Best Smartphones 2023
Are you intending to buy a new smartphone? Then this guide is perfect for you. We have carefully picked the best smartphones in the market right now. Interestingly, there are really impressive devices captured in this list, take time t go through them, and don’t hesitate once you have selected a favorite.
What is a smartphone?
A smartphone is a more powerful version of a regular cell phone. In addition to the same basic features, including phone calls, voicemail, and text messaging, smartphones can connect to the Internet over a cellular network. This means you can use a smartphone for the same things you would normally do on a computer, such as checking your email, browsing online, or shopping.
Most smartphones use a touch-sensitive screen, meaning there isn’t a physical keyboard on the device. Instead, you’ll type on a virtual keyboard and use your fingers to interact with the display. Other standard features include a high-quality digital camera and the ability to play digital music and video files. For many users, a smartphone can actually replace things like an old laptop, digital music player, and digital camera in the same device.
| NAME | SPECIFICATIONS | WHERE TO BUY |
iPhone 14 Pro Max
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GET IT ON AMAZON |
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
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GET IT ON AMAZON |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
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GET IT ON AMAZON |
Google Pixel 6a
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GET IT ON AMAZON |
Samsung Galaxy S22
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GET IT ON AMAZON |
OnePlus 10 Pro
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GET IT ON AMAZON |
iPhone SE (2022)
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GET IT ON AMAZON |
Samsung Galaxy A53
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GET IT ON AMAZON |
iPhone 13
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GET IT ON AMAZON |
Xiaomi 12 Pro
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GET IT ON AMAZON |
Buyer’s Guide for Smartphones
Android or iPhone?
Should you get iPhone or an Android? If you try seeking guidance on this topic, you’ll find no shortage of opinions on both sides; iPhones and Android phones have strong groups of supporters, and most people place themselves firmly on one side or another. There are definite advantages and disadvantages with either option, so let’s take a look at some of the biggest factors you should consider.
Affordability
In terms of cost, the iPhone simply can’t compete with Android models. If you don’t want to spend more than $200 to $300 on a smartphone, you’ll want to choose Android over iPhone.
Unfortunately, the actual cost of a smartphone may not be immediately obvious. For example, your wireless carrier may offer certain smartphones for free if you sign a two-year contract, or allow you to spread the cost across small installments instead of one single payment. Regardless of how you pay, an iPhone will almost always be more expensive than an Android smartphone.
Apps and app stores
Both iPhone and Android allow you to download applications, which are commonly known as apps, to add extra functionality to your smartphone. The Play Store for Android and the App Store for iPhone provides a huge selection of apps for you to download. Although some apps are available exclusively for one platform, most are available on both. Unless there’s a specific app you want that’s only available on one device, this shouldn’t be a significant factor in your decision.
However, if you already have another device that uses Android or iOS, such as a tablet computer, you might want to consider purchasing a smartphone that runs the same operating system. This way, you’ll be able to install any apps you’ve purchased on both devices.
Customization
Android smartphones allow for a lot more customization than iPhones. Whereas the iPhone offers a few customization options (like your phone’s wallpaper and ringtone), Android allows you to change just about everything on your device, including themes, notification widgets, and default applications.
For some users, this might not be a very important distinction. But if you want to have more control over the way you’ll use your device, we’d recommend choosing an Android over an iPhone.
System updates
Recall how we said before that Android and iPhone use different operating systems. Like desktop and laptop computers, these operating systems are updated just about every year. These updates usually include new and useful features, as well as security upgrades.
But upgrading an Android phone to the latest version can be pretty complicated. In many cases, it actually depends on when your wireless provider decides to push the update to your device. By contrast, the iPhone can be updated as soon as updates are available, regardless of your wireless carrier.
Best Smartphones 2022
iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max isn’t just the most powerful phone around. It’s a joy to use, thanks to the clever new Dynamic Island for displaying notifications and live activities. Apple’s largest Pro model also delivers fantastic cameras — including a new 48MP main shooter — an always-on display, compelling Action mode for video, and excellent battery life. It’s pricey, but it’s also the best phone money can buy.
Pros
- Superb 48MP camera
- Very smart Dynamic Island
- Superb battery life
- Always-on display
- Impressive Action mode for video
Cons
- The lack of a SIM Card slot will annoy some
- Still just 20W charging
- A bit thicker and heavier
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
The 13 Pro has a physically larger camera sensor compared to prior models that allow its main 12-megapixel camera to gather more light and produce better-quality images, especially in dark or challenging lighting conditions. Its ultrawide camera is able to take stunning macro photos, thanks to its new close focus capability.
In addition, the 3x optical zoom on the telephoto lens makes for great portrait photography. That larger sensor and the fact that it’s using sensor-based stabilization make for stable and beautiful videos, even in low light. You can even shoot and edit videos directly in ProRes on the iPhone 13 Pro (as long as you have a 256GB or higher storage model).
Pros
- Great performance
- Strong battery life
Cons
- Limited design changes
- The notch is still too large
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The S22 Ultra offers no less than five cameras, a huge, bright 6.8-inch OLED with up to 120Hz refresh rate, and, oh yeah, a built-in stylus too. It’s more or less the successor to the stylus-centric Note series, but more than that, it feels like the endgame of slab-style smartphone development. At the heart of the S22 Ultra is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset paired with 8 or 12GB of RAM. Performance is, not surprisingly, excellent; you’ll rarely see the phone stutter or hesitate, even while running graphics-intensive games. Samsung is also promising up to four generations of OS version upgrades, so the Ultra should remain a very good phone for years to come.
The included S Pen stylus pops out of a dedicated silo on the bottom of the phone, and Samsung says it’s been improved with lower latency than previous years’ S Pens.
Pros
- Incredible cameras and zoom
- Excellent little S Pen
Cons
- No microSD slot
- Battery life could be better
Google Pixel 6a
As Google’s first true flagship phone since 2019, the Pixel 6 gets many things right and is right up there with the iPhone 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra in camera quality, overall performance, and battery life. You’ll also get some uniquely Google features thanks to a new, proprietary processor. And when you consider the fact the Pixel 6 is a good $200 less than its rivals, it’s simply one of the most value-packed flagship phones for Android fans in recent history.
You can tell the Pixel 6 from the Pixel 6 Pro by its slightly smaller 6.4-inch, 1080p OLED flat display and bolder color choices like two-tone red or green (black is also an option).
Pros
- Great performance
- Solid battery life
- Very good camera
Cons
- 60Hz display
- Slow charging
- Back plastic scratches easily
Samsung Galaxy S22
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the best phone for Samsung users who don’t need all the pro-level features and frills. It’s just the right size for most, delivers fast performance, and offers a smooth Android experience. A nice upgrade from its predecessor, it also boasts a better camera.
This is the best Android phone for most people who aren’t invested in the iOS ecosystem. And, it does have a slight edge over the iPhone 13 in terms of display and cameras. However, its Apple rival edges ahead in terms of performance and slightly when it comes to longevity.
Pros
- Small and solidly built
- Excellent performance
Cons
- Not a major update
- The camera system pales in comparison to its Ultra cousin
OnePlus 10 Pro
The latest flagship phone from OnePlus is a good alternative to the likes of the S22 or Pixel 6 series, especially if you live in the US and have few other high-end Android options.
With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and speedy 80W wired charging the 10 Pro has core specs to match anything its rivals offer, and we’re broadly fans of the slick design too – though not everyone is.
Despite support from Hasselblad, the camera system is still the phone’s primary weakness here and the main thing that sets it apart from the pricier but similarly-specced Oppo Find X5 Pro.
Pros
- Super-fast 80W wired charging
- Great longevity
- Top specs
Cons
- Inconsistent cameras
- No IP rating
iPhone SE (2022)
The iPhone SE 2022 is yet another successful upgrade to Apple’s cheapest iPhone, boasting better performance and connectivity. It also champions the thin and light form factor. iPhones tend to be expensive, but this gives fans of the smartphone a cheaper entry into the family.
This isn’t Apple’s most powerful iPhone, but it’s the best value for people who want to stick with iOS 15 without paying through the nose. Its screen technology won’t wow you like an iPhone 13 Pro, and there’s just one camera on the back, but the relatively low price means this is hard to beat if you’re on a budget and don’t want to switch to Android.
Pros
- Powerful for the cost
- A 5G iPhone that’s still affordable
Cons
- Starts at only 64GB of storage
- Screen is cramped
Samsung Galaxy A53
The Samsung Galaxy A53, to us, is the ‘lite’ version of the Samsung Galaxy S22, giving Samsung fans a terrific proposition with a much more affordable price tag – albeit also a slightly slower performance.
The Apple iPhone SE remains our favorite “budget” smartphone, but the Samsung Galaxy A53 is appealing to budget-minded Samsung fans. Because it is a Samsung phone, it comes with good cameras (for the price) and a great-looking screen.
Pros
- Good cameras for the price
- Good-looking screen
Cons
- Slow to charge
iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 isn’t as impressive as the iPhone 13 Pro, as it lacks a 120Hz refresh rate, but with oodles of power and good battery life, it’s the best proposition for most people, even those that have a flexible budget.
The iPhone 13 Pro / Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra range have the edge over the iPhone 13 in terms of specs and features. However, most people do not need a kitted-out phone that costs a lot of money. This standard iPhone model comes close to matching them, especially when it comes to battery life. And, it’s more than enough for most users who do not need the pro-level features. Plus, it probably has slightly more power than its Android rivals.
Pros
- Strong battery life
- Powerful internals
Cons
- Minimal design changes
- No 120Hz screen
Xiaomi 12 Pro
The Xiaomi 12 Pro has an awful lot going for it, but that’s coupled with a pair of major flaws.
It sports a sleek, understated design, there’s a beautiful display paired with a quad-speaker setup, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip delivers impressive performance. For the most part, the camera system is great too, not quite best-in-class but good.
Unfortunately, the battery life is a clear failing – which might be fixed with updates, but for the moment frustrates me. If you spend your days not far from a charger, this is a superb phone.
Pros
- Nice design
- Excellent display
- Strong cameras
- Fast 120W charging
Cons
- Disappointing battery life
- No IP rating
Conclusion
In conclusion, smartphones have actually become more aesthetic and they pack lots of impressive functions. As you search for a smartphone to buy, select the phones that will meet your needs.
