What are the best smartphones under €1,000 for 2026?
Discover the best for every use and budget and find useful tips on how to choose the right one for your needs!
In order to find the best options for you, we relied on user reviews on their main features, such as screen, camera, durability, processor, and connectivity.
1. The best all around: Samsung Galaxy S26+
The Samsung Galaxy S26+, with the 10-core Exynos 2600, triple 50MP camera and 4,900 mAh battery, is the phone that can do it all—and do it well! Compared to the previous model, it offers a more powerful processor with 23% improved graphics performance in games, 7% faster processing, and 38% faster AI.
The best all around.
- Display: 6.7" (3120 x 1440 pixels, 120 Hz)
- Processor: Exynos 2600
- Rear Camera: Wide 50MP, Telephoto 10MP 3x Optical Zoom, Ultra Wide 12MP
- Video Recording: 8K 30FPS
- Selfie Camera: 12MP (Wide)
2. Better Camera: Xiaomi 17
The Xiaomi 17 stands out for its top camera capabilities.
It features a triple rear camera with three 50MP lenses: wide, ultra-wide, and 2.6x telephoto, offering great flexibility in every shot.
It supports optical image stabilization (OIS), HDR, dual-tone flash, optical zoom, and slow motion, while it can record video in resolutions up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps.
The selfie camera is also 50MP wide-angle, ideal for detailed self-portraits.
With AI photo processing, the phone promises impressive results in any lighting condition.
Better camera.
- Display: 6.3" 2656x1220/120 Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Camera: Wide 50MP, Telephoto 50MP 2.6x Optical Zoom, Ultra Wide 50MP
- Selfie Camera: 50MP (Ultra Wide)
Featured user review:
''Excellent overall. Amazing all-around choice."
3. For endless gaming: Nubia RedMagic 10 Pro
A smartphone straight out of the future! The Nubia RedMagic 10 Pro features the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, redefining the gaming experience, and a 6.85-inch, 144Hz display. At the same time, it comes with 12GB RAM so it never lags, and a massive 7,050mAh battery.
For endless gaming.
- Display: 6.85" (2688 x 1216)/144 Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Rear Camera: 50MP (Wide), 50MP (Ultra Wide), 2MP (Macro)
- Video Recording: 8K 30fps
- Selfie Camera: 16MP
User review we highlighted
"The Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro is an absolute beast! Excellent performance, display, and eye-catching design. Ideal for gamers and not only. Simply perfect!"
4. For Apple lovers: iPhone 17
Are you an Apple lover looking for a phone for less than €1000? The iPhone 17, with 5G speeds, the power of the A19, a dual camera system, Face ID, the amazing iOS, and many, many more features, might be the ideal choice for you!
For Apple enthusiasts
- Screen: 6.3" (Super Retina XDR OLED)
- Processor: A19
- Rear Camera: 48MP (Wide), 48MP (Fusion 2x Optical Zoom),
- Selfie Camera: 18MP (Wide)
- Video Recording: 4K 60fps
User review we highlighted
"Excessive or not, the phone is a fully loaded package. Battery, screen, camera, software, 5 out of 5. I switched from an iPhone 14 and the difference is huge"
What should you pay attention to before buying?
Find your main need!
You may be excited by the various features, but at the end of the day you’re looking for the smartphone that will best meet your needs. For example, if gaming is important to you, give priority to the processor, RAM, network connectivity, and display!
Pay attention to protection
Along with your new phone, get a case and a screen protector to keep it safe!
Does it come with a charger?
Today, many companies do not include a charger with the phone. If you don’t have one from a previous phone, you’ll need to get one!
Do you have wireless headphones?
Most high-end phones today do not have a headphone jack. If you listen to music often, to avoid any surprises, get a bluetooth handsfree as well!
Check the reviews and… the offers!
Other users have already tried the phone, check their ratings, they will help you make the final choice.
And if you want to learn about the best offers, check out our today’s Plus Deals!
If you’re looking for more suggestions for every budget, check out the guide with the 10 best phones of the year.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, you can also check out the guide with the best phones up to €800 or up to €600.
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