I Swapped My Old Device for the Best phones to buy in 2026 reviewed and ranked: My Experience

Last December, I was still clinging to my aging Galaxy S23, constantly plugging it in by 3 p.m. and squinting at its dimming screen. When 2026 rolled in, I decided it was time for an upgrade – not just any phone, but one that could keep up with my chaotic schedule, late-night photo sessions, and obsession with AI-powered shortcuts. After weeks of testing the most talked-about models, here’s how the best phones to buy in 2026 stack up – and which one ultimately earned a permanent spot in my pocket.

Unboxing & In The Hand

The first thing that struck me unboxing the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 was how impossibly thin it felt – like a credit card with superpowers. Flip phones are back, and this one feels premium without the bulk. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra arrived in a sleek black box with the S Pen nestled neatly underneath – a reminder that this isn’t just a phone, but a digital Swiss Army knife. The Pixel 10 Pro XL? That Sand Storm finish is *chef’s kiss* – grippy, textured, and utterly fingerprint-resistant. And let’s not forget the iPhone 17: familiar, yes, but with that frosted glass back and Ceramic Shield 2, it feels like it could survive a drop onto concrete (I didn’t test that… officially).

24 Hours Later: Is the Display Good?

Brightness matters – especially when you’re outdoors or squinting at your screen in bed. The Galaxy Z Fold 7’s inner display is a jaw-dropping 7.6-inch canvas that made editing photos feel like using a mini tablet. But for everyday use, the OnePlus 13’s 6.8-inch AMOLED stole my heart – its 165Hz refresh rate made scrolling buttery smooth, even if the difference was only noticeable in a few games. The Pixel 10 Pro XL wasn’t far behind, with colors so vibrant they made my morning coffee look like a Renaissance painting. And while the iPhone 17’s screen is excellent, Apple’s Adaptive Display mode sometimes dimmed things too aggressively – turning it off was the fix.

One Week Later: Speed & Power

After a full week of multitasking – streaming, gaming, snapping pics, and juggling 12 Chrome tabs – the results were clear. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra handled everything like a champ, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and Galaxy AI optimizations that actually learned my habits. The Pixel 10 Pro XL’s Tensor G5 chip kept up beautifully, especially during night photography sessions where it outperformed even the iPhone 17 Pro Max in clarity and color accuracy. But the real surprise? The OnePlus 13. With class-leading battery life (I easily got two full days), 80W fast charging, and zero lag, it proved you don’t need to pay flagship prices for flagship performance. Meanwhile, the Razr Ultra 2025 surprised me again – its battery outlasted every other foldable I tested, a rare feat in a category still struggling with endurance.

The Bottom Line

So, which phone wins? It depends on what you value most. If you want the ultimate all-in-one powerhouse with stylus support and pro-grade cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is unmatched. For photographers who live in low light, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is the new king. Craving innovation without sacrificing battery? The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 redefines what a flip phone can be. And if you want flagship performance at a fair price, the OnePlus 13 is the sleeper hit of 2026. Even budget seekers aren’t left out – the Pixel 9a delivers near-flagship AI and camera magic for under $500.

Pros & Cons

Tags: best phones 2026, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review, Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, Motorola Razr Ultra 2025, OnePlus 13, iPhone 17, foldable phones 2026, mid-range smartphones, Pixel 9a, battery life test, AI features comparison, camera phone rankings, flagship alternatives, budget Android phones, smartphone buying guide