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Expert Reviews

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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Xiaomi 12 Lite
8.2
Xiaomi 12 Lite
Xiaomi Β· Android 12
Google Nexus 6
8.2
Google Nexus 6
Motorola Β· Android 5.0 Lollipop
Pros
+ Sharp display with bold colors
+ Excellent battery life
+ Lightning fast performance on all tasks
+ Great photo quality in good and low lighting
Cons
βˆ’ Impossible to use one-handed
βˆ’ Whites on display have yellow tint
βˆ’ Size makes it almost impossible to fit in pants pocket
HTC U11+
8.2
HTC U11+
HTC Β· Android 8.0 Oreo
Pros
+ Blazing performance
+ Excellent image quality in almost every lighting situation
+ Great battery life
+ Sleek design
Cons
βˆ’ Glass back attracts smudges and fingerprints
βˆ’ Not available worldwide
βˆ’ A bit heavy
Huawei Honor 9 Lite
8.2
Huawei Honor 9 Lite
Huawei Β· Android 8.0 Oreo
Our Verdict

If you’re looking to play games or use your phone often, the Honor 9 Lite might not be up to the task. However, if you’re looking for a capable media streamer and a great camera for selfies and video chat, the phone offers an appealing package that looks great too.

Pros
+ Great front camera
+ microSD support
+ Bright, detailed screen
+ Comfortable grip
Cons
βˆ’ Not up to heavy use or gaming
βˆ’ Prone to scuffs and smudges
βˆ’ Battery slow to charge
βˆ’ Slippery when set down
Motorola Edge 40
8.2
Motorola Edge 40
Motorola Β· Android 13
Motorola Moto G7
8.2
Motorola Moto G7
Motorola Β· Android 9.0 Pie
Our Verdict

While it won’t compete with the top releases of 2019, the Moto G7 offers excellent value for anyone looking for a phone that is budget-friendly but offers a taste of the premium experience.

Pros
+ Solid design
+ Bright, colorful display
+ Price
+ microSD support
+ Decent performance for the price
Cons
βˆ’ No NFC
βˆ’ No wireless charging
βˆ’ Easy-to-block speaker
βˆ’ Weak camera
Xiaomi Mi 11
8.2
Xiaomi Mi 11
Xiaomi Β· Android 11
Our Verdict

If it’s available in your region and you can overlook the weak camera, the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers great performance and a brilliant display at a great price.

Pros
+ Inexpensive
+ Good specs
+ Great performance
+ Amazing screen
Cons
βˆ’ Not available everywhere
βˆ’ Middling camera
βˆ’ Lacking battery life
Sony Xperia XZ Premium
8.1
Sony Xperia XZ Premium
Sony Β· Android 7.1 Nougat
Pros
+ Great Performance
+ Plenty of Storage Space
+ microSD Support
+ 960 FPS Video Recording
+ Android 7.1 Nougat
+ All-Day Battery Life
+ IP68 Rating
Cons
βˆ’ Cluttered Camera Interface
βˆ’ Duplicate Apps
βˆ’ Bulky Design
βˆ’ Fingerprint Magnet
Realme X3 SuperZoom
8.1
Realme X3 SuperZoom
Realme Β· Android 10
Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5g
8.1
Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5g
Samsung Β· Android 9.0 Pie
Oppo Reno8
8.1
Oppo Reno8
Oppo Β· Android 12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T
8.1
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T
Xiaomi Β· Android 9.0 Pie
Sony Xperia Z1
8.1
Mid-range Sony Xperia Z1
Sony Β· Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
Pros
+ Water and dust proof design
+ Incredibly fast and powerful processor
+ 20MP camera
Cons
βˆ’ Body prone to scratches
βˆ’ Poor viewing angles
βˆ’ Bulky dimensions
Samsung Galaxy A54
8.1
Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung Β· Android 13
Our Verdict

An affordable phone offering solid everyday performance, great software support, and looks akin to pricier models.

Pros
+ Solid build quality
+ Bright AMOLED display
+ Long software support
+ Decent battery life
+ Expandable storage
Cons
βˆ’ Performance stutters
βˆ’ No wireless charging
βˆ’ Plastic frame feels cheap
βˆ’ Disappointing macro camera
βˆ’ Low-light camera struggles
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
8.1
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
Xiaomi Β· Android 13
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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