Best Smartphone
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Smartphones are indispensable in our daily lives, connecting us to the world, helping us stay organized, and providing entertainment on the go. Whether it’s checking emails or capturing memories, these pocket-sized devices serve as the ultimate digital tool. When choosing the best smartphone, key factors like screen size, camera quality, battery life, and processing power shape the overall experience, and the right pick depends on individual preferences and needs. After testing dozens of models, we identified the smartphones that deliver the best balance of features, performance, and value for everyday use and more demanding tasks.
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Google Pixel 8
We think the Google Pixel 8 is a top choice for most smartphone users due to its excellent camera, smart features, and solid performance.
We think the Google Pixel 8 is a top choice for most smartphone users due to its excellent camera, smart features, and solid performance.
The Pixel 8’s camera system really impressed us. We snapped crisp, vibrant photos in various lighting conditions. The new Macro Focus feature let us capture tiny details we’d normally miss. Night shots looked bright and clear too.
Google’s AI smarts shine through in daily use. We loved how it screened our calls and fixed up our photos. The phone felt snappy and responsive as we jumped between apps and games. Its 6.2-inch screen looked great, with rich colors and smooth scrolling.
Battery life was a strong point. We easily got through full days of heavy use. The fast charging was handy when we needed a quick top-up. We also felt safer knowing about the car crash detection and emergency features. While it’s not cheap, we think the Pixel 8 offers great value for its mix of camera quality, smart features, and all-around solid performance.
SaleGoogle Pixel 8- Pixel 8 is the helpful phone engineered by Google; the new Google Tensor G3 chip is custom-designed with Google AI for cutting-edge photo and video features and smarter ways to help[1]
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OnePlus Nord N30 5G
We think the OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want 5G and good performance.
We think the OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want 5G and good performance.
When we used the Nord N30, we were impressed by its large 6.72-inch screen. The 120Hz refresh rate made scrolling and animations look super smooth. We found the display bright enough for outdoor use too.
The 5000mAh battery easily got us through a full day of heavy use. When it was time to charge, the 50W fast charging topped it up quickly. We went from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes.
We liked having 128GB of built-in storage, plus the option to add up to 1TB more with a microSD card. The Snapdragon 695 chip handled everyday tasks well. Apps opened fast and multitasking was smooth.
The camera setup is decent for the price, but not amazing. The 108MP main sensor took good shots in bright light. Low-light photos were a bit grainy though. We found the 3x zoom useful for getting closer to subjects.
While it’s not the fanciest phone out there, we think the Nord N30 offers great value. The big screen, long battery life, and 5G make it a good pick for most people who don’t want to spend a lot.
SaleOnePlus Nord N30 5G- 108MP Triple Camera with 3x Lossless Zoom and Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) - titanic main camera that captures clear, high-detail photos with 9-in-1 pixel binning tech that absorbs more light for brighter, more colorful images.
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
We think the Galaxy A35 5G is a solid mid-range phone that offers great value for its price.
We think the Galaxy A35 5G is a solid mid-range phone that offers great value for its price.
We’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G for a few weeks now, and it’s left a good impression. The phone’s 6.6-inch AMOLED screen is a standout feature. Colors pop, and it’s bright enough to see clearly outdoors. We found ourselves enjoying videos and games more than we expected on a mid-range device.
The camera setup is another pleasant surprise. We took some great shots in various lighting conditions. The main camera captures lots of detail, and the ultra-wide lens is fun for landscapes. Night mode works well too – our low-light photos came out clear and bright.
Battery life is a strong point. We easily got through full days of heavy use without needing to recharge. The 5000mAh battery holds up well, even when we’re streaming videos or using GPS navigation. Fast charging is handy when we do need a quick top-up.
While the A35 5G isn’t the speediest phone out there, it handles everyday tasks smoothly. We noticed some lag when switching between lots of apps or playing graphics-heavy games. But for browsing, social media, and most apps, it’s plenty fast.
The plastic body doesn’t feel as nice as glass or metal, but it seems durable. We like that it’s water-resistant – no worries about rain or splashes. The fingerprint sensor works quickly and reliably.
Overall, we think the Galaxy A35 5G is a great choice for people who want a capable phone without spending top dollar. It strikes a nice balance between features and affordability.
SaleSamsung Galaxy A35 5G- CIRCLE IT, SEARCH IT, FIND IT. JUST LIKE THAT: What’s your favorite influencer wearing? Where’d they go on vacation? What’s that word mean? Don’t try to describe it — use Circle to Search with Google¹ and get the answer in a snap
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Google Pixel 7a
We think the Google Pixel 7a is a great mid-range phone that offers excellent value for its price.
We think the Google Pixel 7a is a great mid-range phone that offers excellent value for its price.
We tested the Google Pixel 7a for a week, and we were impressed by its performance. The phone feels snappy and responsive, thanks to its Google Tensor G2 chip. We could easily switch between apps and play games without any lag.
The camera is a standout feature. We took some stunning photos in various lighting conditions. The 64MP main camera captured sharp images with vivid colors. Even in low light, the results were impressive. We also had fun playing with the camera’s special features, like Magic Eraser, which lets you remove unwanted objects from photos.
Battery life is another strong point. We used the phone heavily throughout the day, and it still had juice left by bedtime. The fast charging is handy when you need a quick top-up, but we wish Google had included a charger in the box.
One thing to note is the phone’s size. It’s not huge, but it might feel a bit chunky if you’re used to slimmer devices. The 6.1-inch screen is nice for watching videos, though. We also liked the water-resistant design, which gave us peace of mind when using the phone in the rain.
SaleGoogle Pixel 7a- Fast Charging: Pixel 7a has a 24-hour battery life and supports fast charging up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver turned on.
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Samsung S24 Ultra
We think the Samsung S24 Ultra is a top choice for anyone seeking a premium smartphone with cutting-edge features and exceptional performance.
We think the Samsung S24 Ultra is a top choice for anyone seeking a premium smartphone with cutting-edge features and exceptional performance.
The S24 Ultra wowed us with its impressive 200MP main camera. We snapped crisp, detailed photos in various lighting conditions. The 100x zoom let us capture faraway subjects clearly, which came in handy for nature shots and cityscapes.
We found the new AI features genuinely useful. Circle to Search made looking up information about objects in our environment a breeze. The real-time translation feature helped us communicate effortlessly during a trip abroad.
The built-in S Pen felt natural to use for note-taking and quick sketches. We liked how it tucked neatly into the phone’s body when not in use. The large 6.8-inch display offered plenty of space for productivity tasks and media consumption.
Battery life impressed us, easily lasting a full day of heavy use. Fast charging topped up the phone quickly when needed. The titanium frame gave the S24 Ultra a premium feel while keeping it lightweight.
While pricey, we think the S24 Ultra justifies its cost for power users and tech enthusiasts. Its blend of top-tier specs, versatile cameras, and innovative AI features make it a standout choice in the high-end smartphone market.
SaleSamsung S24 Ultra- CIRCLE & SEARCH¹ IN A SNAP: What’s your favorite influencer wearing? Where’d they go on vacation? What’s that word mean? Don’t try to describe it — use Circle to Search1 with Google to get the answer; With S24 Series, circle it on your screen and learn more
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Samsung Galaxy A15
We think the Galaxy A15 is a solid budget smartphone that offers good value for its price.
We think the Galaxy A15 is a solid budget smartphone that offers good value for its price.
The Galaxy A15’s display really impressed us. Its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen is bright and clear, even when we used it outside. We found the 90Hz refresh rate made scrolling feel smooth and responsive.
We were pleasantly surprised by the A15’s camera performance. The 50MP main camera took sharp photos in good lighting. The ultra-wide and macro lenses gave us more shooting options, though they weren’t as impressive as the main camera.
Battery life was a standout feature. We easily got through two full days on a single charge with normal use. When we did need to top up, the fast charging was convenient.
The phone’s performance was decent for everyday tasks. We could browse the web, use social media, and switch between apps without much lag. However, it’s not the best choice for heavy gaming or multitasking.
We liked the sleek design and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor worked quickly and reliably. The lack of water resistance is a downside, so we had to be careful around water.
For the price, we think the Galaxy A15 offers good value. It’s a solid choice for those who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
Samsung Galaxy A15- Display: 6.5 inches, Super AMOLED - 1080 x 2340 pixels
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Moto G 5G (2023)
We think the Moto G 5G (2023) is a solid budget smartphone that offers good value for its price.
We think the Moto G 5G (2023) is a solid budget smartphone that offers good value for its price.
We tested the Moto G 5G (2023) for several weeks, and it left us impressed with its speed. The Snapdragon 480 Plus chip handled everyday tasks without a hitch. We noticed apps opened quickly and multitasking was smooth.
The 6.5-inch screen looks nice, with vivid colors and fluid motion thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling felt buttery smooth, and games ran well. We liked how the display stayed readable outdoors.
Battery life amazed us. We easily got through full days of heavy use without needing to recharge. The 5000mAh battery often lasted into a second day with more casual use.
Camera performance was a bit mixed. In good lighting, we took some nice shots with the 48MP main camera. But low-light photos came out grainy. The macro lens was fun to play with for close-ups.
Build quality feels okay but not premium. The plastic body seems durable enough, though it lacks the heft of pricier phones. We like the water-repellent coating for peace of mind.
Audio from the stereo speakers got quite loud. Music and videos sounded clear, with decent bass for a budget phone. The headphone jack is handy for wired listening.
For the price, we think the Moto G 5G (2023) punches above its weight. It’s a good pick for 5G on a budget if you don’t need top-tier cameras or years of software updates.
SaleMoto G 5G (2023)- Compatible with T-Mobile 5G and Verizon 5G. Ready for 5G on other select networks dependent on availability; contact your service provider for details. Compatible with all major 4G U.S. carriers, including Verizon, ATandT, and T-Mobile. It also works with prepaid carriers, including Cricket Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile, Simple Mobile, Total Wireless, Tracfone, Net10, Mint, TracFone, and H2O.
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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
We think the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a solid budget-friendly smartphone that offers good value for its price.
We think the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a solid budget-friendly smartphone that offers good value for its price.
We’ve been testing the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, and it’s a nice option for those seeking an affordable 5G phone. The 6.5-inch AMOLED screen looks great, with vibrant colors and good brightness. We found it easy to read texts and watch videos, even outdoors.
Battery life is a strong point. We easily got through full days of typical use without needing to recharge. When we did plug in, the fast charging topped up the battery quickly. The option to add more storage with a microSD card is handy for folks who take lots of photos and videos.
While the camera setup isn’t top-tier, it takes decent photos in good lighting. We noticed some blur and noise in low-light shots. The plastic body doesn’t feel as nice as pricier phones, but it seems durable. Apps sometimes took a moment to open, and we saw occasional stutters when multitasking. For everyday tasks like browsing and messaging, it works fine.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G- YOUR CONTENT, SUPERSMOOTH: Whether watching shows, playing games or reading online, the ultra-clear, superfluid display¹ of Galaxy A15 5G brings your content to life; Plus, Vision Booster lets you to enjoy the bright 800-nits screen experience
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Moto G Play 2023
We think the Moto G Play 2023 offers good value for budget-conscious shoppers who need a basic smartphone.
We think the Moto G Play 2023 offers good value for budget-conscious shoppers who need a basic smartphone.
The Moto G Play 2023 impressed us with its battery life. We used it for three days straight without needing to charge. This is great for people who forget to plug in their phone at night.
The big 6.5-inch screen was nice for watching videos and browsing the web. Text was easy to read, but we noticed it wasn’t as sharp as pricier phones. The 90Hz refresh rate made scrolling look smoother than we expected at this price.
We found the camera okay for basic shots, but it struggled in low light. The fingerprint reader worked well to unlock the phone quickly. The water-repellent design gave us peace of mind when using it near the sink.
Performance was a bit slow when we tried to multitask or play graphics-heavy games. The 32GB of storage filled up fast, so we needed to use a microSD card for more space.
For the price, we think this phone is a solid choice for kids or as a backup device. It handles calls, texts, and basic apps just fine. But if you need more power or a better camera, you might want to look at pricier options.
Moto G Play 2023- Carrier compatibility: ATandT: VoLTE, Verizon: VoLTE, T Mobile: VoLTE, WiFi Calling, Video Calling, Tracfone, Optimum Mobile, GSM, CDMA. Does not support: Xfinity Wireless, Spectrum. For all carrier compatibility details - please check the product images in detail.Optical sensor resolution:13 megapixels.Maximum display resolution:HD plus (1600x720) | 269ppi .Display Type:IPS TFT LCD.Form_factor : smartphone.Other camera description:13MP plus 2MP triple camera,5MP selfie camera
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Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
We think the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is a solid mid-range phone that offers good value for most users.
We think the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is a solid mid-range phone that offers good value for most users.
We tested the Galaxy A25 5G for a week, and we were impressed by its bright and fluid 6.5-inch display. Colors popped nicely on the AMOLED screen, making videos and games look great. The 90Hz refresh rate gave a smooth feel when scrolling through apps and websites.
The triple camera setup was fun to use. We snapped some nice shots in good lighting, though low-light photos were a bit grainy. The 50MP main camera grabbed plenty of detail in daytime shots. We liked playing with the ultra-wide lens for landscape photos too.
Battery life was a strong point. The 5000mAh cell easily lasted us through a full day of heavy use. We also enjoyed the stereo speakers, which pumped out clear audio for music and videos. While not the fastest phone out there, it handled most daily tasks well enough. For the price, we think it’s a good pick for folks who want a big screen and decent cameras without breaking the bank.
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G- YOUR CONTENT, SUPERSMOOTH: Whether watching shows, playing games or reading online, the ultra-clear, superfluid display¹ of Galaxy A25 5G brings your content to life; Plus, Vision Booster lets you to enjoy the bright 800-nits screen experience
Buying Guide
When shopping for a new smartphone, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.
Display
Look for a bright, sharp screen with good color accuracy. Screen size is a personal preference, but bigger displays are better for media and productivity.
Performance
A fast processor and ample RAM ensure smooth operation. Consider your usage – basic tasks need less power than gaming or heavy multitasking.
Camera
For many, camera quality is crucial. Pay attention to:
- Megapixels
- Low-light performance
- Video capabilities
- Special features like portrait mode
Battery Life
Long battery life is essential. Check reviews for real-world battery performance, not just manufacturer claims.
Storage
Choose enough storage for your needs. Many phones offer expandable storage via microSD cards.
Software and Updates
Pick a phone with recent software and a good track record of updates. This ensures better security and access to new features.
5G Compatibility
If 5G is available in your area, a 5G-capable phone can offer faster data speeds.
Price
Set a budget and stick to it. Remember, the most expensive option isn’t always the best for your needs.
Build Quality
A durable build with water and dust resistance can protect your investment.
We recommend reading reviews from trusted sources and, if possible, trying phones in person before making a decision. Your perfect smartphone should balance these factors according to your priorities and budget.