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The Samsung Galaxy S7 family was the strongest all-round Android flagship available by the end of 2016, with the Galaxy S7 edge best for a larger display and battery and the standard S7 better for compact handling. The iPhone 7 Plus was the leading choice for iOS users, while Google’s Pixel phones stood out for Android software and computational photography. This is a retrospective ranking of phones available by year-end 2016—not a recommendation to buy these decade-old devices today.
How this 2016 ranking works
“Best” depends on what mattered to the owner. This ranking weighs everyday usability, camera performance, display, speed, battery and charging, software, and value—not specifications alone. It considers premium phones available by the end of calendar year 2016, including late arrivals such as the Pixel and OnePlus 3T. Regional hardware and availability differed, particularly for some Android models, so a family name does not guarantee identical components or network compatibility.
The ranking describes how these phones compared in their era. Battery condition, security support, app compatibility, and resale availability in 2026 are separate questions; a strong 2016 review does not establish that a particular used unit is a good purchase now.
The best flagship smartphones of 2016
1. Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge — best all-round Android flagships
The S7 family combined premium construction, excellent Super AMOLED displays, a fast-focusing 12-megapixel camera, IP68 water resistance, and microSD expansion in many markets. Its camera was particularly strong in low light, and Dual Pixel autofocus made focusing feel quick. The Galaxy S7 edge is the all-round pick for people who wanted a large screen and larger battery; the 5.1-inch S7 is easier to hold and avoids the curved screen’s extra repair exposure.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Closer View in Deep Cabs】The 14.2-inch extended design positions your phone closer across wide dashboards, making navigation easier to check inside semi trucks, sleeper cabs and commercial vehicles without leaning toward the windshield.
- 【Shape and Adjust the Angle】A 5.9-inch flexible metal rod can be carefully bent to accommodate different windshield angles and dashboard depths. Multiple locking joints support height, tilt, reach and viewing-angle adjustments for a more practical cab setup.
- 【Wide Locking Suction Base】The 3.5-inch suction cup creates a broad contact area on clean, smooth windshield glass. Pressing and locking the base helps maintain a stable connection during everyday highway travel and normal road vibration.
- 【Secure Four-Point Cradle】Two padded side clamps and two lower support feet hold the device from multiple directions while helping protect its edges. The open lower section provides convenient access to the phone charging port during long trips.
- 【Fitment and Safe Placement】Compatible with many 4.7–7.2 inch smartphones and suitable for Volvo VNL 860 VNL 760 Flagship Mega 2014-2019 when the windshield and cab layout allow safe installation. Position the mount where it will not obstruct the driver’s view, airbags, controls or safety equipment.
The trade-offs were glass that could be slippery and breakable, a heavier Samsung software layer than Google’s, and processor variations by region. IP68 is a water-resistance rating under controlled conditions, not a promise against damage from immersion, salt water, age, or repairs. The S7 edge led many year-end Android comparisons after the Note7’s withdrawal (Engadget’s Pixel and Pixel XL review).
Best for: Android users prioritizing a complete hardware package, display quality, and—where available—expandable storage.
2. Apple iPhone 7 Plus — best iPhone and strongest ecosystem choice
The iPhone 7 Plus paired Apple’s A10 Fusion chip with a 5.5-inch display, IP67 water resistance, and a dual 12-megapixel rear-camera system. Its telephoto function and portrait-focused effects added photographic options absent from the smaller iPhone 7, while video recording and integration with Apple services made it an especially compelling choice for people already using an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Mac.
It was large and heavy, retained a familiar design, had no microSD slot, and removed the 3.5mm headphone jack. The supplied Lightning adapter could connect wired headphones, but charging and listening at once required additional hardware. Its camera advantages were most apparent in particular modes, not every shot. Comparisons with the Pixel XL and other 2016 phones also highlight the differences in camera approach and ecosystem (Macworld’s comparison; Engadget’s iPhone 7 competition roundup).
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- 🚛 Built for Volvo VNL 860 VNL 760 Flagship Chassis 2014-2019 Work Vehicles
- Designed for Volvo VNL 860 VNL 760 Flagship Chassis 2014-2019 and vehicles with suitable grab handles or stable round/oval bars, this heavy-duty phone holder is ideal for semi trucks, big rigs, pickups, excavators, buses, RVs, and work vehicles.
- 🔩 Strong Handle Clamp Mount
- The metal-style clamp base attaches to suitable interior grab handles or bars. The tightening knob allows quick adjustment by hand and helps keep the mount firmly positioned during daily routes.
- 📱 Auto-Lock Phone Grip
Best for: iOS users, video recording, and people who value Apple’s apps, services, and accessory ecosystem more than expandable storage or a higher-resolution display.
3. Google Pixel and Pixel XL — best Android software experience in 2016
The original Pixel generation offered Google’s preferred Android experience, Assistant integration, and first-party updates. Its computational photography produced strong point-and-shoot results, particularly in challenging light and high-contrast scenes. The Pixel XL had a 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display and a 3,450mAh battery; the smaller Pixel used a 5-inch 1080p display and a 2,770mAh battery. Both used a Snapdragon 821 platform.
The Pixels were expensive at launch, had no microSD expansion, and offered less water resistance than the Galaxy S7 or iPhone 7. The XL’s display was good, but Samsung had the stronger display reputation. Google said 15 minutes of charging could provide up to seven hours of battery life; that was a manufacturer claim, not a guaranteed result for every user (Tech Advisor’s Pixel XL comparison). Contemporary comparisons cover the Pixel’s software and camera position against rivals (Engadget’s comparison).
Best for: People who wanted Google’s software and camera processing in 2016. Its once-important update advantage should not be mistaken for current support.
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Rank #3
- 🚛 Built for Volvo VNL 860 VNL 760 Flagship Crew 2014-2019 Work Vehicles
- Designed for Volvo VNL 860 VNL 760 Flagship Crew 2014-2019 and vehicles with suitable grab handles or stable round/oval bars, this heavy-duty phone holder is ideal for semi trucks, big rigs, pickups, excavators, buses, RVs, and work vehicles.
- 🔩 Strong Handle Clamp Mount
- The metal-style clamp base attaches to suitable interior grab handles or bars. The tightening knob allows quick adjustment by hand and helps keep the mount firmly positioned during daily routes.
- 📱 Auto-Lock Phone Grip
4. HTC 10 — best traditional flagship for wired audio
The HTC 10 offered a metal body, a 5.2-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 820 performance, and a 3,000mAh battery in a conventional, non-modular design. Its audio hardware and wired-headphone experience made it a distinctive choice for music listeners, while its software was more restrained than some competitors’ interfaces.
It lacked the S7’s combination of water resistance and expandable storage, and it could not match the iPhone’s ecosystem or the Pixel’s camera reputation. It was a solid, less flashy alternative rather than the most complete flagship (Tech Advisor’s comparison of the HTC 10, Galaxy S7, and LG G5).
Best for: Buyers who valued metal construction, conventional design, and wired audio.
5. OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T — best value flagships
The OnePlus 3 delivered Snapdragon 820 performance, 6GB of RAM, a metal body, and fast Dash Charge at a lower launch price than many top-tier rivals. The 3T arrived later in 2016 with an upgraded processor and front camera. Its timing matters: it is a year-end value pick, not a phone available throughout the year.
Rank #4
- 【Closer View in Deep Cabs】The 14.2-inch extended design positions your phone closer across wide dashboards, making navigation easier to check inside semi trucks, sleeper cabs and commercial vehicles without leaning toward the windshield.
- 【Shape and Adjust the Angle】A 5.9-inch flexible metal rod can be carefully bent to accommodate different windshield angles and dashboard depths. Multiple locking joints support height, tilt, reach and viewing-angle adjustments for a more practical cab setup.
- 【Wide Locking Suction Base】The 3.5-inch suction cup creates a broad contact area on clean, smooth windshield glass. Pressing and locking the base helps maintain a stable connection during everyday highway travel and normal road vibration.
- 【Secure Four-Point Cradle】Two padded side clamps and two lower support feet hold the device from multiple directions while helping protect its edges. The open lower section provides convenient access to the phone charging port during long trips.
- 【Fitment and Safe Placement】Compatible with many 4.7–7.2 inch smartphones and suitable for Volvo VNL 860 VNL 760 Flagship Regular 2014-2019 when the windshield and cab layout allow safe installation. Position the mount where it will not obstruct the driver’s view, airbags, controls or safety equipment.
Camera consistency, certified water resistance, broad carrier and retail availability, and long-term support were weaker points than on the leading mainstream phones. Value comparisons at the time put it alongside the HTC 10, S7 edge, G5, and P9 (Computing’s comparison).
Best for: Android enthusiasts who prioritized speed and price and accepted compromises in camera, water resistance, and availability.
6. Huawei P9 — best compact alternative for monochrome photography
The P9 paired a compact 5.2-inch design with a dual-camera system carrying Leica branding. Its color and monochrome sensors made black-and-white photography an appealing experiment, and its premium styling offered a different take on the 2016 flagship. It was a credible alternative in markets where its price undercut Samsung and Apple.
Its automatic camera results were less consistently class-leading than those from Google, Samsung, or Apple, and its Kirin 955 platform was not the fastest of the year’s leading chips. Huawei’s interface and availability also varied in appeal by market. The Leica branding described a camera collaboration, not a guarantee that every image would outperform rivals.
Best Value
- 【Closer View in Deep Cabs】The 14.2-inch extended design positions your phone closer across wide dashboards, making navigation easier to check inside semi trucks, sleeper cabs and commercial vehicles without leaning toward the windshield.
- 【Shape and Adjust the Angle】A 5.9-inch flexible metal rod can be carefully bent to accommodate different windshield angles and dashboard depths. Multiple locking joints support height, tilt, reach and viewing-angle adjustments for a more practical cab setup.
- 【Wide Locking Suction Base】The 3.5-inch suction cup creates a broad contact area on clean, smooth windshield glass. Pressing and locking the base helps maintain a stable connection during everyday highway travel and normal road vibration.
- 【Secure Four-Point Cradle】Two padded side clamps and two lower support feet hold the device from multiple directions while helping protect its edges. The open lower section provides convenient access to the phone charging port during long trips.
- 【Fitment and Safe Placement】Compatible with many 4.7–7.2 inch smartphones and suitable for Volvo VNL 860 VNL 760 Flagship Day 2014-2019 when the windshield and cab layout allow safe installation. Position the mount where it will not obstruct the driver’s view, airbags, controls or safety equipment.
Best for: Compact-phone users and photography enthusiasts interested in monochrome shooting.
7. LG G5 — most ambitious design, with meaningful compromises
The G5 stood apart with a removable battery, modular lower section, microSD support, and a dedicated wide-angle camera alongside its standard camera. It also had a 5.3-inch Quad HD LCD and Snapdragon 820 performance. The wide-angle view was genuinely useful when a standard lens could not fit a scene.
The modular system did not develop into a compelling ecosystem, and accessories added complexity without making the phone more cohesive. Its battery capacity was modest relative to some large rivals, and its design and camera experience were less consistently polished. The G5 is best remembered as an ambitious experiment, not the safest all-round recommendation.
Best for: People specifically seeking a wide-angle camera or removable battery who were willing to trade refinement for experimentation.
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| Category | Standout | Why |
|---|---|---|
| All-round Android hardware | Galaxy S7 / S7 edge | Strong display and camera, water resistance, and microSD expansion in many markets. |
| Compact flagship | Galaxy S7 | It kept the family’s flagship features in a more manageable 5.1-inch size. |
| iOS and ecosystem | iPhone 7 Plus | It combined Apple’s software and services with a more versatile camera than the standard iPhone 7. |
| Android software | Google Pixel | Google’s direct software experience and Assistant integration were central advantages in 2016. |
| Automatic still photography | Google Pixel or Galaxy S7 | The Pixel excelled at computational HDR and point-and-shoot processing; the S7 was strong in low light and autofocus. |
| Camera versatility | iPhone 7 Plus | Its dual-camera system added telephoto and portrait-focused options, while video was a strength. |
| Display | Galaxy S7 edge | Its 5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED combined deep blacks, high contrast, and a distinctive curved design. |
| Value | OnePlus 3 / 3T | They delivered high-end performance at lower launch positioning; the 3T was a late-year update. |
| Wired audio | HTC 10 | It emphasized audio hardware and a conventional headphone experience. |
| Innovation | LG G5 | Its removable battery and modular design were unusual, even if the accessories did not form a persuasive system. |
No single camera approach won every situation. Samsung’s S7 camera combined a 12-megapixel sensor, f/1.7 aperture, large pixels, and Dual Pixel autofocus; Google emphasized computational processing with a 12.3-megapixel camera; Apple’s Plus model added a telephoto function; Huawei explored a color/monochrome pairing; and LG added a wide-angle view. Megapixel counts alone do not settle image quality. The approaches and comparative specifications are discussed in IHS Markit’s Pixel analysis.
Other notable 2016 phones—and one not to buy
- Samsung Galaxy Note7: Not a recommendation. Samsung discontinued it after battery fires and a global recall. It belongs in a history of 2016, not a used-phone shortlist; do not assume a surviving unit is safe. The Note7’s withdrawal shaped year-end comparisons of Samsung’s remaining flagships (Engadget).
- Sony Xperia XZ: A notable Sony design and camera-hardware entry, but less compelling as an all-round pick than the top-ranked phones (Engadget).
- Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL: Camera hardware and Windows 10 Mobile integration appealed to a narrower audience, but the app ecosystem was a major limitation. A contemporary consumer test placed them below leading Samsung and Apple models (Consumer Choice’s test).
- Huawei Mate 9: A strong large-screen option that arrived late in 2016, but its size and market availability made it a less natural universal pick. It featured in contemporary phablet comparisons (The Guardian’s phablet roundup).
What to check before buying a 2016 flagship in 2026
These phones are nearly a decade old. Original review performance and battery-capacity figures say little about the condition of a specific used device. For a daily phone, a newer budget or midrange model is generally the more practical direction when current security updates, modern app support, USB-C, 5G, and repair availability matter. If considering a 2016 model for a limited-purpose use, assess the actual device and network before paying.
- Battery and physical condition: Check battery health where the operating system exposes it, test charging, and inspect for swelling, screen lift, damage, or an unreliable port. Replacement-cell quality varies; opening or repairing a water-resistant phone can compromise its seals.
- Software and apps: Check the exact operating system version and whether the apps and security features you need still work. The original Pixel, Galaxy S7, HTC 10, LG G5, OnePlus 3, and iPhone 7 generation no longer have their original launch-era support advantage.
- Network compatibility: For US use, verify the exact model number with the intended carrier. LTE bands, carrier certification, VoLTE, emergency-calling requirements, and network shutdowns can determine whether a phone works reliably; the product-family name is not enough.
- Storage and audio needs: iPhone 7 models used fixed internal storage and had no microSD slot. Pixels also lacked microSD, while Galaxy S7 models commonly supported expansion depending on market. The iPhone 7’s headphone adapter did not allow convenient simultaneous charging and wired listening without additional hardware.
- Water resistance and repair history: IP67 and IP68 ratings were laboratory ratings for new devices, not waterproof guarantees. Age, drops, and repair work can undermine protection.
- Seller terms: Prefer a clear return policy and warranty, and ask whether the battery or screen has been replaced. Current used prices, stock, and vendor quality vary and are not established by historical launch comparisons.
Final verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge was the most complete Android flagship of 2016, while the standard S7 was the better fit for a smaller phone. The iPhone 7 Plus was the strongest choice for Apple users; Google’s Pixel led the Android software experience; and OnePlus offered the clearest value proposition. The right historical winner depends on the user’s priorities—and none of these decade-old phones should be mistaken for an automatically sensible 2026 daily-phone purchase.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
