Best Upcoming Phones in 2026: What the rumours suggest so far

The smartphone world is always buzzing with leaks, whispers, and early reports. While 2026 is still some distance away, early rumours already give us a fairly clear idea of what major brands might be planning next. From experimental foldables to refined flagships and value-focused models, the coming year could bring some interesting changes — if the rumours turn out to be true.

It is important to note that none of the phones listed below are fully confirmed unless stated otherwise. Specifications, designs, and even launch timelines could change before release. Still, these early reports offer a useful glimpse into what may be coming next and whether it is worth waiting before upgrading.

According to industry leaks and early teasers, Motorola may be working on its first book-style foldable phone. This would be a major shift for the brand, which is currently known for its Razr clamshell foldables.

Motorola has teased journalists ahead of CES with the phrase “unfold new perspectives”, which has fuelled speculation about a larger foldable device. Beyond that, very little is known. Even the name of the phone remains a mystery.

If the rumours are accurate, Motorola is likely aiming to challenge Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Expectations include a large internal display, improved hinge durability, and competitive pricing. However, until an official announcement is made, all details should be treated as speculation.

Samsung is expected to refresh its Galaxy S lineup in January 2026, following its usual release pattern. Early rumours suggest the S26 range may look slightly different from previous generations.

Possible Line-up

Leaks indicate Samsung may drop the “Plus” model entirely. Instead, the lineup could include:

• Galaxy S26

• Galaxy S26 Ultra

• Galaxy S26 Edge

The S26 Edge is rumoured to be an ultra-thin model that aligns better with Samsung’s overall product strategy.

Industry whispers suggest slimmer designs across the range, possibly with more pronounced camera modules to allow for upgraded sensors. Camera improvements, especially to the Ultra model’s zoom lens, are among the most anticipated changes — though nothing has been confirmed.

Samsung is unlikely to adopt silicon-carbon battery technology, as the company has historically taken a cautious approach to battery innovation. Instead, any battery gains may come from efficiency improvements. Some leaked renders also hint at Qi2 wireless charging support, but this remains unconfirmed.

Google has released a Pixel A-series phone every year since 2019, so a Pixel 10a in 2026 seems likely. That said, early reports suggest it may be a very minor update.

Certification listings and leaks hint at:

• A 6.28-inch AMOLED display

• A 48MP main camera and a 13MP secondary camera

• A 13MP front camera

• Around a 5100mAh battery

The phone is rumoured to reuse the Tensor G4 chipset from the Pixel 9a, with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Charging speeds may remain unchanged at around 23W.

Pricing is expected to stay under £500, but until Google makes an announcement, these details remain speculative.

Google’s flagship Pixel phones usually launch in August, and leaks suggest the Pixel 11 series will follow the same schedule in 2026.

Rumoured Models

• Pixel 11

• Pixel 11 Pro

• Pixel 11 Pro XL

• Pixel 11 Pro Fold

A new generation of Tensor silicon and the latest version of Android are widely expected, but little else is known. Rumours from industry insiders suggest Google may focus on improving battery capacity and upgrading camera hardware, areas where competitors have recently pulled ahead.

For now, details around design, sensors, and pricing remain unknown.

Apple is expected to unveil new iPhones in September 2026, following its long-standing tradition. However, as always, Apple has revealed nothing officially.

What the Rumours Say

Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may look very similar to the iPhone 17 series. Apple typically sticks with a design for several years, so major visual changes are considered unlikely.

One persistent rumour involves under-display Face ID. If successful, this could remove the Dynamic Island. However, many sources believe this technology may not be ready until 2027.

There is also uncertainty around the future of the ultra-thin iPhone Air. If sales continue to underperform, Apple could pause or discontinue the model.

The idea of a foldable iPhone has been circulating for years. Industry supply-chain reports suggest Apple is testing flexible displays, but no launch date has been confirmed.

Most rumours point towards a book-style foldable rather than a clamshell design. Apple is believed to be taking its time to ensure the crease is minimal and durability meets its standards. As a result, the iPhone Fold could launch in 2026 — or be delayed beyond that if Apple is not satisfied.

Xiaomi has already unveiled its next flagship series in China. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is particularly eye-catching, featuring a secondary display integrated into its large rear camera module.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, the phone also boasts a massive battery, advanced camera sensors, and Xiaomi’s latest HyperOS software. A global launch is expected in early 2026, potentially alongside a photography-focused Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

Samsung has officially entered the tri-fold category with the Galaxy TriFold. When folded, it resembles a thicker Galaxy Z Fold. When fully opened, it transforms into a 10-inch tablet.

The phone measures just 3.9mm at its thinnest point and weighs 309g. It features a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 200MP main camera, and a 5600mAh battery. While impressive, the extremely high price and limited availability mean it will remain a niche product.

The Honor Magic 8 Pro has launched in China and is expected to reach global markets in early January. It builds on the Magic 7 Pro with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, improved cameras, and a powerful 200MP periscope zoom lens.

The standout feature is its 7000mAh battery in the Chinese model. Whether this capacity will carry over to international versions remains uncertain, but it would give Honor a major advantage if it does.

Rumoured phones often sound exciting, but plans can change quickly. New releases usually bring faster chips and improved features, but they also launch at premium prices.

In many cases, current-generation phones offer very similar performance for much less money. Waiting until a successor is announced often leads to heavy discounts on existing models, making them better value overall.

The upcoming phones of 2026 look promising — at least based on early rumours. Foldables continue to evolve, flagship phones are becoming thinner and more refined, and mid-range devices are offering better value than ever.

However, until official announcements are made, all specifications and launch plans should be taken with caution. If you are planning an upgrade, staying informed and flexible will help you make the best decision when these devices finally become official.