Prime telephones examined and ranked

In case you’re attempting to determine that are the perfect smartphones to purchase in 2023, we’ve got the solutions.

We have ranked and rated the highest performers from our extensive phone reviews in a single definitive record. 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 may help you determine which of the most recent smartphone must be on the high of your wishlist.

As with each purchaser’s information, the picks beneath are the results of numerous hours of testing by the Pocket-lint group. Nevertheless, a telephone’s efficiency is not the one factor that we think about when placing collectively these rankings; we place a powerful emphasis on the worth tag and total worth of a tool, too.

Our picks change usually, on condition that new telephones launch on a regular basis, however beneath yow will discover the most recent rankings.

These are the very best telephones you should purchase in 2023

With the iPhone 14 Pro you get Apple’s typical excessive ranges of expertise, design and finishes, however this 12 months you get one thing just a little further: Dynamic Island.

Somewhat than the cutouts for the cameras simply getting in the best way, Apple designed the software program round it and turned it right into a characteristic. It exhibits animations when you might have timers, music or different stay data within the background, and you’ll work together with it too.

As all the time, the Professional and Professional Max are the most costly 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 continues to be avoiding USB-C on its telephones, although, making the switch of its large ProRes and ProRAW information a bit sluggish, and the ability customers on the market will seemingly have to cough up further money for the Max model to make sure they’ve a very all-day battery.

Google Pixel 7 Professional

2. Finest Android telephone

An in depth-to-perfect Android expertise

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

Execs

• Glorious digital camera efficiency
• Clear software program expertise
• Stunning, crisp show
• Aggressive worth level

Cons

• Face unlock is insecure
• Few modifications 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 very best smartphone class within the Pocket-lint Awards for 2022.

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

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

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

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely

3. All-round digital camera king

The top of Android telephones

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely is the most important, 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 a large improve over its S22 Extremely predecessor, however the improved effectivity of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC will give it a big battery enhance — excellent 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
• A number 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 definitely extra of a refinement than a reinvention, nevertheless it’s a heck of a refinement, providing beautiful construct high quality and a beautiful, massive show with quick, clean refresh charges and assist for the S Pen (which is included within the bundle).

OneUI software program provides lots on high of the usual Android bundle, delivering numerous probably 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 almost every thing 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 thing you could possibly need from a telephone, and it might be larger up the record if it wasn’t so costly

Samsung Galaxy S23+

4. On a regular basis energy

The ‘does every thing’ telephone

The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the middle-ground flagship telephone for early 2023, and because of this takes a extra compromising method to its specs. For instance, whereas it seems 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 finished on the go. This is likely to be the very best 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 simple to see why Samsung stays on high of quite a lot of patrons’ lists when in search of the very best smartphone, significantly with the S23+. It is obtained the display screen house 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 top-of-the-line Android producers at maintaining its telephones updated with the most recent safety patches and helps its telephones for as much as 4 years with main software program updates, guaranteeing you will have the most recent options and software program even when your telephone is 3-4 years outdated.

Cameras ship colour-rich photographs with numerous 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 in opposition to any widespread causes of water harm.

OnePlus 11 5G

5. Worth flagship

A robust telephone with out the cost

OnePlus went again to its roots for the most recent flagship telephone, delivering a quick, clean telephone that does not break the bank.

Execs

• Beautiful QHD show with quick refresh charges
• Bloat-free software program with numerous 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 deal with what actually issues within the OnePlus telephone. Somewhat than attempt to pack in completely every thing – Samsung-style – it opted to provide us the very best of a very powerful issues: efficiency and show. In these two areas, specifically, the OnePlus 11 completely delivers. It is obtained one of many nicest shows in the marketplace, is tremendous speedy and responsive, and options the signature customisable software program we have come to anticipate 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 ability adapter within the field with 100W SuperVOOC charges to provide you a full refill from 1-100 per cent in below 25 minutes, which is not unhealthy 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, while you’re paying this little for a correct flagship telephone, there are all the time going to be areas it will not match as much as its big-name competitors. On this occasion, we expect it is a compromise price making.

Xiaomi 13 Professional

6. Quickest charging telephone

The Xiaomi 13 Professional is a robust flagship telephone with top-of-the-line 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 excellent gadget.

Execs

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

Cons

• MIUI introduces pointless obstacles in software program expertise
• Ultrawide and telephoto cameras aren’t as robust 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 obtained the brightest QHD+ decision show we have seen in a smartphone, delivers distinctive pace and fluidity and has the quickest wired charging presently accessible by way of a single port. With its 100W wired charger you will get a full cost from empty in simply 19 minutes. Once you mix these components 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, robust particulars and reasonable textures. If the ultrawide and telephoto lens have been as robust, it will be higher, and the MIUI software program expertise introduces some very unnecessarily unintuitive components to the interface. It may be tamed, fortunately, nevertheless it takes just a little work. The costly price ticket cannot be missed 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 accessible within the digital camera.

Asus ROG Cellphone 7

7. Finest gaming/multimedia telephone

A beast of a telephone, from gaming to media

Asus ROG Cellphone 7 is the highest gaming handset for 2023, delivering market-leading efficiency, wonderful gaming software program and dependable, all-day pace and battery life. 

Execs

• Quick, constant efficiency for lengthy intervals
• Huge, brilliant and vibrant show
• The very best smartphone audio system round
• Lengthy battery life

Cons

• Huge 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 system. A lot so, that we might advocate it to anybody whose predominant precedence is a good media and gaming expertise.

The loudspeakers on both aspect of the show are merely the very best on any telephone presently in the marketplace. Every is individually powered and, mixed, they provide loud, well-balanced sound with numerous bass and good stereo separation. Add that to a incredible, large, brilliant show, and you’ll’t actually go mistaken.

It is obtained numerous energy too, delivering quick and lag-free efficiency no matter what kind of recreation you wish to play on it. With the improved cooling and thermal effectivity, it can 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 obtained one good digital camera, however the different two aren’t actually as much as scratch from a flagship viewpoint, nevertheless it’s been an absolute pleasure to make use of.

Honor Magic 5 Professional

8. The choice powerhouse

Energy, efficiency and digital camera from an underdog

Honor’s new flagship telephone is an actual transfer ahead for the corporate because it makes an attempt to tackle the large opponents on this house. Its show is attractive, its cameras carry out effectively throughout the board and it’s loads highly effective for something you throw at it. Its design and UI should still divide opinion however total there’s lots to like right here.

Execs

• Good design and construct
• Unbelievable, brilliant 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 effectively 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 mistaken.

Given its specs and capabilities, the £949 worth places it comfortably below what related big-name units, making it nice worth for cash particularly when you think about the actual fact Honor offers you three main Android updates and as much as 5 years of safety patches.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

9. The very best 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 total versatility — and improves every thing else. The show, cameras, and total resilience of the hinge are higher this 12 months, 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 continues to be a problem
• 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 expect delivers probably the most compelling choice for patrons. 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 elegance choices. Add to that the stable 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 inner versatile show. Earlier generations have typically worn or peeled aside with months of use, and we’re but to see if that is the identical for the most recent technology.

With the flagship processing energy, respectable battery life, a vibrant show, numerous customisation within the software program and digital camera efficiency, it is a very robust bundle and one that allows you to have your cake and eat it. You may have a folding telephone, with out struggling any vital compromises on the characteristic/efficiency aspect. Plus, it is not eye-wateringly costly.

How to decide on a telephone

When in search of a brand new flagship telephone, there’s lots to think about. Under, then, we’ll have some recommendation on what you need to be in search of 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 units. That is true of older iPhone fashions, too, with robust assist on the software program entrance and constant use of design for a number of generations of units.

That implies that in case you purchase the iPhone 14, for instance, you already know 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 12 months, as Apple seems for consistency throughout its units.

That additionally implies that shopping for an older iPhone mannequin stays an excellent choice, 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 recent equal.

Is Android higher than iPhone and iOS?

Android’s large benefit over Apple is the wide range of choices. There is a higher vary of producers, which means many various worth factors and designs, however all with the familiarity of the underlying Android software program, so there is no actual studying curve in relation to utilizing it.

Android producers are sometimes extra aggressive with new applied sciences, pushing new digital camera options prematurely of Apple, however typically solely maintain a design for one 12 months, earlier than releasing a brand new and totally different mannequin. Android additionally is not as per software program assist.

Though most units 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 steadily accessible.

Shows and sizes

The show will outline the scale of the gadget you get. Bigger shows are nice for consuming content material, best for watching TV or motion pictures and infrequently 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 most important telephone their greatest telephone.

Not all flagship units provide high resolutions of Quad HD or 4K, with some sticking to an ample decision, like 1080p. That is high quality, although, as you must look carefully to see the distinction intimately. What’s extra necessary is show high quality.

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

What’s emerged as a extra engaging choice just lately is the refresh charge. Prime telephones at the moment are pushing 120Hz in an try to 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 most recent {hardware} in them. Whereas Apple provides 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 often reserved for mid-range or entry-level units.

Storage is necessary, too. Low storage will carry the worth down, however fewer and fewer producers are providing microSD card enlargement 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 keep in mind that nothing is free – if you wish to retailer quite a lot of photographs, you will need to pay for it.

Cameras

Cameras are the place telephones can differ probably the most, and, typically, the digital camera is probably the most mentioned side of any telephone. Flagship units have the very best cameras. From Apple to ZTE, high telephones have extra or higher cameras.

A very powerful factor to think about, nonetheless, is an efficient predominant digital camera. If the principle digital camera takes good photographs, meaning most of your footage will probably be good. If you cannot get an excellent regular picture from it, it is no use having heaps extra cameras that additionally provide you with weak photographs.

Extremely-wide angle is simple 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, which means 5x and 10x zoom is now an excellent choice on some fashions, as effectively.

But in addition keep in mind that megapixels do not robotically make a greater digital camera. Many mid-range telephones use a high-resolution predominant digital camera which ends up in poor photographs. Extra necessary is how the photographs are processed, with AI and computational images now capable of make an enormous distinction over the core {hardware}.

There are all the time quite a lot of gimmicks, too – professional modes you will by no means use, and seize choices you will by no means hassle 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 typically aren’t the very best performers in relation to battery life. Designed for efficiency, the purpose is to ship the very best expertise, to not maintain your telephone alive for every week.

There’ll all the time 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 implies that, with the best charger (which you might need to purchase individually), you will get your telephone again to full cost very quickly in any respect.

Is it simple to modify from iPhone to Android?

Switching between Android manufacturers is simple – so long as you are backing as much as Google – and switching between Apple and Android is not too laborious, both. Positive, there are some Apple companies you may’t get on an Android telephone, like iMessage, however on the entire, most apps are the identical.

In case you’re already embedded throughout the Apple ecosystem, you will seemingly be satisfied to remain there, however, it is price the place you save your knowledge and what companies you utilize, as third-party choices make switching platforms lots simpler.

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

In case you 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 just a little steep, chances are you’ll wish to think about testing a mid-range smartphone or entry-level mobile device.