Best Flagship Smartphones of Early 2026

The flagship in mobile photography, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, is equipped with the best as of its release at the end of 2025. Let's see what makes this model so good, in order.

The main focus of the smartphone is its advanced cameras. At the back, there is a triple camera module based on a large Light Hunter 1050L image sensor of 1” optical format. The sensor supports the trendy LOFIC technology to enhance dynamic range and image detail. Noteworthy is the 200-megapixel telephoto lens with a 75-100 mm varifocal lens and optical stabilization. Completing the picture is a 50 MP ultra-wide lens. Additionally, the rear camera has quality Leica optics.

The model is powered by the strongest mobile processor, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, comes with 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512 GB UFS 4.1 storage. The screen is also on par with the flagship hardware platform — the smartphone features a 6.9-inch AMOLED LTPO panel with a resolution of 2608x1200 pixels, an adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz, and an embedded ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

Significant supporting equipment for the smartphone includes a capacious 6800 mAh battery with fast wired charging (90 W) and wireless charging (50 W), a fully dust- and waterproof body (IP68/IP69K), and all the latest communications (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v 5.4, USB 3.2 gen2). In a special version of the model, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica, satellite communication support is additionally implemented, and a mechanical ring around the camera allows changing key shooting parameters on the fly (focal length, exposure, focus, etc.).

OnePlus flagships have always been cheaper than popular brand counterparts. The current 15th model, released at the end of 2025, is no exception.

Compared to its predecessor, OnePlus 13, this smartphone slightly reduced its size and screen resolution — now its size is 6.78 inches, and the resolution is 2772x1272 pixels. However, the display's bezels have been reduced, and the AMOLED panel's refresh rate has increased to 165 Hz. Such a high refresh rate can be achieved in certain optimized games: Call of Duty Mobile, Arena Breakout, etc. The display also includes an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

The model is equipped with the top Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, has 16 GB of LPDDR5X Ultra RAM, and a 512 GB UFS 4.1 storage. An advanced cooling system is provided to dissipate heat, ensuring no throttle during long intensive gameplay or when working with resource-intensive applications. The smartphone's electronic components are powered by a powerful 7300 mAh silicon-carbon battery. The battery supports 120 W wired charging and 50 W wireless charging.

The trio of main camera modules is built on sensors with resolutions of 50 MP each. The leading sensor is the popular Sony IMX906 with optical stabilization, accompanied by a 3.5x telephoto (also stabilized) and an ultra-wide lens. Selfies are taken with a 32 MP front-facing camera. Lastly, the improved case protection of the OnePlus 15 is noteworthy — now it is not afraid of dust or full immersion in freshwater up to a depth of 2.5 meters, as supported by IP68/IP69K certification. On the basis of Google Gemini, OnePlus AI, an integrated artificial intelligence, has also been implemented.

Samsung's flagship smartphones are traditionally united in the Galaxy S line, with the Ultra versions remaining the pinnacle of this series. In 2025, the main flagship role went to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The model did not undergo radical changes compared to its predecessor: the screen grew slightly — to 6.9 inches, and the ultra-wide-angle camera was updated. Ultimately, the rear camera module includes four advanced sensors: the main 200 MP sensor with optical stabilization, a 50 MP periscope with 5x zoom, a 10 MP telephoto with 3x zoom, and a 50 MP ultra-wide. The cameras consistently rank high in DxOMark ratings and confidently handle shooting in any lighting.

The entire Galaxy S25 series now exclusively runs on the top Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile processor. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display deserves special attention, made using LTPO technology with an adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz and supporting the S Pen. The stylus is included as standard and stored in a special slot in the body, though this time it lacks a built-in battery and Bluetooth module.

Significant attention is also paid to AI capabilities: the smartphone uses the Galaxy AI and Google Gemini duo, offering a comprehensive set of smart features for everyday tasks. The modern communication modules complete the package (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC), AKG stereo speakers, IP68 case protection, and a 5000 mAh battery with support for wired and wireless charging, including reverse.

The anniversary "Pixel" Pro sub-series XL didn't change significantly compared to the previous model. However, noticeable improvements are still present.

First of all, the peak brightness of the OLED screen was increased to 3300 nits in local mode. The display remains magnificent, with a resolution of 2992x1344 pixels, a diagonal size of 6.8 inches, and a dynamically changing refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz. Among other novelties, the Pixelsnap magnetic mounting system debuted on the model, a full analogue of Apple's MagSafe. MagSafe accessories are fully compatible with the "Pixel."

Regarding hardware, Google moved production of the proprietary Tensor G5 chip to TSMC's facilities. The processor is made using a 3-nanometer process, complemented by 16 GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM and a 512 GB UFS 4.0 storage. The smartphone runs on a "clean" Android 16 with a announced 7-year OS update cycle. AI functions are integrated throughout the system and cameras.

The predecessor's 9th model cameras were carried over to this smartphone. At the back, there's a combination of a 50 MP main sensor with optical stabilization, a 48 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48 MP telephoto lens (also stabilized). The model supports sending SOS messages via satellite communication, with the device's case featuring IP68 dust and water protection, powered by a 5200 mAh battery with 45 W wired and 25 W wireless charging capabilities (as per the Qi2.2 standard).

The largest of the 17th family "iPhones" is traditionally the strongest model in the series. Compared to the previous generation, the smartphone has slightly changed in appearance, received an aluminum body instead of a titanium one, and improved the front camera and telephoto lens.

The device uses a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a characteristic "pill" at the top, housing the Face ID system sensors and a new 18-megapixel square-form-factor selfie camera (Center Stage). Three cameras on the back panel each have a resolution of 48 MP. This includes the main sensor with matrix stabilization, a 4x telephoto-periscope with optical stabilization, and a quality ultra-wide lens.

The Pro Max version is equipped with Apple A19 Pro, a self-developed performant processor, showing versatility to any mobile tasks. Users have access to high-tech AI tools of the Apple Intelligence system: they help process photos and videos, translate audio, edit texts, and more.

In physical SIM modifications, a 4823 mAh battery is used, while in virtual eSIM versions, a 5088 mAh battery is used. The battery charges with a 40 W wired adapter or a 25 W wireless technology. The device case is dust and water-resistant to IP68. Finally, the model supports sending SOS messages via satellite communication, which could potentially be useful in remote areas away from civilization.