Best phone in the US for 2017: the 10 top smartphones we've tested

Update: New best phone entries in the US are here, and the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus deliver a big shake-up to the top of the list. See where they land in among the top 10 smartphones in the US.

Knowing the best smartphone you can buy in 2017 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 this year, we based today's updated rankings on a lot of geeked-out factors: design, performance, battery life, camera quality and software updates.

Sure, your personal preference among iOS 10, Android Nougat and Windows Mobile 10 could sway you to another device besides our top-ranked phone. So may iOS 11 and Android O in the future. Likewise, your contract with AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile is a personal preference. 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 just Apple's iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 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.

• Find a good deal with TechRadar: mobile phone deals

After the success of the HTC One M8, the world wondered if time was up for HTC after it didn't really ignite the smartphone game with the One M9.

Well, that's not the case as the brand went away, made a beautiful phone that's 'sculpted by light', added in a genuinely impressive camera and improved the battery life.

But that's not the best bit - that comes when you plug headphones into this thing. It's sensational - can this thing pump beautiful, Hi-Res Audio into your ears or what? It's sensational.

For that reason alone it's worth a place in the top ten, and the myriad other improvements impress equally.

Read the full review: HTC 10

• What's next? We haven't seen an HTC 11 yet, but the company did launch a big upgrade by the way of the HTC U Ultra, which we gave 3.5/5 stars. Sadly, it's not available on contract and, so far, remains costly.

Also consider: We'd suggest having a gander at the LG G5 if you fancy an 'underdog' brand that can still make it big... great camera and some fancy innovation on offer there. The HTC Bolt is a more budget-friendly alternative in the US, too, at least if you're a Sprint customer.

The OnePlus 3T was a surprising upgrade, offering a slight change in the specs designed to 'listen to the fans' that want more power - and given this is a small brand, it's experimenting with a mid-season change.

It's still got the same beautiful all-metal design, the same 5.5-inch AMOLED display that's bright and vibrant and the fingerprint scanner is still lightning fast - all the main specs are there, and it's only the upgraded chipset and battery that make the biggest difference.

The lack of a microSD card, and a battery which only lasts around a day may put some off, but considering the price you're paying the OnePlus is good value for money, despite a price hike over the OnePlus 3.

If you're desperate for a high-end phone, but don't have the money to stretch that far, the OnePlus 3T will make you rather happy.

Read the full review: OnePlus 3T

• What's next? It looks like the OnePlus 4 is set for a raft of changes, from a dual lens camera to a sharper QHD screen - as well as a new glass display. But it may be a while before we see it launch considering the recent OnePlus 3T upgrade.

Also consider: If OnePlus isn't doing it for you, then check out the Moto G4 Plus which has slightly less power, but a still very strong feature set.

The most surprising smartphone on our best phones list is the ZTE Axon 7, which blends a sophisticated metal design with an equally attractive price. It's also feature-packed with awesome-sounding front-facing speakers, generous 64GB of internal storage and the same Snapdragon 820 and 4GB of RAM chipset used by its pricier rivals.

You're going to be hard-pressed with find a better value for a mid-range phone. The OnePlus 3 comes close, but lacks a microSD card slot and the screen is 1080p. The Huawei Honor 8 has the microSD card slot, but its screen is 1080p and smaller at 5.2 inches.

The Axon 7 really shines with its Samsung-challenging AMOLED display. Be warned, at 5.5 inches and with a full metal body around it, this phone is slippery. It also doesn't work with Verizon and Sprint just yet, despite having all of the necessary GSM and CDMA bands ready to go.

Full review: ZTE Axon 7

• What's next? Think you can wait it out for the ZTE Axon 8 or ZTE Axon 9? Well, the Chinese phone maker isn't beholden to annual phone launch schedules (we've seen them launch refreshes both sooner and later in some instances). We're also smitten with this unlocked dual-SIM device in case you're hungry for a phone right now. The fact that a $499 phone can play with Apple, Motorola and Samsung on this list says a lot.

Also consider: Moto Z Play isn't nearly as stylish as the ZTE Axon 7, but it has killer two-day battery life for the same exact price. It trades in dual front-facing speakers for MotoMods, which are accessories that attach to the back of the phone with magnets. Who doesn't need an instant boom box speaker or pico projector on the go? 

The Moto Z is an incredibly thin smartphone that sets a new record at 5.19 in so-called "thickness," but you shouldn't want it to stay that thin. This is a modular smartphone, allowing you to clip on game-changing accessories onto its back thanks to built-in magnets.

All of sudden, your otherwise flat Motorola phone doubles as a mini boom box, a real camera or even a pico projector. It can also double in battery life with a stylish juice pack. MotoMods really transform the design and functionality of your phone, and there are more to come. We also like Moto Z's intelligent fingerprint sensor. It not only turns on and unlocks the screen, it also puts it to sleep and locks it up with a second press. What's not here is a 3.5mm headphone jack that requires you to use an included adapter for hardwired audio, and that's a dealbreaker for some people.

Full review: Moto Z

• What's next? The Moto Z 2nd generation is almost certainly going to expand on the modular accessories in 2017. We haven't heard much about a Moto Z2, but we're expecting to a new phone sometime in the late summer, if the company keeps to an annual release cycle.

Also consider: The Moto Z Force is a US-only Verizon exclusive that has extra thickness, but a shatter-resistant screen and extra battery life. Both phones work with all of the same MotoMods, too.

Google Pixel XL is the Android maker's new phablet-sized phone, and it ditched the old Nexus branding for two reasons: it's debuts specs instead of using six-month-old parts like the previous Nexus phones, and it's far more expensive.

This top-of-the-line Android Nougat phone has a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, fast Snapdragon 821 chipset and support for Google Daydream View. Google's VR headset makes this phone's high-resolution screen the primary reason to opt for the bigger sized phone over the smaller 1080p Google Pixel.

Google's latest Android software is a joy to use, with smooth, slick performance and a clutter free design. Fire up the camera app and the 12MP rear shooter is one of the best around, while a fingerprint scanner keep yours phone secure.

Minor weak points are no always-on display, not having a waterproof design and a lack of front-facing stereo speakers. But they don't stop the Pixel XL from being an excellent flagship phablet.

Read the full review: Google Pixel XL

• What's next? The Google Pixel 2 is bound to right many of the wrongs that kept the first phone from being perfect. Namely, it should be waterproof and include stereo speakers. It may also include a third, bigger size, according to the latest rumors. But everything appears to be happening in October, far enough away to considering the original Pixel.

Also consider: How about the smaller Google Pixel? The 5-inch handset also features in our top ten, and if a smaller screen (and smaller price tag) takes your fancy then you're in luck. It retains the excellent power, camera and Android interface from the XL, in a more palm-friendly package.

The Google Pixel is an excellent flagship phone that's only let down by mediocre battery life and the still-developing Assistant. If you can stomach the price point, the Pixel is a breath of fresh Google air in a world of Android over-complication. 

The 12MP camera on the back is one of the best on the market, while the clean, fresh Android Nougat interface is a joy to use.

There's heaps of power under the hood making it perfect for gaming and multi-tasking, while the bright, colorful screen provides an excellent viewing experience for your movies and TV shows.

It may not be the most attractive handset on the market, and it's far from ugly. What you can be sure of is a lot of bang for your buck.

Read the full review: Google Pixel review

Also consider: Like what you see, but need more screen real estate? You you'll want the Google Pixel XL - the 5.5-inch brother of the Pixel which boasts an eye-popping QHD (that's 2K) resolution. But, warning, it's more expensive.

If you want a really, really big phone running Android, this is it. It's the 6.2-inch, plus-sized version of our favorite phone, the 5.8-inch Samsung Galaxy S8.

Samsung built its 2017 flagship handsets with elongated screens that wipe away the needless bezel and physical home button and give you a more immersive display. You also have the fastest specs, a great camera and slick software this the S8 Plus.

You're going to have to learn to hold a big phone, but luckily, it's not much larger than the S7 Edge or the ill-fated Note 7. Making the screen bigger without making the phone much bigger is one of Samsung's many tricks here, and it's why this phone is near the top. It'd be even higher if it weren't for the price and the terribly placed rear fingerprint sensor.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus

The new iPhone isn't the phone that many will have been waiting for, as it comes with a similar look and feel to previous models.

That doesn't mean it's a bad phone, far from it in fact with a power boost under the hood, water resistant and a decent camera upgrade making a difference.

There's no point upgrading from the 6S to 7, but if you're currently using an iPhone 6 or older then the jump to the 7 is a good one.

Read the full review: iPhone 7

• What's next? The iPhone 8 release date, of course, and it's expected to launch in September with iOS 11. At least, that's what Apple's launch history has taught us. Being the tenth anniversary of the phone, we expect big changes, like a curved display and OLED option.

• Compare and filter: See all the best iPhone 7 deals

Also consider: If you want to save yourself a bit of money then the iPhone 6S is still an excellent smartphone. It looks identical to the 7, also runs iOS 10 and has the benefit of still having a headphone jack. Those wanting something a bit bigger should look at the iPhone 7 Plus – the best iPhone currently around.

The iPhone 7 Plus is the best iPhone available right now, giving you a whole heap of power, water resistant body, not one, but two cameras on the back and super slick performance.

It does use the same design as previous handsets, and Apple's removed the headphone jack and upped the price - but if your pockets are deep and headphones wireless you'll love the 7 Plus.

The camera is a big improvement on the 6S Plus, and it'll only get better once Apple rolls out its depth-of-field feature later this year.

Full review: iPhone 7 Plus

• What's next? Apple's true flagship for 2017 is going to be the iPhone 8 Plus, which should be unveiled in early September. It's due to premier iOS 11 and there may be a flavor with a gently curved OLED screen that changes up Apple's style completely.

Also consider: The standard iPhone 7 is very good too, with a more manageable form factor and lower price point it's the phone that's likely to appeal to a wider audience - but for those looking for Apple perfection it has to be the 7 Plus.

No surprise, the curved Samsung Galaxy S8 is our best phone, but this year Samsung flagship has a new, longer display that grown in size. It's now a ridiculous 5.8 inches.

What's remarkable here is that the phone's dimensions haven't changed very much. Instead, Samsung got rid of the top and bottom bezel and the physical home button. 

We did have issues adjusting to the fingerprint sensor and its Face Unlock and Iris Scanner alternatives aren't much better. Bixby, Samsung's highly touted voice assistant is also a no-show.

However, for the few missteps from Samsung, this phone is superb. It has an excellent camera, fast new chipset and good battery life. Just be prepared to spend more than $700 on Samsung's new best.

Full review: Samsung Galaxy S8

Apple's iPhone SE ranks at Number 10 mainly because there are so many other top-notch phones, but also because it has a tired design, screen that's several years old and a display size that's too small to get sucked into apps and movies on the move.

That said, it's one of very few high-end smartphones you can use one-handed and its iOS 10 operating system remains slick and easy to use. It won't be for everyone, but for those who dislike the supersized phones of today the iPhone SE is a top performer on a miniature scale.

Remember, the SE has the same power, same camera and same software as Apple's best iPhone, the iPhone 6S. It just happens to be in a size you can easily pocket and at a reasonable (for an iPhone) price: $400 unlocked and $50 on contract among US carriers.

Read the full review: iPhone SE

Also consider: Want a cheaper iPhone but find the iPhone SE just too small? Apple's still selling the original iPhone 7, with a 4.7-inch display, sleeker metal body and the same version of iOS. It's a bit more expensive, but you do get a bigger screen.

Nexus 6P

Google goes again for a phablet, and it's a corker

OS: Android Nougat | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB/128GB | Battery: 3,450mAh | Rear camera: 12.3MP | Front camera: 8MP

Google and Huawei teamed up to make the Nexus 6P, and it's really the best smartphone from either company and a relief over Motorola's Nexus 6 from a year prior.

It has a vivid quad HD 5.7-inch display that's much more manageable in two hands and sometimes one. And yet while the Nexus 6P is easier to hold, it remains tall and just enough for watching movies and browsing the web.

You won't be hungry for Android updates with this phone either. It's currently running the latest version ofAndroid Marshmallow and can beta test Android N Developer Preview. You'll also be more secure thanks to its well-placed fingerprint scanner on the back - which is both quick and accurate.

What keeps the Nexus 6P on the list and also from ranking higher is its price. It's a steal at $499 in the US for an unlocked phone. Problem is, you won't find it subsidized by any carriers. We also found the camera to be fantastic for a Nexus phone, but not as sharp as photos taken by Samsung handsets.

Full review: Nexus 6P

Also consider: If you're after a Nexus phone, you're thinking about getting the latest version of Android in a smartphone - and you can get that in the Nexus 5X too. It's cheaper, and not as powerful in some ways, but it's cheaper and more palm-friendly.

LG G5

Mods are best innovation in a smartphone we've seen

OS: Android Nougat | Screen size: 5.3-inch | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB | Battery: removable 2,800mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 8MP

This is a phone that's designed to fall apart - well, come apart at least. You see, in addition to the clever dual camera, there's a clip at the bottom that lets you remove and swap out the battery - like old times (i.e. 2014 for Samsung fans).

That's good news because many new phones lack a removable power pack, and this one actually goes beyond that with new modules. Attach an Hi-Fi audio module for better speakers or a battery-infused camera grip to take almost as many vacation photos as you want.

There's just one problem: The B&O audio module to make it to the US, so we got exactly one module... of two that exist. The idea certainly didn't pan out, but it's another 'alternative' phone from LG, and we're big fans companies spicing up the old design, especially at $99 on contract if you shop well enough.

Also consider: The older LG G4 isn't a million miles away from this phone in terms of specs, and it's a cheaper now. It doesn't have the attractive metal body, but if you can rustle up the leather variant you're getting an absolute steal of a smartphone.

Microsoft Lumia 950

The beginning of a smartphone revolution?

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

Maybe you're bored of the iPhone. Perhaps Android just doesn't do it for you. Maybe you're just wondering if there's something different out there? Well, Windows Phone 10 on the Lumia 950 will intrigue you. It can offer a PC-like experience by extending out to a larger monitor, and the camera is pretty strong.

However, there's one issue: apps. Or the lack thereof - and when combined with the slightly plastic design, it fails to trouble the top 10. However, it's a legitimate choice and easily one of the most impressive Windows Phones ever.

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