Smartphone buying guides for 2026: Android, Samsung, and iPhone options
Wired and Mashable update their device recommendations as Apple, Google, and Samsung release new flagships amid a RAM shortage driving prices up.
What to know
- Major tech publications updated their 2026 smartphone buying guides as Apple, Google, and Samsung release new flagship and foldable models.
- A global RAM shortage driven by AI data center demand ("RAMageddon") has caused prices to surge across all three manufacturers, with trade-ins and carrier deals becoming essential ways to save.
- Apple introduced its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo (Oct. 23 launch), which will compete with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8.
- Wired recommends the Google Pixel 10a, Pixel 11, and Galaxy S26 Ultra as standouts; Mashable covers iOS and Android flagships across all budget tiers.
“The best Android phone means something different to everyone. It's hard to find one that caters to every need, but chances are there's a new smartphone that comes close to what you're looking for.”
Julian Chokkattu, Wired tech reviewer · Wired ↗
Julian Chokkattu Wired tech reviewer and guide authorApple Smartphone manufacturerGoogle Smartphone manufacturerSamsung Smartphone manufacturerWired Tech publicationMashable Tech publication
How it unfolded 2 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlesposts
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Wired publishes best Samsung phones guide for 2026 — Wired released a dedicated guide to Samsung's 2026 smartphone lineup covering flagship, budget, folding, and foldable options across the Galaxy range.
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Mashable updates smartphone buying guide as RAM shortage drives prices up industry-wide
Mashable published its 2026 smartphone buying guide covering iOS and Android flagships, reporting that smartphone prices have surged due to a global RAM shortage caused by AI data center demand ("RAMageddon"). The outlet notes Apple, Google, and Samsung have all raised prices on new releases, and Apple increased prices on older iPhone models by $100. Mashable recommends shopping for deals, carrier promotions, and trade-ins to offset higher costs.
“Smartphone prices have surged in 2026 because we're in the middle of a global RAM shortage caused by the AI boom (commonly known as "RAMageddon").”
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first by Mashable, 19h ago
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The Best Samsung Phones https://www. wired.com/gallery/best-samsung -phones/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Gear & Gadgets @ gear-gadgets-WIRED
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iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launch and become available for purchase — Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max released following their September 9 announcement and preorder period, with Mashable noting it has published initial reviews and plans to add at least one model to its buying guide after completing performance and battery tests.
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Wired publishes best Android phones guide with September 2026 updates
Wired updated its Android phone buying guide with new recommendations including the Motorola Razr Ultra (2026), Google Pixel 11 series, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, and Fairphone (Gen. 6+). The guide recommends the Google Pixel 10a, Pixel 11, and Galaxy S26 Ultra as standout choices based on extensive testing.
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first by Wired, 17h ago
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first by Wired, 7d ago
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The Best Android Phones https://www. wired.com/gallery/best-android -phones/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Best Tech @ best-tech-tech
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Apple announces iPhone 18 Pro models and first foldable iPhone Duo — Apple held a "Surprise and Shine" hardware event where it introduced the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the company's first-ever foldable phone, the iPhone Duo. The iPhone Duo launches October 23 with preorders beginning October 16.