Prime telephones examined and ranked

When you’re making an attempt to determine that are the easiest smartphones to purchase in 2023, now we have the solutions.

We have ranked and rated the highest performers from our extensive phone reviews in a single definitive checklist. Is the iPhone 14 Professional definitely worth the hype, or possibly you are curious in regards to the Pixel 7 sequence or Galaxy S23 fashions from Samsung, this information may help you determine which of the newest smartphone needs to be on the prime of your wishlist.

As with each purchaser’s information, the picks beneath are the results of numerous hours of testing by the Pocket-lint crew. Nonetheless, a telephone’s efficiency is not the one factor that we contemplate when placing collectively these rankings; we place a powerful emphasis on the worth tag and general worth of a tool, too.

Our picks change frequently, on condition that new telephones launch on a regular basis, however beneath you could find the newest rankings.

These are the very best telephones you should purchase in 2023

With the iPhone 14 Pro you get Apple’s typical excessive ranges of workmanship, design and finishes, however this yr you get one thing somewhat additional: Dynamic Island.

Relatively than the cutouts for the cameras simply getting in the way in which, Apple designed the software program round it and turned it right into a characteristic. It reveals animations when you will have timers, music or different dwell data within the background, and you may work together with it too.

As at all times, the Professional and Professional Max are the most costly variations of iPhone 14, however that extra cash will get you a extra highly effective processor, an always-on OLED show, higher cameras and a premium design.

Apple remains to be avoiding USB-C on its telephones, although, making the switch of its huge ProRes and ProRAW information a bit gradual, and the facility customers on the market will seemingly have to cough up additional money for the Max model to make sure they’ve a very all-day battery.

Google Pixel 7 Professional

2. Greatest Android telephone

A detailed-to-perfect Android expertise

Pixel 7 Professional builds on the inspiration of the Pixel 6 Professional, providing a extra refined design, gorgeous digital camera efficiency and clear software program.

Execs

• Wonderful digital camera efficiency
• Clear software program expertise
• Lovely, crisp show
• Aggressive value level

Cons

• Face unlock is insecure
• Few modifications over Pixel 6 Professional
• Solely three promised platform updates

The Pixel 7 Pro is a shocking telephone, and it greater than justified its place as runner-up in the very best smartphone class within the Pocket-lint Awards for 2022.

In the end there’s not an enormous change from the Pixel 6 Professional, nevertheless it does have a extra refined design, an awesome huge show and a clear software program expertise which brings all of the Pixel goodness to the floor with none bloat or unnecessary additions.

The digital camera remains to be what defines this telephone, taking it a step additional than earlier Pixel units by extending the zoom vary and giving entry to nearer macro pictures too.

It delivers a wonderful all-around expertise and would not price over a grand.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely

3. All-round digital camera king

The top of Android telephones

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely is the largest, baddest, and costliest of the S-series flagships in 2023. With an enormous 6.8-inch, 120Hz-capable show, a 5,000mAh battery, a model new 200MP digital camera, and an included S Pen, the S23 Extremely is not a large improve over its S22 Extremely predecessor, however the improved effectivity of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC will give it a major battery enhance — excellent for gaming or engaged on the go.

Execs

• Beautiful giant show
• Nice design with IP68 water/mud resistant
• Actually versatile digital camera system
• S Pen included

Cons

• It is costly
• Plenty of software program bloat

So far as uncooked energy and software program capabilities go, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra is the top of Android telephones. It is definitely extra of a refinement than a reinvention, nevertheless it’s a heck of a refinement, providing gorgeous construct high quality and a stunning, giant show with quick, clean refresh charges and assist for the S Pen (which is included within the bundle).

OneUI software program provides so much on prime of the usual Android bundle, delivering plenty of probably very helpful options to the telephone, but in addition means the telephone comes with an enormous quantity of bloatware and pre-installed duplicate/redundant apps.

We love almost every little thing in regards to the Extremely although. It is a great-looking gadget, with excessive ranges of water and mud resistance and wi-fi charging thrown in for enjoyable. It delivers just about every little thing you can need from a telephone, and it might be larger up the checklist if it wasn’t so costly

Samsung Galaxy S23+

4. On a regular basis energy

The ‘does every little thing’ telephone

The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the middle-ground flagship telephone for early 2023, and in consequence takes a extra compromising strategy to its specs. For instance, whereas it appears to be like similar to the smaller S23, it shares the bigger storage and battery sizes of its bigger S23 Extremely counterpart. And although it lacks an S Pen, its bigger 6.7-inch show is ideal for getting work performed on the go. This could be the very best telephone for most individuals.

Execs

• Loads of energy
• Nice show
• Lengthy software program assist and fast updates
• Nice design and construct

Cons

• Charging speeds aren’t thrilling
• Not a lot has modified from the S22+

It is simple to see why Samsung stays on prime of a variety of consumers’ lists when searching for the very best smartphone, notably with the S23+. It is obtained the display house that the common S23 lacks, together with a much bigger battery and a value that is extra engaging than the S23 Extremely. You get flagship energy and efficiency, and its solely weaknesses are its battery and charging speeds.

Samsung stays among the finest Android producers at conserving its telephones updated with the newest safety patches and helps its telephones for as much as 4 years with main software program updates, making certain you may have the newest options and software program even when your telephone is 3-4 years previous.

Cameras ship colour-rich pictures with plenty of element, nighttime mode is even higher than earlier than and its design is glossy, slim and trendy. That is with out mentioning the water and mud resistance. At IP68 you may get safety in opposition to any widespread causes of water harm.

OnePlus 11 5G

5. Worth flagship

A robust telephone with out the price

OnePlus went again to its roots for the newest flagship telephone, delivering a quick, clean telephone that does not break the bank.

Execs

• Beautiful QHD show with quick refresh charges
• Bloat-free software program with plenty of customisation
• Quick efficiency
• Actually fast battery refills

Cons

• No wi-fi charging
• Water proofing and sturdiness not the best

With the OnePlus 11, the corporate took a brief step again to give attention to what actually issues within the OnePlus telephone. Relatively than attempt to pack in completely every little thing – Samsung-style – it opted to present us the very best of a very powerful issues: efficiency and show. In these two areas, particularly, the OnePlus 11 completely delivers. It is obtained one of many nicest shows available on the market, is tremendous speedy and responsive, and options the signature customisable software program we have come to anticipate from OnePlus. Though, in its present type, it is a barely tweaked model of the Oppo ColorOS 13 software program.

OnePlus additionally noticed match to implement actually quick wired charging, together with the facility adapter within the field with 100W SuperVOOC charges to present you a full refill from 1-100 per cent in beneath 25 minutes, which is not unhealthy in any respect given the 5000mAh battery capability. Cameras are first rate sufficient too, though arguably nonetheless the one space it would not fairly compete with Samsung or Google.

Ultimately, although, if you’re paying this little for a correct flagship telephone, there are at all times going to be areas it will not match as much as its big-name competitors. On this occasion, we expect it is a compromise value making.

Xiaomi 13 Professional

6. Quickest charging telephone

The Xiaomi 13 Professional is a strong flagship telephone with among the finest major cameras we have ever seen in a smartphone. Mixed with a luxurious ceramic again, a 19 minute full cost and a shocking show, it makes for an awesome gadget.

Execs

• Stupendously fast battery charging speeds
• Main 1-inch digital camera sensor delivers nice pictures
• Huge, brilliant QHD+ 120Hz show
• Quick, responsive efficiency

Cons

• MIUI introduces pointless obstacles in software program expertise
• Ultrawide and telephoto cameras aren’t as sturdy as major
• It is costly

With the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the smartphone maker has delivered one thing of a diamond within the smartphone market. It is obtained the brightest QHD+ decision show we have seen in a smartphone, delivers distinctive pace and fluidity and has the quickest wired charging presently obtainable via a single port. With its 100W wired charger you may get a full cost from empty in simply 19 minutes. If you mix these components with a tool constructed from ceramic, you get a premium, luxurious expertise.

The digital camera expertise actually makes this telephone although, with the 1-inch sensor delivering pictures with nice low-light efficiency, sturdy particulars and lifelike textures. If the ultrawide and telephoto lens have been as sturdy, it could be higher, and the MIUI software program expertise introduces some very unnecessarily unintuitive components to the interface. It may be tamed, fortunately, nevertheless it takes somewhat work. The costly price ticket cannot be ignored both.

Nonetheless, its foibles did not cease us from genuinely having fun with utilizing the telephone and wanting to maintain going again to it. If solely due to the speedy refills and the instruments obtainable within the digital camera.

Asus ROG Telephone 7

7. Greatest gaming/multimedia telephone

A beast of a telephone, from gaming to media

Asus ROG Telephone 7 is the highest gaming handset for 2023, delivering market-leading efficiency, glorious gaming software program and dependable, all-day pace and battery life. 

Execs

• Quick, constant efficiency for lengthy intervals
• Huge, brilliant and vibrant show
• The perfect smartphone audio system round
• Lengthy battery life

Cons

• Huge and heavy gadget
• Costly
• Second and third cameras aren’t nice

Gaming telephones have traditionally been one thing of a distinct segment product, however with the ROG Phone 7, Asus has improved an already profitable system. A lot so, that we might advocate it to anybody whose major precedence is a good media and gaming expertise.

The loudspeakers on both facet of the show are merely the very best on any telephone presently available on the market. Every is individually powered and, mixed, they provide loud, well-balanced sound with plenty of bass and good stereo separation. Add that to a implausible, huge, brilliant show, and you may’t actually go incorrect.

It is obtained plenty of energy too, delivering quick and lag-free efficiency no matter what kind of recreation you need to play on it. With the improved cooling and thermal effectivity, it’s going to ship that efficiency for lengthy intervals with out choking.

There are a few downsides although, particularly: its hefty construct and the hefty price ticket that comes with it. It is obtained one good digital camera, however the different two aren’t actually as much as scratch from a flagship standpoint, nevertheless it’s been an absolute pleasure to make use of.

Honor Magic 5 Professional

8. The choice powerhouse

Energy, efficiency and digital camera from an underdog

Honor’s new flagship telephone is an actual transfer ahead for the corporate because it makes an attempt to tackle the large opponents on this house. Its show is attractive, its cameras carry out effectively throughout the board and it’s loads highly effective for something you throw at it. Its design and UI should divide opinion however general there’s so much to like right here.

Execs

• Good design and construct
• Unbelievable, brilliant show
• Highly effective {hardware}
• Spectacular digital camera efficiency

Cons

• Some design decisions will divide opinion
• 4K video is proscribed
• Nonetheless some bloat

The Honor Magic 5 Pro reveals – greater than something – that Honor is again within the recreation. Its makes an attempt at difficult the big-name Android producers have resulted in a telephone which is vastly highly effective, has a shocking show and three nice cameras that carry out effectively throughout the board.

With its enormous digital camera island on the again, and top-heavy really feel, the design will definitely divide opinion as will the marginally heavy-handed strategy to software program and bloat, however the Honor Magic 5 Professional will get much more proper than it will get incorrect.

Given its specs and capabilities, the £949 value places it comfortably beneath what comparable big-name units, making it nice worth for cash particularly when you think about the actual fact Honor offers you three main Android updates and as much as 5 years of safety patches.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

9. The perfect foldable telephone

An lovable, sensible clamshell

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 4 retains what works about its clamshell foldable type issue — its lovable, space-saving design and general versatility — and improves every little thing else. The show, cameras, and general resilience of the hinge are higher this yr, and the brand new colors are simply divine.

Execs

• Premium design and construct high quality
• Nice show
• IPX8 water resistance
• Improved hinge over earlier fashions

Cons

• Lengthy-term sturdiness remains to be a problem
• Underwhelming digital camera system
• Battery life is not nice

Of all of the folding telephones available on the market, it is the Z Flip 4 which we expect delivers probably the most compelling possibility for consumers. It is as a lot a vogue merchandise as it’s a piece of tech, due to its cute design and plethora of color and elegance choices. Add to that the strong aluminium body and IPX8 water resistance, and it is a telephone that may final.

Our solely long-term concern from a sturdiness standpoint is the interior versatile show. Earlier generations have typically worn or peeled aside with months of use, and we’re but to see if that is the identical for the newest technology.

With the flagship processing energy, first rate battery life, a vibrant show, plenty of customisation within the software program and digital camera efficiency, it is a very sturdy bundle and one that allows you to have your cake and eat it. You may have a folding telephone, with out struggling any vital compromises on the characteristic/efficiency facet. Plus, it is not eye-wateringly costly.

How to decide on a telephone

When searching for a brand new flagship telephone, there’s so much to think about. Beneath, then, we’ll have some recommendation on what try to be searching for in every of the important thing {hardware} areas, in addition to whether or not an iPhone or Android telephone is best for you.

What’s the newest iPhone?

The 2022/23 household of Apple’s smartphone is the iPhone 14. Like in earlier generations, the iPhone has a number of fashions to select from – Plus, commonplace, Professional or Professional Max – however the expertise is pretty comparable throughout all of the units. That is true of older iPhone fashions, too, with sturdy assist on the software program entrance and constant use of design for a number of generations of units.

That signifies that if you happen to purchase the iPhone 14, for instance, you realize it is going to be supported for a few years. You additionally know that the {hardware} options on it aren’t going to vary drastically the subsequent yr, as Apple appears to be like for consistency throughout its units.

That additionally signifies that shopping for an older iPhone mannequin stays a great possibility, and why we thought of each the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 sequence for this information. Each will prevent cash and you will not miss out on many options in comparison with a more moderen equal.

Is Android higher than iPhone and iOS?

Android’s huge benefit over Apple is the wide range of choices. There is a better vary of producers, that means many various value factors and designs, however all with the familiarity of the underlying Android software program, so there isn’t any actual studying curve in the case of utilizing it.

Android producers are sometimes extra aggressive with new applied sciences, pushing new digital camera options prematurely of Apple, however typically solely preserve a design for one yr, earlier than releasing a brand new and totally different mannequin. Android additionally is not as according to software program assist.

Though most units will get two or three variations of Android, the timescales are by no means as tight as they’re for Apple – however costs do fall quicker, so good offers on newer fashions are incessantly obtainable.

Shows and sizes

The show will outline the scale of the gadget you get. Bigger shows are nice for consuming content material, splendid for watching TV or films and infrequently most popular by players.

However bigger shows imply a bulkier telephone – and also you may discover it is simply not as sensible to make use of. Many producers, nonetheless, make the largest telephone their finest telephone.

Not all flagship units supply prime resolutions of Quad HD or 4K, with some sticking to an ample decision, like 1080p. That is advantageous, although, as you need to look intently to see the distinction intimately. What’s extra vital is show high quality.

With most flagship telephones providing an OLED show, there aren’t enormous variations, however some supply curved edges which may make a bigger telephone simpler to make use of.

What’s emerged as a extra engaging possibility not too long ago is the refresh price. Prime telephones are actually pushing 120Hz in an try to make all content material look smoother. It isn’t nearly gaming, it is about supporting scrolling in apps and residential screens, too.

Core {hardware} and storage

Flagship telephones will sometimes have the newest {hardware} in them. Whereas Apple gives its personal {hardware}, Android chooses from a spread of suppliers – however many supply Qualcomm. Samsung will use Exynos and Qualcomm, and a few may vary into MediaTek – though that is normally reserved for mid-range or entry-level units.

Storage is vital, too. Low storage will deliver the worth down, however fewer and fewer producers are providing microSD card enlargement today. Which means you’ll want to purchase a tool with sufficient storage – contemplating that the choice of 4K and now 8K video is utilizing up extra storage than ever.

In fact, cloud storage is much more built-in today, however keep in mind that nothing is free – if you wish to retailer a variety of photographs, you may should pay for it.

Cameras

Cameras are the place telephones can differ probably the most, and, typically, the digital camera is probably the most mentioned facet of any telephone. Flagship units have the very best cameras. From Apple to ZTE, prime telephones have extra or higher cameras.

A very powerful factor to think about, nonetheless, is an efficient major digital camera. If the primary digital camera takes good photographs, meaning most of your footage shall be good. If you cannot get a great regular photograph from it, it is no use having heaps extra cameras that additionally offer you weak photographs.

Extremely-wide angle is simple to make use of and creates nice results, telephoto lenses get you a large number nearer – however the high quality of telephoto cameras varies considerably.

Periscope lenses have gotten extra widespread, that means 5x and 10x zoom is now an awesome possibility on some fashions, as effectively.

But additionally keep in mind that megapixels do not robotically make a greater digital camera. Many mid-range telephones use a high-resolution major digital camera which ends up in poor photographs. Extra vital is how the pictures are processed, with AI and computational pictures now capable of make an enormous distinction over the core {hardware}.

There are at all times a variety of gimmicks, too – professional modes you may by no means use, and seize choices you may by no means hassle with. A very powerful factor stays the point-and-shoot efficiency, as that is what you may use more often than not.

Battery life

Flagship telephones typically aren’t the very best performers in the case of battery life. Designed for efficiency, the goal is to ship the very best expertise, to not preserve your telephone alive for every week.

There’ll at all times be telephones within the mid-range that carry out higher – decrease energy, smaller show, decrease decision or decrease brightness – together with a bodily bigger battery, to outlast flagship telephones.

However quicker charging signifies that, with the suitable charger (which you may need to purchase individually), you may get your telephone again to full cost very quickly in any respect.

Is it straightforward to change from iPhone to Android?

Switching between Android manufacturers is simple – so long as you are backing as much as Google – and switching between Apple and Android is not too exhausting, both. Certain, there are some Apple companies you’ll be able to’t get on an Android telephone, like iMessage, however on the entire, most apps are the identical.

When you’re already embedded inside the Apple ecosystem, you may seemingly be satisfied to remain there, however, it is value taking a look at the place you save your information and what companies you utilize, as third-party choices make switching platforms so much simpler.

You can too try our information to Samsung Smart Switch, which helps you to simply leap from iPhone, in addition to our wider Android v iPhone comparison. Apple then again has Transfer to iOS, an app that allows you to transfer from Android to iPhone.

When you already know which telephone working system you may be going with, chances are you’ll discover it simpler to zoom in on our best Android phone or best iPhone guides. And if the costs of the picks beneath are somewhat steep, chances are you’ll need to contemplate trying out a mid-range smartphone or entry-level mobile device.