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Here are the best smartphones of 2016 according to our AndroidPIT readers

AndroidPIT best smartphones 1309
© nextpit

We recently asked our AndroidPIT readers what they thought was the best smartphone of 2016 in the context of what they would like to find stashed under the Christmas tree this year. The crowds have spoken: our readers shared their voice on the matter loud and clear, read on for the results.

The devices listed in our article were ones we deemed to be the best released in 2016, not based on price category. From Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Huawei to HTC, Xiaomi and Lenovo, each manufacturer this year was able to deliver a device worthy of our attention. And it seemed the crowds agreed with our list, seeing as just two percent didn’t find their favorite in our list. Can you guess what the top one vote was?

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

It may be of little surprise to you that the winner of our poll is none other than the Samsung-made Galaxy S7 Edge, a smartphone that packs an immaculate 5.5-inch WQHD Super AMOLED display with curved lateral edges. The edge screen feature offers a whole new world of functionality. Let's not forget about the constant maximum performance it’s able to deliver and above-average fast-focusing 12 MP camera. Samsung fan-boy or not, it’s hard to ignore this phone’s superior quality.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge starts at $728 depending on the carrier. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, the second runner up, with just two percent less votes, also had us at hello.

androidpit s7edge
This year's champion, the Galaxy S7 Edge, had us all drooling. / © NextPit

OnePlus 3T

The OnePlus 3T, which was a fast successor to the OnePlus 3 just a few months after, is able to put the S7 Edge to the test, as we saw in our comparison of both devices. In fact, we called this smartphone a flagship killer in our OnePlus 3T review. It’s got a lot to offer: a great 16 MP Sony IMX 298 camera for sharp pictures, a fluid and customizable interface, not to mention the quick Dash Charge system that gives you a full charge in just 30 minutes.

The OnePlus 3T also sets the bar high in terms of performance. But the main selling point of the OnePlus 3T is obviously its price: you can get your hands on it for a starting price of $439.

oneplus 3t design 2
The OnePlus 3T, a successor to the OnePlus 3 with better tech specs, had us all at hello. / © OnePlus

Pixel XL

Our third runner up is a Google newcomer, the Pixel XL, which was one of the first devices in the Pixel line, when Google decided to go solo in smartphone manufacturing thus ending the Nexus line, much to the disappointment of many. The Pixel XL was able to turn most frowns upside down though, seeing as it really is a goldmine on its own.

The Google Pixel XL is a stock Android fan's dream come true with no bloatware. It’s also got an outstanding 5.5-inch WQHD display that’ll knock your socks off (it’s even brighter than the Galaxy S7 Edge). The performance leaves you wanting nothing more and its camera is up to par. There is one very expensive hiccup though. The Pixel XL doesn’t come cheap: the 32 GB model is sold at $769 and the 128 GB version for $869. You can buy it in the US Google Play Store.

AndroidPIt google pixel XL 9787
Google presented a new line of phones this year, including the Pixel XL, a new Android favorite. / © NextPit

Other noteworthy devices that got a fair bit of praise on our list were the LG V20 and the 5-inch Google Pixel, however it was clear which ones are most appreciated by our readers. So, do you want to make a loved one happy this Christmas season and have some money to blow? Consider buying one of the top three for them if you are feeling generous (the OnePlus 3T is the cheapest of the bunch, remember), or you could gift yourself with a new phone and start 2017 in style. If you are not sold on what 2016 had to present, 2017 is going to bring a whole new exciting array of smartphones, like the rumored Galaxy S8, OnePlus 4 or LG G6.

Do you agree with what people chose in our poll or are you totally appalled (be honest, it's OK)? Would you be beside yourself to receive one of these Android smartphones?

The best smartphones under $1,000 

  Editor's recommendation The best iPhone The best camera phone Value for money The best foldable The most affordable
Product
Price
  • $799
  • $799
  • $999
  • $599
  • $999
  • $499
Picture Samsung Galaxy S24 Product Image Apple iPhone 15 Product Image Google Pixel 8 Pro Product Image Nothing Phone (2) Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Product Image Google Pixel 7a Product Image
Review
Review: Samsung Galaxy S24
Review: Apple iPhone 15
Review: Google Pixel 8 Pro
Review: Nothing Phone (2)
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Review: Google Pixel 7a
Offer*
nextpit receives a commission for purchases made via the marked links. This has no influence on the editorial content and there are no costs for you. You can find out more about how we make money on our transparency page.
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Loie Favre

Loie Favre
Editor

Loie Favre found her way to her present passion for Android and smartphone technology after experiencing an epiphany when she held her Galaxy Note 2. From that point onwards, you can find her with her nose buried in countless Android apps and different smartphone models, and thanking her lucky stars that she gets to work at something she loves.

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35 comments
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  • 5
    Jejoma Dec 12, 2016 Link to comment

    Huawei P9 Plus anyone?


  • Beachboy 4
    Beachboy Dec 12, 2016 Link to comment

    Keep your eyes on the Lenovo Phab series...


  • Dave Highe 3
    Dave Highe Dec 10, 2016 Link to comment

    I have a oneplus 3,superb phone. I had an
    Xperia z3+ last time round. The 3T sounds good, but no point in me upgrading.


  • 3
    layla ng Dec 10, 2016 Link to comment

    I have a ZTE axon 7 and I am happy with it. Stereo speakers are top notch. And way cheaper than Samsung that have the same processor with 64gb and 4gig ram. Plus 2 years free warranty.


  • Sven Froelicher (Sven Froelicher) 1
    Sven Froelicher (Sven Froelicher) Dec 9, 2016 Link to comment

    lol, dont think so about the smartphones... whats with the xiaomi mi note 2? better then the not 7 edge but not even talked about here.... not really good


  • Samuel Feliz 2
    Samuel Feliz Dec 9, 2016 Link to comment

    I just hate the fact that samsumg wants to remove the headphone jack on the s8 bad choice i have the note 5 if is true i will move to pixel next year or one plus 3T


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Dec 9, 2016 Link to comment

      I suppose that is the new trend at the moment, removing the headphone jack I mean, just like we saw on the iPhone 7 Plus, and opting for bluetooth headphones/earbuds instead. With the arrival of Bluetooth 5.0 this year, we should be seeing much better bluetooth connection, a much higher transfers speeds and allowed distances.


  • 3
    Steven DeBIasi Dec 9, 2016 Link to comment

    Where the Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe?


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Dec 9, 2016 Link to comment

      Do you really believe it is up to par with the devices shown above?


  • a220 3
    a220 Dec 8, 2016 Link to comment

    Moto G4 Plus


  • 4
    Arne Biermans Dec 8, 2016 Link to comment

    They forgot another hiccup regarding the Pixel. Lousy support.


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Dec 9, 2016 Link to comment

      Do you have a Pixel? One of their apparent selling points was their customer service support directly integrated into the interface of the phone allowing you to chat or call with agents and even allow them access to your display so they can see what the issue is. Did you find it wasn't very useful?


  • Denver R. 5
    Denver R. Dec 8, 2016 Link to comment

    With the NOTE 7 turning out to be the bomb "literally" I say that the Note 5 is still King of the pile.

    Loie Favre


    • Beachboy 4
      Beachboy Dec 12, 2016 Link to comment

      I'll stick with my Note 4 a while longer. I can still change batteries, rather than carry around pounds of powerbanks, and I can change or upgrade SD cards, if I wish... If this goes, I will probably leave Samsung...


  • 2
    Eric Blanchard Dec 8, 2016 Link to comment

    I have the lg k7 great phone


  • 2
    John Seward Dec 8, 2016 Link to comment

    +1 LGV20

    Deactivated Account


  • Samuel Feliz 2
    Samuel Feliz Dec 8, 2016 Link to comment

    Lg v20 excellent phone it should be on the list.

    John Seward


  • 26
    Andrew Burgin Dec 8, 2016 Link to comment

    Edge screen phones does not please everyone, but with superb camera & batterylife the Galaxy S7 Edge is the Best, just dying to see what Samsung will announce at the Barcelona Phone parade


  • 46
    Deactivated Account Dec 8, 2016 Link to comment

    The problem is that LG did such a bad job of launching the V20, hardly anybody is familiar with it. What three month from announcement to actual launch? This is a text book example of how not to launch a cell phone. The V20 is a great device under almost everybody's radar. It should be on the list and at the top of the list in my opinion.

    John Seward


  • Rothman 12
    Rothman Dec 8, 2016 Link to comment

    OnePlus 3T seems good. It's a pity that there hasn't any experience shop of OnePlus.


  • Chad_Higgins 15
    Chad_Higgins Dec 8, 2016 Link to comment

    The best phone that is cheap and actually works is: ZTE Zmax Pro.

    Teresa McGuire


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Dec 8, 2016 Link to comment

      ZTE doesn't do a bad job, I'll admit.

      Samuel Feliz


  • 14
    Alex Simpson Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

    i dont understnad why the s7 edge is so hyped. it has such a bad money/performance value

    Chad_Higgins


  • Kari Melby 4
    Kari Melby Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

    Sony har den beste teknologien, det er mange bakenforliggende finesser når du har studert alle appene og snarveiene du kan ta, det er bare å trykke seg videre.


  • Simon Mouer 8
    Simon Mouer Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

    When money is an important factor in choosing a new phone, the ZTE Axon 7 comes out on top.

    Chad_Higginsfull noon


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Dec 9, 2016 Link to comment

      We seem to have a lot of ZTE fans in our midst! Perhaps we should be writing more about this brand.


  • BruinGuy 20
    BruinGuy Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

    I have the S7 Edge. I am ready for something better. But, I was spoiled by the Note 7. Sigh.

    Loie Favre


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

      Something better than the S7 Edge? What phone do you think will be able to top it in 2017?


  • Kari Melby 4
    Kari Melby Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

    Holder meg til Sony. Veldig fornøyd med den nye xz.

    Loie Favre


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

      And for us English speakers, I think that says: " I will keep my Sony. I am very pleased with the new Xperia XZ" :P

      Kari Melby


  • 2
    Jason Miller Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

    Why the hell isn't the LG V20 up there?

    ......but yet there's a 1+1 3T? Wtf?

    John Seward


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

      The people have voted Jason, sorry, but I do agree, it should have been here!


  • Jim Lee 3
    Jim Lee Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

    I have a love-hate relationship with Samsung. I hate the fact that they JAM there apps down your throat. I switched to the Google nexus 6P which has no bloatware and is every bit as good a cell phone as samsung S6 (which was my last cell) . I also switched my carrier to Project Fi, Google's version of a cell phone carrier, and it always has a good connection

    Samuel FelizDean L.Loie Favre


  • Rolf Hu 3
    Rolf Hu Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

    I still don't understand, why people buy every year a new mobile phone. I use now 3 years my LG Flex and still very happy how it works. If I need a new one, for sure no Samsung device . Bad service and after the Note 7 disaster I lost my trust completely.

    Loie FavreJorge Lopes


  • Bob Bell 3
    Bob Bell Dec 7, 2016 Link to comment

    Not surprised the S7 is top of the tree. I do have or had a liking for the Google Pixel which will be my next phone if the price drops but at that price I'll stick to my S7 Edge, till the S8 comes out.

    Loie Favre

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