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This wave of new phones in 2026 is indeed quite interesting. I’ve been handling several new models recently, including those from Honor, Motorola, and Xiaomi. To be honest, the overall direction this year is starting to change; it’s no longer just about piling on specs.

Some changes are immediately noticeable to the naked eye, such as the increasingly narrow screen bezels, which create a stronger visual impact; the imaging technology is also moving towards more extreme directions, with both large sensors and telephoto lenses being significantly upgraded. Overall, this generation of products is not just about better specifications, but is gradually focusing on improving the “experience.”

Some designs are even exploring how mobile phones should evolve in the next stage, such as more radical form factors or more AI-driven functions. Anyway, I’ve already given a thumbs up to a few of them.

Best overall performance: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

If you’re choosing a foldable phone based on “overall experience,” the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is indeed quite competitive. Its first impression isn’t about exaggerated specifications, but rather its high level of overall refinement. The body is very thin, and the unfolding and folding motions feel natural, without any noticeable “folding sensation.”

Its imaging capabilities are actually a pleasant surprise. Foldable screens usually compromise on photography to some extent, but this device performs much better, with good overall image stability, making it stand out among similar devices.

In terms of durability, it performs quite well, supporting IP48 level protection. The outer screen is a 6.5-inch panel, and compared to ordinary glass, it is more reassuring in terms of scratch and impact resistance.

Another interesting point is its support for a stylus, which, combined with the large 8-inch internal screen, makes it feel more like a tablet.

Overall, this phone has a clear design philosophy: it doesn’t focus on any one aspect being particularly extreme, but rather strives to elevate the experience of every aspect to a relatively high level. If you want a foldable screen phone with “no obvious weaknesses,” it’s a fairly reliable choice.

Best choice for photography: Xiaomi 17 Ultra

If we only consider its photography capabilities, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra actually goes a bit overboard. Calling it a phone is almost an understatement; it’s more like a complete imaging system crammed into a phone. The collaboration with Leica remains one of its core selling points, with Leica involved in everything from lens design to imaging style.

The specific configuration is straightforward, without too many fancy features; it simply pushes the limits available. The main camera, ultra-wide-angle lens, and front camera are all 50MP, plus a 200MP telephoto lens for long-distance shooting. Video capabilities aren’t lacking either, supporting 8K 30fps and 4K 60fps Dolby Vision. This level of specification is basically approaching professional-grade equipment. If you frequently shoot videos, this area offers a lot of potential for experimentation.

The screen is a large 6.9-inch display with a resolution of 2608×1200, offering a crisp and clear image with high brightness, making it easily visible even outdoors. Performance-wise, it’s equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 8 processor and up to 16GB of RAM, handling most tasks without any issues. Storage options include 512GB and 1TB, catering to heavy users.

In terms of battery life, Xiaomi has equipped it with a 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery, which is one of the more aggressive solutions currently available. In actual use, it will last longer than traditional batteries. The system is based on Android 16 and incorporates Xiaomi’s own AI features, resulting in a smooth and intelligent overall experience.

Simply put, this phone’s target market is very clear—it’s not made for everyone, but for those who genuinely care about photography and even use their phones as tools. If you’re not usually that sensitive to image quality, you might not feel its advantages much; but if you enjoy taking photos, this phone definitely has something special.

Best zoom experience: vivo X300

If you usually enjoy shooting distant landscapes or are particularly interested in zoom capabilities, then the vivo X300 is definitely worth considering. Its approach is straightforward: to delve deeper and more deeply into telephoto photography, rather than simply offering a “good enough” experience.

The core sensor remains the 200-megapixel telephoto sensor, which boasts high resolution. When combined with external lenses, the possibilities for zoom and zoom capabilities expand dramatically. For example, the telephoto extension lens developed in collaboration with Zeiss achieves an equivalent focal length of 400mm, which goes beyond the scope of ordinary mobile phone photography and approaches the level of professional equipment. In practice, this combination can achieve approximately 8x optical zoom.

Besides the lens itself, this phone also features some “professional” designs in terms of shooting experience. For example, it has a dedicated camera cage with SmallRig, allowing for the connection of external devices such as flash and microphone, making its usage almost like a camera. The phone also has a dedicated shutter button and zoom dial, making operation more convenient and eliminating the need for relying entirely on the touchscreen.

Even heat dissipation has been taken into account; it reportedly has a dedicated piezoelectric fan structure inside to ensure stable output during long video recording sessions or high-load use. Furthermore, it supports the ACES color system, which will be more convenient for video creators who need to perform post-production color grading.

Overall, the vivo X300 feels more like an “imaging tool” phone, especially in terms of zoom, which is clearly pushed to the limit. If you only take everyday photos, you might not need these capabilities; however, if you need telephoto shooting or video creation, this phone is definitely more interesting than ordinary flagship phones.

Best foldable screen choice: Honor Magic V6

If you prioritize a “lightweight and slim feel,” then the Honor Magic V6 is definitely worth considering. Its first impression is straightforward—it doesn’t feel like a traditional foldable screen; it’s more like a “slimmed-down” flagship. In its folded state, it’s approximately 8.75mm thick, and when unfolded, it’s only 4.4mm. This thickness is quite impressive for a foldable screen, and it won’t feel bulky in your hand.

Moreover, it’s not just thin; it also boasts high durability. Supporting IP68 and IP69 protection means it’s not only waterproof but can also withstand a certain level of water impact, which is quite rare for foldable screens. Combined with its 6660mAh silicon-carbon battery, its battery life is more impressive than many similar models, and 80W wired charging can quickly replenish the battery.

The screen experience is also quite balanced. The external screen is 6.52 inches, and its performance is not much different from that of a regular mobile phone; when unfolded, it becomes a large 7.95-inch screen, offering a significantly stronger visual impact. Both screens support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth operation. Brightness is also ample, with the external screen reaching a maximum of 6000 nits and the internal screen around 5000 nits, so visibility outdoors is generally not a concern.

In terms of performance, it takes a solid, reliable approach, with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and 16GB of RAM, handling everyday use and heavy workloads with ease. Connectivity options are also quite comprehensive. The imaging capabilities aren’t particularly extreme, but they’re sufficient. The 50MP main camera paired with a 64MP telephoto lens and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens forms a well-balanced setup that won’t hinder everyday photography. However, its focus is clearly not on image quality, but rather on the overall user experience.

To be honest, the most appealing aspect of this phone is its feel in hand. With many foldable phones, you can immediately tell it’s foldable the moment you pick it up, but the Magic V6 doesn’t. It feels more like a large-screen phone that’s been made very light and thin. If you want a foldable phone but don’t want to sacrifice your daily user experience, this generation is definitely worth serious consideration.

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