It might be early to call, but the buzz is real: the Google Pixel 11 is shaping up to be the best phone of 2026. While 2025 hasn’t even wrapped up and editor’s choice awards are still pending, there’s a strong case for Google’s latest flagship taking the crown next year.
Google’s Rising Star
The Pixel line has steadily improved over the years, with smarter cameras and a more powerful chipset. The Pixel 11 builds on this momentum, adding a telephoto sensor, a larger battery than the Galaxy S25 Plus, and Gemini-powered AI features that genuinely enhance the user experience. These upgrades put Google comfortably ahead of its Android competitors.
Samsung and OnePlus: Struggling to Impress
Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series seems stuck in neutral. Initial plans to revamp the lineup with a Galaxy S26 Pro and Edge have been scrapped. The Galaxy S26 Pro is reportedly just a slightly tweaked Galaxy S25 with underwhelming camera improvements and slow 25W charging. The Galaxy S26 Plus looks nearly identical to its predecessor, suggesting little innovation for 2026.
OnePlus, despite being first to market with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset in the OnePlus 15, has faced setbacks. The end of its partnership with Hasselblad and smaller camera sensors have hurt the photography experience. The new squared-off design lacks the charm of previous models, and Oxygen OS now feels heavier and less refined, borrowing too much from OPPO’s Color OS. Its AI feature, Mind Space, falls short compared to competitors, and its update policy lags behind Google and Samsung.
Why Pixel 11 Stands Out
The Pixel 11 doesn’t need a radical overhaul to succeed. Its current trajectory, set by the Pixel 10, is strong. With a bigger battery, faster charging, and a cleaner, simpler Pixel UI, it already outperforms the expected Galaxy S26 Pro. Google’s AI features like Pixel Studio and Help Me Edit work seamlessly, giving it an edge.
While Samsung and OnePlus scramble to find their footing, Google can coast on steady improvements and smart AI integration. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, however, could use some attention—improving cameras, slimming down the design, and speeding up charging would make it a worthy flagship.
All signs point to the Pixel 11 series sweeping the 2026 editor’s choice awards, continuing Google’s rise in the smartphone world.