phone is best for power users who prioritize a compact, flagship-grade device for mobile gaming and on-the-go creative photo editing.
Google GA09877-US
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 3,300-nit Super Actua display and Google Tensor G5 chip enable unparalleled AI features like live visual analysis with Gemini. The 16GB of RAM and triple 48MP+ camera system provide pro-level performance for on-device creative tasks and computational photography. This phone is best for users who prioritize cutting-edge AI tools and a brilliant screen for outdoor use over maximizing battery endurance.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the Apple A18 Pro chip paired with a triple 48MP camera system, enabling high-quality 8K video capture. The large 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with Ceramic Shield glass offers excellent durability and visual clarity. This phone is best for mobile photographers and videographers who prioritize a professional-grade camera system in a durable flagship device.