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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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Huawei P20
8.1
Huawei P20
Huawei Β· Android 8.1 Oreo
Our Verdict

Unless you’re looking at the phone’s bigger sibling — the P20 Pro — the P20 has little competition at its price point. A great camera, all-day battery, vivid screen, and plenty of power make it a great choice for anyone looking for a top-tier device at a lower price.

Pros
+ Great camera
+ Blazing performance
+ Solid, eye-catching design
+ Fast charge support
+ All-day battery
+ 128GB of internal storage
+ Bright, punchy display
Cons
βˆ’ No microSD support
βˆ’ Clunky camera interface outside of auto
βˆ’ No IP67 water-resistance
Apple iPhone 8
8.1
Apple iPhone 8
Apple Β· iOS 11
Pros
+ Optical image stabilization and larger sensor for better pictures
+ Screen is bright and provides excellent color reproduction
+ Blazing fast performance
Cons
βˆ’ Screen not as sharp as the competition
βˆ’ Not much of an upgrade from the iPhone 7
βˆ’ Huge bezels around screen
Google Pixel 2 XL
8.1
Google Pixel 2 XL
Google Β· Android 8.0 Oreo
Pros
+ Great battery life
+ Excellent main camera
+ Fast performance
+ Slick design
Cons
βˆ’ Potential image retention/screen burn-in issues
βˆ’ Poor viewing angles
βˆ’ Slippery
Xiaomi 12
8.1
Xiaomi 12
Xiaomi Β· Android 12
Samsung Galaxy A52s
8.1
Samsung Galaxy A52s
Samsung Β· Android 11
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
8.1
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
Xiaomi Β· Android 8.0 Oreo
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
8.1
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
Xiaomi Β· Android 12
Nothing Phone (2)
8.1
Premium Nothing Phone (2)
Nothing Β· Android 13
Our Verdict

A uniquely designed phone that stands out but offers performance suitable for everyday use.

Pros
+ Stylish design
+ Capable processor
+ Affordable price
+ Wireless charging
+ Unique notifications
Cons
βˆ’ Cameras underperform
βˆ’ Prone to slipping
βˆ’ Not water resistant
βˆ’ Limited glyph use
βˆ’ Durability concerns
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6S Pro
8.1
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6S Pro
ZTE Β· Android 11
Sony Xperia Z5
8.0
Sony Xperia Z5
Sony Β· Android 5.1 Lollipop
Pros
+ Incredibly fast autofocus
+ Camera offers excellent color and contrast in all lighting situations
+ Good processor performance
+ Sleek design
+ Display has excellent color vibrancy and viewing angles
Cons
βˆ’ Occasional pauses when loading apps
βˆ’ Phone heats up even during basic use
βˆ’ Sharp edges makes it uncomfortable to hold
Doogee V Max
8.0
Doogee V Max
Doogee Β· Android 12
CAT S62 Pro
8.0
CAT S62 Pro
Caterpillar Β· Android 10
Our Verdict

While its features geared toward worksites and outdoor adventures more than offices and coffee shops, the CAT S62 Pro proves that rugged phones don’t have to be ugly to be durable.

Pros
+ Extremely rugged
+ It does not look like a rugged phone
+ Thermal imaging
+ 128GB of storage
Cons
βˆ’ So-so performance
βˆ’ No wireless charging
βˆ’ Older software
Asus ROG Phone 5s
8.0
Asus ROG Phone 5s
Asus Β· Android 11
OPPO Find X5
8.0
OPPO Find X5
Oppo Β· Android 12
Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1
8.0
Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1
Asus Β· Android 8.1 Oreo
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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