10 best smartphones in the US

By on March 22, 2016

10: OnePlus 2

Update: Two new phones have joined our list, Samsung Galaxy S7 and and Galaxy S7 Edge, and the Android pair present a major shake-up for 2016. The iPhone SE will be considered next.

Knowing the best smartphone you can buy right now is more than just a hunch for us. We test out the latest and – sometimes – greatest phones in comprehensive mobile phone reviews.

To drill down to a list of our 10 favorites in the US this year, we based the updated rankings on a lot of geeked-out factors: design, performance, battery life, camera quality and iOS 10 and Android N updates.

Sure, your personal preference among iOS 9.3, Android Marshmallow and Windows Mobile 10 could sway you to another device besides our top-ranked phone. Likewise, availability via AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile is an outlier. The best phone for AT&T may not be available on-contract on Verizon, and vice-versa.

But that’s why we have more than just a No. 1 pick, which, spoiler alert, isn’t Apple’s iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. We’re not that predictable. Before you lock into a binding contract or spring for an expensive unlocked, SIM-free smartphone, consult our best phone guide, updated regularly.

OnePlus 2

10. OnePlus 2

The ‘flagship killer’ with a fantastic price sneaks into the top ten again

The OnePlus One was a brilliant phone in 2014, offering a great price for top end specs – it truly was a bargain phone.

The good news is the One Plus 2 has repeated that trick, upgrading the internals while (mostly) keeping the same low price. Its clever overlay still impresses and the little tweaks (such as audio improvement) work quite nicely.

We would have liked to see some upgrades on the screen front, or NFC for mobile payments, but on the whole the brand has managed to avoid stumbling over the ‘tricky second album’.

9: HTC One M9

best smartphones in the US

9. HTC One M9

Not quite up the 5-star standard, but HTC still has the most beautiful phone around

HTC’s been used to living at the top of our charts for the last couple of years, and while it’s not quite managed it in 2015, it’s still a phone with the best build quality out there.

None of the old favorites are missing, so BoomSound enhancement still really turbocharges the audio and the Sense overlay remains one of our favourites, thanks to being sophisticated and really powerful.

The camera has been boosted to 20.7MP, although it doesn’t have the impressive snapping power of some of the other phones on the market, and the design language still means this is one of our favourite phones to stick in the pocket.

It’s a touch more expensive than before, and doesn’t take a huge leap forward from last year’s model – but then again, that was nearly perfect, so where was HTC to go?

8: Nexus 6P

best smartphones in the US

8. Nexus 6P

Google goes again for a phablet, and it’s a corker

The bigger of the two new Nexus phones is a phone that can entice you in many ways. Perhaps you’ll like the vivid QHD display, which is more compact this year to offer a sharper resolution when watching movies or browsing the web.

Or the fact it’ll get the latest version of Android first (currently the highly-rated Android Marshmallow) or the innovative placement of the fingerprint scanner on the back – which is both quick and accurate.

It’s not super-cheap like the old Nexus phones (although it’s more competitive than other phablets in the same screen size bracket), but it’s very well made, and thanks to the improved camera and battery capabilities, there’s not a lot to hate here – just make sure you fancy that extra screen size and you’re away.

7: Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

7. Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is one of our favourite phones around at the moment, so when we got our hands on the supersized version we were almost giddy.

And we had good reason to be: the S6 Edge+ is a phone that takes all the great camera prowess, amazing screen and beautiful lines and adds another 20% into the mix.

If you’re after a phablet that looks different from the rest (and still lets you do everything you want to on the go) then this is a winner – it’s almost perfect.

See the best Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ deals

6: iPhone 6S Plus

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

6. iPhone 6S Plus

Apple’s second big screen phone is another stunner

On one hand, this is just a larger iPhone 6S. That’s no bad thing, as that phone is one of the best around at the moment. But this second Apple phablet has a number of elements that make it a great phone in its own right.

The screen is Full HD and really packs some stunning colour reproduction. The camera on the back features optical image stabilisation, which means better low light video and photography.

The iPhone 6S Plus once again has something that’s eluded iPhone fans for years: a really good battery, with Apple using that extra space to cram in a few more mAh units.

It’s one of the most expensive phones around, and is bettered on spec by a few other phablets – but if you’re an Apple fan looking for a ‘bigger’ experience, this is the phone for you.

See the best iPhone 6S Plus deals

5: LG G4

LG G4

5. LG G4

Luxury leather on a smartphone that tries to please everyone

LG has tried to focus on what everyone actually wants out of a smartphone, a great looking design, colour rich display and the great camera for photos – but it doesn’t quite deliver as impressively as we’d hoped.

Don’t let that put you off though. There’s a lot going on with the LG G4, and for the most part it’s rather positive indeed. The leather back is much nicer than the plastic option, and it will make your phone stand out among the swath of glass and metal offerings.

Its large, expansive screen is one of the best on the market, the 16MP laser auto-focus camera takes some cracking shots and the rear buttons are easier to hit on a handset this size.

As usual, LG has offered us a phone that’s got a brilliant spec list at a phenomenally low unlocked price – if you’re after something a bit different, this is a great choice.

4: Samsung Galaxy Note 5

best smartphones in the US

4. Samsung Galaxy Note 5

As slick as its glass back

Take note of this high-ranking Samsung phablet, because it’s the best phone we’ve tested with a spacious 5.7-inch display. It has the best display on any platform right now.

It ditches the plastic casing and back everyone, but it did make a few key sacrifices along the way. The battery life is no longer swappable, and the microSD card slot is missing.

While some long-time fans are vocal about these two missing features, the Galaxy Note 5 still splitscreen mode and the best camera (tied with the Samsung Galaxy S6 that has the same module).

It’s more expensive than other phones, but the inches you get in return may be worth the price you pay for most trusted monitor.

3: iPhone 6S

best smartphones in the US

3. iPhone 6S

Bigger, better, sleeker and faster than the iPhone 6

What can you say about any new iPhone? Most people are already decided about whether they’re going to buy the new model before it’s even announced – but that hasn’t stopped us giving it a thoroughly good going over.

The good points are the same as usual: a hugely powerful phone, a great camera and the new 3D Touch interface is genuinely useful, and will only continue to get better as time goes on.

The chassis is identical to the previous iPhone 6, which will irk some and might force them to wait for the iPhone 7, but it’s still well-designed. The battery life is actually a little shorter (to fit in the motor for the 3D Touch method) and is the the biggest issue with the phone.

That said, it’s still a brilliant iPhone, the phone that loads of users are desperate to get their hands on, and Apple’s not done any harm at all with this upgraded model.

2: Samsung Galaxy S7

best smartphones in the US

2. Samsung Galaxy S7

One of two five star phones from Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S7 is a phone that initially looks just like the S6 from last year – but pick it up and you’ll see there’s a world of difference.

Firstly, the rear of the phone feels much nicer thanks to a curved back (through a process called 3D Thermo Forming), it’s now water resistant and a microSD slot is a welcome feature to return, after it was dropped last year.

The camera is just brilliant – it’s lower in megapixels but improved in quality. You’ll get brilliant pictures time and again, and you’ll want to keep trying it in different scenarios. It’s a great phone that you’ll be happy to pull out of your pocket.

Also consider: An easy one: go for the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge if you can afford it. It’s a compact phone with the screen size of a phablet, and offers all the same features with a more attractive design.

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1: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

1. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

The best smartphone in the world – it’s a work of art

While last year’s Galaxy S5 was nothing special, this year Samsung’s started from the ground up to make a truly wonderful smartphone.

The camera is superb, the audio and video quality brilliant and the QHD display crammed into the 5.1-inch screen is the sharpest on the market – although it does suck down the battery rather a lot.

The design is finally something we’re pleased to hold in our hand, rather than the plastic cheapness of last year, and the refined TouchWiz overlay is a lot nicer to use.

It’s actually extended its lead at the top thanks to some amazing price drops – so you can now get the best phone on the market for an incredibly low price these days. A no-brainer.

Also consider: Like the phone above, this is an easy decision: go for the Samsung Galaxy S7 if you’re not feeling the cost and price of the Edge. It’s got all the power, but it’s more compact and costs a little less. The LG G5 is nearly here too though – that could be a dark horse in the mix.

Nexus 5X

Smaller, but still (almost) perfectly-formed

The Nexus 5X is a phone that offers the very latest version of Android, a decent (ish) spec list and a more hand-friendly size to plop in your pocket.

The screen is a decent resolution and really clear to boot, and the price isn’t as high as you might find on other phones in this spec bracket.

The best thing is that this will be constantly updated to the latest version of Android for a good while yet, and with an improved camera it’s definitely worth a look – especially if you’re not a fan of the cumbersome skins Samsung and LG like to chuck on their phones.

Nokia Lumia 930

Microsoft Lumia 950

The beginning of a smartphone revolution?

Maybe you’re bored of the iPhone. Perhaps Android just doesn’t do it for you. Maybe you’re just wondering if there’s something different out there? Well, Windows Phone 10 on the Lumia 950 will intrigue you. It can offer a PC-like experience by extending out to a larger monitor, and the camera is pretty strong.

However, there’s one issue: apps. Or the lack thereof – and when combined with the slightly plastic design, it fails to trouble the top 10. However, it’s a legitimate choice and easily one of the most impressive Windows Phones ever.

Apple iPhone 6

iPhone 6

Perfect for fans of the smaller screen size

After the iPhone 6S launched, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that the iPhone 6 even exists. But it’s right there – looking identical to the 6S and still packing loads of tech that makes iPhones, well, iPhones.

It’s still a bit expensive, but that said it’s sucked down the iOS 9.1 software pretty well, and is still pushing on as a decent option for a cheaper iPhone, especially if you’re not bothered about tricks like the 3D Touch screen.

Plus, you can use it with the Apple Watch and pay for things on the go using the cunningly named Apple Pay – and with improved camera optics and a better battery compared to the predecessor, this is still one hell of a nifty phone.

BlackBerry Classic

BlackBerry Priv

BlackBerry + Android = more impressive than expected

BlackBerry is back – and it’s taking a new direction by finally jumping into bed with Android. It’s got a slide-out keyboard, a superbly sharp screen, splendidly powerful innards and some decent privacy settings too.

However, it’s not cheap. At all, and the keyboard – something we all used to love – now feels a little outdated. Combined with the chunkier design (to facilitate that keyboard) and some lag in performance, this isn’t top table worthy. But there’s a lot of promise here, and we’re glad to see BlackBerry is still swinging.

best smartphones in the US

HTC One M8

A stunning phone with very few flaws

The HTC One M8 has tumbled dramatically out of the top 10 after holding onto top spot for the best part of a year, so why the demise? Well it’s now pretty old compared to the handsets making up the top ten, and there’s a new kid on the block in the shape of the One M9.

It’s still the same perfectly design handset though, with impressive BoomSound speakers and the short-live, yet innovative Duo Camera on the year – but the One M9 is almost identical, and just a bit better all round.

There’s been a small price drop too since the arrival of the One M9, and you certainly won’t be getting a poor phone if you choose to pick it up – but for just a bit more you can have its up to date successor. Your call.

Samsung Galaxy s5

Samsung Galaxy S5

A year old, but still very capable

If Samsung’s latest duo of flagship devices (the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge) are too rich for your wallet then you can always consider last year’s Galaxy S5.

Sure it doesn’t have the same premium design as the current generation, but the plastic body means it’s dust and water resistant as well as giving you a removable battery and microSD slot – all things not available on the S6 range.

The drop in price also makes the Galaxy S5 more attractive and it’s stuffed full of tech and sports a fantastic screen to ensure you still have an enjoyable mobile experience.

Source: techradar.com

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25 Comments

Reply Dr. Wilfrid D'Amore I March 22, 2016 at 2:55 am

I am trying the Edge +. Beautiful phone but the rounded edges make it hard to hold and easy to change apps and screens just by holding it.
Reply Prof. Santos Rutherford March 22, 2016 at 2:57 am

All new phones work to a pretty decent standard nowadays, what was cutting edge, less than 2 years ago, is standard fare for mid, to upper budget now. What's different, is the operating system that is used. Apple, after you get past the login, and security measures, is easy to use(how many times I had to reset my password, for iCloud, AppStore.. and have to find any pertinent settings to achieve what I want, still no easy delete for apps). Android, is customizable, but the update situation is terrible, and not every phone gets one( some, never). Too many mfgs, with too much leeway. Apple, too many rules( wow, look at that Eula, it's loong!), newer android, for some functions, is regressing functionality, some things are harder to do than before( some changes, in a effort to make it easier, actually make it harder to get to, in google's effort to do more). Apple, it just works, but only by apple's way, you have to take, what you get. Android, there's more freedom, but, sometimes, there are some really "dog" apps, and their rating system on "play", leaves a lot to be desired(they really should clean that up, apples not perfect either, but the ratings are better, and more truthful). The better phones balance the strengths, and weaknesses, of their OS's, be it android, or ios.
Reply Bradly Witting March 22, 2016 at 3:19 am

Just took delivery of the Galaxy S6, but I'm in China for work at the moment, and have discovered that Samsung have a 'regional lock' on their phones. This is not only a real problem for expats like myself, but having looked online for solutions (Samsung support tell me there is no other way but to return the phone), I've also read many people who find that when they're travelling, their Samsung phones do not recognise overseas SIM cards.

In short, if you ever go abroad, Samsung phones are not going to work for you.
Reply Wilton Rohan March 22, 2016 at 3:38 am

IDIOT's
Reply Leanna Hoeger March 22, 2016 at 3:46 am

Dumb comment. Wozniak was the real creator, Jobs was a talented salesman with big ideas. Even Waz and Jobs know that.
Reply Mrs. Kaylah Carter March 22, 2016 at 4:28 am

Niche market ? Apple has around 45% of the United States market and that is one company selling high cost handsets vs dozens of companies selling everything from $1000 high end to $20 low end crapware. You call 45% of the U.S. market a niche market? About the dumbest thing anyone has said on the internet in months. Apple controls over 90 percent of worldwide smartphone profits. You need to have your head checked.
Reply Hulda Morar March 22, 2016 at 4:40 am

They do FORD
Reply Miss Elenora Wilkinson March 22, 2016 at 4:52 am

this site breaks the record for ads.
Reply Meredith Pollich March 22, 2016 at 4:53 am

Where is Sony Xperia Z5 in US?
Reply Dr. Furman Emmerich March 22, 2016 at 4:54 am

Sony tv not Samsung.
Reply Jamal Kohler March 22, 2016 at 5:17 am

How is at least one of sony xperias in this list ? :O that's crazy
Reply Trudie Baumbach PhD March 22, 2016 at 5:37 am

Flash is dying, even they (Adobe) have denounced it. It was never popular to Apple because they saw the inherent problems and was smart enough to leave it alone and go to something better( such as HTML5). Yep, they figured it out before it infected Apple.
Reply Torrey Cummings March 22, 2016 at 6:02 am

Who cares? A phone is a phone. I find Apple to be a bit too proprietary.

I'm dismayed that they are all removing the sdhc slots and making the batteries difficult to replace.

To me this smack of anti trust violations and illegal tying. I think there should be a justice department investigation or a consumer suit alleging anti trust issues.

Unless they can show some reason other than economic for removing these features I think there is a problem here.

Bickering about which company is better without looking at the tying arrangements in the manufacture of the phones practiced by both companies isn't going to help keep consumers from getting screwed.

You can purchase a 64 GB micro sd card for $9.99 off of ebay….but Samsung charges like $120 to upgrade from 32GB to 64GB….

Makes you wonder.
Reply Prof. Agustina Johnston March 22, 2016 at 6:08 am

Which they have stopped using in many phones.
Reply Simone Powlowski March 22, 2016 at 6:54 am

No VR on the Note 3 is there? Gear VR is huge, trust me.
Reply Carissa Schumm March 22, 2016 at 7:14 am

OK whatever you say
Reply Prof. Houston Fadel MD March 22, 2016 at 7:22 am

You said "replaceable battery". Many Samsung phones no longer have replaceable batteries either.
Reply Mr. Hunter Haley March 22, 2016 at 7:39 am

I laugh at this list i'm reading on my lg v-10
Reply Prof. Lloyd Durgan March 22, 2016 at 7:39 am

Get best deals and attractive discounts on Top Android Smartphones only at:
Reply Tristian Harris March 22, 2016 at 7:55 am

OK, but that wasn't the question. You work for Apple?
Reply Vicente Doyle MD March 22, 2016 at 8:13 am

Does anybody on this site proofread anything before publishing?
Reply Collin Harber V March 22, 2016 at 8:17 am

THIS IS BEYOND DUMB. Why the hell are there 4 Samsung devices. And the S6 beating the Note 5?????? Thats unheard of. This person is clearly bias towards Samsung and Smaller Handsets. Like seriously the Note 5 basically represents all of those phones plus the additional functionality. But having two S6 Edges is clearly bias. And the S6 should not be in this list!
Reply Loren Hartmann March 22, 2016 at 8:37 am

The Galaxy S6 rated ahead of the iPhone 6s is plain laughable. Galaxy S6 couldn't even outperform the iPhone 6 on gaming benchmarks. It also falls behind the iPhone 6s in normal benchmarks. On top of all that there's the fact Android quality apps and games lag behind iOS. I mean editors really need to stop basing reviews on specs until the specs lead to an actual real life advantage.
Reply Deonte Stehr March 22, 2016 at 8:44 am

A vacuum? Let's see, they range from $49 for a cheap hunk of junk that sux (literally) to a $700 Dyson (that sucks even more) to $1200 for Electrolux and Meil and a few other brands… And all they do is suck ( and mostly they suck the same amount)
Reply Adriel Wisoky March 22, 2016 at 8:59 am

The LG G4 has very good specs, a removable battery and can support any micro sd card up to 2TB. Why wouldn't that make it rate higher ? SD card support is very important along with removable battery.