Best cheap phones in 2023: our 7 favorite ones for tight budgets

Don’t want to spend $1,000 or more on a new smartphone? We don’t blame you. And the good news is there are plenty of models available for half that price, but the trick is knowing which cheap smartphone is worth buying. After all, just because you’re not spending flagship phone money doesn’t mean you want to be stuck with a phone that's rubbish. There are plenty of options out there for the best cheap phones! We’ve collected the models that still give you great performance, good cameras, the right connectivity, and often a desirable design and brand name too — all for less money than you may expect. Cheap phones in 2023 will surprise you with their strong performance, making them more than capable of playing the latest games; plus they have batteries that will last you at least a day. If your budget for a new smartphone this year is around $500,

 then these are the best models you can get. Andy Boxall/Digital Trends Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Best cheap phone overall Pros Eye-catching colors It looks like the Galaxy S23 Colorful screen Speakers sound good Long software commitment Cons Battery doesn't last two days No wireless charging Camera lacks realism Why you should buy this: It looks like the Galaxy S23, but costs half the price, has a great screen, and a camera perfect for social media. Who it’s for: Anyone who wants the Samsung Galaxy software experience, but doesn't need the flagship power. Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G: The Galaxy A54 is a design upgrade over the also very tempting Galaxy A53, with a look that replicates the more expensive Samsung Galaxy S23 -- and that makes it really desirable. It’s made from glass and plastic, feels really high-quality, and is durable with an IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating. We love it in the vibrant Lime and Violet colors, but you can get safe white and black versions too. It’s not only the colors of the phone that stand out, as the 6.4-inch screen’s colors really shine too. 

It also has a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and good speakers, meaning the Galaxy A54 is a great multimedia phone. The main 50-megapixel camera takes photos that pop off the screen, which may not be to everyone’s taste, but anyone who wants to quickly share an eye-catching photo on social media will likely love it. Samsung has used its own Exynos 1380 processor in the phone with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, plus there’s space for a MicroSD card. It’s fast enough for games and everyday use, the phone has 5G for a fast connection, and Samsung’s One UI software is smooth, easy to use, and will be updated for the next four years. It’s built to last, provided you don’t expect your use to dramatically change in the near future. Downsides? Apart from the power only being adequate for normal use, the battery doesn’t have the endurance to last for more than about a day-and-a-half, the charging isn’t very fast,

 and there’s no wireless charging either. To get a phone that avoids these pitfalls means spending more than the Galaxy A54’s $450 starting price, and for a lot of people, it won’t really be worth it. The Galaxy A54 is a great choice. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Best cheap phone overall Andy Boxall/Digital Trends Google Pixel 7 Best premium cheap phone Pros Superb camera Long battery life Eye-catching design Vibrant screen Years of software updates Fantastic price Cons Slow charging Software bugs Poor gaming performance Why you should buy this: It has a superb camera, great software, and a pretty design.

 Who it’s for: Anyone who can stretch their $500 budget but still doesn't want to overspend. Why we picked the Google Pixel 7: Yes, we know, the Pixel 7 costs $599, and that puts it over our $500 budget. But if you can save a little longer, or find a way to stretch your budget just a tiny bit, this is our recommendation if you don't want to overspend and get a flagship phone. It has all Google’s computational photography expertise fed through a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization, plus there’s a wide-angle camera and a 10.8MP selfie camera. It takes fantastic photos, and the editing suite is extremely powerful. It’s versatile and inspiring to use. The same goes for the software, which is slickly designed and super smooth, all powered by the latest Tensor G2 processor. The battery lasts for a couple of days if you aren’t a hardcore gamer, plus there’s wireless charging for convenience. The screen has a 90Hz refresh rate and niceties like HDR10+ certification, a fast fingerprint sensor, and a pretty design too.

 You pay a little more for the Pixel 7 than you will the Pixel 6a or Galaxy A53, but it has more utility and ability. If you can stretch to it, the Pixel 7 is worth it. That said, we have noticed there is some variation between models that leads to a different, and often a more negative experience. It’s worth bearing in mind and brushing up on Google’s return policy before buying. Google Pixel 7 Best premium cheap phone Joe Maring/Digital Trends OnePlus Nord N30 5G Best cheap OnePlus phone Pros Nice in-hand feel Headphone jack and expandable storage 120Hz display looks great Good, reliable performance 50W charger in the box Cons Bland, smudge-prone design Very poor camera quality Only promised a single OS update Why you should buy this: It has some of OnePlus's best attributes, available for just $300.

 Who it's for: Someone who wants a solid cheap OnePlus smartphone, but doesn't mind a sub-standard camera. Why we picked the OnePlus Nord N30 5G: OnePlus has crammed a lot of positives into this $300 device, and it's the strength of those positives that have landed the N30 5G on this list — and it needs those positives, because there's a big downside to this device which may be a deal-breaker for you. We'll start by covering that downside: The camera. Unfortunately, the camera system is poor. It comprises of a 108MP lens with two 2MP lenses (macro and depth), and while that sounds promising, the 108MP main lens is a real letdown. 

In good conditions it takes bland pictures with no pop, and a lack of optical image stabilization means blurred photos are all too common. Quality drops like a stone when the lights fall, and images are full of noise and smudged details. While the 2MP macro lens is fine, it's not enough to save the camera. It's a real shame, because the rest of the phone is solid. The 5,000mAh battery easily outlasted Digital Trends' Mobile Editor Joe Maring's iPhone 14 Pro, and it comes with 50W super-fast charging as well. The processor is a Snapdragon 695, and while it won't make the phone a dedicated gaming station, it's no slouch for the $300 price tag. The design is, unfortunately, boring and attracts fingerprints like you wouldn't believe – but the phone still has a lot going for it on this front. It's extremely comfortable and well weighted, despite the 6.72-inch display. That display is impressive too, as it packs in a 120Hz refresh rate, 

a very welcome addition on a phone this price. There's a microSD card slot and a headphone jack, and the dual stereo speakers produce startling good sound. If you can forgive the terrible camera, then the upsides of the OnePlus Nord N30 5G are worth paying for. It has good performance, a great display, and a very good battery life and charging rate — but it's not worth going for if the camera is important to you. Instead, consider the next entry down. OnePlus Nord N30 5G Best cheap OnePlus phone Joe Maring/Digital Trends Google Pixel 6a Best cheap phone camera Pros Compact, lightweight design IP67 water resistance Flagship-grade performance Excellent cameras Clean software Years of guaranteed updates Cons Display is only 60Hz Tensor chip runs hot Lacking battery life Why you should buy this: It has most of what makes the Pixel 7 desirable -- excellent software, a great camera, and a cool design -- 

for a lower price. Who it's for: Those who really value camera performance, and want the best Android software experience too. Why we picked the Google Pixel 6a: The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro introduced a cool new design from Google for its smartphone range, and it continues on the Pixel 6a too. Because Google only slightly updated the look for the Pixel 7, the Pixel 6a manages to still look modern and current today. It’s a big selling point, but not as much as the camera. Google is famous for its computational photography expertise, and a great deal of it can be found inside the Pixel 6a, despite it being cheaper than the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The 12.2-megapixel main camera is joined by a 12MP wide-angle camera, plus most of Google’s clever and fun camera modes, including Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and Magic Eraser. Unfortunately, the battery life does let the Pixel 6a down, and you shouldn’t expect it to last more than a day without recharging if you use it moderately hard. Charging is slow, and there’s no wireless charging either.

 The other downside is it has a 60Hz screen, which is a disappointment when others provide a 90Hz screen or higher on similarly priced devices. However, the software around all this is a big bonus, as it’s fuss-free, well-designed, and fast. It will also get the latest version of Android before any other phone for the next few years too. The Pixel 6a is one for camera and Android software fans, who don’t consider the 60Hz screen a problem. The Pixel 7a is another option to consider, but given how similar it is to the 6a — and that it's more expensive — we still think the Pixel 6a is the better purchase between the two. Google Pixel 6a Best cheap phone camera Andy Boxall/Digital Trends Apple iPhone SE (2022) Best cheap iPhone Pros Compact and light Very powerful Touch ID works really well Wireless charging IP67 water resistance Cons Poor battery life 60Hz screen 64GB won't be enough Why you should buy this: It's the smallest iPhone you can buy, yet it's still powerful, plus it has Touch ID and the very latest version of iOS too. Who it’s for: Apple iPhone lovers who miss small phones but don't want to compromise on performance. Why we picked the iPhone SE (2022): It's not the biggest smartphone on this list,

 but it's one of the most powerful. The jewel in the iPhone SE's crown is the A15 Bionic processor powering it. This is the same chip you'll find in the iPhone 14, and it's incredibly powerful. The result is a budget smartphone that can handle the latest and most demanding 3D games, and pretty much anything the latest flagships can do. It's a strong advantage. However, the iPhone SE looks just like iPhone 8 so it has chunky bezels and a relatively small display. It may perform like a flagship iPhone, but it looks older, especially as it has a Home button and Touch ID fingerprint sensor. However, some may see this as a benefit. It's made from glass and aluminum, is very compact and lightweight, plus there are various attractive colors available. There's only a single 12MP camera on the back,

 but it does have some excellent post-processing, thanks to the A15 Bionic processor, and the iPhone SE still takes good shots. Unfortunately, there's no Night mode, which means you'll need to rely a little more on good lighting. The battery life is a major drawback. We managed a day of use out of the iPhone SE, but it's unlikely to stretch much further than that with even moderately heavy use, and you're going to need to top it up on particularly hectic days. Prices for the Apple iPhone SE (2022) start from $429 for 64GB of storage and rise up to $579 for 256GB of storage. We recommend buying the $479 to upgrade your storage to 128GB at least, as performance and battery life suffer when the storage gets close to full. Apple iPhone SE (2022) Best cheap iPhone Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends OnePlus Nord N300 5G Best cheap phone under $250 Pros Sleek and lightweight design 90Hz refresh rate on a large 6.56-inch display Nice tactile haptics Great selfie camera Expandable storage via microSD 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging Cons Lower-res screen resolution 2MP depth camera doesn't add much Won't get updates after Android 13 Only available on T-Mobile Why you should buy this:

 It has desirable features like a 90Hz refresh rate screen and 5G, plus long battery life. Who it's for: If you value screen technology and battery life over the camera. Why we picked the OnePlus Nord N300: OnePlus is an established brand with a lot of experience delivering great value phones, and the Nord N300 5G continues this tradition. The Pixel 6a may not have a high refresh rate screen, but the Nord N300 does, and it has a longer lasting battery, plus faster charging too, all for less money. This is what we mean when we say it really pays to shop around for the right low-cost phone. The OnePlus Nord N300’s 6.56-inch screen has a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and less eyestrain, plus a big 5,000mAh battery that should last for at least a couple of days (depending on your use). When it comes time to charge it back up, it’ll take just 90 minutes with the included charger and cable. A 48-megapixel camera on the back may sound simple (we’re ignoring the 2MP macro camera, and you should, too), but it takes photos that are fine for social media, particularly if you don’t mind playing with the editing suite in the Gallery app. The phone’s software is a letdown, though, as it runs OxygenOS 12. It’s not as fluid or cleanly designed as old OxygenOS, 

and can be complex and unreliable. However, for the price, the OnePlus Nord N300 has several standout features: a capable MediaTek processor with 5G, and even a headphone jack and MicroSD card slot. It’s a good value blend of desirable modern features and often-forgotten phone staples. OnePlus Nord N300 5G Best cheap phone under $250 Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Best phone under $200 Pros Only $200 Large display with a 90Hz refresh rate 5,000mAh battery 50MP rear camera, 13MP selfie camera Respectable performance Unique, textured back Cons Secondary cameras aren't impressive No water or dust resistance Fast charging up to 15W only Why you should buy this: It has a big screen, great software, and a decent camera for a very competitive price. Who it’s for: Anyone who wants the Samsung Galaxy software experience, but wants a bargain at the same time. Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G: The Samsung Galaxy A14 is cheaper than the Galaxy A54 that tops our list, but it shares many of the same upsides. And if your budget won’t stretch to more than $200, it’s the phone to buy. The Galaxy A14 is made entirely from plastic, but this will increase durability. It isn’t slippery to hold, and a textured finish keeps it mostly fingerprint-free. Like the Galaxy A54, the Galaxy A14 leans into Samsung’s design for the Galaxy S23. The triple-lens camera array on the back contains a 50-megapixel main camera, plus a pair of mostly useless 2MP macro and depth cameras. The main camera still takes attractive photos you’ll be happy to share online. A 6.6-inch AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate dominates the front of the phone. It runs on Android 13 with One UI, which will be updated until 2027. For a phone at this price, this is a good commitment, and along with 5G connectivity, it means the A14 should last for several years before it needs replacing. 

The MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor is great for normal use, but may struggle if you want to play intensive games or multitask, and the 5,000mAh battery has enough power to last two days before it needs recharging. You don’t get features like wireless charging, and the phone obviously isn’t going to compete with flagships, but it represents excellent value provided your expectations aren’t stratospheric. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Best phone under $200 Frequently Asked Questions Where do I buy cheap phones? You can always find bargains at online retailers, but be careful to do your research and order the model number you need. In particular, check that the model you are buying supports the bands your carrier operates on. The major carriers sometimes run good promotions, but if you find a phone you like in-store it's worth doing a quick search online to see if you can find it for less. You'll often find cheaper options at MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) and we have a list of the best MVNOs to check out. Who has cheap phone plans? There are lots of different cell phone plans out there, so take your time and do some research before picking a plan. We have a breakdown of the best cell phone plans to help you get started. If you go for a family plan, then you can often secure good deals on additional lines. Consider the coverage in your area before deciding on a carrier. How do you get a new phone for cheap? The most obvious way to score a bargain is to buy second-hand. If that appeals to you, then we have a guide on how to buy used smartphones that you’ll want to read. You may also consider online retailers, just make sure that you check the model of the phone you are buying supports the bands your carrier operates on. Should you buy a cheap phone or wait for last year’s flagship to get cheaper?

 Flagships have been climbing in price recently, but if you're willing to wait and look at flagship phones from a year or two ago, then you can get them much cheaper. Almost all Android phone manufacturers offer discounts on older flagships and those discounts get deeper the older the phone gets. On the other hand, the general quality of budget phones has improved greatly in recent years and phone design moves very quickly, so a midrange device today will likely match a two-year-old flagship on performance and may boast a more modern design. Editors' Recommendations

The best phone 2023: top smartphones in the US right now 

The best phone in 2023 is a jack of all trades, and a master of everything. Nothing less than excellence will be accepted, because the competition is fierce, and you can find great performance, amazing photography, and top-notch design at every price point, and on every platform.  With Amazon Prime Day in full effect, half of our entire Best Phones list is on sale right now, and most of those phones are at the best price we've ever seen. Of course, new phones are always on the horizon, but the best time to find a deal is well before the next big thing launches, not afterwards.  You can find the new Motorola Razr Plus on sale now unlocked for $150 off, which is a great discount on such a new phone, especially if you want to avoid a carrier agreement.  Our favorite budget phone, the Google Pixel 6a, is at its lowest price ever, and probably the lowest price ever for any phone that's made our best phones list. You can buy Google's bargain phone from last year for less than $250, or pick up its replacement, the Pixel 7a, for under $450.

  Of course, our top pick for the best phone overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, is on sale for a great price, even if it's not quite the huge price cut we'd wish to see. Still, how low can you go for a phone that can do everything? If you want a great price on the absolute best phone, Amazon has it. Once you’re done reading this overall list, you can dig into the best smartphone brands. We’ve reviewed all of the greatest phones and gathered up the best Samsung phones, best iPhones, and best Google Pixel phones you can buy. The quick list Here they are, the best smartphones you can buy, no matter your needs, your budget, or your imagination. You can see each phone, why we like it, our rating, and where to buy it. Keep scrolling (or use the jump links) to find further details on each.  Best overall 1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra The best phone overall The Galaxy S23 Ultra does everything and then a bit more. It’s packed with features (and a hidden pen) that rivals can’t match. Read more below Best iPhone The best iPhone The iPhone 14 Pro and the bigger Pro Max are Apple's best phones yet, thanks to new cameras and the cool Dynamic Island. Read more below Best ultraphone bargain The best ultraphone bargain Pound for pound a knockout, the Pixel 7 Pro uses computational wits to beat rivals at great photography and exclusive Pixel features. Read more below Best compact phone The best compact phone The Motorola Razr Plus is more than just a great flip phone, it's a whole new category of device thanks to its big and sharp cover display. No other flip phone measures up. Read more below Best foldable phone The best foldable phone Google's first foldable is a big winner, with a huge internal display and a great cover screen that works just as well as a flat smartphone. If you can cover the cost, you get plenty of phone with the Fold. Read more below Best value phone The best value phone Google's least expensive phone packs the same Tensor chip as the Pixel 6 Pro, and it takes crowd-pleasing photos, amazing for a phone in this low price range. The value makes it an even better pick than the newer Pixel 7a. 

Read more below Load the next 2 products... Best affordable iPhone The best affordable iPhone For our money, we’d rather get an iPhone 13 from last year than spend more on this year’s model, since it was already great. Read more below Best unique features The best unique features If you’re tired of phones doing the same thing, the OnePlus 11 goes its own way with unique portrait cameras and super-fast charging. Read more below The best smartphones in 2023 Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test. Below you'll find full details and reasoning for each of the best overall smartphones on our list. We've reviewed each one in depth, so you can be sure to trust our reviews and expert opinion. The best phone overall Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)(Image credit: Peer Hoffmann) The best phone overall Specifications Release date: February 2023 Weight: 234g Dimensions: 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9mm OS: Android 13 w/ One UI 5.1 Screen size: 6.8-inch Resolution: 1440 x 3088 CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy RAM: 8GB / 12GB Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB Battery: 5,000mAh Rear camera: 200MP (wide) + 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical) + 10MP (telephoto, 10x optical) + 12MP (ultrawide, 120-degree) Front camera: 12MP Reasons to buy+ Phenomenal cameras + Bespoke Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset Reasons to avoid- Faster charging would have been nice - Seriously expensive Buy it if 

✅ You want a phone that can do everything: The Galaxy S23 Ultra packs in every feature in the history of mobile devices, including wireless charging, water resistance, and even a stylus. 

✅ You need to photograph the moon: There isn't a longer optical zoom lens on a phone right now, but the S23 Ultra doesn't stop at 10X. It can enhance astrophotography and also add details to moon shots. 

✅ You want a pocket computer: The Ultra can drive a monitor and keyboard in a desktop environment, or just run multiple apps in side-by-side windows Don't buy it if: 

❌ You’re on a budget: It's the most expensive phone that doesn't fold in half, but Samsung doesn't leave you wanting anything more, and there are great deals to be found 

❌ You don't like big phones: The S23 Ultra is smooth, and curved, and also very, very big. It's so big that it can hide a full stylus and a huge battery inside and remain water resistant. With a case, it's a behemoth. 

❌ You hate One UI: Samsung messes with Android, and though One UI gets better every time we use it, Google's own Pixel version is still simpler and more refined, and dare we say a better competitor to iOS. 

The bottom line 📱 The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is so much smartphone, it barely deserves to be in the same category as much simpler rivals, but Samsung won't take a step backwards, and never gives up on a feature it likes. You get the best performance, tons of camera capabilities, a hidden stylus, and one of the best displays you'll see on a smartphone. You'll pay for the privilege, but what a privilege it is.  

★★★★½ What you need to know The differences between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and its list-topping predecessor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, may seem less than skin deep, but the new phone improves upon last year's model in many ways. It gets a faster chipset, tougher materials all around, and a new camera sensor that packs more megapixels than we ever imagined on a phone.  Design: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a smooth plane of glass on the front and back, with a gently curved display leading to the frame. It isn't quite as seamless as last year's S22 Ultra, but it is still gorgeous. The new, more natural color tones are also especially delightful in person, even better than in product photos.   Display: You won't find a much better display than the big, bright, AMOLED screen on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. It isn't quite the brightest, and it lacks Dolby Vision support, but it's still smooth, with a fast 120Hz refresh that looks fantastic watching movies or playing games.  Camera: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is like carrying an entire camera bag full of lenses. Its versatility makes it the best camera phone money can buy. There are plenty of lenses, great shooting modes, and now even an expert-level app, making this the best phone for serious photography.  Performance: With a bespoke, overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset that is faster than the Snapdragon in competitor phones, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the benchmark champ. It also performs just as well in real life, playing high-resolution games or shooting video in 8K.  Battery life: Sure, we can always ask for more battery (maybe instead of the pen next time?), but the Galaxy S23 Ultra lasted incredibly long in our review tests, longer than most devices we've tested recently. It keeps the same 5,000 mAh battery as its predecessor (and most flagships today), but manages power well.  Value for money: Just skip this section and go back to the top so you can read about all of the amazing hardware and features that you get for a whole lot of money. Yes, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a four-figure phone in every region, though Samsung phones are famous for trade-in and carrier-related deals.  Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review Swipe to scroll horizontallySamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra scorecardAttributesNotesRatingPriceIt's perhaps the most expensive phone you can buy, but it doesn't cut any corners

★★★☆☆DesignSleek and professional, with great colors, though it's undeniably huge

★★★★☆DisplayA dazzling display that curves gently. It isn't the absolute best, but it's close

★★★★★CameraIncredibly versatile camera options, including real 10X zoom and HDR10+ video

★★★★★PerformanceAmazing performance from a chipset that was overclocked in Samsung's name

★★★★★Battery lifeA huge battery delivers long battery life, even with the amazing performance and cameras

★★★★★ No contract Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128kbps speeds) No contract Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128kbps speeds) No contract Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128 kbps speeds) powered by The best iPhone Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff) The best iPhone Specifications Release date: September 2022 Weight: 206g Dimensions: 147.5 x 71.5 x 7.9mm OS: iOS 16.3 Screen size: 6.1-inch Resolution: 1179 x 2556 CPU: Apple A16 Bionic RAM: 6GB Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB Battery: 3,200mAh Rear camera: 48MP (wide) + 12MP (telephoto, 3x optical) + 12MP (ultrawide, 120-degree) Front camera: 12MP Reasons to buy+ Incredible cameras and zoom + Excellent little S Pen Reasons to avoid- No microSD slot - Battery life could be better Buy it if

 ✅ You want to be in Apple’s world: If you want iMessage, Apple Home, and iCloud backup, the iPhone 14 Pro is the best place to start.

 ✅ You want unique games and apps: While Google’s Play Store offers almost everything, there are exclusives and titles that come to iPhone first.

 ✅ You want photos with less work: The iPhone 14 Pro doesn’t have the camera features of its rivals, but Apple doesn’t make you fuss with settings, either. Don't buy it if: 

❌ You want more zoom power: Apple’s maximum 3x optical zoom is starting to seem more quaint than useful. Samsung (and Xiaomi) owns the super-zoom space. 

❌ You want better charging technology: Apple’s iPhone is inexplicably still stuck on the Lightning port when USB-C will work with a lot of the cables you already have - including some from Apple. 

❌ You want more technology for less: The iPhone 14 Pro gives you less RAM and storage than Android rivals by half. The bottom line 

📱 There’s a reason why the iPhone 14 Pro is so popular: it simply gets everything right. It doesn’t pack too many features or ask you to adjust tons of settings, which makes it easier to use for most people. It’s an iPhone, so you know that it’s a phone you can keep for years to come. 

★★★★½ What you need to know The Apple iPhone 14 Pro may look like the iPhone 13 Pro from the outside (okay, you practically need a magnifying glass to tell them apart), but there are big differences on the inside that push Apple into the next generation. It has more pixels on the camera sensor, Apple’s latest Bionic chipset, and satellite communications for emergencies.  Design: If you want someone to know that you bought an iPhone 14 Pro and not last year’s model, you need to choose a new color, because otherwise the phones look identical. That’s not a bad thing, and Apple’s design is clean and jewelry-like, with a seamless attention to detail. Display: The iPhone 14 Pro's display is the brightest you can buy in most regions (some Chinese phones top it), and it looks great, even in low-refresh always-on mode. The Dynamic Island camera cutout is contentious; we’re not fans of the insipid pill, but maybe Apple will remember it exists eventually.   Camera: The Apple iPhone 14 Pro finally gets a major camera upgrade, quadrupling the pixels on the main camera sensor. Of course, most images still develop at 12MP, not the full 48MP, but that pixel-binning technique gives you great images in any light condition.   Performance: In benchmarks, Apple’s A16 Bionic chipset can’t be beat, even by the fastest Android phones you can buy. In practice, Apple keeps things simple by restricting multitasking, and everything runs as snappy as you’d expect. You can’t find better performance for games, video recording, or any mobile task.  Battery life: We always want better battery life, but the iPhone 14 Pro will last a full day, and maybe more if you’re careful. The iPhone 14 Pro Max hides a bigger battery behind its bigger display, so if stamina is really important, that’s a reason to go for the larger model.  Value for money: No iPhone is cheap, and the iPhone 14 Pro is a very expensive device. We also recommend a storage upgrade, so the starting price may be a bit higher for the phone you really want. Step up to the Pro Max and you’re spending mid-four-figures for a smartphone. Samsung’s best is pricier, but gives you more features.  Read the full review: Apple iPhone 14 Pro review Swipe to scroll horizontallyApple iPhone 14 Pro scorecardAttributesNotesRatingPrice A very expensive phone, and we recommend a storage upgrade over the base 

★★★☆☆Design Identical to last year, the iPhone 14 Pro keeps the clean and seamless design

★★★★☆Display A bright and sharp display that is marred by the obtrusive Dynamic Island cutout

★★★★★Performance Apple’s A16 Bionic chipset is the fastest mobile platform on any smartphone

★★★★★Cameras More megapixels means Apple can employ pixel binning techniques for better photos 

★★★★☆Battery lifeGreater battery life variance depending on usage compared to most phones 

★★★★☆ 36 months No contract Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128kbps speeds) No contract Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128kbps speeds) powered by The best ultraphone bargain Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne) The best ultraphone bargain Specifications Release date: October 2022 Weight: 212g Dimensions: 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9mm OS: Android 13 Screen size: 6.7-inch Resolution: 1440 x 3120 CPU: Google Tensor G2 RAM: 12GB Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB Battery: 5,000mAh Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 48MP (telephoto, 5x optical) + 12MP (ultrawide, 126-degree) Front camera: 10.8MP Reasons to buy+ Intuitive and easy to use  +  Snappy and responsive interface  Reasons to avoid- Battery and charging time could be better  - Lacks the deep feature set of best competition  Buy it if 

✅ You want to save money but still want the best: There’s no denying the Pixel 7 Pro holds its own against the best phones you can buy, even though it costs less. Plus, Pixel phones go on sale a lot. 

✅ You want a better all-around phone: The Pixel 7 Pro simply works well, no matter what you’re doing with it. It takes great photos easily and gets a lot right that other phone makers have ignored. 

✅ You want to fix your old photos: Buying a Pixel 7 Pro lets you fix all the terrible photos in your library. If those iPhone 4 shots didn’t age so well, the Pixel will modernize them. There’s no other device that can do this… for now at least. Don't buy it if: 

❌ You want a phone that does literally everything: It doesn’t have a stylus, or a mighty zoom lens, or high-speed charging, or the fastest screen you can buy. If you’re a spec-sheet fanatic, check the top of the list. 

❌ You want a phone that folds in half: Flat phones are becoming a thing of the past. The latest and greatest thing is phones that fold. The likes of the huge Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 also offer massive screen real estate inside. 

❌ You're going to keep this phone forever: Google makes the Pixel 7 Pro and the Android 13 OS it runs, but that doesn’t mean Google will keep supporting this phone forever. Apple is still updating phones that are five years old.  The bottom line 

📱 The Google Pixel 7 Pro is every bit as good as the best smartphones from Apple and Samsung. It looks great, takes amazing photos, and stands out in a crowd. Google implements software features as art, and the Pixel 7 Pro improves the smartphone in areas we’d forgotten needed improvement. 

★★★★½ What you need to know With the Pixel 7 Pro, Google takes a big step towards the top of the smartphone rankings. It performs well and has great features limited to phones with Google’s Tensor chipset, including the amazing Photo Unblur and clear calling. It's not as feature packed as some rivals, but the software is elegant and polished.  Design: The Google Pixel 7 Pro has a distinctive design compared to the rest of the smartphone market, and we like the overall look; but it’s not our favorite phone to carry and show off. The camera band makes the phone seem more balanced and symmetrical, but the glossy finish is fingerprint-prone, and the colors seem a bit yesteryear. Display: We’ve been very impressed with the display on the Google Pixel 7 Pro. It uses an LTPO OLED display, similar to the tech you’ll find on the iPhone 14 Pro, and has a super-crisp 3120 x 1440 resolution. We always find the Pixel 7 Pro exceedingly bright and colorful. It’s a delight to read, and easy to use for photographs, even in bright sunlight.  Camera: Photos that we took with the Google Pixel 7 Pro always looked the way we wanted them to look, and that’s high praise. It never seemed to focus on the wrong part of the scene, or underexpose our subject in favor of a brighter background. Our images looked warm and dynamic, as opposed to the flat, colder images the iPhone camera sometimes passes off as ‘accurate.’   Performance: We never felt like the Pixel 7 Pro was lacking in pure performance in a way that affected our usage. Perhaps this is because Google has such tight synchronicity between the OS and the hardware, but we felt the interface was much snappier than other devices we use. Simply finding our apps or navigating our home screens felt faster.  Battery life: Battery life on the Pixel 7 Pro is good, more than a day's full use, but we ended each day with only between 10-20% juice left. The Pixel 7 Pro also supports wireless charging in both directions.  Value for money: Google likes to price its phones a bit cheaper than rivals, and the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7 continue this trend. The iPhone 14 Pro starts at hundreds more outside the US, which means the Pixel 7 Pro is not only cheaper, but UK and Australian buyers won’t see the same price hike that iPhone fans saw compared to last year.  Read the full review: Google Pixel 7 Pro review  Swipe to scroll horizontallyGoogle Pixel 7 Pro score cardAttributesNotesRatingPriceLess expensive than the competition's best phones ★★★★★Design Unique camera bar, but not enough color options

★★★★☆Display Big and bright with great response time 

★★★★★CameraAmazing photos every time, but not a huge step ahead

★★★★☆PerformanceA graphics boost keeps everything running fast

★★★★★Battery lifeWill get through a day, but nothing impressive

★★★★☆ No contract Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128kbps speeds) No contract Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128 kbps speeds) No contract Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128 kbps speeds) powered by The best compact phone Image 1 of 7 (Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne) 4. Motorola Razr Plus 2023 The best ultraphone bargain Specifications Release date: June 2023 Weight: 188.5g (184.5 for vegan leather Magenta) Dimensions: Open: 73.95mm x 170.83mm x 6.99mm, Closed: 73.95mm x 88.42mm x 15.1mm OS: Android 13 Screen size: 6.9-inch / 3.6-inch Resolution: 2640 x 1080 / 1066 x 1056 CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 RAM: 8GB (LPDDR5) Storage: 256GB (UFS 3.1) Battery: 3,800mAh Rear camera: 12MP (f/1.5, 1.4μm); 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12μm) Front camera: 32MP (f/2.4, 0.7μm) (binned: 8MP, 1.4um) Reasons to buy+ Huge cover display is actually useful  +  Cool vegan leather and unique colors  Reasons to avoid- Cameras are lousy  - Not water resistant enough Buy it if 

✅ You’ve been waiting for phones to get cool again: If you’ve been telling yourself “I’ll buy a new phone when there’s a reason to buy something new,” you now have that reason. ✅ You want a small phone but need a big screen: The Motorola Razr Plus is the thinnest flip phone when folded shut, and has the biggest display when open. It's bigger on the inside than the others, and you don’t need to be a Time Lord to appreciate the magic.

 ✅ You aren’t addicted to your iPhone: Seriously, what’s stopping you from buying a cool phone? Are you really addicted to blue bubbles and the Dynamic Island? Try something cooler, we promise you’ll like it. Don't buy it if: 

❌ You need a great camera phone: The Motorola Razr Plus has forgivable flaws, but the cameras aren’t among them. They're pretty lousy for regular photos, although selfies benefit from using the main lens. 

❌ You’re going to get it wet: The Moto Razr Plus is more dust resistant than other flip phones, but less water resistant than the Galaxy Z family devices, which can take a dunk. ❌ You want to totally unplug and hang up: Unlike other flip phones, the Razr Plus doesn’t go to sleep when you hang up. It’s often even more fun when it’s closed, but wait for the base model Razr if you appreciate the joy of tuning out. The bottom line 

📱 The Motorola Razr Plus / Razr 40 Ultra is a major evolutionary step for smartphones, going beyond what any previous flip or foldable has offered. It's not perfect, but it’s so far ahead of what other phones offer that there's barely a flaw that isn’t forgivable. This flip is a winner – and if you want to get excited about phones again you need to check it out. ★★★★½ What you need to know After the last Razr failed to meet expectations, Motorola went back to the drawing board and created something entirely new. What it came up with sounds simple at first: just a bigger cover display on a better flip phone design. What you get is a smartphone in miniature, a more compact and usable phone than we've ever tried.  Design: The Motorola Razr Plus looks more like a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 than the uglier Razr folding phones that came before, and that's okay. It shuts tight, feels more comfortable with a nicely rounded edge, and looks great in Moto's colors, especially the Viva Magenta with the vegan leather back.  Displays: Both displays on the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 are equally impressive. The internal display is a massive 6.9-inch screen, bigger than other flip phones. The external cover display is a 3.6-inch square, and it offers more screen area than the original iPhone, You get more than two phones in one.   Camera: Ugh, we wish there was better news about the cameras on the Motorola Razr Plus. They take good selfies, better than you're expecting because you get to use the main camera. It's also fun to take pics using the external display as a viewfinder with a crowd. Unfortunately, those pics are just not very good. We also seriously miss having real zoom.   Performance: Even though the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 uses the same chipset as the last Razr, Motorola has managed to make this phone feel faster and smoother than before. We had no stutters or stops, even switching apps quickly between the external screen and the big internal display.   Battery life: Battery life could be better on the Motorola Razr Plus 2023, but it wasn't terrible. We found ourselves using that cover screen quite a bit, which probably drained the battery faster than if we'd just left it alone. For a flip phone, battery life was competitive.  Value for money: The Motorola Razr Plus is admittedly expensive, costing just as much as last year's model without much of an internal upgrade - except for the huge cover screen that effectively gives you half a second display for the same price. If it's too much, there's a cheaper model on the way sans external display.   Read the full review: Motorola Razr Plus 2023 review  Swipe to scroll horizontallyMotorola Razr Pus 2023 score cardAttributesNotesRatingValueSame price as last year’s model, with an extra half-screen more 

★★★★☆DesignMost refined and tight-fitting flip phone ever, with a game-changing external screen

★★★★★DisplayBig on the outside, bigger on the inside, and the external display is much more than an afterthought 

★★★★★CameraNot the best cameras, but great design makes it easy to get unique shots that other phones can’t manage

★★★☆☆PerformanceGood enough to keep up with every task, but it could get warm when pushed with video recording or gaming

★★★★☆Battery lifeBattery life could be better, and using that external display (or both at once!) means using more power

★★★★☆ Motorola Razr Plus (2023) : Price Comparison The best foldable phone Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff) 5. Google Pixel Fold The best foldable phone Specifications Release date: June 2023 Weight: 283g Dimensions: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1mm / 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8mm OS: Android 13 Screen size: 7.6 inch / 5.8 inch Resolution: 2208 x 1840 / 2092 x 1080 CPU: Google Tensor G2 RAM: 12GB (LPDDR 5) Storage: 256GB / 512GB Battery: 4,727mAh Rear camera: 48MP (main) + 10.8MP (ultrawide) + 10.8MP (5X telephoto) Front camera: 8MP Reasons to buy+ No-compromises front screen + Great cameras and photo tricks Reasons to avoid- Huge bezel around the tablet screen - The price takes some explaining Buy it if 

✅ You want two devices in one: The Pixel Fold is an able phone, and a fun and productivity-enhancing tablet. 

✅ You care about photography: You get an excellent collection of cameras backed up by some truly useful software and AI tricks. 

✅ You want a full-sized foldable: There are smaller, cheaper foldables, but if you want a main screen that opens to tablet size you should look at the Pixel Fold. Don't buy it if: 

❌ Money is tight: Google has ably combined two devices into one – and it's charging you for both. It's a hefty investment, so if you must have the Pixel Fold, hunt down one of the generous trade-in deals that's available. 

❌ You want bleeding-edge components: Google's Tensor G2 is plenty fast, but there might be a G3 just around the corner. Could this handset have benefited from newer silicon? 

❌ You want a thin and light phone: Folded, the Pixel Fold is fat, and it's also kind of heavy. The bottom line 

📱 The Google Pixel Fold is an excellent, multidimensional handset that feels equally at home as a beefy smartphone or a pint-sized tablet, and it marries that versatility with strong performance and stellar photography. If you think of the Pixel Fold as two devices in one, the high price almost makes sense. 

★★★★½ What you need to know The Google Pixel Fold is Google's first foldable phone, and it's a very impressive start from the House of Android. While the internal display is the same size as a Galaxy Z Fold 4, Google bends the phone on the other axis, giving us a much wider and more fulfilling cover display. Add to that Google's great software and you have a winning, albeit very costly device.  Design: The Google Pixel Fold is the thinnest foldable phone when it's closed, but that doesn't mean it's a small device. The solid construction creates a big, heavy phone that opens into a small, heavy tablet. The bezels are a bit large and first-gen looking, and durability of the screen is becoming a big concern.   Displays: The best part about the Google Pixel Fold is the wise decision to make a wider, more usable cover display. The exterior screen looks great, so good that you won't mind using the phone closed, unlike Samsung's Z Fold 4. Inside, you get a huge, tablet-sized screen that can run apps side-by-side or edit photos with ease.    Camera: Google hasn't slouched when it comes to cameras on the Google Pixel Fold, and unlike Samsung's folding phones, the foldable Pixel can keep up with the flat Pixels. Photos weren't the best ever, but they looked better than we expected and we appreciate having real 5X optical zoom on the third lens.    Performance: Google packs the Pixel Fold with the ubiquitous Tensor G2 chip, a platform that started as the driver for the Pixel 7 Pro phone but now runs everything from the Pixel Tablet to the bargain Pixel 7a phone. At the least, the Tensor platform gives you amazing exclusive features, and we especially like Photo Unblur and the cool camera editing tricks.    Battery life: We managed to get a full day of battery life out of the Google Pixel Fold, but it wasn't able to last much longer than that. The phone doesn't have any special fast charging capabilities, and of course a bigger screen means that it draws more power.  Value for money: Whoa, maybe go back up and read the camera section again, because the Pixel Fold has really good cameras for a foldable phone. As for value, it's the most expensive phone you can buy, and if you have to ask why then you probably should just buy something cheaper.   Read the full review: Google Pixel Fold review Swipe to scroll horizontallyGoogle Pixel Fold score cardAttributesNotesRatingValueIt's costly but such is the price of two premium devices in one 

★★★★☆DesignGoogle may have found the sweet spot for tablet-sized foldables

★★★★★DisplayCover display is shorter than the Galaxy Z Fold 4, but more than makes up for it in width. The main screen is beautiful and the big bezel quickly fades into the background 

★★★★★CameraAn excellent colleciton of cameras inside and out that take beautiful photos

★★★☆☆PerformanceThe Tensor g2 has more than enough performance to satisfy most foldable needs

★★★★☆Battery lifeBattery life is solid

★★★★☆ Google Pixel Fold : Price Comparison The best value phone Image 1 of 5 The successor to the Google Pixel 6a is almost here (Image credit: Future)A follow-up to the Pixel 6a is on the way (Image credit: TechRadar / Stephen Lambrechts)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne) The best value overall Specifications Release date: May 2022 Weight: 178g Dimensions: 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm OS: Android 13 Screen size: 6.1-inch Resolution: 1080 x 2400 CPU: Google Tensor RAM: 6GB Storage: 128GB Battery: 4,410mAh Rear camera: 12.2MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) Front camera: 8MP Reasons to buy+  Incredible value +  Exclusive Google Tensor features  Reasons to avoid- Slow charging - Slow navigation Buy it if 

✅ You want an amazing phone for less: The Google Pixel 6a was launched as a bargain version of the Pixel 6. Price cuts since then make this the most affordable phone you can buy that’s actually worth buying. It’s that good and that cheap. 

✅ You want help taking great pics: The Pixel 6a isn’t for pro photographers who need hundreds of megapixels and super-zoom. It’s for the rest of us, and it takes pics that are easily shareable, with great editing features to fix bloopers. 

✅ You want unadorned Android: Google’s version of Android on the Pixel 6a is simpler and more elegant than Samsung’s over-packed One UI. Plus, Google regularly drops Pixel feature updates and doesn’t ignore its older models. Don't buy it if: 

❌ You need great battery life: Admittedly, the Pixel 6a sacrifices battery capabilities and faster charging to cut costs, and this means you’ll have to top it off during the day to stay charged until the night time. 

❌ You want serious photo specs: The Pixel 6a takes winning photos, but the main camera shoots at a lower 12MP resolution, which doesn’t give much room for cropping or editing. There’s no real zoom, either. 

❌ You want more: The Pixel 6a is limited in many ways. It has less storage space, less power than we’d like, and less flash and dazzle on the display. It gives you plenty for what you pay, but you’re paying very little.  The bottom line

 📱If you’re looking for a seriously great phone for the most affordable price, we’ve bumped the Google Pixel 6a high on this list because it fits the bill for you right now. The camera takes photos that are real crowd-pleasers and easy to share. Plus, it’s packed with Pixel-exclusive features thanks to the Google Tensor chipset. 

★★★½  What you need to know The Pixel 6a flew under our radar when it was launched, because it was priced a bit higher than we’d like - but the phone now costs almost a third less in many regions (including the US). That makes it an incredible bargain, given the features and performance that Google offers. It cuts the right corners and delivers a great photo and Android experience.  Design: The Google Pixel 6a looks very much like the current Pixel lineup, with the same camera-band design language that Google has used for a couple of generations. It’s slick, literally and figuratively, and unique. Too bad Google dropped the headphone jack from the a-series, but otherwise it feels like a solid, compact flagship.  Display: The 6.1-inch display on the Pixel 6a is a bit smaller than the Pixel 6, but keeps the same resolution, so it looks sharp. Most flagship phones run faster and have smoother refresh rates, but this Pixel is stuck at 60Hz, one of our biggest complaints. Faster refresh would drain more power, though. Camera: The Pixel 6a won a major blind image survey conducted by Marques Brownlee, which is a convincing win for this simplified shooter. It doesn’t pack megapixels or zoom, just competent image processing that delivers photos you’ll consistently enjoy at a 12MP size that makes them good for simple sharing or even printing.  Performance: Even though this is a bargain phone, Google doesn’t skimp on processing power, and it gets the same Google Tensor G1 platform you’ll find in the Pixel 6 Pro. That means great performance, and Tensor-exclusive features such as an automated Magic Eraser and Face Unblur in the photo editor.  Battery life: Our biggest complaint about the Pixel 6a in our in-depth review was that the battery died too early, and we wanted faster charging to make up for it. The battery cell is a solid 4,410mAh, and it managed to make it through most of our day, but we still needed to top it up regularly to stay charged.   Value for money: When it launched, the Pixel 6a was a good value, but not great. The price has dropped considerably since, making it the best value among any new smartphone. If you need a new phone on a budget and you don’t have anything valuable to trade, the Pixel 6a should be the first phone you consider.  Read the full review: Google Pixel 6a review Swipe to scroll horizontallyGoogle Pixel 6a scorecardAttributesNotesRatingPrice Price cuts since launch make the Pixel 6a the best smartphone value, period

★★★★☆Design Similar to the best Pixels you can buy, but feels like plastic when you hold it 

★★★★½Display A sharp display that doesn’t have the fast refresh rates competitors offer

★★★★☆Performance Google’s Tensor chip gives the Pixel 6a snappy performance and exclusive features

★★★★★Cameras A great camera for sharing and editing photos, but no superzoom

★★★★☆Battery life The Google Pixel 6a doesn't last long enough, and takes ages to recharge

★★★½☆ No contract Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128kbps speeds) No contract Calls: to the US, CA, MEX and more + Unlimited Global Text Data: Unlimited 2G after using 20GB 4G LTE/5G data No contract Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128 kbps speeds) powered by The best affordable iPhone Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff) The best affordable iPhone Specifications Release date: September 2021 Weight: 174g Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm OS: iOS 16.3 Screen size: 6.1-inch Resolution: 1170 x 2532 CPU: Apple A15 Bionic RAM: 4GB Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB Battery: 3,240mAh Rear camera: 12MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide, 120-degree) Front camera: 12MP Reasons to buy+ Performance for less money  + Still uses SIM cards Reasons to avoid- Doesn't have tons of features  - Not available in yellow Buy it if 

✅ You want to save on top-notch performance: When the iPhone 14 was launched, it didn’t offer much of an upgrade over the iPhone 13, and the older phone uses the same Apple A15 Bionic platform for blazing performance.  

✅ You still use SIM cards: In the US, at least, Apple removed SIM cards from its iPhone 14. For travelers (and phone reviewers), this is a huge hassle. 

✅ You want a phone that lasts: Even though the iPhone 13 is last year’s model, Apple’s support for older phones is unparalleled. You’ll be getting iOS updates long after your Android-owning friends have given up checking.  Don't buy it if: 

❌ You need more camera: If you want the best camera on a smartphone, you need to spend more for an iPhone 14 Pro (read more above) or go for an Android phone in the same price range. 

❌ You want a ton of features: The iPhone 13 does its job well, but Android phones do a lot more. Most have more cameras, reverse wireless charging, high-refresh displays, and more.   ❌ You’re not into Apple: The iPhone 13 works better when you are using it with other Apple stuff. iMessage will take over your text messaging, and iCloud will dominate your photos and backup. If that’s not your bag, don’t buy it.   The bottom line 

📱 The Apple iPhone 13 won fans at launch, and Apple didn’t give much reason to upgrade when the next gen arrived. The iPhone 13 performs like a champ, with the same A15 Bionic used in the iPhone 14, and the screen, the cameras, and the overall design are essentially unchanged. For less money, it’s a much better pick, especially since it’s still available new from Apple. 

★★★★½ What you need to know The iPhone 13 was a refined, high-performing improvement when it launched, and time has hardly aged this marvel. Instead of upgrading the newest iPhone 14 with bigger cameras and faster chips, it left the base model mostly untouched, while the iPhone 14 Pro got the big changes. That means the iPhone 13 is just as fast and feature-packed as today’s entry iPhone, but easier on the wallet. We’d save money and buy this one without hesitation.   Design: The differences between the iPhone 13 and the newer iPhone 14 are minuscule; an antenna band here and a seam there. It's a classic iPhone design, with a nearly gapless feel and the notched forehead that’s been part of the iPhone look since the iPhone X.  Display: An iPhone display is always sharp and color accurate, and the iPhone 13 doesn’t disappoint. The display is the same as you’ll find on the iPhone 14. It isn’t the brightest, but it looks great. If you are into serious gaming you may want a phone with a faster refresh rate, but for most uses, you won’t notice.  Camera: There is no doubt that the iPhone 13 can take great photos, and the cameras were not significantly upgraded for the iPhone 14, so you won’t feel left out compared to the new model. Photos max out at 12MP, which is a shareable size. Apple’s base iPhone lacks a serious zoom lens, and the photo options can be limited compared to Androids.   Performance: When the Apple A15 Bionic chipset launched in 2022, it was the fastest mobile phone platform. When the A16 arrived, Apple only endowed the higher-end iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max phones with the faster chips, but so what? The iPhone 13 is already faster than almost any Android you’ll try.  Battery life: We always want more battery life, but the iPhone 13 was better than most iPhones for longevity. While the iPhone 14 offers marginal improvements in some circumstances, our own experience is that the iPhone 13 lasted just as long.  Value for money: Apple has kept the base model iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, but dropped the price versus the new model ($100 in the US). Considering there’s very little new in the latest iPhone to justify the price bump, we’d choose last year’s model and save money instead.  Read the full review: Apple iPhone 13 review Swipe to scroll horizontallyApple iPhone 13 scorecardAttributesNotesRatingPrice Less than an iPhone 14, even though it packs the same processor and specs

★★★★☆Design Refined and polished, and not outdated, as it looks the same as the newer model

★★★★☆DisplayIt's sharp and accurate, but competitors and better iPhones are brighter

★★★★☆Camera The iPhone 13 takes great photos, but lacks resolution and versatility ★★★☆☆Performance Industry-leading performance last year, now at a more affordable price

★★★★☆Battery life Better than average battery life, though we’d always like more juice to last

★★★★☆ Apple iPhone 13: Price Comparison The best unique features Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne) The best unique features Specifications Release date: March 2022 Weight: 195g Dimensions: 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8mm OS: Android 12 Screen size: 6.6-inch Resolution: 1080 x 2400 CPU: Exynos 850 RAM: 3GB (US)/4GB (UK/AU) Storage: 32GB (US)/64GB (UK)/128GB (AU) Battery: 5,000mAh Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 5MP (ultrawide - UK/AU-only) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth) Front camera: 8MP Reasons to buy+ 5x camera zoom crushes it + New useful S Pen features Reasons to avoid- ‘Ultra’ expensive - Slower charging Buy it if 

✅ You want a unique Android: If most phones in this list are fighting and playing catch up with each other, OnePlus goes its own way with unique features such as super-fast charging. ✅ You want to save on a premier flagship: OnePlus gives you a dynamite screen and great performance for less than many competitors, with cool deals running all the time. 

✅ You like the unique look: If you want a phone that stands out, the OnePlus 11 looks more like the big Chinese flagships your friends haven’t seen yet. Don't buy it if: 

❌ You ever get your phone wet: The OnePlus 11 isn’t water resistant beyond a good splash. You can’t take it into the pool for photos, and won't want to drop it in the sink. 

❌ You want a versatile camera: The OnePlus 11 essentially has an array of portrait lenses. It can’t handle telephoto zoom, and doesn’t do a great job on close-ups, either.

 ❌ You need a carrier deal: OnePlus has good deals online,  but you won’t find this phone at your local carrier in the US, which means you won’t find a deal paired with a contract. The bottom line 

📱 The OnePlus 11 is super fast, with a dazzling display that really pops with color. The interface is a lighter touch on Google’s Android than Samsung’s One UI, while adding useful features. If you’re into shareable photography, the OnePlus 11 delivers a unique camera experience that can be unpredictable and limited, but that results in amazing shots when it delivers. 

★★★★ What you need to know The OnePlus 11 returns to the company’s roots, delivering premium performance and a few impressive specs while trading other features for a price cut versus the big name competitors. That means the OnePlus 11 is cheaper than Samsung and Apple, and OnePlus doesn’t confuse its lineup with Pro and Plus versions. It’s got everything OnePlus does well, and it works great.  Design: The OnePlus is a slim phone, with a glossy finish if you buy the green color. The camera array dominates the back and will stand out among iPhones and Galaxys. Sadly, the phone isn’t IP68 rated for water resistance. The phone keeps the popular mute switch to silence the noise in a hurry.  Display: The display on the OnePlus 11 really pops. The AMOLED screen can refresh up to 120Hz, and the smooth rate is noticeable playing fast games with tons of particle effects. It supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for color accuracy. It could be brighter, but it’s otherwise fantastic.   Camera: The Hasselblad-branded camera setup on the OnePlus 11 isn’t for everyone. We managed to grab some amazing portraits, and landscape photos looked excellent, but photos had a distinct look and feel to them. The camera can’t handle versatile shots like distant zoom or macro close-ups.  Performance: The OnePlus 11 was the first phone we tried with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 platform, and though Samsung’s Galaxy S23 is a hair faster, the difference isn’t noticeable except in benchmark numbers. The OnePlus 11 is snappy and efficient, doing a great job with games and apps alike.  Battery life: Battery life is decent in its own right, but when it comes to charging it's a champion. With the included (!) charger, you can fill the battery in less than 30 minutes. It’s even faster outside of the US, where higher voltage rules. There’s no wireless charging, though.  Value for money: Like the best OnePlus phones of the past, the OnePlus 11 offers great performance for a solid value. It isn’t the cheapest flagship on this list, but for the money you get a huge screen, unique cameras, and other standout features you won’t find elsewhere. Read the full review: OnePlus 11 review Swipe to scroll horizontallyOnePlus 11 scorecardAttributesNotesRatingPriceIncredibly affordable

★★★★☆DesignSolidly built, unremarkable looks

★★★★★DisplayDecent size, just a standard 60Hz refresh rate

★★★☆☆CameraMore lenses than you expect

★★★☆☆PerformanceBelow average performance

★★☆☆☆Battery lifeUp to two days' battery life on a charge

★★★★☆How to choose the best smartphone The first thing you need to decide when buying a new smartphone is how much you want to spend. The smartphone market varies dramatically, from very high-end handsets that cost well over four-figures, to much cheaper phones that can be found for only a few hundred. We have options at the top of our list at both ends of the price spectrum.  Once you've decided how much you want to spend, you should decide whether you want to try one of the best Android phones or go for one of the best iPhones. Often the platform decision has more to do with your work, your friends and family and what they use to share photos and messages, and what sort of computer or devices you already own.  Now that you've settled on your price and platform, you should decide on the cameras. Are you a serious photographer looking for a serious camera? Or do you like to take easy photos that are fun to edit and share? Phones with more lenses and higher megapixel counts demand more, but offer versatility; simpler phones with a 12MP limit tend to do more work for you.  If you're looking for something outside the norm, we have plenty of unique options as well. There are phones with a built-in pen for writing, and phones that fold in half to be more compact. There are large phones, small phones, and Max-sized phones. We have phones with space-level zoom, and phones that specialize in touching portraits.  No matter what phone you choose, you can be sure that we have thoroughly tested and vetted every phone on this list, and we know you'll be satisfied with any of these in your pocket.  How we testHow we test the best phones We have only included phones on this list that we have thoroughly tested, and our testing regiment is deep and detailed. We test every aspect of a phone that you might use from day to day, then we dive deeper to discover all of the hidden features.  We test phones for battery life and charging, speed and performance, and especially for camera capabilities. We make sure that phones deliver on the manufacturer's promise. If they say a phone can charge in 30 minutes, we break out the stopwatch.  We've seen every phone around, so we have a good idea how each of these phones stacks up to the other. We use both iPhone and Android, from the most expensive models to the most affordable, so we know what you're getting, no matter what you pay. We make sure the phones deliver what we'd expect for the cost.  Once we're done, we don't stop. We keep updating our reviews as we learn more, and as the phones are updated. Our reviews are always fresh, so check back before you buy to make sure you're getting the latest opinion on the best phones you can buy.  Round up of today's best deals No contract Unlimited mins Unlimitedtexts 15GBdata Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128kbps speeds) 36 months Unlimited mins Unlimitedtexts Unlimiteddata No contract Unlimited mins Unlimitedtexts 15GBdata Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128kbps speeds) No contract Unlimited mins Unlimitedtexts 15GBdata Calls: Calls to MX & CA included Texts: Messaging to MX & CA included Data: (slowed to 128kbps speeds)

top 10 Xiaomi mobiles (July 2023) in India 

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