Three flagship lines dominate phone searches in November 2026: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro from $1,199, Google’s Pixel 11 from $899 with the Pixel 11 Pro at $1,099, and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra. All three are on sale now through the manufacturers’ own stores. This roundup compares starting prices, screen sizes and the differences that matter before you buy.
Latest Flagship Phones at a Glance
| Phone | Starting price | Screen | Storage options | Where the price was checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,199 | 6.3-inch | 256GB to 2TB | Apple Store (US) |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,299 | 6.9-inch | 256GB and up | Apple Store (US) |
| Pixel 11 | $899 | — | 256GB, 512GB | Google Store (US) |
| Pixel 11 Pro | $1,099 | 6.3-inch | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Google Store (US) |
| Pixel 11 Pro XL | $1,299 | Larger Pro model | 256GB and up | Google Store (US) |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | £1,359 for 256GB | — | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Samsung Store (UK) |
Prices are the manufacturers’ list prices in their own stores in November 2026. Carrier deals and seasonal sales change them often; Google, for example, cut $300 off the Pixel 11 Pro in a store promotion that ended on 8 November, so it is worth checking the official stores again before Black Friday on 27 November.
iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max: From $1,199
Apple’s 2026 flagships come in two sizes: the 6.3-inch iPhone 18 Pro from $1,199 and the 6.9-inch iPhone 18 Pro Max from $1,299, or $49.95 and $54.12 a month over 24 months on Apple’s US pricing. In the UK, the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro costs £1,199 at the Apple Store. One change matters for travellers and switchers: the iPhone 18 Pro models have no physical SIM tray at all and activate only with eSIM, so check that your carrier supports eSIM before you order. Storage runs up to 2TB on the Pro line, and neither phone ships with a power adapter in the box.
Google Pixel 11 and 11 Pro: From $899
Google undercuts Apple on price. The Pixel 11 starts at $899 at the Google Store, the 6.3-inch Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099, and the larger Pixel 11 Pro XL starts at $1,299. The Pro runs Google’s Tensor G6 chip with a triple rear camera system, and Google rates its battery at 30+ hours. Storage on the Pro runs from 256GB to 1TB. Google also discounts aggressively: its store has already run both a 30% offer for Google AI Pro subscribers and a $300-off promotion this season, so patient buyers rarely need to pay the full list price.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung’s top flagship comes with 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage, in Cobalt Violet, Black, Sky Blue and White, with Pink Gold and Silver Shadow as Samsung.com exclusives. On Samsung’s UK store the 256GB model is listed at £1,359. Like Apple, Samsung no longer includes a charger in the box; you get a data cable and an ejection pin. US shoppers should check Samsung’s US store for the current dollar price and trade-in offers, because Samsung’s trade-in credits often take hundreds off the list price for an eligible recent phone.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy on ecosystem first: iPhone if your laptop, watch and family are Apple; Pixel or Galaxy if you live in Google and Android apps. On pure price, the Pixel 11 at $899 is the cheapest way into a current flagship, and Google’s frequent store discounts widen that gap. The iPhone 18 Pro is the pick for video and for buyers who keep a phone four years or more. The Galaxy S26 Ultra suits people who want the biggest spec sheet and Samsung’s trade-in deals. Whichever you choose, pair it with the right plan: our mobile packages hub compares plans by country, and our guide to converting a SIM to 4G/5G helps if your old SIM will not fit the new phone’s eSIM-only setup.
FAQs
What is the best new phone in 2026?
There is no single winner. The iPhone 18 Pro leads on video and long software support, the Pixel 11 Pro offers the same flagship tier for less money, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra packs the widest feature list. Most buyers should simply stay inside the ecosystem they already use.
How much does the iPhone 18 Pro cost?
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 at Apple’s US store for the 6.3-inch model, and the 6.9-inch Pro Max starts at $1,299. In the UK, the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro is £1,199. Prices rise with storage, up to the 2TB option.
Does the iPhone 18 Pro have a SIM tray?
No. Apple states that the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max do not have a physical SIM tray and activate only using eSIM. If your carrier still issues plastic SIMs only, you will need to move your number to an eSIM before the phone arrives.
When is the best time to buy a new flagship phone?
Black Friday, on 27 November 2026 this year, is the next big discount window. Google has already discounted the Pixel 11 range once this season, and Apple and Samsung stores typically run trade-in and gift-card offers rather than straight price cuts, so compare the total deal, not just the sticker.
Last verified: November 2026
