The editorial team’s favourite smartphones – as of July 2026
10x zoom camera, built-in stylus, or just generally great value for money – that’s why these phones are our current favourites.
Since the last update on the editorial team’s favourite smartphones in January 2026, we’ve published 18 new phone reviews. Five of them were so impressive that we’re giving them a special mention here. The range extends from affordable mid-range models to expensive high-end devices.
Best value for money: Nothing Phone (4a) Pro
A great camera, an eSIM, and plenty of graphics power: with the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, you don't have to compromise on anything – or spend a fortune either. As an added bonus, it features an eye-catching design and a special feature on the back called the Glyph Matrix. The only drawback is that you get just three years of software feature updates, while security updates are provided for six.
If you’re strictly focused on price, the Samsung Galaxy A57 is another good smartphone that costs even less and offers a longer period of feature updates. But if you can afford to spend a little more, I’d recommend the Nothing because of its telephoto camera – and because the sheer number of apps on Samsung is annoying.
Essentials only: Google Pixel 10a
The most striking feature of the Pixel 10a is actually something it doesn’t have: a camera bump. Otherwise, it’s downright boring and offers few improvements over its predecessor. Even so, it has everything you need, and you’ll get Android updates faster than anywhere else, with no preinstalled third-party apps and very long battery life. The Pixel 10a is the only smartphone not made in China to make it onto our Top 10 battery life list.
The biggest disadvantage compared to the Pixel 10 and the Pro models is that the 10a doesn’t have a telephoto camera and only offers digital zoom.
Camera favourite: Oppo Find X9 Ultra
Almost all smartphones priced in the four-digit range have good to very good cameras these days. But the Oppo Find X9 Ultra still stands out. How? Not by offering even better image quality, but by featuring a fourth camera. Its 10x zoom camera delivers great image quality and gives you an extra lens option for taking photos.
Since Samsung has reduced the zoom range of the Galaxy S24’s second telephoto camera from 10x to 5x, the Find X9 Ultra is currently the only smartphone from a major manufacturer to offer such a long focal length.
The handy one: Xiaomi 17
At 6.3 inches, the Xiaomi 17 display isn’t small, yet it’s still one of the most compact top-of-the-line smartphones available today. This device packs plenty of power, a long battery life and a good camera system that includes a telephoto lens. It even includes five years of software support. The only thing the Xiaomi 17 isn’t perfect at is taking selfies in the dark, and I don’t like how many pre-installed apps are on it.
In terms of size and features, the Galaxy S26 is a good alternative. Samsung offers one or two more years of software support, while Xiaomi entices buyers with a longer battery life right from the get-go.
For doodlers: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first smartphone with a privacy display, which makes it harder for others to see your screen. The other features and the cameras are also impressive. However, the device made it onto this list primarily for the S Pen. The pen’s still got its place inside the smartphone, making it the only choice – and good one at that – for anyone who wants to write, draw or doodle on their phone.
As a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.
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