Unless Apple really does release a foldable iPhone in 2026, it’s relatively straightforward to predict what sort of iPhones we’ll see this year.You can probably expect an iPhone 18, 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, with a potential update to the iPhone Air.Exciting for iPhone fans, but there is far more variety on offer when we look ahead to what the year holds for new Android phones.From Samsung to OnePlus via Motorola and Google, the wonderful world of Android means there are several manufacturers making some of the best phones out there at a price point to suit your needs and budget.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Read more: All WhatsApp users treated to timely free update ahead of New Year’s Eve Read more: New cheap Android phones take the fight to Samsung, Google and OnePlus Whether you want the most capable, feature-filled handset possible or one that ticks every box on a functional level but doesn’t require a loan to purchase, there is something for everyone when it comes to Android phones.As we begin 2026, I’m looking ahead to five exciting Android phones we either know are coming this year or expect to see at some stage.Each promises to push the envelope forward and offer something new, but whether or not they fulfil their promise is another thing.It’s quite difficult to show true year over year upgrades in smartphones nowadays, which is good because you don’t need to upgrade as often, but does somewhat take away from new phone anticipation.Despite that, here are the five Android phones I’m most excited for in 2026, and why, listed in the chronological order I expect them to launch.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTHonor Magic 8 ProHonor has been teasing its flagship Magic 8 Pro since November, so at this stage it looks as though it’ll launch in the UK sometime in January.I was very impressed with the 7 Pro, which had true 3D face unlock (few Android phones do), very capable cameras and thoughtful AI perks where other brands stuff useless tools in for no reason.Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTBut I hope the Magic 8 Pro dials down the AI in the camera.
The 7 Pro had a mode that used AI to fill in (read: make up) details when you zoomed past 30x which I did not enjoy.It spoiled the vibe on an otherwise very capable handset.Honor has the opportunity to push the 8 Pro as a real alternative to the Galaxy Ultra and latest OnePlus handsets if it can strike the right balance - and the right price.
£1,099 for the 7 Pro was unfortunately a tough sell against more familiar names.Xiaomi 17 UltraI loved the cameras on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, so I am very keen to test out the 17 Ultra, which is expected to reach the UK in 2026 (Xiaomi skipped 16 to match the iPhone’s current number).If you want a camera in your pocket that happens to have a phone attached, this is the line to go for.The partnership with Leica and the use of high quality camera sensors paired with outstanding software processing has meant the 15 Ultra is one of the best camera systems ever on a phone.I’m not quite sure how the 17 Ultra can be demonstrably better.
Like the Honor, it’ll probably get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, which will hopefully improve battery life comfortably for two days of use to keep you snapping masterpieces well into the weekend.Google Pixel 10aThough Google will almost certainly release the Pixel 11 series in 2026, I’m more keen to see what it can do with the Pixel 10a.The mid-range A-series has always been of amazing value, and the Pixel 9a was my favourite phone of 2025, especially given it is often on sale for considerably less than its £499 RRP.The Pixel 10a will likely get the Tensor G5 chip that you’ll find in the £1,000+ Pixel 10 Pro line, and the main camera is basically as good as any phone on the market for point-and-shoot satisfaction.Google also performed battery magic with the 9a, a phone I can easily get two days out of before reaching for a charger.
I hope the Pixel 10a stays with its relatively small 6.3-inch screen too.Aside from a telephoto lens, the 10a probably won’t lack anything anyone truly needs in a phone in 2026, with a 120Hz screen, full waterproofing and wireless charging likely to continue from the 9a.Apple's John Ternus shares insight into the new iPhone Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8While I am keen to see how Samsung can reinvent its Galaxy S26 Ultra to be a little more interesting, and while I was very impressed with the svelte Galaxy Z Fold 7 in 2025, the Samsung phone I am most keen to see improve is the Galaxy Z Flip 8.The flip phone foldable has taken a back seat in the last couple of years to headline-grabbing book-style folding phones, but the flip could win my heart this year if Samsung can double down on better battery life.The Z Flip 7 continued the good work of the Flip 6 with a larger cover display so you can run full apps and send messages without flipping it open, but it scaled back the power by opting for an Exynos chip rather than Snapdragon.
Fine, but that needs to come with outstanding battery life in 2026, or the Flip 8 might not make sense if it continues to cost more than £1,000.Tech news, reviews and latest gadgets plus selected offers and competitions Subscribe Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding.
You can unsubscribe at any time.Read our Privacy PolicyGet More of Our News on GoogleSet Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.OnePlus 16OnePlus went rogue and released the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 15 in 2025 (skipping the 14), two outstanding high-end Android phones.
The 15 reinvented the design of the firm’s devices entirely, going with flat screen and flat sides like most of its competitors.But the true upgrade was the battery life - I got three days from a single charge with the OnePlus 15, completely changing how I thought about charging my phone.It’s a true game changer.A shame then that the rest of the phone is a little dull, and the cameras aren’t as impressive as I’d hoped, potentially as the firm no longer works with Hasselblad.
If the OnePlus 16 does make an appearance in 2026, I hope OnePlus can tweak its very good cameras up to great, and it’ll be very hard for me not to recommend the phone as the best out there - especially if it can remain at £849, which is a superb price for the 15 when Samsung still charges £1,249 for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
