We’re already moving out of the first quarter of 2017, and it’s been a great year for smartphones — and the people looking to buy one. We’ve seen devices improve across the board at all different price points, from the affordable to the high-dollar. It’s getting harder and harder to buy a *bad* phone these days, as the market grows more mature and full of great options all around. But of course, there still has to be that one “gotta have it” phone. For all different kinds of people, these are my top 5 picks for the best smartphones in 2016 and 17 in review. If you have/think of a better Smartphone please let's hear....


1. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge

2. Apple iPhone 7

3. Google Pixel

4. Tecno Phantom 6+

5. HTC 10

*** Samsung Galaxy S7 edge

The flat SGS7 handset is certainly one of the most appealing devices out there, but the S7 edge pips it to the post, taking pole position as the most desirable handset around. The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge fuses power with performance, offering a 5.5-inch display with a Quad HD resolution and plenty of punch, but differentiating itself with those curved edges.

*** Apple iPhone 7

The Apple iPhone 7 doesn't offer the overhaul in design that we are used to getting every two years, but there are enough developments to keep fans happy. The new flagship iPhone is more refined, offering the removal of the headphone jack in favour of stereo speakers, along with better hidden antennas and waterproofing.

It offers subtle changes to the iPhone 6S, such as a new Home button and glossy or matte black finish options, along with faster and slicker performance, as you would expect. Ultimately, the iPhone 7 is the company's best iPhone yet, but the best is only slightly better than the iPhone 6S.

*** Google Pixel

Google comes out all guns blazing with two new phones, the Pixel and the larger Pixel XL. Both devices offer the same specs, performance and experience with one difference: screen size. The regular Pixel has a 5-inch Full HD display, while the Pixel XL has a larger 5.5-inch Quad HD display.

Launching with a number of exclusive features, but otherwise a clean version of Android, the Pixel phones have a solid build and a fast and smooth experience. The cameras are superb and the battery life is good, leading to a premium Android experience. The price is a little high, however, and they lack microSD or waterproofing. They even have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

*** Tecno Phantom 6+

The Tecno Phantom 6+ is one of the best smartphones on the market this year, especially at its affordable price point when compared to other Smartphone on my list above. Tecno Phantom 6+ offers incredible value for money. It has many of the same features and specifications as smartphones twice its price and its launch last year sees it as one of the most powerful handsets available.

The all-metal finish is sleek and sturdy, making it feel like a genuinely premium device and the display is fantastic too. addressing many of the criticisms of the previous version, focusing on the things that matter in a smartphone, and ditching many of the distractions.

*** HTC 10

*** I know you must think this guy is mad? How did HTC end up 5th on your list?... Yes! My List. That's why you should create yours by commenting below.

The HTC 10 is built to the high quality standard you expect from HTC, and it's a handset that solid and serious.
The 5.2-inch display packs a Quad HD resolution, power comes from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset and 4GB of RAM, while there is OIS on both the front and back cameras. The result is power, performance, great design and camera performance, held together with fuss-free software that's slick, fast and free from bloat.

lalasticlala mynd44