Mashable Picks 5 Best Smartphones of 2026 as Flagship Prices Hit $1,000-$2,000
Updated
Updated · Mashable · Jun 18
Mashable Picks 5 Best Smartphones of 2026 as Flagship Prices Hit $1,000-$2,000
2 articles · Updated · Mashable · Jun 18
Summary
Mashable named five standout phones for 2026 so far, led by Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra as best flagship, Apple’s iPhone 17e as best iPhone, Google’s Pixel 10a as best budget Android, and Motorola’s Razr Ultra as best foldable.
Prices shaped the list: the outlet said “RAMageddon” has pushed even budget phones higher, leaving solid options under $500 but putting true flagships and foldables mostly in the $1,000 to $2,000 range.
Samsung’s $1,199 Galaxy S26 Ultra won on a 6.9-inch 120Hz display, 5,000mAh battery, camera array and S Pen, while Apple’s $599 iPhone 17e stood out for MagSafe, an A19 chip and 256GB base storage.
Google’s $499 Pixel 10a was praised for value, camera performance, brighter display and extra charging options, while Motorola’s $1,499 Razr Ultra earned foldable honors with dual AMOLED screens, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 36-hour battery life.
Samsung’s Galaxy TriFold took the “most ambitious” slot despite vanishing after a limited release, underscoring how 2026’s smartphone market is rewarding experimentation even as top-end devices grow more expensive.