Whether you want the best phone or a more affordable option, the following options have been tested for you, the best phones from Apple, Samsung, Google and many more are described here. The list includes the best camera phones too.
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In terms of common features, the best phones of 2023 have lightning-fast processors offering vibrant, high-resolution screens that make your gaming experiences effortless and Netflix shows look great. Many of them also have high-quality rear cameras that allow you to take gorgeous images that you’ll return to look back on for years to come. Other budget-friendly phones feature perfectly fine all-round performance at a cost-conscious price. But with a plethora of manufacturers offering a wide range of phones on sale which promise to offer the best smartphone experience, figuring out which one is actually best for your own needs can be difficult.
To simplify the decision, there is a consideration of top picks that you can look at more keenly. Each phone on this list meets the requirements for what can be considered to be the best smartphones. From high-end phones packed with cutting-edge tech to budget devices under $500 and everything in between, there are plenty of worthwhile options for everyone.
Every phone on this list has been thoroughly reviewed and tested, and you’ll find options across iPhone and Android that fit different needs and different budgets.
1. The best phone for most people
With Apple iPhone 15 expected to be launched later this month, the Apple iPhone 14 continues to impress with its excellent processor performance and cameras. It’s an ideal phone for most people. While its largely a repackaged iPhone 13 with the 13 Pro’s processor, it is still more than capable and one of the fastest phones tested this year. The iPhone 14 takes excellent photos and videos, but its iOS and all its features that really shine like iMessage, Apple Pay, FaceTime and Apple Music.
Most of the phones below are available unlocked and should be compatible with most wireless telephone operator carriers, unless otherwise specified. Many of the best phones of 2022 remain available and some are included below, but the list is updated regularly and will keep you posted as new models are launched throughout 2023. For more info, read this guide to help you find the best phone for your needs and take a look at the tips on how to buy a new Apple iPhone or Android phone and where to get the best phone deals.
2. Best phones in 2023
Apple iPhone 14
Good upgrade for most people
While the base iPhone 14 doesn’t have the same triple camera array or new Dynamic Island notch as its pricier 14 Pro sibling, it still offers a lot to be excited about and comes with a more affordable price. It can be described as “a good upgrade for most people” thanks to its solid performance, updated main camera and various other tweaks including a more repairable glass back in case it takes a tumble.
It’s not a huge overhaul from last year’s models, but if you’re in the market for a new iPhone and you don’t fancy spending the big money on the Pro series, then it’s a great option to consider.
Pros:
- Main camera upgrade is great
- Autofocus makes selfies look better
- Improved repairability is welcomed
- Action mode is smooth
Cons:
- Ultrawide photos are a step down in image quality
- Year-over-year upgrades are minimal
- Videos recorded in low light look just OK
Price: $800 at Apple
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Best premium iPhone
Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max introduce sweeping changes like the Dynamic Island, a new 48-megapixel camera system and Apple’s new A16 Bionic processor. All of these upgrades come together to make for an experience that feels fresh and fast. The upgrades to the main camera allow it to take some truly stunning photos, making the phone a solid option if you’re into mobile photography.
As Apple’s top phone it doesn’t come cheap, especially if you want the larger Max model, but if you’re looking for the best all-round performance in an iPhone, then the 14 Pro is the phone to get.
Pros:
- The Dynamic Island is delightful
- Main camera takes excellent photos
- A16 Bionic chip is blazing fast
Cons:
- Telephoto camera is only good in bright light
- Wish there was an easier way to simplify the always-on display
- It’s hefty
Price: $1,000 at Apple
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Best value for a premium Android phone
With its stellar triple camera, refined design and spacious 6.7-inch screen, there’s a lot to love about the Pixel 7 Pro. Although it’s not very different from the previous Pixel 6 Pro, it will feel like a big change to those upgrading from a phone that’s more than two years old. Google has improved the zoom capabilities on the Pixel 7 Pro, giving it a 30x digital zoom compared to the 6 Pro’s 20x range for capturing tighter shots. Both the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have some new features powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, such as the ability to sharpen old photos. You’ll also get free access to Google’s VPN on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
At $899, the Pixel 7 Pro is cheaper than both the $1,000 Galaxy S23 Plus and $1,200 Galaxy S23 Ultra at their regular starting prices, making it a solid choice for those who want a giant screen and an excellent camera for less.
Pros:
- Stellar camera with awesome new features
- Design refinements look classy
- Android 13 is bliss to use
Cons:
- Battery life is only OK
Price: $899 at Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Best premium Android phone
The Galaxy S23 is a lot, but in a good way. It’s more than most people need in a phone, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Samsung made improvements to the camera’s resolution (200 megapixels compared to 108 megapixels), color tones and dynamic range, while retaining the same edgy design and massive 6.8-inch screen as its predecessor. There’s also a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that’s been optimized specifically for Samsung’s phones, which brings faster performance compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
Starting at $1,200, it may be an understatement to call this phone expensive. But those willing to pay more for a giant screen and a high-quality, versatile camera won’t be disappointed.
Pros:
- Fast performance
- Excellent main camera, especially in low light
- Bright screen
- Included stylus
- Double the storage in the base model
- Four years of Android OS updates
Cons:
- High price
- Photos don’t always look natural, especially selfies
- No improvements to fast charging
Price: $1,000 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S23
Best small Android phone
Android fans looking for a petite phone don’t have much to choose from. But the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 provides a compelling option for those who want a phone that feels compact but still provides enough screen space.
The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a fresh processor (a version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that’s been optimized for Samsung’s phones), a slightly new design and a higher-resolution selfie camera. But it’s the Galaxy S23’s larger battery that makes it worth recommending.
Pros:
- Attractive design
- 4 generations of Android OS updates
- Longer battery life than the Galaxy S22
- Fast performance
- More storage in the base S23 Plus
Cons:
- Cameras are basically the same as last year
- Expensive
- No improvements to fast charging
- Regular Galaxy S23 lacks base storage upgrade
Price: $800 at Samsung, $750 at Amazon, $797 at Walmart
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Best foldable phone
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the biggest leap forward Samsung’s flip phone has seen in years. Samsung has significantly expanded the size of the cover screen located on the outside of the device, meaning you can look up directions, take photos and send messages without opening the phone. It’s this combined with the Z Flip’s solid battery life and sturdy design that makes it a top pick.
The Z Flip 5 may be our favorite flip phone, but there are still some drawbacks to be aware of. At $1,000, it’s still expensive for a phone without a telephoto camera. And not all apps work natively on the front screen as they do on the Motorola Razr Plus.
Pros:
- Big cover screen is fun to use
- New hinge eliminates the gap when closed
- Solid battery life
- More storage in base model
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not all apps work on the cover screen natively
- Apps don’t transition from main screen to cover screen
- Minimal camera updates
Price: $1,000 at Samsung
Motorola Razr Plus
Best compact flip phone
The Motorola Razr Plus raised the bar for what a flip phone should be in 2023. Its 3.6-inch cover screen allows you to use almost any app without opening the phone, plus battery life is long enough to get you through a busy day. It’s also thinner than the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which could make it the ideal choice for those who prioritize portability in a phone.
While the Galaxy Z Flip 5 may be the best flip phone overall, the Motorola Razr Plus is worth considering if you prefer a thinner design and want to use more apps on the phone’s front screen without much extra fuss. The Razr Plus may feel more fragile than the Z Flip 5, but it’s certainly thinner, making it a great choice for those who care about compactness above all else.
Pros:
- Large, useful cover screen
- Crease is barely visible
- Thin design
- Good battery life
- Fun photography features like photo previews
Cons:
- Not as many Android updates as Samsung
- Flex View feels limited
- Front screen gathers fingerprint smudges easily
- $1,000 is still expensive
Price: $1,000 at Motorola
Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola
Fast charging phone
The Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola has a lot going for it, from its palatable regular $700 price to its unique aesthetic, easy compatibility with PCs and smooth 6.6-inch screen. But it’s the ThinkPhone’s incredibly fast charging that truly makes it stand out. It supports 68-watt fast charging and notably comes with a compatible power adapter in the box, making it one of the fastest-charging phones you can buy. ThinkPhone’s battery goes from empty to 92% in 30 minutes.
Every phone has its drawbacks. The cameras on the ThinkPhone struggle in low light, which means it may not take the best photos in dim restaurants and bars. And even though it’s a great value at $700, there are some cheaper alternatives that are also compelling, such as Google’s Pixel 7A.
Pros:
- Cohesive design
- Incredibly fast charging
- Cross functionality with PCs
- Incredible value for the price
Cons:
- The cameras are good, but struggle in low light
- The Google Pixel 7 is $100 less
Price: $650 at Lenovo
Nothing Phone 2
A flashy yet affordable phone
The Nothing Phone 2 stands out for its unconventional design that incorporates flashing LED lights, relatively low price and fast performance. And unlike the Nothing Phone 1, you can actually buy the Nothing Phone 2 in the US, for $700. It’s best suited for those who want a phone with a large, bright screen, powerful processor and a design that makes a statement, all for well below $1,000.
That said, it’s important to remember that Nothing has a lot of competition in this price range. If camera quality is your top priority, you can get the Pixel 7A at a lower price of $449.
Pros:
- Flashy design
- Powerful processor
- Large, bright display
- Attractive interface
Cons:
- Disappointing camera performance
- Needs to be cheaper to compete against rivals
Price: $700 at Nothing
Google Pixel 7A
Best Android phone for $500
Google’s budget phone took a leap forward in 2023 with the Pixel 7A, which offers many of the same benefits as the Pixel 7 but at a cheaper price. Like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A runs on Google’s Tensor G2 processor, meaning it has many of the same photo editing and language translation features as its pricier sibling. The Pixel 7A’s 64-megapixel camera also takes excellent photos that rival the Pixel 7’s in quality.
While most people will still like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A’s lower price makes it a better deal. Only opt for the Pixel 7 if you really want a slightly larger screen and are willing to pay the extra $100 for it. Otherwise, the main differences between the Pixel 7 and 7A come down to the former’s more durable build, slightly faster charging and its ability to wirelessly charge compatible accessories. The Pixel 7 also has a larger camera sensor that’s more sensitive to light, according to Google.
Pros:
- Excellent camera
- Many of the same features as the Pixel 7 at a cheaper price
- Attractive design
- Gains wireless charging, face unlock and high refresh rate
Cons:
- Screen still looks dim outdoors
- Higher price compared with Pixel 6A at launch
- Only three generations of Android OS updates compared with Samsung’s four
Price: $499 at Best Buy, $444 at Target
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Best high-end phone at a discount
Google no longer sells the Pixel 6 Pro through its website, but you can still find it through some third-party retailers at a significant discount for now. The Pixel 6 Pro’s unique design, great software additions, superb camera quality and solid all-around performance earned the phone an excellent rating in 2021.
It’s almost two years old, but many initial impressions still hold true. All told, it’s a worthwhile choice for those who want a spacious screen and a top-notch camera on a budget.
Pros:
- Excellent cameras
- Solid all-round performance
- Neat Android 12 interface
- Attractive design
Cons:
- Battery is good, but not great
- Fast charge isn’t all that fast
- No face unlock
Price: $335 at Amazon
Apple iPhone 13
Best everyday phone
While Apple’s new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro might be the more exciting options with their upgraded cameras and the Pro’s new Dynamic Island notch, Apple is still selling the base iPhone 13.
The standard iPhone 13 is a reliable choice for most people, sporting a 6.1-inch screen and two excellent rear cameras. Apple iPhone 13’s balance of power is loved, as well as camera performance and price and while it’s not a huge amount of money saved over the base iPhone 14, if you’re looking for a new handset and trying to keep your costs down it could be money well saved.
Pros:
- Cameras are lovely
- Longer battery life
- Cinematic mode is fun
Cons:
- Still want a smaller notch
- Cinematic mode is more of a novelty than a pro feature
- Selfie camera could be better
Price: $700 at Apple, $829 at Amazon
OnePlus 11
High performance flagship with a lower price
The $700 OnePlus 11 is a powerful phone that’s well equipped to handle gaming, video streaming and other common tasks. In typical OnePlus fashion, this phone is also cheaper than the $800 Galaxy S23 and $900 Pixel 7 Pro. The cameras aren’t the best, but they’re fine for casual photographers that just want to capture their next vacation or a night out. What sets the OnePlus 11 apart from many of its rivals is its blazing fast 100-watt fast charging, which can replenish the battery in just 25 minutes. (The US version only supports 80-watt charging, but that’s still an improvement over the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 45-watt charging).
Overall, the OnePlus 11 is ideal for those who want a powerful phone that charges quickly and won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- Incredible performance for gaming
- Slick, refreshed design
- Hyper-fast charging
- Five years of security support
Cons:
- Cameras are good, but not great
- Rivals offer better waterproofing
Price: $649 at OnePlus
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Most affordable iPhone
Apple’s 2022 iPhone SE may not have the incredible multiple cameras of the top-end iPhone 13 Pro, but the iPhone SE has a lot to offer if you’re looking for a great experience without spending flagship levels of cash. It’s 5G-enabled, for one, it runs the latest iOS 15 software and it packs the same A15 Bionic processor found in Apple’s top phones. As a result, performance is lightning-fast.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Home button and Touch ID FTW
- Good battery life so far
- Camera takes good photos and videos
Cons:
- Lacks night mode for photos
- Screen could be brighter
- Bezels above and below screen look dated
- Selfie camera not on par with rear camera
- 20-watt USB-C charger not included
Price: $429 at Apple
Google Pixel 6A
Best budget Android phone
The Pixel 6A impresses with its attractive design and Tensor processor, which enabled it to inherit many of the same features as the Pixel 6 but at a cheaper price. Now, Google has knocked the price down to $349, making it an even better value.
The Pixel 6A has a 6.1-inch screen, making it the same size as the Pixel 7A and slightly smaller than the Pixel 7. While it’s missing out on certain newer features that require the Tensor G2, it still has a lot to offer for the price. With the Pixel 6A, you get Google-specific features like Face Unblur, which sharpens a subject’s face in blurry photos, and Real Tone, which renders skin tones more accurately in photos.
Pros:
- Great camera
- Affordable price
- Premium design for a mid-tier phone
- Among the first to get new Android updates
Cons:
- Somewhat dim display
- Not a great value alongside discounted Pixel 6
- Not as many years of guaranteed Android updates as Samsung
- Video quality isn’t as good as still photos
Price: $299 at Amazon, $349 at Best Buy, $349 at Target
Apple iPhone 13 Mini
Best small phone
If you’re someone who prefers smaller, pocket-friendly devices, this is the phone for you. The 6.1-inch iPhone 13 Mini is easy to use with one hand and even fits into tight jean pockets. Starting at $599, this is the cheapest model in Apple’s iPhone 13 lineup.
While battery life isn’t as long as on the iPhone 13, this petite Apple iPhone doesn’t sacrifice on camera capabilities or processing power.
Pros:
- Cameras are lovely
- Longer battery life
- Cinematic mode is fun
Cons:
- Still want a smaller notch
- Cinematic mode is more of a novelty than a pro feature
- Selfie camera could be better
Price: $600 at Apple
3. Buying a new phone
What you care about the most: Is it screen size? Camera quality? Battery life? This will help narrow down your choices. Phones like the iPhone 14 Pro or Pixel 7 Pro, for example, pack incredible cameras that almost rival the quality you’d get from a DSLR. If you’re a photographer, then spending money here is a good idea. If not, you can likely save yourself a bundle.
Don’t ignore the midrange: Features of last year’s flagships always trickle down to this year’s midrange handsets. You can get a great phone that does almost everything that a premium phone can do for a fraction of the price. Google’s Pixel 7 Pro packs a great zoom camera, but the base Pixel 7 has most of the same key specs and comes at a more reasonable price.
Shop for discount sales: Look for deep discounts and promo deals around major holidays, especially Amazon’s Prime Day and Black Friday. And find out what your grace period is in case you need a quick return or exchange.
The previous year’s phones: They can often be a great deal, too. Wait for the current year’s launch to get last year’s phone for less, when stores and carriers may be trying to offload their existing stock.
Window shop for the phone at a store first: You may love or hate the way it looks and feels in person.
Check if you’re already invested: Have you already bought a lot of iPhone apps and iTunes movies? Stick with an iPhone if you still want access to them. Likewise, if you’ve invested in loads of Android apps, you’ll want to stay on that side of the fence. Otherwise, it’s simple enough to switch platforms.
Buy a case and screen protector: You’ll need to protect your phone from costly damage, and will increase the phone’s resale or trade-in value for when you’re ready to move on.
4. How to test phones
To test a phone, do so in real-world scenarios, focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. Document the findings in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates, or to compare it against new phones from competitors such as Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
Photography
Photography is a major feature on most phones these days, people take pictures and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting scenarios. Try out any new camera modes, such as Action mode that debuted with the iPhone 14 line, or the Unblur photo tool that launched with the Google Pixel 7 series.
Battery life
Battery testing cab be conducted in a variety of ways. Assess how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use and note how it performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. Also conduct a video playback test, as a simple, replicable measure of pure battery life, which isn’t always included in the initial review but sometimes added later in an update.
Performance measuring
Use benchmarking apps to measure each phone’s performance, alongside your own experiences using the phone. Note how graphics and animations look. Are they smooth? Or do they lag or stutter? Also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations, and how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.
Perform processor-heavy tasks like editing photos, exporting videos and playing games. Evaluate whether a newer version of a particular phone includes enough features to make it worth upgrading from older models.
5. Phone FAQs
What is in a good phone camera?
All of today’s phones pack some kind of camera setup on the back, with most packing multiple ones like ultrawide or telephoto zooms. More expensive phones, like the iPhone 14 Pro, use larger image sensors, better-quality lenses and image stabilization that let in more light, capturing detailed images with beautiful colors, in daylight and at night. Typically, the more you pay, the better quality you’ll get, with the most advanced features being reserved for the most expensive flagships.
What is the best phone case?
There’s a vast array of case options for almost every phone on the market, so which one is best really comes down to what you need it for. Many cases are simply there for the style. And while these cases will certainly help keep light scratches and scuffs off your phone, you should look toward more specialized rugged cases if you want to take your smartphone on a rough-and-tumble adventure into the outdoors.
How long should a phone battery last?
Most smartphones, even those at the top end, should be able to deliver a full day of mixed use out of a single charge. That means you should have a bit of juice left at the end of your day, but you should expect to give it a full charge when you plug it in next to your bed at night.
How much storage should my phone have?
Most phones today come with 128GB of storage, which is a good amount for apps, games and locally stored music. But it’s important to think about what you’ll be doing with your phone. If you want to download and play a lot of games, then consider opting for higher-capacity version options.
What makes a phone a smartphone?
Smartphones let you do more than just making calls; they connect to the internet, you can download apps and games, and they typically have cameras capable of taking and displaying photos and videos. In short, they’re just what we know of today as a “phone,” and everything on this list qualifies as a smartphone.
