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Cell phones, ranked by expert reviews

The cell phones we cover, ranked by what expert reviewers found and shown with Canadian launch prices, so you can see which ones are worth buying.

Last updated November 9, 2026

Top-Rated Phones, Ranked

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Apple iPhone 13 Pro
8.9
Premium Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Apple Β· iOS 15
Our Verdict

If you’ve bought an iPhone in the last couple years, the newest model is more of the same — albeit it better. But for first-time iPhone buyers, creatives, those looking for the absolute best mobile experience available, or owners of much older iPhones, the iPhone 13 Pro is a powerful, premium phone. Be warned, however, it has a price tag to match.

Pros
+ Improved battery life
+ Highest performance available
+ Fast 120Hz refresh rate display
Cons
βˆ’ Minimal design changes
βˆ’ 4K video restricted to 128GB
βˆ’ Fast charging limited to 20W
Apple iPhone X
8.9
Apple iPhone X
Apple Β· iOS 11
Pros
+ Stunning display
+ Blazing performance
+ FaceID security
+ Premium design
+ Excellent camera (even in low-light)
Cons
βˆ’ No microSD support
βˆ’ Price
βˆ’ Will likely need a case for durability
βˆ’ Gestures require a learning period
Samsung Galaxy Note8
8.9
Samsung Galaxy Note8
Samsung Β· Android 7.1.1 Nougat
Pros
+ Bright, vivid screen
+ Blazing performance
+ Plenty of storage
+ S-Pen support
+ IP68 water and dustproofing
+ Great camera
Cons
βˆ’ So-so battery life
βˆ’ Price
βˆ’ Too big for one-handed use
βˆ’ Awkward fingerprint scanner placement
βˆ’ Bixby still inaccurate
Samsung Galaxy S6
8.9
Samsung Galaxy S6
Samsung Β· Android 5.0 Lollipop
Pros
+ Performance
+ Display quality
+ Camera
+ Design
+ Wireless charging
+ Android 5.0 Lollipop
Cons
βˆ’ No microSD support
βˆ’ Non-removable battery
βˆ’ Price
Samsung Galaxy S8+
8.9
Samsung Galaxy S8+
Samsung Β· Android 7.0 Nougat
Apple iPhone 6s
8.9
Apple iPhone 6s
Apple Β· iOS 9
Pros
+ 3D Touch adds new layer of information and navigation to touch screen
+ Upgraded rear and front camera for crisp and accurate pictures
+ Incredibly smooth and fast performance
+ Solid build construction
+ Live Photos capture short video moments seamlessly
Cons
βˆ’ Display doesn't offer as high contrast or details as competing Android phones
βˆ’ Live Photos take huge amount of space
βˆ’ 3D touch easy to confuse with long touch
βˆ’ Live Photos often come out choppy and erratic
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
8.9
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Apple Β· iOS 14
Apple iPhone 11
8.9
Apple iPhone 11
Apple Β· iOS 13
Our Verdict

Unless you need the best screen available, the iPhone 11 is the phone in Apple’s 2019 lineup to suit the average buyer. It has enough battery for work and play, can handle any app or game you throw at it, and looks good while doing so. But unless you’re a light phone user, plan to pick up a faster charger.

Pros
+ Blazing performance
+ Plenty of storage
+ Great cameras
+ Good audio
+ Face ID
+ Decent screen
+ All-day battery life
Cons
βˆ’ No 3.5mm headphone jack or Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter
βˆ’ Slow charger included
Huawei Mate 20 Pro
8.9
Huawei Mate 20 Pro
Huawei Β· Android 9.0 Pie
Our Verdict

The Mate 20 Pro might not be Huawei’s cheapest phone but it’s one of the best. It provides an attractive package in terms of design, features, performance and camera capabilities.

Pros
+ Beautiful design
+ Bright, vibrant display
+ Smooth performance
+ Great battery life
+ Good camera
+ Fast charging
Cons
βˆ’ Auto mode on camera leads to hit-or-miss pictures
βˆ’ Heavy at 189 grams
Huawei P30 Pro
8.9
Huawei P30 Pro
Huawei Β· Android 9.0 Pie
Google Pixel 6 Pro
8.9
Premium Google Pixel 6 Pro
Google Β· Android 12
Our Verdict

Reviewers consistently refer to the Google Pixel 6 Pro as one of the best Android phones ever released. If you’re looking for an Android phone that can compete with Apple’s iPhone on polish and performance, this is as close as it gets.

Pros
+ Android 12
+ Impressive cameras
+ Great new design
+ Priced lower than competitors
Cons
βˆ’ Average battery
βˆ’ Some camera features can be tricky
βˆ’ Finicky fingerprint sensor
Apple iPhone Xs
8.8
Apple iPhone Xs
Apple Β· iOS 12
Our Verdict

Unless you already own an iPhone X, the Xs is a worthy upgrade to just about any other phone on the market. It offers a great camera, unmatchable performance, a beautiful display, and a sleek design — but it comes with a hefty price tag.

Pros
+ Fastest mobile phone to date
+ Solid, classy design
+ Great display
+ Fast, detailed cameras
+ Powerful speakers
+ eSIM support
+ IP68 rated
Cons
βˆ’ Price
βˆ’ No microSD support
βˆ’ No fast charger included
βˆ’ No 3.5mm-to-Lightning adapter included
βˆ’ No 3.5mm jack
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
8.8
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
Apple Β· iOS 13
Xiaomi 13 Ultra
8.8
Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Xiaomi Β· Android 13
Google Pixel 7 Pro
8.8
Premium Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Β· Android 13
Our Verdict

A powerhouse phone with advanced camera capabilities and thoughtful software features, all at a competitive price.

Pros
+ Excellent camera system
+ Beautiful 120Hz display
+ Strong performance
+ Clean Android experience
+ Competitive price
Cons
βˆ’ No expandable storage
βˆ’ Slippery design
βˆ’ Mixed battery life
βˆ’ Prone to scratches
βˆ’ Moderate charging speed
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To ensure accuracy, this page has been reviewed and fact-checked by Carl Perlas, Jon Stone and Branden S. as part of our editorial review process. Learn how we score.

Last updated: November 9, 2026 · See an error? Report it