Best phone 2016: the 3 top smartphones we've tested

10: iPhone SE

Update: We've got another two phones landing in the best phones in the world list - the LG G5 and the HTC 10. Both snappily-monikered phones offer some appealing specs and genuine innovation - but are either of them good enough to topple the might of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge?

• If you're just here to see how good the iPhone is compared to the rest, then perhaps you'd be more interested in our best iPhone list
• Or if you couldn't care less what Apple is doing with its handsets but love Google's OS, then ourbest Android phone round up is right up your street.

So we're well into 2016, and the big phones have mostly arrived. The LG G5 joins theSamsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge in our list of, frankly, amazing smartphones - and now the HTC 10 has joined the party along with the iPhone SE.

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' - it's not quite top ten material, but for the price it's a decimatingly good smartphone.

HTC One M9

Beautiful design - as always from HTC - but not quite as good as the M8

OS: Android 6 | Screen size: 5-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB |Battery: 2,840mAh | Rear camera: 20MP | Front camera: 4MP

The HTC One M9 is no longer in our top list of phones, but that doesn't mean it's not a stunning device with loads of great features.

For one, it's still got some of the best construction we've ever seen on a phone - it's jewellery-grade, according to HTC, and we're largely inclined to agree.

The screen is still clear and crisp, and while the rear camera isn't as innovative as the dual-sensored One M8, the front facing affair takes some superb selfies.

Available for a lot less cash nowadays, the HTC One M9 is still a decent buy.

iPhone 6

Perfect for fans of the smaller screen size

OS: iOS 9.1 | Screen size: 4.7-inch | Resolution: 750 x 1334 | RAM: 1GB | Storage:16GB/64GB/128GB |Battery: 1810 mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 1.2MP

After the iPhone 6S launched, you'd be forgiven for forgetting that the iPhone 6 even exists. But it's right there - looking identical to the 6S and still packing loads of tech that makes iPhones, well, iPhones.

It's still a bit expensive, but that said it's sucked down the iOS 9.1 software pretty well, and is still pushing on as a decent option for a cheaper iPhone, especially if you're not bothered about tricks like the 3D Touch screen.

Plus, you can use it with the Apple Watch and pay for things on the go using the cunningly named Apple Pay - and with improved camera optics and a better battery compared to the predecessor, this is still one hell of a nifty phone.

The 10 Best Smartphones

 

Samsung Galaxy S7

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

HTC 10

Apple iPhone 6s

LG G5

Google Nexus 6P

Lenovo Moto G4

OnePlus 2

Vodafone Smart Prime 7

Apple iPhone SE

samsung Galaxy J7

With brighter cameras, let every shot be picture perfect

Both the cameras (front & rear) on Galaxy J7 (2016) come with f1.9 apperture. This means you can capture clearer pictures even in low light conditions. With the Quick Launch feature, you will never miss out on a beautiful moment. And with a host of other features that will enhance your pictures, you can take your selfies to the next level.

With Advanced Processor & Ultra Power Saving mode, experience the best performance.

With the large 2GB RAM in the Galaxy J7 (2016), you can now multitask better and navigate faster at 4G speed. What’s more, in case your phone’s battery is running low, all you have to do is simply activate the Ultra Power Saving mode. It helps reduce power consumption by allowing access to only necessary applications so that you can use your phone for longer.

With Ultra Data Saving Mode, save 4G data usage up to 50%*

Galaxy J7 (2016) is equipped with the Ultra Data Saving Mode. By compressing data and restricting background applications from consuming unnecessary data, it saves your 4G data usage up to 50%*.

With the latest Android™ 6.0 Marshmallow, pick up the pace

Galaxy J7 (2016) comes with the latest Android™ 6.0 Marshmallow. With a wealth of new features, it not only helps your device to perform seamlessly but also complements its premium look.

Best smartphones of 2016: The best mobile phones to buy right now

There's an enormous breadth of choice in today's smartphone market – and it's growing all the time. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to the best mobile phones of 2016. From mid-range stunners to the finest flagship smartphones, you're bound to find something here that will hit the spot.

Best smartphones of 2016: 

1. Google Nexus 6P

Price when reviewed: £449 inc VAT, 16GB, SIM free; from free on a £27.50/mth, 24mth contract

Screen	Camera	Processor	Storage	Battery
5.7in 1,440 x 2,560	12MP 8MP	Snapdragon 810 3GB RAM	32/64/128GB No microSD	3,450mAh Non-removable

Everyone had high hopes for the new Nexus phones, and it's fair to say that Huawei delivered on its side of the bargain. Tasked with creating Google's new big-screened phone, it served up the Nexus 6P – a stylish, speedy phone with a long list of talents.

Where to start? There's a pair of superb cameras, great software, impressive battery life and a big, sharp, colourful 5.7in display which is protected by a burly layer of Gorilla Glass 4. You can choose between 32, 64 or 128GB models, and the only thing that'll bother some people is the decision to not include a microSD slot – well, that and the decision to opt for a USB-C charging port. Leave your charging cable at home, and you may end up cursing Huawei's insistence on using the latest USB connector.