The Android devices I’m most excited about in 2026 are not from Samsung or Google.

      The conclusion of 2025 was impressive for smartphones. Apple finally adopted a new design for its Pro phones, outfitted them with large sensors, and included a vapor chamber, all while making a significant impact with the iPhone 17.

      Samsung wrapped up the year on a futuristic note, launching a new line of foldable devices, the Galaxy Z TriFold. OnePlus demonstrated that a powerful battery can be accommodated in a sleek flagship without the bulk or high cost.

      Honor took it further by adding a physical fan and an even larger battery to a conventionally designed phone. Vivo, on the other hand, created a compact device that excelled in all aspects. As 2026 approaches, it appears to be another exciting year for smartphones; however, the major successes might come from brands outside the US.

      Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica

      This isn't just a concept phone. Xiaomi enhanced its collaboration with Leica by designing a unique version of its latest flagship. The metallic ring on the back of the phone, surrounding the camera area, serves a functional purpose.

      It's a fully operational zoom ring, inspired by Leica cameras. Beneath the ring, a system of 20 high-strength ball bearings offers tactile feedback at each stop, and an optical displacement sensor detects movements as tiny as 0.03 millimeters.

      The main idea is to provide users with precise zoom controls, unlike the sensitive system found on the latest iPhones with the Camera Control button. Remarkably, the phone also boasts IP69 dust and water resistance, the best rating available in the industry.

      Aesthetically, the device is stunning, featuring dual-tone leather accents inspired by Leica, along with a texturized metallic frame for a comfortable grip. However, the highlight is undeniably the camera hardware.

      The standout feature is a 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor with a 50-megapixel resolution, accompanied by a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. The periscope-style zoom camera utilizes a large 200-megapixel sensor that also functions as a macro lens.

      In my experience with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, it emerged as one of the most formidable camera phones I'd tested, and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to surpass that performance. Additionally, it has impressive specs, including top-tier Qualcomm technology, a 6,800 mAh battery with 90W charging, and a 120Hz OLED display that's brighter than the iPhone 17 Pro. I'm eager to put this phone to the test.

      Oppo Find X9 Ultra

      The Oppo Find X8 Ultra has proven to be the best smartphone I've tested in 2025, particularly excelling in camera performance. It features five rear cameras, with two dedicated to long-range shots, and a primary camera with a large 1-inch sensor.

      Even at 6x zoom, the phone produced stunning portrait photos, and its low-light performance impressed. The main sensor captured incredible detail in still images, showcasing excellent contrast and nearly flawless color reproduction.

      The upcoming Oppo Find X9 Ultra is set to improve upon this. Leaks suggest it may introduce two 200-megapixel cameras, shifting from the 1-inch sensor to a smaller yet higher-resolution sensor. Rumors indicate this new imaging pipeline allows the smaller 200-megapixel sensor to gather more light than a 1-inch sensor.

      The telephoto camera represents a significant enhancement in this model. Oppo is reportedly developing a 50-megapixel camera capable of achieving an impressive 10x optical zoom, nearly doubling the capabilities of competitors like the iPhone 17 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro. It promises near-lossless long-range capture in the 230-460mm zoom range.

      Additionally, Oppo has confirmed a substantial battery exceeding 7,000 mAh and will likely incorporate rapid charging technology. Reports suggest that a launch for the Find X9 Ultra is anticipated in March.

      Vivo X300 Ultra

      Vivo has been producing camera-focused phones for years and has introduced several camera innovations. The Vivo X200 Ultra was well-received, and during my testing, its 200-megapixel folded lens zoom system left a strong impression.

      It was also one of my preferred ultrawide cameras, even though the main camera was exceptional. Reviewers noted that it was "more camera than phone," and DXOMark rated it highly for still photography.

      Its successor, the Vivo X300 Ultra, is expected to be another imaging powerhouse. Leaks suggest it will have two 200-megapixel sensors, one for regular photos and the other dedicated to long-range zoom.

      The zoom sensor is expected to provide 4x in-sensor lossless zoom, while an ultrawide lens will feature a 50-megapixel sensor. Other expected specifications include a 2K 120Hz OLED display, a 7,000mAh battery, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The phone has already appeared in regulatory