Update: The Google Pixel and Pixel XL have made it into our 10 best phones list - bringing a clean, fuss-free Android experience, excellent cameras and a whole heap of power with them.
The end of 2016 is coming into view, and pretty all the big phones of the year have launched. The latest arrivals are Google's newest offerings, the Pixel and Pixel XL.
They join the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, LG G5 and HTC 10 in our list of, frankly, amazing smartphones.
Here TechRadar we check out every phone under the sun, putting the ones that matter through our rigorously vigorous testing process to create our in-depth mobile phone reviews.
With so many to choose from, we've spent hours whittling them down to a top ten, taking into account the power, specs, design and, most importantly, value for money, although we'll always point you in the direction of the latest handsets to help you find the best smartphone (and if the price is too high, check out our list of the best cheap handsets that won't cost you more than £200).
After all, nobody wants to be carting around a phone that won't be getting any updates in a year's time, right?
So whether it's one of the many slick Android handsets or the latest iPhone (although we do keep an eye on the best Windows Phone and BlackBerry devices) we've got the best of the best listed here, in our rankings for the best smartphones around, currently available in the UK.
- Already know your favourite kind of phone? Then check out our best iPhone or best Android phone round up
- Not fussed with what's below but not sure how long to wait for the next big hitters? Try our well-stocked iPhone 8 release date or Samsung Galaxy S8 release date pages to help you out.
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10. Google Pixel XL
A perfectly palm-friendly phone
Weight: 168g | Dimensions: 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5mm | OS: Android 7.1 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 pixels | CPU: Snapdragon 821 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32/128GB | Battery: 3450mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 8MP
Google's new phablet sports a new name (it's ditched Nexus for Pixel), a top notch QHD display and a whole heap of power under the hood.
That makes it great for VR - keep an eye out for the Google Daydream View headset coming soon - while also making it a strong all round performer.
On screen and 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 battery life, design and the lack of waterproofing - but they don't stop the Pixel XL from being an excellent flagship phablet.
Read the full review: Google Pixel XL
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.
