Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max marks one of the most significant upgrades to the series in recent years. One of the biggest changes is the redesign. The tech giant reverted to aluminum rather than moving forward with titanium, thereby improving heat dissipation. Inside is a new vapor chamber cooling system that keeps the device cool during intensive tasks. It also helps the 5,088mAh battery last up to 39 hours of video playback.

Review: iPhone 17 Pro Max

It operates on the A19 Pro processor with upgraded Neural Accelerators and 12GB of RAM. Together, these components make everyday tasks feel fluid and help AI-powered features run more efficiently. Storage options now reach up to 2TB, catering to professionals who often handle large amounts of high-resolution media.

While in that same vein, the camera system on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is top-notch. The phone's zoom capabilities have been greatly improved thanks to the inclusion of a 4x telephoto lens and a new 8x cropping option, producing sharper, less grainy images.

The OnePlus 15 is a powerhouse Android flagship with prices starting at $899 for the 12GB RAM/256GB storage model. Its standout features include its massive 7,300mAh battery, a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, making this device one of the best phones for gamers and power users. The company also improved thermal management to help prevent overheating. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 for fast wireless speeds.

Review: OnePlus 15

Design-wise, the OnePlus 15 abandons the faux-leather backing of the OnePlus 13 for a satin-textured fiberglass panel with grippy side railings. It gives a premium feel, akin to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The bezels around the display are ultra-slim at 1.15mm. These two features together give the phone a premium feel, akin to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

It's important to point out that the camera is a mixed bag. The wide- and ultrawide-angle lenses have received improved saturation and contrast; however, their smaller sensors result in worse low-light performance than the previous generation. Still, despite the misstep with the cameras, the OnePlus 15 is an elite phone that shouldn't be ignored.

Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra is a feature-packed Android flagship that is arguably the biggest rival to the S26 Ultra. Similar to the OnePlus 15, the combination of key features makes it a great option for power users or anyone willing to pay for a premium device. The 6.8-inch AMOLED LTPO screen is still stunning. Its vibrancy is helped by the anti-glare coating covering the glass, allowing users to clearly see the display no matter how bright it is outside. 

Also: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: My concerns as a longtime Galaxy user

Under the hood is a custom-built Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor that is paired with 12GB of RAM. This combination gives the phone ample power for multitasking, gaming, and its AI-driven software. It even comes with an S Pen stylus that helps you use certain features, like the object eraser, more effectively.

I should point out that the Galaxy S25 Ultra is not the most ergonomic phone. It can be a little uncomfortable to hold. In fact, improving ergonomics was a main focus for the S26 Ultra. Despite minor downsides, this phone is a dependable, high-performing alternative to the new flagship.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is aesthetically very similar to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google didn't redesign its recent flagship. Instead, the tech giant chose to improve the user experience by implementing generative AI into the core of its phone.

Features like Magic Cue pull data from Gmail, Google Calendar, and other sources, surfacing the information in specific situations when you need it. Text summaries, language translation, and other AI-powered tools feel noticeable faster on this device. 

The improved performance is thanks to the Tensor G5 chipset. While it may not outperform Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon chip in raw power, it doesn't need to. It is optimized to specifically enhance Google's AI features and handles demanding tasks with ease.

Review: Pixel 10 Pro XL

Like the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google's latest flagship houses a triple-camera system with a 50MP wide lens, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens. However, testing shows that the Pixel 10 Pro XL produces better pictures overall, featuring improved color balance and stronger image stabilization.

Every phone I've mentioned so far has been a flagship model. But not everyone wants or even needs a high-end mobile device. Maybe you're looking for a budget phone. There are several strong midrange options worth considering, and one of the best is the Motorola Edge.

It's a midrange model that punches well above its price. Motorola's phone boasts a 6.7-inch Super HD pOLED screen. Its large size, combined with the vibrancy, makes streaming, gaming, and even casual web browsing feel far more premium than you'd expect. Plus, the 120Hz refresh rate ensures on-screen animations are velvety smooth.

Review: Motorola Edge

Audio is another area where the phone excels. The Dolby Atmos-tuned stereo speakers produce room-filling sound with surprisingly punchy bass, turning the Edge into a mini home theater. Battery life is equally impressive, having lasted around 20 hours in our stress tests. At the time of this writing, the Motorola is on sale for $50 off the company's online store. Purchasing the phone will also net you the Moto Buds+ and Moto Tag for free.