Best smartphones of 2026

When selecting the top smartphone for 2026, there are various criteria that users can consider. Some prioritize a device’s exceptional performance, while others value its ability to capture high-quality photos. Additionally, there are those who are interested in a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a multitude of features. In creating our smartphone ranking, we took into account not only the sales figures of specific manufacturers, but also the functional characteristics of the devices. Our top 10 smartphones encompass a range of products that cater to the diverse needs of different consumer segments.

10. Nokia 6

Microsoft’s purchase of the Finnish brand has placed Nokia 6 at the bottom of the list when it comes to quality smartphones. Despite not having record-breaking performance, this phone is still a reliable and trouble-free assistant. Its Snapdragon430 hardware platform may not be able to handle demanding games, but it does come with a large battery for its 5.5-inch screen, a 16 MP camera, support for 2 SIM cards, and 3 GB of RAM. Undoubtedly, this model offers optimal value for its price.

• A screen
• A fast operating system
• A metal case
• 2-day battery life
• Dimensions that may be uncomfortable for small hands
• Poor sound quality in headphones
• No video stabilization
• low quality headphones.

Yandex Market listing for Nokia 6

The top-ranked smartphone in 2026 under 20000 rubles is this model. This statement is based on consumer reviews. The manufacturer put in a significant amount of effort to eliminate any flaws before releasing this device, which is why it is considered the best in its series.

This particular smartphone offers an impressive range of features. Consumers believe it to be the best smartphone of 2026 due to its 6-inch high-quality display, 12 MP camera, dedicated SD card slot, 3 GB of RAM, and a powerful 3930 mAh battery. The popularity of this model further cements HTC’s position as one of the top phone brands among a wide range of buyers.

• The phone has an impressive battery life of up to 2 days, regardless of the workload.
• It boasts a strong signal reception, ensuring a stable connection.
• The camera on this device is exceptional, capturing high-quality photos.
• The operating system runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Additionally, the HTC U11 EYEs comes with NTS branded functionality, enhancing the overall user experience.
• One downside of this phone is its slippery body, which may make it difficult to hold.
• Furthermore, it only supports TypeC headphone interface, limiting compatibility with other headphones.
• Another drawback is the absence of a radio feature.
• Lastly, there is no separate slot for memory cards, restricting the expandable storage options.

Find the HTC U11 EYEs on Yandex Market

8. LG G7 ThinQ

A different model that fits into the "top smartphones" category. Buyers highly value its characteristics and functionality. The model’s hardware platform is based on a cutting-edge processor, providing sufficient performance for any task. While not the most feature-rich smartphone, its price makes it accessible to those who don’t have deep pockets. The model offers 6 GB of RAM and a choice of 64 or 128 GB for data storage, with a dedicated slot for SD cards.

It is worth emphasizing the LG G7 ThinQ’s impressive reliability, as it is certified according to the NATO 810G standard. This means the phone can withstand vibrations, hypothermia, water, dust, and shock. These capabilities are only found in the most durable smartphones, specifically designed to provide extra protection.

• High-quality, vibrant screen
• Exceptional sound when using headphones
• Outstanding picture quality
• Enhanced security features
• Wireless and fast wired charging options
• Slightly inconvenient button layout
• Decent, but not exceptional, battery life
• Limited availability of branded accessories
• Fingerprint scanner placement is not the most convenient

Find the LG G7 ThinQ on Yandex Market

7. Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus

This particular model falls into the "most sought-after smartphones" classification. It is distinguished by a reasonable price and boasts an optimal range of features. As a producer of truly top-notch smartphones, Xiaomi ensures swift software upgrades and provides the most comprehensive solutions.

The smartphone showcases a generously-sized 5.99-inch screen, a 12-megapixel camera, 4GB of RAM, and a storage capacity of up to 64GB. It is one of the prevailing models, partially due to the inclusion of a dedicated memory card slot. Additionally, the device supports the use of wired headphones.

• design;
• operating speed;
• price;
• autonomy.
• no headphones included;
• poor sound quality when shooting video;
• a significant decrease in photo quality in low light;
• lack of NFC.

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus available on Yandex Market

The OnePlus 6 128GB is positioned as the top smartphone worldwide, an absolute smartphone disruptor. However, the model’s price is relatively high and its features are somewhat ambiguous.

Important! Among the drawbacks of this extraordinary smartphone are its incredibly slippery body, camera shortcomings, and an inconvenient fingerprint scanner.

Nevertheless, if you’re in need of the most functional smartphone, there simply isn’t anything better than the OnePlus 6. This device is capable of tackling any task. Regarded as one of the finest smartphones on the market, the OnePlus 6 128GB sports a 6.28-inch AMOLED display, a dual camera with 16+20MP, 6GB RAM, and the latest Android 9.0 operating system.

• powerful performance, one of the top ten smartphone models;
• it features a wired headphone interface;
• includes a branded mechanical mode switch;
• offers high-quality speaker sound.
• unfortunately, it does not support SD card usage;
• impressive battery life;
• stylish glass case;
• unfortunately, the fingerprint scanner is inconveniently located.

Find the OnePlus 6 128GB on Yandex Market.

5. Huawei Mate 10 Pro

Among the top smartphones on the market is an exceptional and long-lasting device from Huawei that offers unique features. This particular model boasts a neural coprocessor that enables the phone to capture photos with automatic image recognition and adjustment of quality settings. As a result, the Huawei Mate 10 Pro stands out as the best smartphone of the year, catering to a wide range of consumers.

With its 6-inch screen, 6GB of RAM, powerful 4000mAh battery, and dual 20+12MP camera with rapid laser autofocus, this phone is a dream come true for photographers. What sets it apart is that, despite its premium quality, it is more affordable than other high-end models in the market.

• Excellent display;
• Impressive camera;
• Powerful performance;
• Long battery life;
• Support for dual SIM cards.
• In the Russian version, only one SIM card is available;
• No option for using SD cards;
• The body has minor imperfections;
• Only TypeC headphones are included.

Huawei Mate 10 Pro available on Yandex Market

4. Huawei P20 Pro

This flagship from 2026 can be assessed in multiple categories. It boasts being the fastest smartphone featuring the Kirin 970 CPU. It has a stylish and recognizable design. Additionally, it leads the global smartphone rankings in terms of photo quality, thanks to its advanced neural computing technology.

In just a few months, the Huawei P20 Pro has outperformed other popular premium brands in terms of sales and has earned the title of "buyers’ choice". The device sports a 6.1-inch display, a dual camera with an impressive 40+20MP resolution, and 6GB of RAM. Furthermore, it supports dual SIM capability and works smoothly on LTE networks.

• camera and its features;
• video stabilization;
• battery life;
• performance.
• narrow speakerphone;
• low quality oleophobic coating;
• lack of separate camera button;
• absence of memory card support.

Check out Huawei P20 Pro on Yandex Market

The category of premium smartphones is where the iPhone X truly belongs. Its distinctive features and price point serve as evidence of its status. This model boasts a sleek interface, unwavering reliability, and the capability to capture sharp and detailed photos with its 12+12MP camera.

An interesting point to note is that the camera’s modest specifications do not define the ultimate quality of the photos. Apple’s iPhone X utilizes sensors with larger pixel sizes, enabling it to take impressive pictures even in low light conditions.

The device is powered by the powerful Apple 11 Bionic chip and comes with dust and moisture protection. It holds the record as the longest-lasting smartphone in its category, capable of delivering 21 hours of talk time and 60 hours of music playback.

• Impressive camera capabilities;
• Elegant and sleek design;
• Reliable performance;
• High-quality screen;
• Long battery life.
• Expensive price tag;
• Relatively heavy;
• No support for SD cards;
• Device needs to be raised to eye level for FaceID unlocking.

Discover the Apple iPhone X on Yandex Market

2. Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus

This phone has a deep knowledge of its value. Every ruble spent on it is worth more than what it pays for. The flagship model from 2026 comes with impressive specifications and an unparalleled beautiful display. It runs on Android 8 and is powered by Samsung’s own Exynos Octa processor, featuring 6GB of RAM.

The non-removable 3500 mAh battery, coupled with an efficient hardware setup, ensures a long battery life for any type of usage. The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is equipped with one of the best cameras, capable of capturing great shots even in low light conditions that would be challenging for other smartphones.

• Protection against water and dust;
• SuperAMOLED screen;
• Wired headphones with a 3.5mm minijack;
• Good performance and stability;
• Long battery life.
• No IR port;
• Delicate and slippery;
• Cannot disable the built-in assistant;
• Heavy weight.

Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus available on Yandex Market.

1. Samsung Galaxy Note 9

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is at the forefront of the best smartphones, standing out as a cutting-edge business-class device that excels in every aspect. This highly functional smartphone offers users an unparalleled experience, boasting a comfortable grip and a hardware platform built on Samsung’s top-of-the-line processor. To enhance usability, the device includes a stylus, while its impressive 4000 mAh battery ensures excellent battery life.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 boasts a massive 6 GB of RAM and offers a version with a whopping 512 GB of storage. This model features a 6.4 inch screen with unrivaled performance and exceptional image quality. Setting it apart from other flagship smartphones on the market, the user has the advantage of 2 SIM support and a separate memory card slot.

• Video HDR support
• Impressive performance
• Custom software
• Stereo speakers and high-quality sound
• Long battery life
• Stunning screen
• Some users may not prefer operating the device with the included case
• The corners of the case could be more rounded
• The auto brightness adjustment function is not always reliable
• There may be glare on the curved edges of the screen

Check out the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 on Yandex Market.

Conclusion

In the market, there are numerous devices available for a specific group of consumers. A prime example would be smartphones, which manufacturers promote as media players with phone capabilities. Alternatively, there are models designed for gamers, complete with joysticks. However, these particular smartphones are not the most popular choices among consumers. A significant audience is interested in models that offer superior quality and a comprehensive range of features. Specifically, they seek a phone that is both comfortable and durable, with excellent battery life and performance. It is precisely these types of models that we have included in this ranking.