Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I've tested and reviewed over 40 smartphones so far in 2026, so here's my pick of the best phones for any budget. My favourite mobiles of the year include flagships like the OPPO Find X9 Ultra, foldables like the Oppo Find N6 and camera beasts like the Vivo X300 Ultra. But what's your own pick for the best phones right now?
If you need an affordable mobile, good news. I've tested a ton of mid-range and budget-friendly devices so far in 2026, including dependable camera phones like the Pixel 10a. The Nothing Phone 4a and 4a Pro are stunning value, as is that Poco X8 Pro Max.
Gaming phones have been thin on the ground so far, but picking a best smartphone for battery life was tricky with so many high-capacity options. Even some foldable handsets offer up well over a day of life from a single charge.
Expect plenty more phone launches from Samsung, Apple, Google and more in 2026. But for now, let us know your top favourite devices of the first six months. And check out my full reviews of these smartphones here on Tech Spurt!
Best Phones of 2026 So Far Chapters:
0:00 - Well hello there!
0:56 - Best Budget Phone
3:02 - Best Mid-Range Phone
5:36 - Best Camera Phone
6:44 - Best Foldable Phone
8:04 - Best Compact Phone
9:13 - Most Mental Phone
10:25 - Best Battery Life Phone
11:29 - Best Gaming Phone
12:55 - Crusty Sock Award
14:10 - Best Phone of 2026
I've tested and reviewed over 40 smartphones so far in 2026, so here's my pick of the best phones for any budget. My favourite mobiles of the year include flagships like the OPPO Find X9 Ultra, foldables like the Oppo Find N6 and camera beasts like the Vivo X300 Ultra. But what's your own pick for the best phones right now?
If you need an affordable mobile, good news. I've tested a ton of mid-range and budget-friendly devices so far in 2026, including dependable camera phones like the Pixel 10a. The Nothing Phone 4a and 4a Pro are stunning value, as is that Poco X8 Pro Max.
Gaming phones have been thin on the ground so far, but picking a best smartphone for battery life was tricky with so many high-capacity options. Even some foldable handsets offer up well over a day of life from a single charge.
Expect plenty more phone launches from Samsung, Apple, Google and more in 2026. But for now, let us know your top favourite devices of the first six months. And check out my full reviews of these smartphones here on Tech Spurt!
Best Phones of 2026 So Far Chapters:
0:00 - Well hello there!
0:56 - Best Budget Phone
3:02 - Best Mid-Range Phone
5:36 - Best Camera Phone
6:44 - Best Foldable Phone
8:04 - Best Compact Phone
9:13 - Most Mental Phone
10:25 - Best Battery Life Phone
11:29 - Best Gaming Phone
12:55 - Crusty Sock Award
14:10 - Best Phone of 2026
