10 Best Smartphones 2026 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium smartphone that stands out with a large, vibrant 6.9-inch display, perfect for watching videos or browsing with clear, sharp images. It’s powered by a fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 12GB of RAM, which can smoothly handle multiple apps and demanding tasks. Storage is generous at 512GB, providing plenty of space for photos, videos, and apps without worrying about running out.

The 5000mAh battery offers strong endurance, likely lasting a full day with typical use, and it supports fast and wireless charging for added convenience. The camera system is a highlight, featuring an AI Night Mode and Audio Eraser that help take clear, bright photos even in low light, while reducing background noise in videos. Portraits benefit from advanced features that keep skin tones natural and detailed. Running on the latest Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, the phone offers a smooth and customizable user experience.

Build quality is solid, with a sleek Titanium Whitesilver finish and water resistance, plus the added bonus of a built-in S Pen for note-taking and creativity. The phone's large size and weight might feel bulky for some users, and with no traditional headphone jack, wireless or USB-C headphones are necessary. Although the phone is unlocked and compatible with all carriers, its premium price could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. This model suits users seeking a high-performance device with excellent camera capabilities, long battery life, and a stylish, durable design.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers a large, sharp 6.9-inch display with a high resolution of 3040 x 1440, making it great for watching videos and browsing. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM ensure smooth and fast performance, suitable for multitasking or gaming. The phone runs on the latest Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, offering a clean and user-friendly experience packed with helpful features like AI-powered multitasking and smart notifications. Storage is generous with 256GB, providing plenty of room for apps, photos, and videos without the need for extra memory cards. The 5000mAh battery supports fast and wireless charging, which should comfortably last a full day with typical use.

Camera-wise, this model shines with an AI Night Mode and an Audio Eraser feature for crisp low-light photos and clear videos without background noise, plus advanced portrait settings that enhance skin tones naturally. Build quality is premium, featuring a sleek Titanium Black finish, water resistance, and the convenience of a built-in S Pen for added productivity. Being unlocked, it works with all US carriers, adding flexibility. The phone weighs 7.7 ounces, which might feel a bit heavy for some users, and its large size may not suit those preferring compact devices. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerful, feature-packed smartphone ideal for users who want top-tier performance, excellent cameras, and a beautiful display, especially if you appreciate extra tools like the S Pen.

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 is a solid choice for users who want a big, vibrant screen and the convenience of a built-in stylus without spending too much. Its 6.7-inch pOLED display is sharp and colorful with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes watching videos and scrolling feel pleasant. The 50MP camera should deliver good photos for everyday use, though it may not compete with premium flagship phones.

Powered by a Snapdragon processor running at 2.4 GHz and paired with 8GB of RAM, it can handle multitasking and typical apps smoothly, but might slow down with very heavy games or intensive tasks. Storage is generous at 256GB, giving plenty of space for photos, apps, and files, and the option to expand memory is a nice bonus. The phone uses Android 15, so it offers up-to-date software and features.

Battery life is strong thanks to a 5000 mAh battery, and the phone supports fast charging that can give you a day’s power in just 15 minutes when using the right charger. Build quality stands out with an elegant vegan leather finish, plus military-grade durability and IP68 water and dust resistance, meaning it’s well protected against drops and splashes for everyday rough use. The fast charger is sold separately. This phone is best suited for users wanting a large, stylish phone with stylus support, reliable battery, and solid everyday performance, especially if they prefer an unlocked device compatible with all major US carriers.