Top flagships of August 2026: Experts name the five best smartphones

Experts at Gizmochina have compiled a ranking of the best flagship smartphones for August 2026. The top spot went to Samsung's current flagship, though competition at the high end remains fierce—the top five also includes devices from OPPO, Xiaomi, Google, and Apple.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra – Best Overall

Leading the ranking is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Experts praised it as the most well-rounded flagship of the moment. Among its strengths are a versatile camera, a powerful processor, stylus support, and an unusual display with a privacy feature that blocks viewing from side angles. It was this combination of capabilities that allowed the device to edge out its competitors in the overall score.

OPPO Find X9 Ultra – A Focus on Camera and Design

Second place went to the OPPO Find X9 Ultra. The smartphone stands out for its advanced camera system with extreme zoom capabilities, a distinctive design, and highly performant internals. For those who prioritise photographic capabilities and device aesthetics, this model appears to be one of the most compelling options.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra – The Brand's Best Camera Phone

Experts awarded third place to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The model is positioned as the manufacturer's best current camera phone. It continues the line of Xiaomi's Ultra versions, which place particular emphasis on imaging quality.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and iPhone 17 Pro Max

In fourth place is the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL. Its main advantages are its AI‑powered features—an area in which the Pixel traditionally remains a leader.

Rounding out the top five is the iPhone 17 Pro Max. According to the experts' assessment, this model handles video recording better than any other current flagship.

In Brief

According to Gizmochina, the best flagship of August 2026 is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, thanks to its combination of camera, privacy screen, performance, and stylus support. Second place went to the OPPO Find X9 Ultra with its strong emphasis on camera and design, and third to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL was noted for its AI features, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max was recognised for its video quality.