Want to ensure you're wielding the best around for your budget? The Galaxy S7 is the best phone under $700, when you factor in performance, size, camera quality, and battery life.
Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy S7
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The Galaxy S7 is the best version of Samsung's flagship yet. It's equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 3,000mAh battery pack. Its 12-megapixel rear-facing Dual Pixel camera is particularly impressive, and you'll appreciate its performance in low light.
Of course, as is the case with most versions of Android that aren't directly developed by Google, Samsung's version of Android is polarizing. The newly dubbed Grace UI offers some helpful features, but the extra software that comes bundled is redundant. At the very least, you can disable and hide any apps you don't care for.
Bottom line: If you're buying a flagship, get the one that's the best around. That's the Samsung Galaxy S7.
One more thing: If the GS7's 5.1-inch display is too small for your liking, consider the Galaxy S7 Edge for its bigger screen and curved edges. The S7 Active is also a viable choice if you're a rugged outdoor person and an AT&T subscriber. And of course, Samsung offers an unlocked model that also works overseas.
Why the Galaxy S7 is the best
Style, performance, and polish in one little smartphone.
Haven't we done enough to convince you that Samsung's Galaxy S7 is worth your dollar bills? Everything you could need from a smartphone is right here.
This flagship device boasts powerful internal components, a water resistant metal and glass chassis, an expansion slot, a front-facing fingerprint scanner, and a variety of mobile payment and wireless charging options. It's also equipped with one of the best rear-facing smartphone cameras — it's capable enough that you'll never fret about leaving your camera at home.
Best "Not Samsung" phone
HTC 10
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Give HTC a chance, won't you? The fashionable HTC 10 features an aluminum unibody chassis and a 5.2-inch Quad HD display. It's equipped with a high performing Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 12-megapixel rear-facing UltraPixel 2 camera, as well as a 5-megapixel front-facing camera with OIS. The HTC 10 also offers BoomSound Hi-Fi, which the company worked on in conjunction with Dolby, and there's an amp built in to the headphone jack. You might even like HTC's modern take on stock Android.
Bottom line: The HTC 10 is a great flagship alternative for anyone looking for stylish performance from a longtime Android player.
One more thing: The HTC 10 does not have water resistance like Samsung's devices, but HTC does offer Uh Oh Protection, which covers broken screens, water damage, and even switching carriers.
Best for customizing
Moto Z
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It's always fun with a manufacturer tries something different. Motorola's trying out the modular smartphone thing with its Moto Z flagship. This svelte smartphone is an absolute sight to see: It's one of the prettiest phones on the market and is incredibly thin. Inside, it boasts a Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 2600mAh battery. It also has a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera.
If you're aching for features like more battery life or true-to-form optical zoom, you can invest in any of the Moto Z's modular accessories. For instance, there's a variety of power packs you can purchase for extra battery life, or you can buy the Hasselblad True Zoom for better smartphone photography.
Bottom line: The Moto Z is a worthy considering for anyone who wants a razor thin smartphone—or who believes modularity is the future of mobile devices.
One more thing: You can choose between the Moto Z Force if you're a Verizon subscriber and you're looking for a better camera sensor and a bigger battery, or the mid-range Moto Z Play if you're looking for something a little cheaper and a bit more basic. Both phones are compatible with Motorola's Moto Mods accessories.
Best for photos and video
LG V20
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At the time of publishing this, the LG V20 is still not available for sale in the U.S. Regardless, we're eagerly awaiting its arrival because its specifications are quite impressive. Inside, it's on par with the other flagships out right now, but LG also equipped its content creation device with a dual 16-megapixel rear-facing camera and 8-megapixel camera for wide-angle shots. Additionally, the V20 offers Hi-Fi audio compatibility, manual video and camera controls, and a cool looking metal body with removable back cover and battery pack—that's a rarity in this day in age.
Bottom line: If you're obsessed with making videos and Snapchatting every bit of your life, the LG V20 is the perfect high-end device for doing so.
One more thing: We're still not sure when it's hitting the U.S., but you can read all about it.
Conclusion
The Galaxy S7 impressed us so much this year that now, six months later, it's still the best phone in its price range. While it can be argued that the Galaxy S7 edge and Note 7 are superior in substantive ways, you're not going to get better value than the S7 proper at $649.
Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy S7
See at AT&T
See at Sprint
See at T-Mobile
See at Verizon
See at Amazon
The Galaxy S7 is the best version of Samsung's flagship yet. It's equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 3000mAh battery pack. Its 12-megapixel rear-facing Dual Pixel camera is particularly impressive, and you'll appreciate its performance in low light.
Of course, as is the case with most versions of Android that aren't directly developed by Google, Samsung's version of Android is polarizing. The newly dubbed Grace UI offers some helpful features, but the extra software that comes bundled is redundant. At the very least, you can disable and hide any apps you don't care for.
Bottom line: If you're buying a flagship, get the one that's the best around. That's the Samsung Galaxy S7.
One more thing: If the GS7's 5.1-inch display is too small for your liking, consider the Galaxy S7 Edge for its bigger screen and curved edges. The S7 Active is also a viable choice if you're a rugged outdoor person and an AT&T subscriber. And of course, Samsung offers an unlocked model that also works overseas.