Prime telephones examined and ranked

If you happen to’re attempting to determine that are the perfect smartphones to purchase in 2023, we have now 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 well worth the hype, or perhaps you are curious in regards to the Pixel 7 collection or Galaxy S23 fashions from Samsung, this information can assist you determine which of the newest smartphone ought 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 robust emphasis on the value tag and general worth of a tool, too.

Our picks change often, on condition that new telephones launch on a regular basis, however beneath you will discover the newest rankings.

These are the perfect telephones you should purchase in 2023

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

Slightly 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 exhibits animations when you’ve gotten timers, music or different stay data within the background, and you may work together with it too.

As at all times, the Professional and Professional Max are the costliest variations of iPhone 14, however that more money 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 massive ProRes and ProRAW information a bit gradual, and the facility customers on the market will probably must cough up additional money for the Max model to make sure they’ve a really all-day battery.

Pocket-lint

Google Pixel 7 Professional

2. Finest Android telephone

An in depth-to-perfect Android expertise

$649 $899 Save $250

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

Execs

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

Cons

• Face unlock is insecure
• Few adjustments 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 perfect smartphone class within the Pocket-lint Awards for 2022.

Finally there’s not an enormous change from the Pixel 6 Professional, however it does have a extra refined design, an ideal massive show and a clear software program expertise which brings all of the Pixel goodness to the floor with none bloat or pointless additions.

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

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

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely

3. Finest digital camera telephone

The top of Android telephones

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely is the largest, baddest, and most costly 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 an enormous improve over its S22 Extremely predecessor, however the improved effectivity of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC will give it a major battery increase — good for gaming or engaged on the go.

Execs

• Beautiful massive 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 actually extra of a refinement than a reinvention, however it’s a heck of a refinement, providing beautiful construct high quality and a stunning, massive show with quick, easy refresh charges and assist for the S Pen (which is included within the bundle).

OneUI software program provides rather a lot on prime of the usual Android bundle, delivering plenty of doubtlessly very helpful options to the telephone, but additionally means the telephone comes with an enormous quantity of bloatware and pre-installed duplicate/redundant apps.

We love practically every part 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 part you would need from a telephone, and it might be increased up the checklist if it wasn’t so costly

Samsung Galaxy S23+

4. Finest on a regular basis telephone

The ‘does every part’ telephone

$899 $999 Save $100

The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the middle-ground flagship telephone for early 2023, and consequently takes a extra compromising method to its specs. For instance, whereas it seems to be 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 executed on the go. This could be the perfect 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 easy to see why Samsung stays on prime of lots of consumers’ lists when on the lookout for the perfect smartphone, significantly with the S23+. It is received the display screen area that the common S23 lacks, together with a much bigger battery and a worth 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 retaining 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 will have the newest options and software program even when your telephone is 3-4 years previous.

Cameras ship colour-rich photographs 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 will get safety towards any widespread causes of water harm.

OnePlus 11 5G

5. Finest worth flagship telephone

A robust telephone with out the price

OnePlus went again to its roots for the newest flagship telephone, delivering a quick, easy 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. Slightly than attempt to pack in completely every part – Samsung-style – it opted to present us the perfect of crucial issues: efficiency and show. In these two areas, specifically, the OnePlus 11 completely delivers. It is received one of many nicest shows in the marketplace, is tremendous speedy and responsive, and options the signature customisable software program we have come to count on 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 dangerous in any respect given the 5000mAh battery capability. Cameras are respectable sufficient too, though arguably nonetheless the one space it does not fairly compete with Samsung or Google.

Ultimately, although, whenever 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 predict it is a compromise value making.

Xiaomi 13 Professional

6. Finest fast-charging telephone

$1099 $1199 Save $100

The Xiaomi 13 Professional is a robust flagship telephone with among the finest main 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 ideal gadget.

Execs

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

Cons

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

With the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the smartphone maker has delivered one thing of a diamond within the smartphone market. It is received 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. While you mix these parts 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 photographs with nice low-light efficiency, sturdy particulars and reasonable textures. If the ultrawide and telephoto lens had been as sturdy, it will be higher, and the MIUI software program expertise introduces some very unnecessarily unintuitive parts to the interface. It may be tamed, fortunately, however it takes a bit of 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 Zenfone 10

7. Finest compact flagship

Flagship energy in a conveyable bundle

The Zenfone 10 delivers flagship efficiency, has an ideal show and digital camera, however squeezes it into a cushty one-handed, compact type. 

Execs

• Prime notch efficiency in compact type
• Sturdy and sturdy construct with grippy texture
• Clear Pixel-like software program
• Nice main digital camera with glorious stabilisation

Cons

• Rear texture will not be to everybody’s style
• Ultrawide digital camera might be higher

If you happen to’re after a telephone that has all the perfect flagship traits, however delivers it in a compact telephone that is straightforward to carry in a single hand, the Asus ZenFone 10 is the one. Its measurement and fuss-free method to software program means it is a gadget that slots comfortably into on a regular basis life, and it does not have lots of the caveats you usually discover with smaller gadgets. There isn’t any “however the battery’s garbage” or “however it’s not very highly effective” and even “it hasn’t received an excellent show”. It presents every part you’d need from a top-tier gadget, however in a telephone that is smaller than the norm, and that provides it an edge over the bigger gadgets if you happen to discover them uncomfortable to carry or use.

The primary digital camera is great and options actually efficient stabilisation, and even has a design and texture that makes it arduous to slide out of your hand or off of your furnishings. Plus, it prices lower than the Galaxy S23, which has related specs, however with barely extra high-end construct and materials selections.

Asus ROG Cellphone 7

8. Finest gaming/multimedia telephone

A beast of a telephone, from gaming to media

$1065 $1300 Save $235

Asus ROG Cellphone 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
• Massive, vibrant and vibrant show
• The most effective smartphone audio system round
• Lengthy battery life

Cons

• Massive 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 formulation. A lot so, that we might suggest it to anybody whose fundamental precedence is a superb media and gaming expertise.

The loudspeakers on both aspect of the show are merely the perfect on any telephone presently in the marketplace. 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, massive, vibrant show, and you may’t actually go incorrect.

It is received plenty of energy too, delivering quick and lag-free efficiency no matter what sort 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 received one good digital camera, however the different two aren’t actually as much as scratch from a flagship standpoint, however it’s been an absolute pleasure to make use of.

Honor Magic 5 Professional

9. Finest various powerhouse telephone

Energy, efficiency and digital camera from an underdog

$1048 $1099 Save $51

Honor’s new flagship telephone is an actual transfer ahead for the corporate because it makes an attempt to tackle the large rivals on this area. Its show is attractive, its cameras carry out properly 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 rather a lot to like right here.

Execs

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

Cons

• Some design selections will divide opinion
• 4K video is restricted
• Nonetheless some bloat

The Honor Magic 5 Pro exhibits – 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 properly throughout the board.

With its big digital camera island on the again, and top-heavy really feel, the design will definitely divide opinion as will the marginally heavy-handed method 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 worth places it comfortably beneath what related big-name gadgets, making it nice worth for cash particularly when you think about the very fact Honor provides you with three main Android updates and as much as 5 years of safety patches.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

10. The most effective 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 part 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 difficulty
• Underwhelming digital camera system
• Battery life is not nice

Of all of the folding telephones in the marketplace, it is the Z Flip 4 which we predict 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 magnificence 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 usually worn or peeled aside with months of use, and we’re but to see if that is the identical for the newest era.

With the flagship processing energy, respectable 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 important compromises on the characteristic/efficiency aspect. Plus, it is not eye-wateringly costly.

How to decide on a telephone

When on the lookout for a brand new flagship telephone, there’s rather a lot to think about. Under, then, we’ll have some recommendation on what you ought to be on the lookout 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, normal, Professional or Professional Max – however the expertise is pretty related throughout all of the gadgets. 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 gadgets.

That signifies that if you happen to purchase the iPhone 14, for instance, 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 seems to be for consistency throughout its gadgets.

That additionally signifies that shopping for an older iPhone mannequin stays an excellent possibility, and why we thought of each the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 collection 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 massive benefit over Apple is the wide range of choices. There is a higher vary of producers, that means many alternative worth factors and designs, however all with the familiarity of the underlying Android software program, so there is no actual studying curve with regards to utilizing it.

Android producers are sometimes extra aggressive with new applied sciences, pushing new digital camera options upfront of Apple, however usually solely maintain a design for one yr, earlier than releasing a brand new and completely different mannequin. Android additionally is not as per software program assist.

Though most gadgets 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 sooner, so good offers on newer fashions are incessantly obtainable.

Shows and sizes

The show will outline the dimensions of the gadget you get. Bigger shows are nice for consuming content material, perfect for watching TV or motion pictures and sometimes most well-liked by avid gamers.

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 gadgets provide prime resolutions of Quad HD or 4K, with some sticking to an ample decision, like 1080p. That is wonderful, although, as you must look carefully to see the distinction intimately. What’s extra essential is show high quality.

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

What’s emerged as a extra engaging possibility lately is the refresh charge. Prime telephones at the moment are pushing 120Hz in an try and make all content material look smoother. It is not nearly gaming, it is about supporting scrolling in apps and residential screens, too.

Core {hardware} and storage

Flagship telephones will usually have the newest {hardware} in them. Whereas Apple presents its personal {hardware}, Android chooses from a variety of suppliers – however many provide 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 gadgets.

Storage is essential, too. Low storage will convey the value down, however fewer and fewer producers are providing microSD card growth today. Meaning it’s good to purchase a tool with sufficient storage – contemplating that the choice of 4K and now 8K video is utilizing up extra storage than ever.

After all, cloud storage is much more built-in today, however do not forget that nothing is free – if you wish to retailer lots of images, you will need to pay for it.

Cameras

Cameras are the place telephones can differ probably the most, and, usually, the digital camera is probably the most mentioned side of any telephone. Flagship gadgets have the perfect cameras. From Apple to ZTE, prime telephones have extra or higher cameras.

A very powerful factor to think about, nonetheless, is an effective fundamental digital camera. If the principle digital camera takes good images, meaning most of your photos will likely be good. If you cannot get an excellent regular photograph from it, it is no use having heaps extra cameras that additionally provide you with weak images.

Extremely-wide angle is straightforward 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 ideal possibility on some fashions, as properly.

But additionally do not forget that megapixels do not robotically make a greater digital camera. Many mid-range telephones use a high-resolution fundamental digital camera which leads to poor images. Extra essential is how the photographs are processed, with AI and computational pictures now in a position to make an enormous distinction over the core {hardware}.

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

Battery life

Flagship telephones usually aren’t the perfect performers with regards to battery life. Designed for efficiency, the goal is to ship the perfect expertise, to not maintain your telephone alive for per 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 sooner charging signifies that, with the best 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 modify from iPhone to Android?

Switching between Android manufacturers is straightforward – so long as you are backing as much as Google – and switching between Apple and Android is not too arduous, both. Certain, there are some Apple providers you possibly can’t get on an Android telephone, like iMessage, however on the entire, most apps are the identical.

If you happen to’re already embedded throughout the Apple ecosystem, you will probably be satisfied to remain there, however, it is value taking a look at the place you save your information and what providers you utilize, as third-party choices make switching platforms rather a lot simpler.

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

If you happen to already know which telephone working system you will 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 a bit of steep, chances are you’ll need to contemplate trying out a mid-range smartphone or entry-level mobile device.