#01
LG C5 OLED
LG's latest mid-range OLED combines improved brightness, near-perfect color accuracy, and comprehensive gaming features in a sleek package that challenges more expensive models.
1/5
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The LG C5 OLED represents a meaningful step forward for LG's most popular OLED series, delivering noticeably improved brightness over its predecessor while maintaining the perfect blacks and vibrant colors that define OLED technology. Powered by the α9 AI Processor 4K Gen8, this television excels in dark room viewing with its infinite contrast ratio and impresses with significantly enhanced SDR and HDR brightness that makes it more viable in well-lit spaces. Four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K/144Hz gaming with VRR and ALLM, cementing its position as a top choice for console and PC gamers. While it doesn't match the peak brightness of mini-LED rivals or higher-end QD-OLED panels, the C5 strikes an appealing balance between performance and value for viewers who prioritize cinematic picture quality and gaming versatility.
Pros
- Significantly improved brightness: The C5 delivers noticeably higher SDR and HDR brightness compared to the C4, with HDR peaks reaching approximately 1,165 nits versus the C4's 1,049 nits, making highlights pop more effectively
- Near-perfect color accuracy: Out-of-the-box color accuracy measures exceptionally well, with a Delta-E average of 0.32 in SDR and over 99% Rec. 709 coverage, requiring minimal calibration
- Comprehensive gaming features: Four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and extremely low input lag make it ideal for gaming
- Excellent image processing: The α9 AI Processor Gen8 delivers superior upscaling of lower-resolution content and effective artifact removal from streaming sources
- Perfect black levels and infinite contrast: As an OLED panel with 8.3 million self-lit pixels, the C5 delivers absolute blacks with no blooming, creating exceptional depth in dark scenes
Cons
- Lower full-screen brightness: While improved, the C5 still lags behind mini-LED competitors in full-field brightness, measuring around 300-1000 nits in many HDR scenes versus 3,000+ nits from high-end LCD displays
- Smaller models less bright: The 42-inch and 48-inch variants feature lower pixel aperture ratios, resulting in noticeably reduced brightness compared to larger screen sizes
- Visible stutter in 24fps content: The near-instantaneous response time causes noticeable judder during slow camera pans in movies, an inherent OLED characteristic
- Suboptimal for very bright rooms: Despite brightness improvements, the C5 remains best suited for controlled lighting environments and struggles with direct reflections more than anti-glare mini-LED options
- Dithering visible at close range: Diagonal lines show visible dithering patterns when used as a PC monitor at typical desk distances, limiting its effectiveness for desktop use
#02
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple's aluminum flagship combines record battery life, triple 48MP cameras with 8x optical-quality zoom, and A19 Pro performance in a redesigned body that prioritizes capability over compactness.
2/5
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
Best Phone
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max represents the pinnacle of smartphone engineering for 2025, delivering exceptional battery life that extends well beyond a full day, a transformative triple 48MP Pro Fusion camera system with 8x optical-quality zoom, and industry-leading performance from the A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM. The redesigned aluminum unibody with camera bar eliminates the wobble that plagued predecessors while introducing the striking Cosmic Orange color option. Professional-grade video features including 4K at 120fps, the innovative 18MP Centre Stage selfie camera, and the brightest smartphone display at 3000 nits peak brightness make this device ideal for content creators and power users. However, the substantial size at 6.9 inches and 233 grams challenges one-handed use, while reported aluminum finish scratching and the switch from titanium raise durability and premium positioning questions. The high starting price presents the biggest obstacle, particularly with the capable standard iPhone 17 available for \$400 less with only minor compromises. For users who demand maximum performance, professional camera capabilities, and industry-leading battery life while accepting the size and cost premium, the iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers one of the most capable smartphones available.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life that consistently delivers over a day of use, often extending into a second day with up to 26 hours in benchmark testing
- Triple 48MP Pro Fusion camera system offering versatile shooting capabilities with 8x optical-quality zoom and improved ultra-wide performance
- Premium redesigned aesthetic featuring a camera bar that eliminates wobble and delivers a striking Cosmic Orange color option
- Outstanding display quality with 3000 nits peak brightness for excellent outdoor visibility and anti-reflective coating
- Top-tier performance from the A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM delivering smooth, lag-free operation across all applications
Cons
- High price point starting at $1,419 USD with the top 2TB model approaching $2,000, making it difficult to justify versus standard iPhone 17
- Scratch concerns with reported durability issues on the aluminum finish, particularly on Deep Blue and Cosmic Orange variants
- Display dimming under sustained use despite improved vapor chamber cooling and aluminum construction
- Large size and weight at 233 grams makes one-handed use challenging and can cause thumb strain during extended use
- Switch from titanium to aluminum reduces the premium feel compared to the previous generation
#03
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Six years of updates elevate this $200 Android phone beyond its sluggish performance and basic build, making it a surprisingly compelling long-term value for budget-conscious buyers.
3/5
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G enters the budget smartphone market at \$199.99 with a proposition that balances modest hardware against an unprecedented software commitment. While it delivers a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate and solid battery life, its Exynos 1330 processor struggles with multitasking and stutter. The phone's greatest asset isn't its camera or performance—it's Samsung's promise of six years of software updates and security patches through 2030, a commitment typically reserved for flagship devices. For users prioritizing longevity over raw speed, the A16 5G represents a calculated trade-off in the entry-level Android market.
Pros
- Exceptional software support: Six years of major Android upgrades and security updates through 2030, unprecedented for the budget segment
- Quality display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with 90Hz refresh rate delivers sharp visuals and smooth animations at 385 ppi density
- Reliable battery performance: 5000 mAh battery delivers all-day endurance with 43.5 hours of endurance rating and supports 25W fast charging
- Expandable storage: MicroSD card support up to 1.5TB provides extensive storage flexibility beyond base 128GB/256GB options
- Improved video capabilities: 4K video recording with gyro-EIS stabilization and ability to switch between cameras during recording
Cons
- Sluggish performance: Exynos 1330 with 4GB RAM creates persistent stutter when unlocking, scrolling, and multitasking
- Limited RAM: Base 4GB configuration struggles with Android's multitasking requirements and app switching
- Weak peripheral cameras: 5MP ultrawide and 2MP macro sensors deliver underwhelming results compared to the 50MP main camera
- Poor outdoor visibility: Adaptive brightness cannot overcome direct sunlight and reflective screen finish produces significant glare
- Slow startup behavior: Phone experiences significant lag and gesture recognition issues for several minutes after powering on or updates
#04
Apple iPhone 17
ProMotion display and enhanced 48MP cameras elevate the standard iPhone to near-Pro status with improved durability and double the base storage.
4/5
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
Must Buy
The iPhone 17 delivers the most compelling standard iPhone upgrade in recent memory by bringing ProMotion display technology and substantially improved cameras to the non-Pro lineup. The 6.3-inch 120Hz screen makes every interaction smoother, while the 48MP Dual Fusion camera system captures higher-quality shots across lighting conditions. Ceramic Shield 2 protection on both surfaces and doubled base storage to 256GB address longstanding user requests. The A19 chip provides ample performance for demanding tasks and Apple Intelligence features. While it lacks the ultimate camera capabilities and battery life of Pro models, the iPhone 17 offers exceptional value for users who want premium features without paying for professional-grade tools they may not use.
Pros
- First non-Pro iPhone to feature 120Hz ProMotion display with always-on functionality
- Significantly larger 6.3-inch screen compared to previous standard models
- 48MP Dual Fusion camera system with ultra-wide lens offering 4x the resolution of iPhone 16
- Ceramic Shield 2 provides 3x better scratch resistance on both front and back
- Double the base storage at 256GB, eliminating the 128GB option entirely
Cons
- Higher entry point with no 128GB option may deter budget-conscious buyers
- Still lacks some Pro features like advanced zoom capabilities found in Pro models
- Battery life improvements vary significantly across use cases
- Center Stage front camera implementation is new and unproven in real-world group scenarios
- A19 chip, while fast, is not the most powerful variant reserved for Pro models
#05
Google Pixel 9
Google's redesigned flagship smartphone delivers exceptional computational photography and seven-year software support, but thermal throttling and persistent display defects limit appeal versus competing flagship devices.
5/5
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The Google Pixel 9 marks a significant aesthetic departure from its predecessor, introducing flat aluminum edges, matte finishes, and an oval-shaped camera bar that immediately distinguishes the device in hand. Powered by Google's fourth-generation Tensor G4 processor paired with 12GB of RAM, the base model represents Google's most refined Android phone to date in terms of physical construction and software coherence. The 6.3-inch Actua OLED display reaches 2,700 nits peak brightness and delivers exceptional color accuracy with a 120Hz refresh rate, though a recurring pink vertical line defect has emerged affecting some units after months of use. Where the Pixel 9 genuinely excels is computational photography—the dual camera system consistently captures publication-worthy images without manual adjustment—and the industry-leading promise of seven years of major operating system upgrades plus security patches. However, the Tensor G4's thermal efficiency problems create measurable performance degradation under sustained load, throttling to approximately 50 percent of maximum capability during stress testing, which undermines its premium positioning. Real-world battery life has improved substantially, delivering 24+ hours of typical mixed use, while AI-powered features like the "Add Me" photo tool demonstrate practical utility beyond marketing rhetoric. For users prioritizing computational photography and long-term software support over cutting-edge processing power, the Pixel 9 merits consideration; those requiring flagship-level performance or concerned about display quality control should examine competing alternatives.
Pros
- Exceptional computational photography across all lighting conditions, with the main camera and ultrawide sensor delivering consistently excellent results that require minimal post-processing.
- Industry-leading seven-year software support, guaranteeing major Android version upgrades plus monthly security patches through 2031, extending device longevity unusually far into the future.
- Substantially improved battery endurance versus the Pixel 8, consistently delivering 24+ hours of mixed use with reliable all-day performance even under heavier usage patterns.
- Excellent display brightness and clarity, with peak brightness reaching 2,700 nits for excellent outdoor visibility and vibrant color reproduction without excessive saturation.
- Upgraded ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that unlocks faster and more accurately than previous optical implementations, avoiding the issue of illuminating the face at night during dim-light use.
Cons
- Tensor G4 thermal throttling and performance degradation under sustained load, with independent testing showing CPU performance drops to approximately 45-50 percent of maximum under stress, creating inconsistent frame rates during demanding applications.
- Recurring pink vertical line display defect affecting a subset of units after several months of use, appearing to stem from manufacturing tolerances or internal pressure issues, with affected devices requiring display replacement.
- Performance lag and stuttering reported by users during app switching and heavy multitasking despite 12GB of RAM, suggesting optimization challenges with the Tensor platform.
- Significant thermal management deficiency causing overheating during extended photography sessions, particularly with high screen brightness, limiting sustained camera use during outdoor activities.
- Absence of telephoto camera on the base model, limiting optical zoom to 2x and forcing reliance on digital zoom that produces noticeably degraded image quality at magnifications beyond 5x.
