Number 10: Nexus 6
Update: The new iPhone has been reviewed and makes it into the best smartphone top 10 - but where does it land?
Knowing the best smartphone you can buy right now is more than just a hunch for us. We test out the latest and - sometimes - greatest phones in comprehensive mobile phone reviews.
To drill down to a list of our 10 favorites in the US for 2015, we based the updated rankings on a lot of geeked-out factors: design, performance, battery life and camera quality. iPhone 6S and Samsung Galaxy Note 5 will get the same treatment in September.
Sure, your personal preference among iOS 9, Android Marshmallow and Windows Mobile 10 could sway you to another device besides our top-ranked phone. Likewise, availability via AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile is an outlier. The best phone for AT&T may not be available on-contract on Verizon, and vice-versa.
But that's why we have more than just a No. 1 pick, which, spoiler alert, isn't Apple's iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. We're not that predictable. Before you lock into a binding contract or spring for an expensive unlocked, SIM-free smartphone, consult our best phone guide, updated regularly.
10. Nexus 6
OS: Android 5.1.1 | Screen size: 5.96-inch | Resolution: 1440p | Memory: 3GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB | Battery: 3,220mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 2MP
The biggest smartphone on the list is the Nexus 6 from Google and Motorola. At a whopping 6 inches, it has room to compete with other flagships almost a year later: a Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM, nearly all-day battery life, QuickCharge 2.0 and the latest Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update with the ability to handle the Android M beta right now.
Nexus 6 has a nearly bezel-free display, so the finger-stretching dimensions actually manage to be not too far off the size of the iPhone 6 Plus, which includes Apple's physical home button. The size of the phone is comparable, yet the screen size happens to be much bigger.
Of course, its bumped up cost isn't as budget-friendly at $650 full price - more than double the $300 starting price of the now discontinued Nexus 5. It's $249 through AT&T, but now $199 on-contract through Verizon - while it still has contracts until August 13. Just make sure you can properly hold this two-handed phablet before entering into a binding two-year commitment or opting for the very pricey no contract option.
Nexus 6 review
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Number 9: OnePlus 2
9. OnePlus 2
The 'flagship killer' with a fantastic price sneaks into the top ten again
OS: Android 5.1 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 3GB/4GB | Storage: 16GB/64GB | Battery: 3,300mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MP
The OnePlus One was a brilliant phone in 2014, offering a great price for top end specs - it truly was a bargain phone.
The good news is the One Plus 2 has repeated that trick, upgrading the internals while (mostly) keeping the same low price. Its clever overlay still impresses and the little tweaks (such as audio improvement) work quite nicely.
We would have liked to see some upgrades on the screen front, or NFC for mobile payments, but on the whole the brand has managed to avoid stumbling over the 'tricky second album'.
Full review: OnePlus 2
Number 8: HTC One M9
8. HTC One M9
Not quite up the 5-star standard, but HTC still has the most beautiful phone around
OS: Android 5 | Screen size: 5-inch | Resolution: 1080p | Memory: 3GB | Storage: 32GB |Battery:2840mAh | Rear camera: 20.7MP | Front camera: 4MP
HTC's been used to living at the top of our charts for the last couple of years, and while it's not quite managed it in 2015, it's still a phone with the best build quality out there.
None of the old favorites are missing, so BoomSound enhancement still really turbocharges the audio and the Sense overlay remains one of our favourites, thanks to being sophisticated and really powerful.
The camera has been boosted to 20.7MP, although it doesn't have the impressive snapping power of some of the other phones on the market, and the design language still means this is one of our favourite phones to stick in the pocket.
It's a touch more expensive than before, and doesn't take a huge leap forward from last year's model - but then again, that was nearly perfect, so where was HTC to go?
HTC One M9 review
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Number 7: Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
7. Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
OS: Android 5.1 | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 1440x2560 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB |Battery: 3000mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 5MP
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is one of our favourite phones around at the moment, so when we got our hands on the supersized version we were almost giddy.
And we had good reason to be: the S6 Edge+ is a phone that takes all the great camera prowess, amazing screen and beautiful lines and adds another 20% into the mix.
If you're after a phablet that looks different from the rest (and still lets you do everything you want to on the go) then this is a winner - it's almost perfect.
Full review: Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
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Number 6: iPhone 6S Plus
6. iPhone 6S Plus
Apple's second big screen phone is another stunner
OS: iOS 9 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB/64GB/128GB | Battery: around 2750mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
On one hand, this is just a larger iPhone 6S. That's no bad thing, as that phone is one of the best around at the moment. But this second Apple phablet has a number of elements that make it a great phone in its own right.
The screen is Full HD and really packs some stunning colour reproduction. The camera on the back features optical image stabilisation, which means better low light video and photography.
The iPhone 6S Plus once again has something that's eluded iPhone fans for years: a really good battery, with Apple using that extra space to cram in a few more mAh units.
It's one of the most expensive phones around, and is bettered on spec by a few other phablets - but if you're an Apple fan looking for a 'bigger' experience, this is the phone for you.
Full review: iPhone 6S Plus
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Number 5: LG G4
5. LG G4
Luxury leather on a smartphone that tries to please everyone
OS: Android 5.1 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB |Battery: removable 3,000mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 8MP
LG has tried to focus on what everyone actually wants out of a smartphone, a great looking design, colour rich display and the great camera for photos - but it doesn't quite deliver as impressively as we'd hoped.
Don't let that put you off though. There's a lot going on with the LG G4, and for the most part it's rather positive indeed. The leather back is much nicer than the plastic option, and it will make your phone stand out among the swath of glass and metal offerings.
Its large, expansive screen is one of the best on the market, the 16MP laser auto-focus camera takes some cracking shots and the rear buttons are easier to hit on a handset this size.
As usual, LG has offered us a phone that's got a brilliant spec list at a phenomenally low price - if you're after something a bit different, this is a great choice.
Full review: LG G4
Number 4: Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
4. Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
Curving into the future with impressive specs
OS: Android 5.0.2 | Screen size: 5.1-inch | Resolution: 1440p | Memory: 3GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB/128GB | Battery: 2560mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 5MP
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge has all the power and features of the table-topping S6, but does it with a little extra flair thanks to the curved edges on each side.
They're pretty much aesthetics, as they don't add a huge amount of functionality, but if you're going on looks alone, the S6 Edge has them in spades.
The price is $100 higher though, making it $300 on-contract and $700 for the full price option. That's is why it doesn't join its twin (non-identical) brother at the top of the chart. But if you're after something that's wildly different from anything else, with a great feature set and tip-top camera, this is your best phone choice.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge review
Number 3: Samsung Galaxy Note 5
3. Samsung Galaxy Note 5
As slick as its glass back
Take note of this high-ranking Samsung phablet, because it's the best phone we've tested with a spacious 5.7-inch display. It has the best display on any platform right now.
It ditches the plastic casing and back everyone, but it did make a few key sacrifices along the way. The battery life is no longer swappable, and the microSD card slot is missing.
While some long-time fans are vocal about these two missing features, the Galaxy Note 5 still splitscreen mode and the best camera (tied with the Samsung Galaxy S6 that has the same module).
It's more expensive than other phones, but the inches you get in return may be worth the price you pay for most trusted monitor.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 review
Number 2: iPhone 6
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2. iPhone 6S
Bigger, better, sleeker and faster than the iPhone 6
OS: iOS 9 | Screen size: 4.7-inch | Resolution: 1334 x 750 | RAM: 2GB |Storage:16GB/64GB/128GB |Battery: 1,715mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
What can you say about any new iPhone? Most people are already decided about whether they're going to buy the new model before it's even announced - but that hasn't stopped us giving it a thoroughly good going over.
The good points are the same as usual: a hugely powerful phone, a great camera and the new 3D Touch interface is genuinely useful, and will only continue to get better as time goes on.
The chassis is identical to the previous iPhone 6, which will irk some and might force them to wait for the iPhone 7, but it's still well-designed. The battery life is actually a little shorter (to fit in the motor for the 3D Touch method) and is the the biggest issue with the phone.
That said, it's still a brilliant iPhone, the phone that loads of users are desperate to get their hands on, and Apple's not done any harm at all with this upgraded model.
Full review: iPhone 6S
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Number 1: Samsung Galaxy S6
1. Samsung Galaxy S6
A brilliant phone that shows Samsung still has what it takes
OS: Android 5 | Screen size: 5.1-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | RAM: 3GB |Storage:32GB/64GB/128GB | Battery: 2550mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 5MP
While last year's Galaxy S5 was nothing special, this year Samsung's started from the ground up to make a truly wonderful smartphone.
The camera is superb, the audio and video quality brilliant and the QHD display crammed into the 5.1-inch screen is the sharpest on the market - although it does suck down the battery rather a lot.
The design is finally something we're pleased to hold in our hand, rather than the plastic cheapness of last year, and the refined TouchWiz overlay is a lot nicer to use.
It's actually extended its lead at the top thanks to some amazing price drops - so you can now get the best phone on the market for an incredibly low price these days. A no-brainer.
Shortlisted: for "Best Phone" in the 2015 TechRadar Phone Awards
Full review: Samsung Galaxy S6
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HTC One M8
A stunning phone with very few flaws
OS: Android | Screen size: 5-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB/32GB | Battery: 2,600mAh | Rear camera: 4MP dual | Front camera: 5MP
The HTC One M8 has tumbled dramatically out of the top 10 after holding onto top spot for the best part of a year, so why the demise? Well it's now pretty old compared to the handsets making up the top ten, and there's a new kid on the block in the shape of the One M9.
It's still the same perfectly design handset though, with impressive BoomSound speakers and the short-live, yet innovative Duo Camera on the year - but the One M9 is almost identical, and just a bit better all round.
There's been a small price drop too since the arrival of the One M9, and you certainly won't be getting a poor phone if you choose to pick it up - but for just a bit more you can have its up to date successor. Your call.
HTC One M8 review
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Samsung Galaxy S5
A year old, but still very capable
OS: Android | Screen size: 5.1-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB/32GB |Battery: 2,800mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 2MP
If Samsung's latest duo of flagship devices (the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge) are too rich for your wallet then you can always consider last year's Galaxy S5.
Sure it doesn't have the same premium design as the current generation, but the plastic body means it's dust and water resistant as well as giving you a removable battery and microSD slot - all things not available on the S6 range.
The drop in price also makes the Galaxy S5 more attractive and it's stuffed full of tech and sports a fantastic screen to ensure you still have an enjoyable mobile experience.
Samsung Galaxy S5 review
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Moto X (2014)
OS: Android | Screen size: 5.2-inch | Resolution: 1080p | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GB | Battery: 2,300mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 2MP
Moto X is the most stylish and customizable smartphone within our best of list. That's thanks to Motorola's sophisticated Moto Maker website that made its debut with the Moto X 2013. You can outfit this new 5.2-inch Android device with accent colors and different backs, like leather and wood.
Truth be told, our leather back choice got beat up within a few days, making iPhone 6 Plus' notorious BendGate look pretty by comparison. But the new powerful specs bump held up. Its 2.5Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, enough for a one-handed smartphone.
Motorola's flagship for 2014 is cheaper than its direct rivals, including the better-marketed Samsung Galaxy S6. Add the fact that it has pure Android and the handy infrared-sensing Moto Display on board, and Moto X seems like the ideal combination: fashionable, functional contract-free if the right deal is found.
Just be warned, it's about to be replaced by the newly announced Moto X Style with a better camera and larger 5.7-inch display. Some people like the smaller display, but no one likes the old, inferior camera. Chose wisely in September.
Moto X 2014 review
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Nokia Lumia 930
Hey Nokia, (now Microsoft), nice flagship phone!
OS: Windows Phone | Screen size: 5-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 32GB |Battery: 2,420mAh | Rear camera: 20MP | Front camera: 1.2MP
The Lumia 930 does lack compared to the competition, but only in a couple of areas. Windows Phone is still a sub-par operating system for most people, thanks to the poorer apps and lower amount of control. But then again, for a lot of people the improved Office functionality and simple interface is a boon.
It's strong in both design and power, although a little last-gen on the latter element, and coupled with a very capable camera, is a phone that's easy to recommend to those looking for something different.
Windows Phone aside, there's a great deal on show here to make this a top-rated smartphone. The build quality is excellent and iconic, and the camera is powerful and results in mostly great snaps. We like that 32GB is on offer as the base model, and wireless charging built in is perfect.
This is your best Windows Phone option while we wait for the newly renamed Windows 10 Mobile to launch later this year, likely in November.
Nokia Lumia 930 review
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OnePlus One
OS: Android | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1080p | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 16GB/64GB | Battery: 3,100mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MP
OnePlus One was the surprise smartphone of 2014 thanks to the Chinese manufacturer that no one had ever heard of a few months ago. It's fast, large and, importantly, inexpensive.
It has super-customizable software, derived from the popular CyanogenMod, is backed up by still-powerful specs: a 5.5-inch 1080p display, a 2.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of LPDDR3 RAM and a healthy 3100 mAh Li-Po.
There's no microSD card slot or removable battery, and the 13-megapixel camera quality finishes in the middle of the pack with the same "pretty good" sensor as the new Nexus 6. That's okay. At $300 unlocked, it's more than half of the starting price of Google's new 6-inch smartphone that is a more serious $650 without a contract.
That's a good deal, if you can't wait for the now-delayed One Plus Two launch at the end of the month, or if you can't snag one of those hard-to-come-by invites for the new edition.
OnePlus One review
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iPhone 5S
Perfect for fans of the smaller screen size
OS: iOS | Screen size: 4-inch | Resolution: 1136 x 640 | RAM: 1GB | Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GB |Battery: 1,560mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 1.2MP
Remember this? After the furore with the iPhone 6, it's easy to forget that the Apple iPhone 5S is still alive and kicking at a discounted price of $100 on contract and $550 with no contract.
It's still a bit expensive, but that said it's sucked down the iOS 8 software pretty well, and is still pushing on as a decent option for a slightly cheaper iPhone, especially if you like the smaller sized screen.
Plus, you can use it with the Apple Watch and pay for things on the go using the cunningly named Apple Pay - although for some reason Touch ID won't be enabled to work online, where it will be for the iPad Air 2 and friends.
iPhone 5S review
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BlackBerry Classic
Physical keyboards FTW, right?
OS: BlackBerry 10 | Screen size: 3.5-inch | Resolution: 720 x 720 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB |Battery: 2,515mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 2MP
Come again? BlackBerry is still going? Well yes it is, and in the past year it's launched both the Passportand the Classic.
They certainly won't be to many people's taste, but those unable to drag themselves away from a physical keyboard on their phone have the Classic to fall back on.
It takes the best bits of design from the firm's much loved Bold series and brings them into the 21st Century with the BB10 operating system and improved specs. Great for those always emailing and messaging on the go, just don't try and play games or watch movies on its 4:3 display.
BlackBerry Classic review
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