Google · 2016
The Pixel's HDR+ computational photography set a new bar for smartphone cameras.
Check price on AmazonMKBHD Smartphone Awards 2016
Every winner and runner-up from MKBHD's 2016 Smartphone Awards — including 6 categories like Phone of the Year, Best Camera, and Best Battery. Tap any category badge to see the full award history.
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Phone of the Year
⭐ Featured Winner
2016
MKBHD's Phone of the Year 2016. Google's first real hardware play — best-in-class camera and pure Android.
Display
Camera
Battery
Launch Price
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"Google's first proper hardware play. Best-in-class camera at launch, pure Android, and excellent build quality."
All Categories
Apple · 2016
Apple's refined aluminum design and new home button impressed despite unchanged look.
Runner-up: HTC 10
OnePlus · 2016
OnePlus 3T brought Snapdragon 821 and 6GB RAM at under $440.
Runner-up: Moto Z Play
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Apple · 2016
Dual cameras and Portrait Mode changed what people expected from big phones.
Samsung · 2016
Twice recalled for battery fires. The most catastrophic phone launch in history.
Explore Award Categories
Each category has its own page with the full winner history from 2014 to present, brand statistics, and spec comparisons. See how the 2016 winners stack up against all-time results.
About the 2016 Awards
2016 was a dramatic year — Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 exploded (literally) and was recalled worldwide. Google entered the hardware game with the Pixel XL, which dominated with its camera AI. Apple removed the headphone jack.
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