If you are planning to get a new phone in 2027, we’re here to help!
The smartphone market now offers much more than the new Apple & Samsung – from different foldables, cameraphones, affordable options, and all kinds of features designed for different needs, 2027 offers something for everyone!
The best phone for you will ultimately depend on what you want most. Whether that means Apple’s first foldable, a sustainable phone you can repair yourself and rely on, a camera-focused flagship, a gaming powerhouse, or an affordable phone with plenty of personality, these are some of the best phones to consider in 2027. Now, let’s check them out!
At the end, we will share with you why some phones are not included in the list!
Apple’s First Foldable:
1. Apple iPhone Duo
TrendsPlace Score: 80/100
Hardware & software: 94 • Camera quality: 89 • Battery life: 88 • One-hand comfort: 53 • Value for money: 65
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The iPhone Duo is the obvious choice for anyone who has been waiting for Apple to enter the foldable smartphone market. Apple’s first foldable will definitely be one of the most discussed devices in 2027! It combines a 5.4-inch outer display with a much larger 7.6-inch inner screen, with iOS redesigned to take advantage of the extra space through features such as multitasking and flexible app layouts.
One of its biggest hardware achievements is the state-of-the-art hinge and display construction designed to make the folding area far less noticeable, giving the Duo an almost crease-free appearance compared with many other foldables. It also brings the latest A20 Pro chip, dual 48MP rear cameras, and Apple Pencil support(not included).
| Best for: Apple fans who would like to have an iPad in their pockets. | Avoid if: You don’t want to risk with first gen product or you are looking for a more standard smartphone. |
| Dimensions: 117.8 × 164.6 × 5.2 mm unfolded / 117.8 × 84.1 × 11.3 mm folded (254 g) | Display: 7.6-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 1878×2670, 120Hz | Chipset: Apple A20 Pro |
| OS: iOS 27 | Rear Camera: 48 MP Wide, 48 MP Ultrawide | Front Camera: 12 MP Cover Camera + under-display camera |
| Battery: ~5,400 mAh | Storage: 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB | 2 TB | Price: $1,999 in the US (€2,299 in Europe) |
The Sustainable Phone:
2. Fairphone 6+
TrendsPlace Score: 81/100
Hardware & software: 80 • Camera quality: 76 • Battery life: 77 • One-hand comfort: 75 • Value for money: 92
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The Fairphone 6 Plus is made for people who want their phone to last rather than be replaced every couple of years. Its biggest advantage is repairability, with a modular design that allows components such as the battery, display, cameras and USB-C port to be replaced without the kind of complicated repair process found on most current smartphones – there are even instructions how to change the elements on your own.
It also offers long-term software support, a five-year warranty, and a more sustainable approach to sourcing and manufacturing. You get a modern OLED display, 12GB of RAM and solid mid-range performance too, making this more than simply an environmentally conscious choice.
| Best for: People who like to | Avoid if: You are looking for a more premium device. |
| Dimensions: 156.6 × 73.3 × 9.6 mm (193 g) | Display: 6.31-inch LTPO OLED, 1116×2484, 120Hz | Chipset: Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 |
| OS: Android 16 | Rear Camera: 50 MP Wide, 13 MP Ultrawide, TOF 3D Depth | Front Camera: 32 MP |
| Battery: 4,415 mAh | Storage: 256 GB | 12 GB RAM | Price: $649 |
A Camera Phone for DSLR-quality photos:
3. Xiaomi 17 Ultra
TrendsPlace Score: 88/100
Hardware & software: 95 • Camera quality: 95 • Battery life: 95 • One-hand comfort: 63 • Value for money: 82
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is for anyone who treats their smartphone as their main camera. Xiaomi’s Ultra series puts photography front and center, with a sophisticated multi-camera system designed to give you plenty of flexibility for everything from everyday photos to long-distance zoom.
The appeal is particularly strong for enthusiasts who want advanced imaging hardware, high-resolution sensors, and more control over the way their photos look. If taking photos and recording video is one of the main reasons you are upgrading your phone, Xiaomi’s 17 Ultra is the kind of flagship worth putting high on your shortlist.
| Best for: Mobile photography enthusiasts for whom the phone’s camera is the primary element. | Avoid if: You are looking for a more affordable device or don’t need a fancy camera. |
| Dimensions: 162.9 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm (218.4 g / 223.4 g) | Display: 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1200×2608, 120Hz | Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| OS: Android 16, HyperOS 3 | Rear Camera: 50 MP Wide, 200 MP Periscope Telephoto, 50 MP Ultrawide, TOF 3D Depth | Front Camera: 50 MP |
| Battery: 6,000 mAh | Storage: 512 GB | 1 TB (16 GB RAM) | Price: ~$1,200 |
A unique flagship to consider:
4. Motorola Signature 27
TrendsPlace Score: 85/100
Hardware & software: 95 • Camera quality: 94 • Battery life: 95 • One-hand comfort: 68 • Value for money: 80
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The Motorola Signature 27 is designed for users who want serious flagship performance but also care about entertainment and audio. The 2027 model pairs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 platform with a 200MP periscope telephoto camera capable of up to 100x Super Zoom Pro with generative AI, while a 50MP Sony LYTIA L910 main sensor is designed to improve image quality in challenging lighting.
Motorola is also partnering with Bang & Olufsen to tune the phone’s audio, giving it dedicated sound modes for music, movies, gaming and podcasts. With a premium design and high-end cooling and performance hardware, the Signature 27 is built to be a flagship in every sense – with this phone, Motorola is definitely changing the course.
| Best for: Those looking for a powerful device with premium entertainment features. | Avoid if: You are looking for a more affordable device. |
| Dimensions: TBA | Display: 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1264×2780, 165Hz | Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 |
| OS: Android 17 | Rear Camera: 50 MP Wide, 200 MP Periscope Telephoto, 50 MP Ultrawide | Front Camera: 50 MP |
| Battery: 7,000 mAh | Storage: 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB | Price: TBA |
Innovative smartphone for influencers:
5. Honor Robot Phone
TrendsPlace Score: 82/100
Hardware & software: 93 • Camera quality: 95 • Battery life: 93 • One-hand comfort: 67 • Value for money: 78
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The Honor Robot Phone is for creators and influencers who want their smartphone to do more than simply point a camera and record. Its standout feature is an innovative built-in robotic gimbal that physically moves the camera, providing stabilized movement, subject tracking and hands-free shooting. The system can automatically follow a person while livestreaming or making video calls, while different movement modes allow creators to produce more cinematic shots without carrying a separate gimbal.
Honor has also partnered with ARRI on image science, bringing professional-inspired color and imaging technology to the phone. This makes the Robot Phone particularly interesting for vloggers, influencers, travelers, and anyone who regularly creates video content.
| Best for: People shooting videos on the go, where image stabilization is crucial. | Avoid if: You prefer a simpler device with a 3rd-party gimbal, minimizing the risk of breaking the mechanics of your phone in everyday use. |
| Dimensions: 190.5 × 72.9 × 9.6 mm unfolded / 151.4 × 72.9 × 9.6 mm folded (248 g) | Display: 6.31-inch LTPO OLED, 1216×2640, 120Hz | Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| OS: Android 16, MagicOS 10 | Rear Camera: 200 MP Wide, 200 MP Periscope Telephoto, 50 MP Ultrawide | Front Camera: 50 MP |
| Battery: 7,060 mAh | Storage: 512 GB | 1 TB | Price: $1,499 |
The go-to option for Samsung fans:
6. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
TrendsPlace Score: 87/100
Hardware & software: 95 • Camera quality: 95 • Battery life: 87 • One-hand comfort: 60 • Value for money: 80
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the phone for users who want Samsung’s flagship experience at the center of a larger Galaxy ecosystem. Alongside its powerful Snapdragon processor, large 6.9-inch display and versatile camera system, one of its most unusual features is the built-in Privacy Display, which makes it harder for people beside you to see what’s on your screen.
That can be particularly useful when working or browsing in public places. The Ultra also combines Samsung’s advanced cameras, Galaxy AI features, S Pen, and superb integration with devices such as Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds and Galaxy tablets.
| Best for: Those who prefer Samsung’s ecosystem and want all the latest features by the company, especially the innovative privacy display. | Avoid if: You don’t need all the AI features and won’t experience any difference in your daily usage with a more affordable Samsung device. |
| Dimensions: 163.6 × 78.1 × 7.9 mm (214 g) | Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 1440×3120, 120Hz | Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| OS: Android 16, One UI 9 | Rear Camera: 200 MP Wide, 10 MP Telephoto, 50 MP Periscope Telephoto, 50 MP Ultrawide | Front Camera: 12 MP |
| Battery: 5,000 mAh | Storage: 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB | Price: $1,299 |
Affordable & unique:
7. Nothing Phone 4a
TrendsPlace Score: 83/100
Hardware & software: 82 • Camera quality: 82 • Battery life: 92 • One-hand comfort: 67 • Value for money: 94
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The Nothing Phone 4a is aimed at buyers who want an affordable smartphone that doesn’t look like every other phone in its price range. Its distinctive Glyph interface on the back uses LEDs to provide visual notifications, charging information, and other status indicators, giving the phone an unusual personality at this price.
The lighting system is also reportedly brighter than the previous generation, while Nothing’s clean Nothing OS software adds to the experience. For students, younger buyers and anyone looking for a budget-friendly phone with a distinctive design, the 4a offers something different from the usual affordable Android devices.
| Best for: Those who like to experiment and express themselves with a more abstract style without breaking the bank. | Avoid if: You need a better camera and more premium features. |
| Dimensions: 164 × 77.6 × 8.6 mm (204.5 g) | Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1224×2720, 120Hz | Chipset: Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 |
| OS: Android 16, Nothing OS 4.1 | Rear Camera: 50 MP Wide, 50 MP Periscope Telephoto, 8 MP Ultrawide | Front Camera: 32 MP |
| Battery: 5,080 mAh (International) | Storage: 128 GB | 256 GB | Price: €399 |
The phone with tons of AI features:
8. Google Pixel 11 Pro
TrendsPlace Score: 86/100
Hardware & software: 94 • Camera quality: 95 • Battery life: 85 • One-hand comfort: 81 • Value for money: 79
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The Pixel 11 Pro is for users who want artificial intelligence to be one of the defining parts of their smartphone experience in 2027. Google’s Tensor platform and Pixel software put AI into photography, editing, productivity and everyday interactions, while Google’s clean Android experience keeps the phone relatively straightforward to use.
The Pixel 11 Pro also offers a very bright display, with peak brightness reaching up to 3,600 nits, alongside Google’s computational photography and long-term software approach. For people who want a flagship that feels particularly intelligent rather than simply powerful, Google’s Pixel 11 Pro is a great option in 2027.
| Best for: Those who are not afraid to take advantage of the latest AI features to optimize workflow and usage, as this is a phone packed with tons of such features. | Avoid if: You need a more powerful device to run heavy apps plus a more premium camera. |
| Dimensions: 152.7 × 71.9 × 8.4 mm (204 g) | Display: 6.3-inch LTPO OLED, 1280×2856, 120Hz | Chipset: Google Tensor G6 |
| OS: Android 17 | Rear Camera: 50 MP Wide, 48 MP Periscope Telephoto, 48 MP Ultrawide | Front Camera: 42 MP |
| Battery: 4,850 mAh | Storage: 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB | Price: $1,099 |
The obvious flip smartphone:
9. Samsung Galaxy Flip8
TrendsPlace Score: 83/100
Hardware & software: 92 • Camera quality: 85 • Battery life: 78 • One-hand comfort: 79 • Value for money: 78
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The Samsung Galaxy Flip is for people who want the convenience and nostalgia of a flip phone without giving up modern smartphone features. Its foldable design allows a full-size smartphone to become significantly more compact when closed, making it easier to slip into a pocket or small bag.
The cover display can also handle quick interactions without requiring you to open the phone every time, while the flexible inner screen provides the full smartphone experience when you need it. It is particularly suited to users who care about portability, style and having a phone that feels more fun and personal than a conventional slab.
| Best for: Those who like the compact size of flip phones. | Avoid if: You are looking for a device with a bigger display and more powerful hardware. |
| Dimensions: 166.9 × 75.4 × 6.1 mm unfolded / 85.7 × 75.4 × 13.1 mm folded (180 g) | Display: 6.9-inch Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 1080×2520, 120Hz | Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (US/CA/CN) | Exynos 2600 (ROW) |
| OS: Android 17, One UI 9 | Rear Camera: 50 MP Wide, 12 MP Ultrawide | Front Camera: 10 MP |
| Battery: 4,300 mAh | Storage: 256 GB | 512 GB (12 GB RAM) | Price: $1,199 |
An affordable gaming phone at a good price:
10. ZTE Nubia Neo 5 Max
TrendsPlace Score: 86/100
Hardware & software: 82 • Camera quality: 67 • Battery life: 95 • One-hand comfort: 45 • Value for money: 95
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The ZTE nubia Neo 5 Max is aimed squarely at mobile gamers. Instead of putting most of its attention on camera hardware or luxury materials, a gaming-focused phone prioritizes sustained performance, cooling, battery endurance and a display that can keep up with fast-paced games. That makes it a natural fit for users who spend hours playing titles such as competitive shooters, racing games or demanding RPGs.
If gaming is the main reason you want a powerful phone in 2027, the Neo 5 Max’s priorities make more sense than paying extra for flagship features you may rarely use.
| Best for: People who like to play mobile games in their free time. | Avoid if: You need a good camera, as this is a weak point here. |
| Dimensions: 180.9 × 88.4 × 8 mm (245 g) | Display: 7.5-inch IPS LCD, 1280×2772, 120Hz | Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7100 |
| OS: Android 16 | Rear Camera: 50 MP Wide, Auxiliary Lens | Front Camera: 16 MP |
| Battery: 7,100 mAh | Storage: 256 GB | 512 GB (8 GB RAM) | Price: €320 |
Best phone for Apple users:
11. Apple iPhone 18 Pro
TrendsPlace Score: 89/100
Hardware & software: 95 • Camera quality: 95 • Battery life: 86 • One-hand comfort: 87 • Value for money: 82
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The iPhone 18 Pro is the choice for users who want Apple’s traditional premium smartphone experience and deep ecosystem integration. It also brings one of the biggest camera changes to the iPhone in years: a 48MP Fusion Main camera with a mechanical variable aperture that can switch between four settings, giving users more control over light and depth of field. The Pro camera system also includes 48MP Ultra Wide and Telephoto cameras, up to 8x optical-quality zoom, second-generation sensor-shift stabilization, and new Pro Controls for adjusting aperture, shutter speed and white balance. Combined with the A20 Pro chip, iOS 27, Apple Intelligence, and a next-generation vapor chamber, it is designed as a powerful centerpiece for an Apple setup. So if you are not into the new foldable iPhone, this is the most obvious choice.
| Best for: Those who need a premium device from Apple’s ecosystem, especially those with a current model being over 4 years old. | Avoid if: You have a device from the last 1-2 years, or prefer a slimmer device like the standard iPhone or Air. |
| Dimensions: 150 × 71.9 × 8.8 mm (211 g) | Display: 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 1206×2622, 120Hz | Chipset: Apple A20 Pro |
| OS: iOS 27 | Rear Camera: 48 MP Wide, 48 MP Periscope Telephoto, 48 MP Ultrawide, LiDAR | Front Camera: 18 MP |
| Battery: 4,056 mAh (Nano-SIM) | 4,288 mAh (eSIM-only) | Storage: 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB | 2 TB | Price: $1,199 |
The ultra-wide foldable phone:
12. Samsung Galaxy Fold8 Ultra
TrendsPlace Score: 84/100
Hardware & software: 95 • Camera quality: 91 • Battery life: 89 • One-hand comfort: 73 • Value for money: 72
The TrendsPlace Score is our editorial assessment based on performance, specifications, independent testing and product comparisons.
The new Galaxy Fold Ultra is for users who want a foldable but don’t want to compromise on the usability of a wide conventional smartphone. Its wider cover-screen design makes typing, browsing and everyday apps feel more natural when the phone is closed, while the large internal display turns it into a miniature tablet when opened. The latest generation also focuses on reducing one of the traditional weaknesses of foldables, with a much less visible crease and a thinner overall design. Add flagship performance, multitasking features and Samsung’s mature foldable software, and the Fold8 Ultra becomes particularly attractive to productivity-focused users who want one device that can serve as both phone and tablet.
| Best for: People who like a book-style foldable for reading news, browsing, watching videos, or playing games on a wider screen. | Avoid if: You prefer a slimmer and more affordable device. |
| Dimensions: 158.4 × 143.2 × 4.1 mm unfolded / 158.4 × 72.8 × 8.9 mm folded (215 g) | Display: 8.0-inch Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 2256×2504, 120Hz | Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| OS: Android 17, One UI 9 | Rear Camera: 200 MP Wide, 10 MP Telephoto, 50 MP Ultrawide | Front Camera: 10 MP + 10 MP Cover Camera |
| Battery: 5,000 mAh | Storage: 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB | Price: $2,099 |
Final Words
While there are hundreds of smartphone models released every year, this cherry-picked selection is based on the best devices from all.
Wonder why some popular phones are not included? Well, here are some models you didn’t see in the list:
iPhone Air – The first generation was released back in 2025, and it is expected to see iPhone Air in March/April 2027, which we hope to get two cameras instead of just one. The current model’s camera limitation is the main reason not to include it in the list.
Huawei Mate XT 2 – The new generation of the trifold smartphone was just released, yet it is not clear if we will see it worldwide and when. And even if it does, its non-Android software is a big No for most people.
OnePlus 15 – After OnePlus announced it’s getting out of Europe and North America, this flagship became really hard to find. And even if you find it, there are still questions about how to support and whether updates will actually be delivered.
We hope you enjoyed this article, and we are looking forward to the upcoming phones releasing in the upcoming months – stay tuned!
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