Possibly—but the answer depends on your carrier. PCMag’s 2026 comparison found different top-performing phone models on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Its results offer a useful shortlist, not a guarantee that a particular phone will be fastest at your address.
What the 2026 phone tests found
PCMag analyzed 2,185,418 speed tests collected from January 1 through June 30, 2026, using data from BestPhonePlans and CoverageMap.com. The analysis covered 5G-capable phones that their manufacturers offered for sale as of mid-August 2026, and included only models with at least 1,000 tests. PCMag’s report, updated September 11, 2026, lists a different leading model by manufacturer for each major carrier.
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| Network | Apple | Motorola | Samsung | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | iPhone Air | Pixel 9 Pro | Edge 2025 | Galaxy A36 5G |
| T-Mobile | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Pixel 9a | Edge 2025 | Galaxy S25+ |
| Verizon | iPhone 16 | Pixel 10 Pro Fold | Edge 2025 | Galaxy Z Fold 7 |
These are carrier-specific leaders identified in PCMag’s comparison, not a ranking of every phone or a promise of the best experience for every customer. A phone’s performance in a broad dataset does not establish how it will perform at a particular location.
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How PCMag calculated its rankings
The final Mobile Phone Index combines observed network results with review and customer-satisfaction measures. It is not a speed-only score.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Speed Index: PCMag combined average download speed (70%), upload speed (20%), and latency (10%). Its stated input ranges were 30–350 Mbps for downloads, 3–25 Mbps for uploads, and 100–15 ms for latency.
- Mobile Phone Index: PCMag then weighted the Speed Index at 50%, its Review Rating Index at 25%, and its Readers’ Choice Satisfaction Index at 25%.
Download speed has the largest share within the speed component, but review ratings and reader satisfaction together account for half of the overall index. As a result, a model leading the composite is not necessarily the model with the highest download speed alone.
How to use the results for your own carrier
- Identify the network you actually use. If you have service directly from AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, use that row. If you use an MVNO, first check which underlying network it uses; PCMag says its carrier comparison can be applied by mapping the MVNO to that network.
- Use the table as a shortlist, not a buying instruction. Compare the relevant model with your needs, including size, features, software support, and budget. The index reflects a blend of network measurements, reviews, and satisfaction.
- Check the exact model variant and local compatibility. Confirm that the specific version you plan to buy supports your carrier and is available for your market. The aggregate results do not verify compatibility for every variant or guarantee reception where you live.
- Set expectations around the evidence. The analysis covers six months and only phones that met its availability and test-count criteria. The published information does not establish that the sample represents every subscriber, location, or device setup.
Does a different phone mean faster service?
Not necessarily. The results report observed performance associated with phone models on carrier networks; they do not prove that changing phones will cause a faster connection for an individual. Your location and the conditions of your own use matter, and the published material does not provide raw test records for independently examining geographic distribution, device configurations, or sampling bias.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
The practical answer to “Am I using the wrong phone for my carrier?” is therefore: check the carrier-specific results before choosing a replacement, but treat the listed models as candidates to investigate. A large test count can make a comparison informative without making it a prediction for every user.
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Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Rank #4
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
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.
