Ranking of the best smartphones of 2026 to save on your purchase
The cost of living has increased considerably, and the technology market is no exception. However, even with high prices, it is not necessary to invest US$1,200 to purchase a quality smartphone in 2026. The good news is that technological evolution has democratized resources, making mid-range devices increasingly capable.
Despite the scenario known as “RAMageddon”, which suggests a race for cutting-edge specifications, it is perfectly possible to find excellent cell phone options for up to US$700 or less, which deliver a satisfactory experience.
Major manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus have launched more affordable or mid-range models in recent months. This selection presents the best alternatives currently available for those looking for a powerful smartphone without weighing on their budget.
Assessing the cost-benefit of the Apple iPhone 17e
Apple’s iPhone 17e stands out as one of the highest priced phones on this list, costing US$599. However, the extra US$100 investment to enjoy the benefits of the Apple ecosystem is often worth it for many users.
For this price, the consumer acquires an excellent device. Equipped with the A19 chip, one of the brand’s latest, the iPhone 17e guarantees access to virtually all current and future Apple Intelligence features, while maintaining robust performance. The battery also offers good autonomy for the price range.
Choosing the iPhone 17e instead of a more expensive version means giving up a higher quality camera or screen. However, if these aspects are not a priority, this iPhone model, even with limited features, manages to outperform several competitors in the same category.
What the Google Pixel 10a offers in a competitive segment
Google’s Pixel A line has been a constant on lists of “best value for money smartphones” for years, due to the company’s remarkable ability to bring the quality of its mid-range releases closer to its top-of-the-line models.
While the Pixel 10a doesn’t quite reach the same heights as flagships, it’s still a high-quality device. The renowned excellence of Google’s camera remains almost untouched in the Pixel 10a, which also features a flat-back design, allowing the phone to sit perfectly level on surfaces. This is a detail that not even Samsung’s most advanced smartphones, with their prominent cameras, can replicate.
Additionally, the Pixel 10a features faster wired and wireless charging, as well as a brighter screen. While it doesn’t offer the latest Google Tensor processor or all of Google’s artificial intelligence features, at $499 the device continues to provide an excellent return on investment.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Samsung Galaxy A57 5G
Among the options on this list, the Samsung Galaxy A57 5G probably positions itself as the most modest performance model. However, for those who want to stay in the Samsung ecosystem, there are much worse alternatives on the market.
The A57 presents some challenges, such as Wi-Fi connectivity that can be unstable on networks with less robust configurations. The facial recognition system for unlocking is notably slow, and users looking for the artificial intelligence features present in the Galaxy line will find few features on this device.
Despite these limitations, the Galaxy A57 5G costs just $549 and offers a good quality screen, consistent performance, and a long battery life. If the need does not include the most sophisticated and modern features, the A57 5G is a functional option for everyday use.
Nada Telephone 4(a) Pro: design and battery highlighted
In recent years, Nothing has emerged as one of the most interesting cell phone manufacturers on the market. The British company stands out for prioritizing style and a contemporary look in its affordable smartphones, without focusing excessively on cutting-edge features.
The Nothing 4(a) Pro exemplifies this philosophy. Priced at US$499, the device features a large 6.8-inch AMOLED screen, which has an ultra-fast refresh rate of 144 Hz, and a robust 5,000 mAh battery. Additionally, the device features an innovative LCD “Glyph Array” on the back, which adds a fun touch to the design.
Although the smartphone is equipped with a mid-range Snapdragon chipset and a maximum storage of 256 GB, these are acceptable compromises for a budget phone. For users who value a great display and long battery life over the latest AI features, the Nothing 4(a) Pro could be the perfect choice.
Premium mid-range power with the OnePlus 15R
The OnePlus 15R, the most expensive model in this selection, priced at US$699, had a discreet launch in mid-December last year. Although it was not evaluated by Mashable, other publications such as PCMag praised the device highly.
With a price that approaches the premium mid-range, the OnePlus 15R offers a robust set of specifications. The gaming experience is remarkable, thanks to the 6.8-inch screen that achieves a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, combined with impressive resolution and peak brightness. The 5th generation Snapdragon 8 chipset is one of the most powerful available for cell phones in this price category.
OnePlus opted for some concessions on cameras and 5G mmWave support. However, aside from these aspects, the 15R represents the closest option to a high-end smartphone that can be found in the premium-intermediate price range.
