Consider older-generation phones. For example, we still think the Samsung Galaxy S6 is better than many of the phones in this chart, especially when you consider that it’s now available under £400 SIM-free. However, we move all older-generation smartphones to our best mid-range phones chart, and you’ll now find the
Galaxy S7 and S7 edge sitting at the top of this best phones chart. We also have a best budget phones round-up if you’re looking to minimise costs. Also see: Best kids’ phones 2017
Note that we have removed the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from our chart due to Samsung’s discontinuation of it following battery problems.
Best phone 2017: Android vs iOS vs Windows
There are multiple mobile phone operating systems, but really only two worth talking about: Android and iOS. Windows phones account for around 1 percent of all phones sold, so it makes more sense to go with Android or an iPhone. If you do have your heart set on Windows, also see our list of the best Windows phones 2017. ( Similarly, for purely Android choices see Best Android phones.)
The vast majority of phones available run the Android operating system, with Marshmallow the latest version. While Apple’s iOS platform has a much lower market share, developers always release their apps on iOS so it has one of the best app stores you’ll find. For more, see Android vs iPhone.
Also, for a more in-depth look at each OS see our
Android Marshmallow review, iOS 10 review and
Windows 10 Mobile review.
If you have an Android phone or and