Update: What's the best phone in the US today? There's been a shake-up to our smartphone rankings for July 2017 thanks to OnePlus 5 rivaling Apple's iPhone 7 and the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus. Here's the new list.

Knowing the best phone you can buy in 2017 is more than just a hunch for us. We test out the latest and – sometimes – greatest phones in comprehensive mobile phone reviews.

To drill down to a list of our 10 favorites in the US this year, we based today's updated rankings on a lot of geeked-out factors: design, performance, battery life, camera quality and software updates.

Sure, your personal preference among iOS 11 and Android O could sway you to another device besides our top-ranked phone. Likewise, your contract with AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile is a personal preference. The best phone for AT&T may not be available on-contract on Verizon, and vice-versa.

That's why we have more than just a No. 1 pick, which, spoiler alert, isn't just Apple's iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus. We're not that predictable. Before you lock into a binding contract or spring for an expensive unlocked phone, consult our best phone guide, updated regularly.

• Find a good deal with TechRadar: mobile phone deals

The most surprising smartphone on our best phones list is the ZTE Axon 7, which blends a sophisticated metal design with an equally attractive price. It's also feature-packed with awesome-sounding front-facing speakers, generous 64GB of internal storage and the same Snapdragon 820 and 4GB of RAM chipset used by many of its pricier rivals.

You're going to be hard-pressed with find a better value for a mid-range phone. The OnePlus 3 comes close, but lacks a microSD card slot and the screen is 1080p. The Huawei Honor 8 has the microSD card slot, but its screen is 1080p and smaller at 5.2 inches.

The Axon 7 really shines with its Samsung-challenging AMOLED display. Be warned, at 5.5 inches and with a full metal body around it, this phone is slippery. It also doesn't completely work with Verizon and Sprint, despite having all of the necessary GSM and CDMA bands ready to go.

Full review: ZTE Axon 7

• What's next? Think you can wait it out for the ZTE Axon 8 or ZTE Axon 9? Well, the Chinese phone maker isn't beholden to annual phone launch schedules (we've seen them launch refreshes both sooner and later in some instances). We're also smitten with this unlocked dual-SIM device in case you're hungry for a phone right now. The fact that a $499 phone can play with Apple, Motorola and Samsung on this list says a lot.

Also consider: Moto Z Play isn't nearly as stylish as the ZTE Axon 7, but it has killer two-day battery life for the same exact price. It trades in dual front-facing speakers for MotoMods, which are accessories that attach to the back of the phone with magnets. Who doesn't need an instant boom box speaker or pico projector on the go? 

HTC  is back with another effort aimed at becoming the phone you want to have in your pocket – and this one has squeezable sides.

You read that right – and unfortunately, they don't really add a lot. But wait! Beyond that this is a very impressive phone, getting the basics right across the board.

The camera offers some brilliant snaps and has a strong HDR mode, the audio performance (combined with the bundled buds and headphone upgrader in the box) is excellent and the two-tone design is thoroughly unique.

It doesn't do enough to topple the Galaxy S8, but if you're looking for something a bit different the U11 is a phone that won't disappoint.

Read the full review: HTC U11

• What's next? The HTC U12 will be next in line, but we know nothing about that yet – except that it probably won't be called the U12 as HTC keeps messing around with its naming strategy.

Also consider: It's hard to know what to recommend here, as there's nothing that really compares on the market right now. However, with the price you'd probably look at the Galaxy S8 or the LG G6 as something a bit different.

The Moto Z is an incredibly thin smartphone that sets a new record at 5.19 in so-called "thickness," but you shouldn't want it to stay that thin. This is a modular smartphone, allowing you to clip on game-changing accessories onto its back thanks to built-in magnets.

All of sudden, your otherwise flat Motorola phone doubles as a mini boom box, a real camera or even a pico projector. It can also double in battery life with a stylish juice pack. MotoMods really transform the design and functionality of your phone, and there are more to come. We also like Moto Z's intelligent fingerprint sensor. It not only turns on and unlocks the screen, it also puts it to sleep and locks it up with a second press. What's not here is a 3.5mm headphone jack that requires you to use an included adapter for hardwired audio, and that's a dealbreaker for some people.

Full review: Moto Z

• What's next? The Moto Z 2nd generation is almost certainly going to expand on the modular accessories in 2017. We haven't heard much about a Moto Z2, but we're expecting to a new phone sometime in the late summer, if the company keeps to an annual release cycle.

Also consider: The Moto Z Force is a US-only Verizon exclusive that has extra thickness, but a shatter-resistant screen and extra battery life. Both phones work with all of the same MotoMods, too.

Google Pixel XL is the Android maker's new phablet-sized phone, and it ditched the old Nexus branding for two reasons: it's debuts specs instead of using six-month-old parts like the previous Nexus phones, and it's far more expensive.

This top-of-the-line Android Nougat phone has a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, fast Snapdragon 821 chipset and support for Google Daydream View. Google's VR headset makes this phone's high-resolution screen the primary reason to opt for the bigger sized phone over the smaller 1080p Google Pixel.

Google's latest Android software is a joy to use, with smooth, slick performance and a clutter free design. Fire up the camera app and the 12MP rear shooter is one of the best around, while a fingerprint scanner keep yours phone secure.

Minor weak points are no always-on display, not having a waterproof design and a lack of front-facing stereo speakers. But they don't stop the Pixel XL from being an excellent flagship phablet.

Read the full review: Google Pixel XL

• What's next? The Google Pixel 2 is bound to right many of the wrongs that kept the first phone from being perfect. Namely, it should be waterproof and include stereo speakers. It may also include a third, bigger size, according to the latest rumors. But everything appears to be happening in October, far enough away to considering the original Pixel.

Also consider: How about the smaller Google Pixel? The 5-inch handset also features in our top ten, and if a smaller screen (and smaller price tag) takes your fancy then you’re in luck. It retains the excellent power, camera and Android interface from the XL, in a more palm-friendly package.

The Google Pixel is an excellent flagship phone that’s only let down by mediocre battery life and the still-developing Assistant. If you can stomach the price point, the Pixel is a breath of fresh Google air in a world of Android over-complication. 

The 12MP camera on the back is one of the best on the market, while the clean, fresh Android Nougat interface is a joy to use.

There’s heaps of power under the hood making it perfect for gaming and multi-tasking, while the bright, colorful screen provides an excellent viewing experience for your movies and TV shows.

It may not be the most attractive handset on the market, and it’s far from ugly. What you can be sure of is a lot of bang for your buck.

Read the full review: Google Pixel review

Also consider: Like what you see, but need more screen real estate? You you'll want the Google Pixel XL – the 5.5-inch brother of the Pixel which boasts an eye-popping QHD (that's 2K) resolution. But, warning, it's more expensive.

If you want a really, really big phone running Android, this is it. It's the 6.2-inch, plus-sized version of our favorite phone, the 5.8-inch Samsung Galaxy S8.

Samsung built its 2017 flagship handsets with elongated screens that wipe away the needless bezel and physical home button and give you a more immersive display. You also have the fastest specs, a great camera and slick software this the S8 Plus.

You're going to have to learn to hold a big phone, but luckily, it's not much larger than the S7 Edge or the ill-fated Note 7. Making the screen bigger without making the phone much bigger is one of Samsung's many tricks here, and it's why this phone is near the top. It'd be even higher if it weren't for the price and the terribly placed rear fingerprint sensor.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus

The new iPhone isn't the phone that many will have been waiting for, as it comes with a similar look and feel to previous models.

That doesn't mean it's a bad phone, far from it in fact with a power boost under the hood, water resistant and a decent camera upgrade making a difference.

There's no point upgrading from the 6S to 7, but if you're currently using an iPhone 6 or older then the jump to the 7 is a good one.

Read the full review: iPhone 7

• What's next? The iPhone 8 release date, of course, and it's expected to launch in September with iOS 11. At least, that's what Apple's launch history has taught us. Being the tenth anniversary of the phone, we expect big changes, like a curved display and OLED option.

• Compare and filter: See all the best iPhone 7 deals

Also consider: If you want to save yourself a bit of money then the iPhone 6S is still an excellent smartphone. It looks identical to the 7, also runs iOS 10 and has the benefit of still having a headphone jack. Those wanting something a bit bigger should look at the iPhone 7 Plus – the best iPhone currently around.

The OnePlus 5 is one of the more affordable devices in this list and offers one of the best Android phone experiences on the market. It comes with a more refined and comfortable to hold design than previous OnePlus handsets as well as dual-cameras round the back and some phenomenal power under the hood.

There's a 1080p 5.5-inch AMOLED display on the front and inside is the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and you have the choice of either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. The battery life isn't incredible on the OnePlus 5, but it rivals a lot of the other devices you'll find on this list.

There's still no microSD support on the OnePlus 5, much like previous OnePlus phones, but you do have the choice of either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.

The true highlight of the OnePlus 5 is the price though and this may will be one of the best devices for you on this list if you're looking to spend as little as possible on a top-of-the-range phone.

Read the full review: OnePlus 5

What's next? We expect the OnePlus 6 to launch at some point in the future, but considering the OnePlus 5 launched in June 2017 it'll likely be a very, very long way off.

Also consider: If OnePlus isn't doing it for you, then check out the Moto G5 Plus which has slightly less power, but a still very strong feature set, a lower price tag and a new metal design.

The iPhone 7 Plus is the best iPhone available right now, giving you a whole heap of power, water resistant body, not one, but two cameras on the back and super slick performance.

It does use the same design as previous handsets, and Apple's removed the headphone jack and upped the price – but if your pockets are deep and headphones wireless you'll love the 7 Plus.

The camera is a big improvement on the 6S Plus, and it'll only get better once Apple rolls out its depth-of-field feature later this year.

Full review: iPhone 7 Plus

• What's next? Apple's true flagship for 2017 is going to be the iPhone 8 Plus, which should be unveiled in early September. It's due to premier iOS 11 and there may be a flavor with a gently curved OLED screen that changes up Apple's style completely.

Also consider: The standard iPhone 7 is very good too, with a more manageable form factor and lower price point it's the phone that's likely to appeal to a wider audience – but for those looking for Apple perfection it has to be the 7 Plus.

No surprise, the curved Samsung Galaxy S8 is our best phone, but this year Samsung flagship has a new, longer display that grown in size. It's now a ridiculous 5.8 inches.

What's remarkable here is that the phone's dimensions haven't changed very much. Instead, Samsung got rid of the top and bottom bezel and the physical home button. 

We did have issues adjusting to the fingerprint sensor and its Face Unlock and Iris Scanner alternatives aren't much better. Bixby, Samsung's highly touted voice assistant is also a no-show.

However, for the few missteps from Samsung, this phone is superb. It has an excellent camera, fast new chipset and good battery life. Just be prepared to spend more than $700 on Samsung's new best.

Full review: Samsung Galaxy S8

Apple's iPhone SE ranks at Number 10 mainly because there are so many other top-notch phones, but also because it has a tired design, screen that's several years old and a display size that's too small to get sucked into apps and movies on the move.

That said, it's one of very few high-end smartphones you can use one-handed and its iOS 10 operating system remains slick and easy to use. It won't be for everyone, but for those who dislike the supersized phones of today the iPhone SE is a top performer on a miniature scale.

Remember, the SE has the same power, same camera and same software as Apple's best iPhone, the iPhone 6S. It just happens to be in a size you can easily pocket and at a reasonable (for an iPhone) price: $400 unlocked and $50 on contract among US carriers.

Read the full review: iPhone SE

Also consider: Want a cheaper iPhone but find the iPhone SE just too small? Apple's still selling the original iPhone 7, with a 4.7-inch display, sleeker metal body and the same version of iOS. It's a bit more expensive, but you do get a bigger screen.

Nexus 6P

Google goes again for a phablet, and it's a corker

OS: Android Nougat | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB/128GB | Battery: 3,450mAh | Rear camera: 12.3MP | Front camera: 8MP

Google and Huawei teamed up to make the Nexus 6P, and it's really the best smartphone from either company and a relief over Motorola's Nexus 6 from a year prior.

It has a vivid quad HD 5.7-inch display that's much more manageable in two hands and sometimes one. And yet while the Nexus 6P is easier to hold, it remains tall and just enough for watching movies and browsing the web.

You won't be hungry for Android updates with this phone either. It's currently running the latest version ofAndroid Marshmallow and can beta test Android N Developer Preview. You'll also be more secure thanks to its well-placed fingerprint scanner on the back – which is both quick and accurate.

What keeps the Nexus 6P on the list and also from ranking higher is its price. It's a steal at $499 in the US for an unlocked phone. Problem is, you won't find it subsidized by any carriers. We also found the camera to be fantastic for a Nexus phone, but not as sharp as photos taken by Samsung handsets.

Full review: Nexus 6P

Also consider: If you're after a Nexus phone, you're thinking about getting the latest version of Android in a smartphone – and you can get that in the Nexus 5X too. It's cheaper, and not as powerful in some ways, but it's cheaper and more palm-friendly.

LG G5

Mods are best innovation in a smartphone we've seen

OS: Android Nougat | Screen size: 5.3-inch | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB | Battery: removable 2,800mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 8MP

This is a phone that's designed to fall apart – well, come apart at least. You see, in addition to the clever dual camera, there's a clip at the bottom that lets you remove and swap out the battery – like old times (i.e. 2014 for Samsung fans).

That's good news because many new phones lack a removable power pack, and this one actually goes beyond that with new modules. Attach an Hi-Fi audio module for better speakers or a battery-infused camera grip to take almost as many vacation photos as you want.

There's just one problem: The B&O audio module to make it to the US, so we got exactly one module… of two that exist. The idea certainly didn't pan out, but it's another 'alternative' phone from LG, and we're big fans companies spicing up the old design, especially at $99 on contract if you shop well enough.

Also consider: The older LG G4 isn't a million miles away from this phone in terms of specs, and it's a cheaper now. It doesn't have the attractive metal body, but if you can rustle up the leather variant you're getting an absolute steal of a smartphone.

Microsoft Lumia 950

The beginning of a smartphone revolution?

OS: Windows Phone | Screen size: 5-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 32GB | Battery: 2,420mAh | Rear camera: 20MP | Front camera: 1.2MP

Maybe you’re bored of the iPhone. Perhaps Android just doesn’t do it for you. Maybe you’re just wondering if there’s something different out there? Well, Windows Phone 10 on the Lumia 950 will intrigue you. It can offer a PC-like experience by extending out to a larger monitor, and the camera is pretty strong.

However, there’s one issue: apps. Or the lack thereof – and when combined with the slightly plastic design, it fails to trouble the top 10. However, it’s a legitimate choice and easily one of the most impressive Windows Phones ever.

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