The top phones available right now, each with reviews and ratings
This is the list you need to look at if you’re wanting to upgrade your smartphone. We’ve reviewed the top smartphones available, ranging from big-screen Android phones to the newest iPhone flagship. In order to assist you in selecting the best option for your budget, we’ve included our top picks below.
Our staff uses each model in real-world situations to test the top smartphone options. Hence, you’ll need to max out the graphics on Genshin Impact to gauge processing power, snap all day to compile an album of camera samples, then binge-watch on the bus to gauge battery life. Following our rigorous testing of each competitor, we showcase the top-performing phones in this guide.
We have a separate section that covers the greatest Android smartphone if that’s what you’re looking for. We’ve also compiled our lists of the top small phones, mid-range phones, and inexpensive phones.
Which smartphone is the greatest?
We believe the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (available for purchase right now) is the best smartphone available. Although it is an evolutionary version, it is superb in every way.
You get USB-C (finally), three really powerful cameras, unflappable A17 Pro silicon, and the pull-shaped Dynamic Island cutout. Right now, if you are ready to pay for it, this is the best smartphone available.
Additional top-rated smartphone suggestions
Are you not the perfect person for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max? These are our top four recommendations for additional smartphones:
The best phone for Android
In nearly every aspect, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (available for purchase now) is exceptional.
Design, presentation, execution… This is an excellent all-arounder when the S-Pen pen and some ingenious AI features are added.
best budget-friendly smartphone
The Google Pixel 7a (available for purchase today) demonstrates that Google is a master of low-cost smartphones and is a model of pure vanilla Android brilliance.
It is a budget-friendly winner with a stylish design and advanced camera technology.
The best phone for folding
With its sleek design, excellent cameras, and sophisticated software, the OnePlus Open (available now) is the best premium foldable available right now. When unfolded, it has a large 7.82-inch display and a practical 6.3-inch cover display.
The ideal phone for taking pictures
The best smartphone with a camera is the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which is available for purchase right now.
It has a 50MP primary camera as well as 48MP wide and telephoto sensors, but the software—rather than the hardware—is what really sets it apart.
With the Pixel 8 Pro, taking a bad shot is nearly impossible because of Google’s advanced AI editing and intelligence.
The top cellphones available right now are:
1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Pros
Fantastic camera upgrades
USB-C compatibility
easier to grasp and lighter
Cons
Instead of Thunderbolt, use USB 3.
Absent desktop mode
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen: | 6.7 inches, 2796×1290 OLED HDR, 460ppi |
| Processor: | A17 Pro |
| RAM: | 8GB |
| Storage: | 256GB/512GB/1TB (Options vary) |
| Software: | iOS 17 |
| Cameras: | Rear: 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto; Front: 12MP |
| Battery: | Estimated 4,441 mAh |
| Dimensions: | 76.7×159.9×8.25mm, 221g |
Apple’s most improved iPhone to date is this one. The camera updates are excellent. Although USB-C was long overdue, its release is excellent. It is helpful to have the action button. And all of this is added to already excellent parts like the speakers, display, and app ecosystem.
Of course, one could argue that the iPhone has seen too many iterations to be considered revolutionary, but this criticism typically stems from tech journalists who have become weary of seeing dozens of phones pass in front of them each week, as opposed to the majority of consumers who replace their phones around every two years.
Thus, ought one to purchase one? Not if you already have the Pro Max from last year. Unless you are an extreme photographer, are in dire need of USB-C, or have a penchant for chamfered edges, the differences are not that great. Everybody else? The iPhone 15 Pro Max is truly the greatest if you can afford it and want the most that Apple has to offer.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Pros
creates new robustness benchmarks for Android
Excellent performance and all-day battery life
True utility for on-device AI
Cons
In the past year, not much has changed in the camera world.
skipped the boat to charge my Qi.
When it comes to non-folding flagships, their price
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen: | 6.8 inches, 3088×1440 AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor: | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM: | 12GB |
| Storage: | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Software: | Android 14 with OneUI |
| Cameras: | Rear: 200MP + 12MP + 10MP + 50MP; Front: 12MP |
| Battery: | 5000mAh |
| Dimensions: | 162x79x8.6mm, 232g |
In terms of smartphone experience, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best option available for Android users. With its titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor glass covering, it feels both sturdy and upscale in the hand. Its huge 6.8-inch AMOLED display, which finally does away with the curved borders in favor of a flat panel, is a visual feast. Because of this, it is the ideal complement to the included S Pen stylus.
On-device AI capabilities that are actually helpful also increase productivity. Other than that, performance is unmatched thanks to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU that operates faster than any competitor. The Ultra just breezes through practically all tasks, applications, and games. The top-spec S24 retains its 200MP primary camera, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP 3x zoom, but has an improved zoom camera with a larger pixel count sensor and 5x optical zoom that performs better in low light than last year’s model. This indicates that competitors have equaled or even surpassed Samsung in terms of picture quality. Still, it is quite thin.
The luxury of fitting an S24 Ultra into your pocket will come at a hefty cost. However, the greatest Android smartphone available today will be your reward if you are ready to put in the necessary effort.
3. Google Pixel 8 Pro
Pros
Wonderful pictures in every lighting
More sophisticated styling helps to justify the higher price.
Cons
More expensive makes competitors more alluring
For a flagship, battery life and recharge times are still only passable.
| Google Pixel 8 Pro Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen: | 6.7 inches, 2992×1344 OLED w/ 1-120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Processor: | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM: | 12GB |
| Storage: | 128/256/512GB, 1TB (US only) |
| Software: | Android 14 |
| Cameras: | Rear: 50MP + 48MP + 48MP; Front: 10.5MP |
| Battery: | 5050mAh |
| Dimensions: | 163x77x8.8mm, 213g |
The Pixel 8 Pro now feels worthy of the “Pro” moniker thanks to its incredible screen, design that has aged like a good wine, and some of the most powerful cameras found on a phone. even if the smaller, less expensive Pixel 8 must suffer in the process.
It might stay in your wallet for years to come because of its extensive software support, but there are still some areas where competitors perform better.
There will undoubtedly be disagreements over the increasing dependence on generative AI, but performance, battery life, and charging speeds are decent rather than excellent. At this moment, the temperature sensor likewise feels like a flash in the pan.
Of course, previous Pro Pixels had their share of painful areas. They too had something valuable to offer. Though not significantly, the Pixel 8 Pro’s price comparison with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S23 Ultra is still favorable. This implies that choosing this over the extremely capable alternatives requires you to be more of a Google evangelist. If you do, you will be delighted with what you bought.
4. OnePlus 12
Pros
Epic ProXDR display with a great Sony LYT-808 sensor for premium performance
Cons
An increase in price
few choices for colors
50W wireless charger is required.
| OnePlus 12 Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen: | 6.8 inches, 3168×1440 AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor: | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM: | 12/16GB |
| Storage: | 128/256/512GB |
| Software: | Android 14 with OxygenOS |
| Cameras: | Rear: 50MP + 64MP + 48MP; Front: 32MP |
| Battery: | 5000mAh w/ 100W wired, 50W wireless charging |
| Dimensions: | 164x76x9mm, 220g |
The OnePlus 12, which offers incredible specifications in a competitive price range, pulls off another home run. Although there was a price increase over the previous year’s model, it may not be quite as spectacular this time. With a matte back that feels good to the touch, its all-screen frontage nonetheless fits the current mold. The panel itself has dynamic refresh rates ranging from 1 to 120 Hz, and it is absolutely amazing.
It is identified as a OnePlus phone by the OnePlus trademark alert slider, and the circular camera bump’s Hasselblad branding suggests more shooting options. In most situations, the results are excellent; for dedicated photographers, the Pro and 12-bit RAW+ choices give helpful flexibility, and low-light performance has improved from the previous year.
As expected, performance is excellent, and during our testing, battery life showed itself to be remarkably economical. The 5000mAh battery was refilled with 100W SuperVooc in less than 30 minutes after it ran out of power. When looking for a great deal on a flagship device, the OnePlus 12 easily beats out all of its competitors with large screens.
5. Nothing Phone 2
Pros
Enhances every aspect that made Phone 1 enjoyable.
dependable operation and battery life
Cons
Rivals continue to be the leaders in photography.
Not as valuable in certain regions.
| Nothing Phone 2 Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen: | 6.7 inches, 2410×1080 OLED, 120Hz |
| Processor: | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| RAM: | 8/12GB |
| Storage: | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Software: | Android 13 |
| Cameras: | Rear: 50MP + 50MP; Front: 32MP |
| Battery: | 4700mAh |
| Dimensions: | 162x76x8.6mm, 201g |
Nothing has improved upon everything we like about its first attempt at a smartphone. The glyph user interface? With extra LEDs to better display countdown clocks, incoming notifications, and even the amount of time till your Uber driver arrives, it is smarter today. The clear layout? With a larger 6.7-inch screen and slightly curved rear glass that fits better in your hand, it is sleeker.
Using the flagship chip from the previous year, performance is very good for a mid-range phone, and even if the hardware for the camera has not changed much, there are still improvements in terms of image quality in both daylight and nighttime conditions. However, NothingOS 2.0 is the most noteworthy; it is an amazing take on Android with a unified style that prioritizes widgets. It is a highly alluring substitute for a Pixel 8 Pro or OnePlus 11 at the price.
6. Google Pixel 7a
Pros
Excellent still photos for a phone in the midrange
Performance is superior to its pricing range.
Cons
Cost increase over the previous year’s work
Charging times lag behind competitors
| Google Pixel 7a Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen: | 6.1 inches, 1080×2400 OLED, 60Hz |
| Processor: | Google Tensor G2 |
| RAM: | 8GB |
| Storage: | 128GB |
| Software: | Android 13 |
| Cameras: | Rear: 64MP + 13MP; Front: 13MP |
| Battery: | 4385mAh |
| Dimensions: | 152x73x9mm, 193g |
We have always loved Google’s low-cost smartphones, and the Pixel 7a just holds that distinction. This phone is as well-rounded and offers a streamlined Android experience as you can get for the money, even though it is not nearly as wallet-friendly as its predecessor. The Nothing Phone 1’s stylish illumination is absent, but the composite casing brilliantly mimics the glass used by its more expensive brethren. Additionally, you receive stock Android 13, which functions flawlessly on the 7a’s Tensor G2 CPU.
The shooting stakes are where the Pixel 67 truly shines. Its arsenal of strong algorithms ensures that nearly every picture it takes is detailed, balanced, and devoid of noise. Although there is no telephoto, the main camera’s high pixel count and Night Sight capabilities enable it to quickly focus and capture realistic still images from challenging late-night situations.
You would find it difficult to find a better all-around Android experience for less money because to the addition of niceties like wireless charging and a 90Hz refresh rate, which are absent from the departing Pixel 6a.
7. Sony Xperia 1 V
Pros
Every manual mode a professional photographer or filmmaker might desire
Fantastic audio and a gorgeous screen
Cons
Not as point-and-shoot friendly as competitors’ cameras
significant financial gain
| Sony Xperia 1 V Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen: | 6.5 inches, 1644×3840 OLED, 120Hz |
| Processor: | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| RAM: | 12GB |
| Storage: | 256GB |
| Software: | Android 12 |
| Cameras: | Rear: 12MP + 12MP + 12MP; Front: 12MP |
| Battery: | 5000mAh |
| Dimensions: | 165x71x8.3mm, 185g |
Sony accepts that the Xperia 1 V is not a mainstream smartphone. This Android phone is incredibly powerful, including a 4K cinematic display, outstanding performance, and a daylong battery life. Additionally, it comes wrapped in a stylish business suit-style smartphone. However, photographers are its very clear target market.
It is a serious instrument for experienced photographers due to its fast burst shooting, multitude of manual settings, and excellent image quality. Test results in daylight conditions showed remarkable clarity, while in low light conditions, images maintained their sharpness, balance, and lack of noise because of a new auto Night mode and an entirely new main sensor that makes use of pixel-binning technology. You can get closer to things without using digital tricks thanks to the 1 V’s retention of its predecessor’s continuous optical zoom lens. The Sony camera software is very feature-rich, and its object-tracking autofocus is incredibly quick.
It is true that competing products offer greater support, frequently at a lower cost. However, wealthy supporters will not be let down.
8. Motorola Moto G82
Pros
Excellent cash screen with a fast refresh rate
Capable primary camera produces remarkably sharp images
Cons
Rivals with greater clout do not cost much more.
A macro camera does not really add much.
| Motorola Moto G82 Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen: | 6.6 inches, 2400×1080 AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor: | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G |
| RAM: | 6GB |
| Storage: | 128GB (expandable) |
| Software: | Android 12 |
| Cameras: | Rear: 50MP + 8MP + 2MP; Front: 16MP |
| Battery: | 5000mAh |
| Dimensions: | 160.9x8x74.5mm, 173g |
Not everyone desires to shell out over $1000 for a smartphone. If you have a two-thirds smaller budget, this sub-£300 smartphone is an incredible deal. The Motorola Moto G82 boasts a 50MP optically stabilized camera, a large 5000mAh battery, and an OLED display with refresh rates of 120Hz. All the features you would anticipate from phones that cost a little more.
Indeed, there are hints of the sacrifices necessary to bring it down to this price. Its plastic construction does not deviate much from the G-series standard, and the 2MP macro camera is just a token feature. Additionally, the Snapdragon chip therein will not break any benchmarks.
However, overall performance is far from bad because of Motorola’s minimalist approach to Android. The primary sensor is equally impressive, generating realistic, vivid images, and the package is simple and uncomplicated. This is the phone for you if you want a mid-range device that does the essentials well and is reasonably priced.
9. OnePlus Open
Pros
Excellent construction and superior hardware specifications
brand-new camera technology
Cons
Digital zoom has trouble in dim light.
Cost, of course
| OnePlus Open Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen: | Outer: 6.3 inches, 2484×1116 AMOLED w/ 120Hz Inner: 7.82 inches, 2440×2268 AMOLED w/ 120Hz |
| Processor: | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM: | 16GB |
| Storage: | 512GB |
| Software: | Android 13 w/ OxygenOS |
| Cameras: | Rear: 48MP + 64MP + 48MP Cover: 32MP Inner: 20MP |
| Battery: | 4805mAh |
| Dimensions: | Unfolded: 153x143x5.8mm Folded: 153x73x11.7mm Weight: 245g |
Although it may strain your finances, OnePlus’s first foldable phone raises the bar for the segment. When folded, it is hardly thicker or heavier than a typical phone, yet it is just as durable and fashionable as you would expect for the price.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU has extremely fast performance. Superior photography abilities stem from three ingenious cameras, the primary sensor utilizing a brand-new stacked arrangement created by Sony for enhanced low light performance. With 120Hz adaptive refresh rates and colorful OLED technology, the external panel is among the best on any premium phone. It is, however, the smaller of the two: the 7.82-inch screen within is spacious, bright, and brilliant.
With its ingenious multitasking options, which enable you to combine split-screen and full-screen apps with gesture swipes, OnePlus has also pulled off a stunning feat. It is unquestionably the greatest foldable phone we have ever used. Its five-star rating is further reinforced by the fact that you can purchase one for less money than the Google Pixel Fold or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.
10. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Pros
Excellent construction and superior hardware specifications
clever camera technology
Cons
Digital zoom has trouble in dim light.
Cost, of course
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen: | 6.8 inches, 3088×1440 OLED w/ 120Hz, HDR10+, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Processor: | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 octa-core |
| RAM: | 8/12GB RAM |
| Storage: | 256GB/512GB/1TB on-board |
| Software: | Android 13 w/ OneUI 5.1 |
| Cameras: | Rear: 200MP, f/1.7 w/ PDAF, laser AF, OIS + 12MP, f/2.2 ultrawide w/ PDAF + 10MP, f/2.4 telephoto w/ PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom + 10MP, f/2.2 telephoto w/ PDAF, OIS, 10x optical zoom Front: 12MP, f/2.2 w/ PDAF |
| Battery: | 5000mAh w/ 45W wired charging, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging |
| Dimensions: | 163x78x8.9mm, 234g |
Despite being replaced by the more modern Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is still a fantastic smartphone, especially when you take into account the features that it currently offers. You are getting nearly the same performance and design as the more recent Galaxy S24, if you can find it on sale.
It is not coated in titanium, to be honest. Its zoom game is also a little less effective. Aside from that, though, it is still very strong and has a wealth of S Pen knowledge that productivity aficionados may get lost in. The Galaxy S23 will not let you down if you do not mind Samsung’s latest AI and zoom smarts, especially when you consider its current promotions.
How to pick your ideal smartphone
There are a number of crucial aspects to take into account when purchasing the ideal smartphone for your requirements. Fortunately, Stuff’s smartphone specialists are available to assist you in weighing your alternatives and reaching a conclusion.
The first significant choice you will have to make is between the Android and iOS operating systems from Google. It is preferable to stay with what you know if you have a preference or have gadgets that may not work well together. Each have their own UI, functionality, and app ecosystem.
The next task you will have to complete is creating a budget. The cost of a smartphone can range greatly, from around $300/£200 to over $1200/£1000. After determining your budget, you can select the best options from our guides to the best premium phones (this guide), the best mid-range smartphones, and the best affordable phones.
After settling on an operating system and spending limit, it is time to think about display quality, resolution, and size. You can read Stuff’s guide to the best small phones if you would rather have a smaller phone, or you might like a larger screen for reading and viewing videos.
Your smartphone’s performance will primarily depend on how much you spend, but you should aim for a device with a respectable amount of RAM, storage, and processing power (of course, we will assist you avoid any weak phones). This guarantees quick app loading times and seamless multitasking.
In a similar vein, find out how long the phone usually lasts by reading our phone reviews and checking the battery capacity and life tests. Additionally, since wireless and rapid charging are both highly helpful, you should search for cellphones that include these features.
Even though most smartphones these days can take decent photos, if you are serious about taking photos, you will want one of the finest smartphones for photography.
And lastly, if you are an avid player, you ought to think about getting one of the top smartphones for gaming. These maximize performance to elevate your mobile gaming experience.
How we evaluate the top smartphones
You can rely on us to advise you on the best phone to purchase because we have tested and used every smartphone on this list.
Reviewing phones typically takes a week or more, during which we examine all of the software features, build quality, and overall performance. We examine every feature of a smartphone, including the camera, display quality, and battery life, as part of our extensive reviews.
See our article on how we test things for additional details on Stuff’s rating and review procedure.
