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It is 2023 and high quality smartphones are in abundance. Shoppers have their decide of all kinds of telephones with quick processors, vibrant shows and highly effective cameras. However with so many choices, deciding which one’s best for you is not all the time simple. To simplify the choice, we have rounded up our prime picks — every cellphone on this checklist meets the necessities for what CNET considers to be the very best smartphones. From flagship telephones to finances telephones below $500 and every little thing in between, there are many worthwhile choices for everybody.
Each cellphone on this checklist has been totally reviewed and examined, and you will find choices throughout iPhone and Android that match totally different wants.
What’s the greatest cellphone for most individuals?
The Apple iPhone 14 and 14 Professional impressed us with glorious efficiency from their processors and the cameras. However if you happen to aren’t after the very best iPhone round, you continue to have loads of smartphone selections, together with the Pixel 7 Professional and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely. They each provide every little thing you would need, from high-end efficiency to very good cameras.
Those that need one thing cheaper ought to take into account the $599 Pixel 7, whereas the Galaxy S23 could also be extra appropriate for individuals who choose smaller telephones.
There are a variety of different nice smartphones with eye-catching options, corresponding to Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 4, which has a foldable display. These could be fairly costly, but when your money does not stretch that far, fear not. Increasingly reasonably priced telephones, corresponding to the brand new Pixel 6A, pack nice specs, high-speed 5G connectivity and more-approachable costs.
A lot of the telephones under can be found unlocked and must be suitable with the large 4 US wi-fi carriers, until in any other case specified. Lots of the greatest telephones of 2022 stay out there under, however we evaluate and replace this checklist usually and can hold you posted as we take a look at new fashions within the yr forward. For more information, learn our information to assist discover the very best cellphone in your wants and try our recommendations on purchase a brand new Apple iPhone or Android cellphone and the place to snag the greatest cellphone offers.
Finest telephones in 2023
Stephen Shankland/CNET
Apple’s iPhone 14 Professional and Professional Max introduce sweeping modifications just like the Dynamic Island, a brand new 48-megapixel digicam system and Apple’s new A16 Bionic processor. All of those upgrades come collectively to make for an expertise that feels contemporary and quick. The upgrades to the primary digicam permit it to take some really beautiful images, making the cellphone a stable choice if you happen to’re into cell pictures.
As Apple’s prime cellphone it does not come low-cost — particularly if you need the bigger Max mannequin — however if you happen to’re on the lookout for the very best all-round efficiency in an iPhone, then the 14 Professional is the cellphone to get.
Learn our Apple iPhone 14 Professional evaluate.
James Martin/CNET
Whereas the bottom iPhone 14 does not have the identical triple digicam array or new Dynamic Island notch as its pricier 14 Professional sibling, it nonetheless provides so much to be enthusiastic about and comes with a extra reasonably priced worth. CNET editor Patrick Holland describes it as “a very good improve for most individuals” because of its stable efficiency, up to date principal digicam and varied different tweaks together with a extra repairable glass again in case it takes a tumble.
It isn’t an enormous overhaul from final yr’s fashions, however if you happen to’re out there for a brand new iPhone and you do not fancy spending the large bucks on the Professional sequence, then it is an awesome choice to contemplate.
Learn our Apple iPhone 14 evaluate.
With its stellar triple digicam, refined design and spacious 6.7-inch display, there’s so much to like concerning the Pixel 7 Professional. Though it isn’t very totally different from the earlier Pixel 6 Professional, it’ll really feel like an enormous change to these upgrading from a cellphone that is greater than two years previous. Google has improved the zoom capabilities on the Pixel 7 Professional, giving it a 30x digital zoom in comparison with the 6 Professional’s 20x vary for capturing tighter pictures. Each the Pixel 7 and seven Professional are getting some new options powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, corresponding to the flexibility to sharpen previous images. You may additionally get free entry to Google’s VPN on the Pixel 7 and seven Professional.
At $899, the Pixel 7 Professional is cheaper than each the $1,000 Galaxy S23 Plus and $1,200 Galaxy S23 Extremely at their common beginning costs, making it a stable selection for individuals who desire a large display and a very good digicam for much less.
Learn our Google Pixel 7 Professional evaluate.
James Martin/CNET
The Galaxy S23 is so much, however in a great way. It is greater than most individuals want in a cellphone, however that does not make it any much less spectacular. Samsung made enhancements to the digicam’s decision (200 megapixels in comparison with 108 megapixels), shade tones and dynamic vary, whereas retaining the identical edgy design and large 6.8-inch display as its predecessor. There’s additionally a brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that is been optimized particularly for Samsung’s telephones, which brings sooner efficiency in comparison with the Galaxy S22 Extremely.
Beginning at $1,200, it could be an understatement to name this cellphone costly. However these keen to pay extra for an enormous display and a high-quality, versatile digicam will not be disillusioned. Learn our full evaluate of the Galaxy S23 Extremely.
Samsung/CNET
Android followers on the lookout for a petite cellphone haven’t got a lot to select from. However the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 gives a compelling choice for individuals who desire a cellphone that feels compact however nonetheless gives sufficient display area. The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a contemporary processor (a model of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that is been optimized for Samsung’s telephones), a barely new design and a higher-resolution selfie digicam. But it surely’s the Galaxy S23’s bigger battery that makes it value recommending. Learn our full evaluate of the Galaxy S23.
The Pixel 7 prices considerably lower than the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 14, however nails the fundamentals extraordinarily effectively for a cellphone of its worth. You may additionally get further options which might be particular to Google telephones, like the flexibility to have the Google Assistant wait on maintain for you.
The Pixel 7 is not very totally different from the Pixel 6, nevertheless it does not have to be. As a substitute, it provides refinements like a better digital digicam zoom, a barely upgraded design with a extra distinguished digicam bar product of metallic and face unlock. The brand new Tensor G2 processor additionally brings some new pictures enhancements, like Photograph Unblur, which sharpens previous images.
Total, the Pixel 7 is a good selection for individuals who desire a new Android cellphone with a fairly large display at a worth that is extra reasonably priced than Samsung’s Galaxy S23 household.
Learn our Google Pixel 7 evaluate.
Google not sells the Pixel 6 Professional by way of its web site, however you’ll be able to nonetheless discover it by way of some third-party retailers at a big low cost for now. The Pixel 6 Professional’s distinctive design, nice software program additions, very good digicam high quality and stable all-around efficiency earned the cellphone a superb ranking when CNET reviewed it in 2021. It is greater than a yr previous, however lots of our preliminary impressions nonetheless maintain true. All informed, it is a worthwhile selection for individuals who desire a spacious display and a top-notch digicam on a finances.
Learn our Google Pixel 6 Professional evaluate.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Whereas Apple’s new iPhone 14 and 14 Professional is likely to be the extra thrilling choices with their upgraded cameras and the Professional’s new Dynamic Island notch, Apple remains to be promoting the bottom iPhone 13.
The usual iPhone 13 is a dependable selection for most individuals, sporting a 6.1-inch display and two glorious rear cameras. We liked the iPhone 13’s stability of energy, digicam efficiency and worth and whereas it isn’t an enormous sum of money saved over the bottom iPhone 14, if you happen to’re on the lookout for a brand new handset and attempting to maintain your prices down it might be cash effectively saved.
Learn our Apple iPhone 13 evaluate.
The $700 OnePlus 11 is a robust cellphone that is effectively outfitted to deal with gaming, video streaming and different widespread duties. In typical OnePlus vogue, this cellphone can also be cheaper than the $800 Galaxy S23 and $900 Pixel 7 Professional. The cameras aren’t the very best, however they’re superb for informal photographers that simply wish to seize their subsequent trip or an evening out. What units the OnePlus 11 other than lots of its rivals is its blazing quick 100-watt quick charging, which may replenish the battery in simply 25 minutes. (The US model solely helps 80-watt charging, however that is nonetheless an enchancment over the Galaxy S23 Extremely’s 45-watt charging). Total, the OnePlus 11 is good for individuals who desire a highly effective cellphone that expenses shortly and will not break the financial institution. Learn our full evaluate of the OnePlus 11.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Apple’s 2022 iPhone SE could not have the unbelievable a number of cameras of the top-end iPhone 13 Professional, however the iPhone SE has so much to supply if you happen to’re on the lookout for an awesome expertise with out spending flagship ranges of money. It is 5G-enabled, for one, it runs the newest iOS 15 software program and it packs the identical A15 Bionic processor present in Apple’s prime telephones. Consequently, efficiency is lightning-fast.
Learn our Apple iPhone SE (2022) evaluate.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
The Pixel 6A is Google’s latest midrange cellphone, changing the Pixel 5A because the $449 machine in its lineup. CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco known as it the “greatest Android cellphone below $500” in her Pixel 6A evaluate, noting that it retains the identical Tensor chip seen within the $599 Pixel 6 and lots of of its options.
The cellphone is barely smaller than the Pixel 6, that includes an 6.1-inch OLED show and a refresh charge of 60Hz. And it has the same digicam to the Pixel 5A, together with a 12.2-megapixel principal digicam and a 12-megapixel ultrawide digicam. However by together with the Tensor chip, images can profit from its Actual Tone pores and skin tone function, Face Unblur, Night time Sight for darker pictures and the Magic Eraser for eradicating undesirable parts from a photograph.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Samsung’s $1,000 Galaxy Z Flip 4 is essentially the most transportable and enjoyable cellphone CNET’s Patrick Holland reviewed final yr. It inherits the very best elements of the Z Flip 3, like its pocketable flip phone-inspired design and Flex Mode, which makes it simpler to make use of the cellphone when it is propped open midway. The Z Flip 4 additionally has a brand new picture sensor, which improves picture high quality in comparison with the Flip 3, together with a much bigger battery and newer processor.
These enhancements tackle among the Z Flip 3’s greatest shortcomings, regardless that Samsung did not give us every little thing we wished (like a bigger cowl display). However all informed, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a good selection for individuals who desire a cellphone that is extra transportable than virtually anything you will discover available on the market.
You possibly can additionally go for the Galaxy Z Flip 3, which Samsung nonetheless sells at a decrease $900 worth. However that is nonetheless so much to spend on a brand new cellphone, so I might suggest spending a bit further now that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is roughly a yr and a half previous. You would possibly as effectively put money into newer know-how that can last more if doable, particularly if you happen to can rating a very good trade-in deal.
Learn our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 evaluate.
Patrick Holland/CNET
In case you’re somebody who prefers smaller, pocket-friendly units, that is the cellphone for you. The 6.1-inch iPhone 13 Mini is straightforward to make use of with one hand and even suits into tight jean pockets. Beginning at $699, that is the most cost effective mannequin in Apple’s iPhone 13 lineup. Whereas battery life is not so long as on the iPhone 13, this petite Apple iPhone does not sacrifice on digicam capabilities or processing energy.
Patrick Holland/CNET
At a whopping worth of $2,500, the Sony Xperia Professional is not for everybody. However if you happen to’re a photographer or videographer on the lookout for professional-level digicam cellphone options, you’ll be able to’t go improper. The Xperia Professional is actually 4 merchandise in a single: a cellphone, a digicam monitor, a speedy photograph file switch machine, and a 5G machine appropriate for broadcasting and livestreaming.
Learn our Sony Xperia Professional evaluate.
How we take a look at telephones
Each cellphone that seems on this checklist has been totally examined by CNET’s skilled evaluations group. Which means really utilizing the cellphone, testing the options, taking part in video games on them and taking images with them. No advertising guarantees are taken at face worth, and if we discover one thing we do not like, be it battery life or construct high quality, we’ll let you know all about it.
Testing a cellphone means testing each factor of the machine. Is the show brilliant, sharp, vibrant? Does the design really feel good to carry, is it heavy, does it really feel effectively made and is it waterproof? We take a look at the processor efficiency utilizing each standardized benchmark instruments like GeekBench and 3DMark, together with our personal anecdotal observations whereas navigating the interface or when taking part in demanding video games.
All of the cameras (each back and front) are examined in quite a lot of circumstances from brilliant daylight by way of to darkish scenes (for any out there evening modes), and we evaluate our findings towards equally priced fashions. We run battery exams, working them down from full to see how lengthy they’re prone to hold going on the market in the actual world.
We take into consideration further options like 5G, fingerprint or face scanners, styluses, quick charging, versatile shows or different extras that may be helpful. And we in fact stability all of this towards the value to provide the verdict on whether or not that cellphone, no matter worth it’s, really represents good worth.
Telephone FAQs
What makes a very good cellphone digicam?
All of right this moment’s telephones pack some type of digicam setup on the again, with most packing a number of ones providing issues like ultra-wide views or telephoto zooms. Even a budget-focused cellphone ought to have the ability to take a well-exposed picture in good mild, utilizing HDR methods to stability brilliant skies and shadowy areas.
Costlier telephones just like the iPhone 14 Professional will use bigger picture sensors, better-quality lenses and picture stabilization that allow in additional mild, capturing extremely detailed photographs with stunning colours — in daylight and at evening. Then there are telephones like Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Extremely, which packs an enormous 10x optical zoom lens that permits you to zoom in shut on far-away particulars with out sacrificing picture high quality.
Usually, the extra you pay, the higher high quality you will get, with essentially the most superior options being reserved for the most costly flagships. However until you are a dedicated photographer, then most up-to-date smartphones will have the ability to take good-enough pictures of your youngsters on the seaside to share with household and mates, so do not suppose it is advisable to lay our a fortune to get a usable digicam.
You may see our roundup of the greatest digicam telephones, with choices at totally different costs, together with finances cellphone cameras just like the Google Pixel 6A.
What’s the greatest cellphone case?
There is a huge array of case choices for nearly each cellphone available on the market, so which one is greatest actually comes all the way down to what you want it for. Many instances are merely there for the model. They is likely to be product of luxurious supplies like leather-based or cloth, or just include some fancy design that you’re going to take pleasure in having in your pocket on a regular basis.
And whereas these instances will definitely assist hold mild scratches and scuffs off your cellphone, it is best to look towards extra specialised rugged instances if you wish to take your smartphone on a rough-and-tumble journey into the outside.
We have nice roundups of fantastic cellphone instances to purchase, whether or not you want the greatest case for an iPhone 14 or a case in your new Galaxy S23.
How lengthy ought to a cellphone battery final?
Battery life has all the time been a troublesome matter in smartphones. As telephones get extra highly effective they get extra power-hungry, however retaining them slim sufficient to slip right into a pocket means little room for a battery. Lengthy gone are the times of getting a month out of a single cost.
Most of right this moment’s smartphones — even these on the prime finish — ought to normally have the ability to ship a full day of blended use out of a cost. Which means it is best to have a little bit of juice left on the finish of your day, however it is best to anticipate to present it a full cost if you plug it in subsequent to your mattress at evening.
Blended use is subjective, in fact, however sometimes it might contain some basic messaging and electronic mail, internet shopping and listening to streaming music or podcasts for a few hours. Throw in some images in your stroll dwelling from work, too. Extra demanding duties like taking part in vibrant, 3D video games like Asphalt 9: Legends will drain your battery a lot sooner. In case you plan on taking part in quite a lot of video games, then be sure you’re inside attain of a plug or carry a cell battery pack with you.
How a lot storage ought to my cellphone have?
Telephone storage has elevated over time as our telephones should retailer way more data-heavy issues lately. Apps and video games use higher-resolution graphics or different trendy options that imply they should take up extra room in your cellphone. It’s normal for graphically intense video games to take up a number of gigabytes of area, which is large when you think about the first-generation iPhone got here with a base 4GB of storage.
Most telephones have a tendency to come back with a minimal of 128GB of storage, which is an effective quantity for apps, video games and regionally saved music. But it surely’s necessary to consider what you will be doing along with your cellphone. If you wish to obtain and play quite a lot of video games, then take into account choosing a higher-capacity model.
In case you’re into pictures and anticipate to take quite a lot of high-resolution images, 4K video or DNG uncooked photographs, then once more you will profit from having extra storage so you do not have to maintain deleting older information earlier than you’ll be able to take new ones. Having further storage could be nice peace of thoughts that you can shoot away at your child’s celebration with out worrying about lacking that essential second since you ran out of area.
However you will pay extra for that storage, with the iPhone 14 Professional’s prime 1TB of area costing half as a lot once more as the bottom 128GB mannequin. Whether or not that is a worthwhile funding is as much as you.
What makes a cellphone a smartphone?
Just about each cellphone you should buy right this moment is a smartphone. Smartphones allow you to do extra than simply make calls; they connect with the web for internet shopping, you’ll be able to obtain apps and video games, they usually sometimes have cameras able to taking — and displaying — images and movies. In brief, they’re simply what we all know of right this moment as a “cellphone,” and every little thing on this checklist qualifies as a smartphone.
They’re worlds other than the older-style “function” telephones like the unique Nokia 3210, though even these have been up to date with “good” capabilities. And it’s nonetheless doable to purchase extraordinarily primary function telephones, with bodily buttons and no web connectivity, though these are way more area of interest and much fewer firms nonetheless make them.
