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Smartphones might not be the most thrilling gadgets to invest in, but they're indispensable for everyday tasks like messaging, watching YouTube, scrolling through social media, and taking photos. While the latest models can be pricey, we've carefully selected the best smartphones that offer excellent value for money.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Smartphones:
Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
1See it at Amazon
### Google Pixel 9 Pro
2See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### Apple iPhone 16 Pro
4See it at Best BuySee it at Apple
### Google Pixel 8
0See it at Amazon
### PocoX5 5G
1See it at Amazon
### RedMagic10 Pro
1See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic
### SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 6
0See it at AmazonEveryone has different priorities when it comes to smartphones. Some seek top-notch photography, others crave high performance for gaming, and some desire a stunning display for watching movies and TV shows. We've tested a range of phones to cater to these diverse needs, ensuring you find a device that excels in the areas most important to you.
Here, you'll discover smartphones that offer versatility, from the best Android options and iPhone alternatives to the latest from Apple. These phones strike a balance between features and affordability, ensuring you don't compromise on quality or functionality. We've also included older models that, thanks to price reductions, provide exceptional value, often outperforming newer alternatives.
Contributions by Jacqueline Thomas, Callum Bains, and Danielle Abraham
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best Smartphone
Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
1Experience the power of a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen on a phone equipped with a robust processor capable of handling multiple apps, video editing, gaming, and powering its stunning cameras. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size6.8 inchesRear cameras4Front cameras1ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)Battery life5,000mAhStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TBStarting price$1,299.99PROSIncredible performanceExceptional camera systemCONSTitanium makes the device big and heavyThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as the best overall smartphone, excelling in versatility and performance. In our Galaxy S24 Ultra review, we were impressed by its powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which effortlessly runs the latest games at a smooth 60fps, even with settings maxed out. The phone's ample memory allows for seamless multitasking, keeping apps running in the background without a hitch.
The S24 Ultra's 6.8-inch Super AMOLED display, with a 1-120Hz refresh rate, delivers stunning visuals and smooth motion clarity. Its new anti-glare finish enhances visibility in bright conditions. While the large display contributes to the phone's size and weight, its titanium frame ensures durability and a premium feel. The expansive screen is perfect for using the S Pen stylus, offering a superior platform for note-taking, drawing, and more.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos
5 Images
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the S24 Ultra's camera system, featuring a 200MP wide sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto sensor. This setup ensures exceptional image quality across various scenarios, while the 12MP front-facing camera captures impressive selfies.
Despite its high price, the S24 Ultra offers a comprehensive package that justifies its cost, making it a top choice for those seeking the best in smartphone technology.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Best Camera Phone
### Google Pixel 9 Pro
2With its elegant design, exceptional cameras, quality display, and extensive software support, the Pixel 9 Pro stands out among smartphones. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen6.3-inch OLED, 1280x2856, 495 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G4Camera50-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 48-Megapixel Telephoto, 42-Megapixel SelfieBattery4,700mAhWeight199g (0.44lb)dPROSElegant and compact designExcellent camera systemLong-term software supportCONSGaming performance lags behindBase storage could be biggerThe Google Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography, boasting a versatile triple-camera system that captures high-quality images across different focal lengths. Whether you're zooming in on distant subjects or capturing wide landscapes, the Pixel 9 Pro delivers vibrant and sharp photos, including from its selfie camera.
Pixel 9 Pro – Main Camera Samples
22 Images
Google's refined design enhances the Pixel 9 Pro's aesthetic appeal, using aluminum and glass for an elegant look. The 6.3-inch display, surrounded by thin bezels, offers a bright OLED panel with a smooth refresh rate and vivid colors, making it a pleasure to use without being overly large.
While the Tensor G4 chip may not match the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Apple's A18 Pro, it's more than adequate for everyday tasks and AI applications. The Pixel 9 Pro also benefits from Google's commitment to long-term software support, ensuring it remains up-to-date and secure.
3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Best iPhone
### Apple iPhone 16 Pro
4The iPhone 16 Pro offers a more compact form factor and a lower starting price than the Pro Max, yet retains all the camera capabilities and powerful performance. See it at Best BuySee it at AppleProduct SpecificationsScreen6.3-inch OLED, 1206x2622, 460 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorA18 ProCamera48-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 12-Megapixel Telephoto, 12-Megapixel SelfieBattery3,582mAhWeight199g (0.44lb)PROSPowerful performanceElegant designRobust camera systemCONSCamera settings could use some tweaksThe Apple iPhone 16 Pro, starting at $999, is a well-rounded powerhouse. It shares many similarities with the Google Pixel 9 Pro, including display size, camera count, price, and weight. While the Pixel 9 Pro's cameras may be more reliable, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers excellent photo quality with some adjustments, particularly for the ultra-wide and selfie sensors.
This year, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max share the same camera systems, allowing you to enjoy top-tier photography in a smaller form factor. The iPhone 16 Pro's 6.3-inch display, thanks to slim bezels, offers a compact yet immersive viewing experience, while the Pro Max boasts a larger 6.9-inch screen.
Powered by the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro handles everyday tasks and demanding games like Wuthering Waves with ease. Its 120Hz OLED display enhances gaming performance, providing smooth visuals. However, the base model's 128GB storage might be limiting for some users, though the USB 3.0 Type-C port allows for quick backups to free up space.
Google Pixel 8
Best Mid-Range Smartphone
### Google Pixel 8
0Powered by the G3 Tensor chip, the Pixel 8 offers solid cameras, smart AI functions, and a bright, beautiful OLED display at an affordable price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.2-inch OLED, 1080x2400, 428 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G3 Camera50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10.5-megapixel selfieBattery4,575 mAhWeight187g (0.41lb)PROSWonderfully responsive screenSeven years of updates and OS supportImpressive cameraCONSRAM upgrade reserved for Pro modelThe Pixel 8 may not be the newest model, but it remains a compelling choice. The Tensor G3 chip offers improved performance and better thermal management, enhancing the phone's longevity. Google's promise of seven years of OS, security, and feature updates ensures the Pixel 8 will remain relevant for years to come.
At a reduced price of $500, the Pixel 8 offers mid-range affordability without compromising on quality. Its design, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus and improved water resistance, along with its excellent 50MP main camera, make it a smart choice over the Pixel 8a, which is only $100 less.
Poco X5 5G – Photos
9 Images
5. Poco X5 5G
Best Budget Smartphone
### PocoX5 5G
1This ultra-affordable phone offers 5G connectivity, smooth performance, and a crisp display, though its cameras and gaming capabilities are modest. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.67-inch Super AMOLED, 1080x2400, 395 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 695 5GCamera48-Megapixel Wide, 8-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 13-Megapixel SelfieBattery5,000mAhWeight189g (0.42lb)PROSFeels good in the hand Great-looking displayPhone is fairly snappyCONSWeak camerasSomewhat bloated softwareFor those on a tight budget, the Poco X5 5G offers surprising value at just $220. Launched in 2023, it has received updates to Android 14, showcasing commendable support for a budget device. The Poco X5 5G stands out with its 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display, offering a sharp resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant visuals at an affordable price.
The Snapdragon 695 5G processor ensures competent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, such as Call of Duty Mobile. With a 6GB base memory, it handles multitasking well, contributing to its longevity. However, the cameras are a weak point, with the main sensor performing adequately in bright conditions, while the ultra-wide struggles. The selfie camera, though, is decent for its price range.
RedMagic 9S Pro – Photos
10 Images
6. RedMagic 10 Pro
Best Gaming Smartphone
### RedMagic10 Pro
1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional gaming performance and sustained power in an impressive package. See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagicProduct SpecificationsScreen6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportThe RedMagic 10 Pro is designed for gamers, featuring the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and an active cooling fan that minimizes thermal throttling. This combination allows for sustained high performance, making it ideal for gaming. In our tests, the RedMagic 10 Pro achieved some of the fastest results, particularly in gaming benchmarks.
The phone's 6.85-inch OLED display, with a 144Hz refresh rate, offers an uninterrupted viewing experience, as the selfie camera is hidden beneath the screen. The RedMagic 10 Pro also includes gaming-specific enhancements like boosted touch responsiveness, remappable shoulder buttons, and support for upscaling and frame interpolation, enhancing the gaming experience.
Despite its focus on gaming, the RedMagic 10 Pro maintains a sturdy and elegant design, complete with quality stereo speakers and a headphone jack. While the cameras and network support may not match those of mainstream phones, the RedMagic 10 Pro's gaming prowess at just $649 makes it a standout choice for gamers.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos
6 Images
7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Best Foldable Phone
### SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 6
0The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers incredible speed and stunning visuals, though its unfolded aspect ratio can be unusual. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen7.6-inch 2160 x 1856 AMOLED (Main); 6.2-inch 968 x 2376 AMOLED (Cover)ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Camera50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 10MP frontBattery4400mAhWeight239g (0.52 lb)PROSStunning displays, inside and outExtremely powerfulCONSAspect ratios can be weirdThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the top choice for those seeking a foldable smartphone that transforms into a tablet-like device. When folded, it features a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, and when unfolded, it reveals a large 7.6-inch AMOLED screen. Both displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the viewing experience.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the Z Fold 6 handles demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves with ease, offering a 22% performance boost over its predecessor. The phone's camera system, with a 50MP main sensor and 30x digital zoom, captures detailed photos, though the front-facing cameras are less impressive.
The only drawback is the unusual 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded, which can affect content display, potentially cropping or leaving blank spaces around the edges.
How We Picked the Best Smartphones
The smartphone market often pushes consumers to upgrade to the latest models, emphasizing the allure of new features. While these features can be beneficial, they're not always necessary for everyone. We selected smartphones across various price points that offer the best value for money, focusing on durability, ongoing software support, and features that cater to different user needs, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
Best Smartphones FAQ
Is Samsung better than Apple for smartphones?
Not necessarily. Both Samsung and Apple produce high-quality, feature-rich premium phones. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer fast performance, sleek designs, and excellent cameras with long-term software updates. The choice often comes down to familiarity with their respective operating systems: Android versus iOS.
Are iPhones better than Android phones?
Modern iPhones and premium Android phones are remarkably similar in functionality and performance. The choice between them should be based on your familiarity with their operating systems. iPhones integrate seamlessly with other Apple products, while Android phones work better with Windows devices.
Which Android phone is the best value for money?
The Google Pixel 8 offers superb value at $500. Despite being an older model, it provides potent performance, an elegant design, and long-term software support, making it a hard-to-beat option at this price point.
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