10 Best Cell Phones 2026 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a high-end unlocked Android smartphone designed for users who want a large, sharp display and powerful performance. Its 6.9-inch screen offers a crisp 2560 x 1440 resolution, making videos and images look vibrant and detailed. The phone runs on the fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and quick app responses. With 512GB of storage, it provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos without needing extra memory cards. The battery is a strong 5000mAh, supporting up to 37 hours of talk time, which should comfortably last through a full day of heavy use, and it includes fast and wireless charging options.

Camera quality is a highlight, featuring an AI Night Mode for clear low-light photos and an Audio Eraser that reduces background noise in videos, along with advanced portrait features for polished selfies and portraits. It runs on the latest Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, offering useful smart features like an assistant to handle multiple tasks at once and a helpful Now Brief for staying updated. The built-in S Pen adds convenience for note-taking and precise control.

The phone’s build is solid and stylish in Titanium Black, with water resistance for added durability. Its large size and weight (about 7.7 ounces) might feel bulky for some users. This phone is well suited for users who want a top-tier display, excellent camera capabilities, long battery life, and a smooth, feature-rich Android experience.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is a premium unlocked Android phone that excels in many key areas. Its 6.8-inch Super Actua display delivers vibrant visuals with a bright 3,300-nit peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it easy to view outdoors and enjoyable for scrolling or watching videos. Powered by the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip paired with 16GB of RAM, it offers fast and responsive performance suitable for multitasking and demanding applications.

The camera system stands out with a triple rear setup featuring 50 MP resolution, 100x zoom, and 8K video recording, all enhanced by Google's advanced AI to produce sharp, detailed photos even in low light. The phone includes a strong 5200 mAh battery promising more than 24 hours of use and supports fast charging. Storage is ample at 512GB, providing plenty of space for apps, photos, and media. Running the latest Android 16, it offers a clean, updated user experience with the added Gemini AI assistant for natural voice and camera-based interactions.

Build quality is solid, featuring durable aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection against drops and scratches. Being unlocked, it offers flexibility with carriers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and others. While its large size and weight (12.3 ounces) may feel bulky to some, and the premium price reflects its flagship features, the Pixel 10 Pro XL remains a compelling choice for those seeking a top-tier phone with excellent camera capabilities and smart AI features.

The Google Pixel 9a is a solid choice if you want a reliable unlocked Android phone with strong photography features and good everyday performance. Its 6.3-inch display supports a smooth refresh rate between 60 and 120 Hz, offering decent visuals but not quite the brightest or sharpest screen you might find at higher price points. Battery life stands out with Google's Adaptive Battery giving you over 30 hours under normal use, and an Extreme Battery Saver mode that can stretch power up to 100 hours, which is great for heavy users or when you can’t charge often.

The camera is a highlight, with Google's Pixel Camera and AI-based tools that help capture clear group photos and close-up details, making it excellent for casual photographers who value quality images without fuss. Performance-wise, the phone has 8 GB RAM and runs the latest Android 15 smoothly, handling daily tasks and apps well, though it’s not designed for very intensive gaming or multitasking. Storage is a comfortable 128 GB, enough for most users to store apps, photos, and videos without needing extra memory cards. The build quality is robust with IP68 water and dust resistance and a scratch-resistant screen, so it can handle everyday bumps and spills. It also benefits from long-term software support with 7 years of updates, keeping it secure and up to date.

The phone includes helpful AI features via the Gemini assistant and useful security functions like theft detection and emergency calls after car crashes. Some users might find the camera and display quality good but not top-tier compared to premium phones, and the base storage could feel limited if you keep a lot of large files. The Pixel 9a is well suited for those who want a dependable, secure smartphone with excellent photo capabilities and long battery life without paying flagship prices.