Cell phones compare & buy (2026)

Help on choosing the right cell phone

The range of phones is greater than ever. Can't see the forest for the trees? Then use our Choice Help. Here we have carefully compiled lists that will make it easy for you to find your next mobile.

Do you prefer to compare yourself? Then first decide what you will use the device for. Are you looking for a powerful smartphone or do you just want to be reachable?

Which type of device suits you?

Most people these days opt for a smartphone. With these, you always have access to the Internet, WhatsApp, navigation and an extensive camera.

Don't need to be online all the time, or are you looking for a device that will last for weeks on a single battery charge? Then a dumbphone or a simple featurephone is the best choice. For the elderly who want extra convenience, there are special senior phones with large buttons and an emergency button.

Operating system: iOS or Android?

When you choose a smartphone, the operating system largely determines your user experience. Although there are small-scale alternatives, the market is dominated by two giants:

• iOS (Apple): This system is found exclusively on the Apple iPhone. iOS is known for its simplicity, security and seamless interoperability with other Apple products such as the iPad and Watch. A big advantage is the update policy: iPhones are often updated with the latest software for 5 to 7 years, which means they retain their value for a long time.
• Android (Google): This is the most widely used system in the world and offers the most freedom of choice. Because brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Google and Motorola all use Android, there is a device for every budget. From inexpensive entry-level phones to innovative folding phones; with Android, you can make it as crazy as you want.

Important specifications to look out for

The sheer volume of specifications can sometimes leave you unable to see the forest for the trees. To prevent you from getting dizzy, we've highlighted for you the three most important parts to look out for in 2026:

• Camera - More than megapixels: Don't stare blindly at the number of megapixels. A camera with 200 megapixels is not necessarily better than one with 50. Want really great pictures? Then pay attention to Optical Image Stabilization (OIS); this ensures sharp images even when your hands are shaking or in low light. Want to be able to zoom in far without losing quality? Then choose a model with a separate telephoto lens.
• Accu - The Silicon-Carbon Revolution: Battery technology has made a huge leap recently. Thanks to new Silicon-Carbon (Si-C) batteries, we are increasingly seeing capacities of 6000 to as much as 7000 mAh or more, without thickening the phones. With these, you can easily achieve two days of intensive use. Additionally, pay attention to fast charging: ideal for fully charging your phone in 20 minutes.
• Display - Brightness (nits) makes all the difference: Since almost every modern phone, from budget to high-end, has a smooth 120Hz screen these days, you need to pay attention to something else: brightness. This is expressed in nits. The higher this number, the better you can read the screen in bright sunlight. Where 1000 nits used to be a lot, we now see peaks of 3000 to as much as 5000 nits. Are you outside a lot? Then pay particular attention to this peak brightness.

Budget: From entry-level to flagship

The price of a phone ranges from less than a hundred euros to well over a thousand euros. What can you expect in which price range?

• Budget (up to €150): Looking for the very lowest price? In this class you will find simple cell phones for pure calling (dumbphones), as well as entry-level smartphones for WhatsApp. Do not expect high speed, but often an extremely long battery life.
• Basic class (€150 - €250): Just a step up. In this segment you will find phones that feel just a bit smoother, often have more storage (128GB or more) and sometimes already offer a faster 90Hz screen. A safe choice if you don't want to spend too much.
• Midrange (€250 - €500): This is the sweet spot. You get many features that were previously only in expensive models, such as a waterproof body, a bright AMOLED screen and a good main camera. The Samsung Galaxy A series has been king here for years.
• High-end (from €500): Want the best of the best? Flagships stand out with superior zoom cameras, the fastest processors for gaming and luxury materials. Here you will find the top devices from Apple, Samsung and Google.

Phones for Specific Needs: Gaming, Construction and Seniors

Not everyone is looking for a standard smartphone. Sometimes you need a device that excels at one specific thing.

• Gaming Phones: For the avid gamer, a standard device is not enough. Gaming smartphones (such as the Asus ROG or RedMagic) have special cooling, extra shoulder buttons and screens with extremely high refresh rates (144Hz or more) for the ultimate in responsiveness.
• Construction (Rugged) Phones: Do you work in construction or are an outdoor enthusiast? Then opt for a "ruggedized" phone. Models from brands like Sonim or Samsung Xcover are drop-resistant, waterproof and can often be operated with gloves or wet fingers.
• Senior Phones:Modern smartphones can sometimes be overwhelming. Senior phones focus on accessibility: physical buttons, an extra loud volume, a simple menu and often a dedicated emergency button for safety.
• Dumbphones (Without Internet): Want to go completely offline ("digital detox") for a while or just be accessible without distractions? A dumbphone goes back to basics: calling and texting. The big advantage is the battery life; these phones often last for weeks on a single charge.

Trends in 2026: AI and Foldable Phones

Technology is not standing still. Whereas 5G is now standard in every device, in 2026 we are looking primarily at two other major developments that will determine how we use our phones.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The "smart" phone is finally living up to its name. No longer just an assistant in the cloud, AI is running directly on the chips of new phones (as with the Galaxy S series and the iPhone). Think live translation of phone calls, one-touch removal of people from photos or automatic summarization of long notes. AI makes your phone faster, more personal and more helpful.
• Foldable Phones (Foldables): For years they were an expensive niche, but now they are mature and attainable: the "foldables. The teething problems are gone; hinges are stronger, the fold in the screen is almost invisible and they are finally dust and waterproof. You have roughly two flavors: the Flip models (compact folding phones that fit in any pocket) and the Fold models (which unfold into a mini tablet for productivity and video).

Brand comparison: More than just Apple and Samsung

Although Apple and Samsung dominate the market, there are many more manufacturers that deliver top quality, often at a more competitive price. What does each brand excel at?

• Apple iPhone: The standard for ease of use, value retention and seamless interoperability with other Apple products. Runs on the secure iOS.
• Samsung: The market leader with the widest range of products. From the affordable Galaxy A series to the high-end Galaxy S and innovative foldable phones. Known for its beautiful AMOLED screens.
• Google Pixel: The smartest choice for Android purists. Known for its "clean" software, lightning-fast updates and unparalleled camera software powered by AI.
• Xiaomi: The king of value for money. You often get high-end specifications (such as super-fast charging) for a mid-range price.
• Oppo: Focuses heavily on design and innovative camera features, especially for portrait photography. Their SuperVOOC fast-charging technology is also leading the way.
• OnePlus: Once started as a "flagship killer," now an established name known for speed, powerful performance and a loyal community.
• Motorola: A rock-solid player in the budget and mid-range segment. Their phones often have a "clean" Android version, excellent battery life and a beautiful design.
• Sony: For the gourmet. Sony phones cater to multimedia enthusiasts and creators, with features from their professional cameras, TVs and audio products.
• HMD: The makers behind the recent Nokia phones are now steering their own course. It focuses heavily on repairability ("Human Mobile Devices"): phones that you can easily open yourself to replace a battery or screen. Moreover, it is European.

If you still can't figure it out despite all the help, you can always take a look at telefoon.co.uk. They may be able to help you further.