Smartphones are at the center of our digital lives — they’re what we use to communicate with loved ones, handle important business, binge on TikToks and everything in between. And since you’ll likely use your phone more than any other gadget you own , picking the right one to last you through years of use is crucial.
But with new phones coming out seemingly every month, it can be hard to figure out which one is actually right for you. That’s why we’re always testing the latest flagships from the likes of Apple, Google, Samsung and more to make sure you get the best smartphone for your needs.
The best smartphones
Apple iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 looks and feels a whole lot like the previous iPhone 13 model and that’s not entirely a bad thing. The lighter 6-ounce iPhone 14 is the kind of device that feels great to pick up and hold. And while its aluminum design isn ‘t quite as strong and sturdy as the stainless steel iPhone 14 Pro, it certainly doesn’t feel cheap.
The iPhone 14 has an upgraded dual-lens camera system that’s enhanced by some fancy new software magic called the Photonic Engine. To make it simple:
The new iPhone is designed to capture wider, more detailed photos (particularly for moving subjects), offers improved flash, promises far better low-light photography and can even auto-stabilize your shaky videos. In real-world use, this all translated to a camera that was a joy to use during daily adventures.
The iPhone 14 is more of the same on the display and performance front, which is to say that it still has a beautiful screen and is still ridiculously fast as with other Apple models. Movies and shows looked great on the phone’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, particularly while taking in the crackling neon blues, reds and yellows that filled the screen during the epic final battle of “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” The iPhone 14’s display remains a fantastic canvas for bingeing TV and catching up on your TikTok feed .
The iPhone 14 is more evolution than revolution; an entry-level phone takes fantastic pictures, can last all day on a charge and packs a great display, all within a beautiful and lightweight design that feels good to use for hours at a time, and it’s still faster than the vast majority of phones you can buy.
Other smartphones we recommend
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
From $1,800 at SamsungThe Galaxy Z Fold 5 is an extremely strong runner-up for the title of best foldable phone, and if you’d rather have a smartphone/tablet hybrid over the more compact design of the Flip 5, Samsung’s bigger foldable is worth the splurge. It’s got a huge and vibrant 7.6-inch main display for on-the-go multitasking, great overall performance for productivity and big-screen gaming and S Pen support for quickly jotting down notes. Its cameras could benefit from an upgrade and its cover screen isn’t as intuitive as the Pixel Fold’s, but it’s still our favorite big-screen foldable overall.
Motorola Razr+
$1,000 at Best BuyThe Motorola Razr+ is also a close contender to the Z Flip 5’s throne, and one of our favorite foldables we’ve tested yet. Like the Z Flip 5, the Razr+ has a huge cover screen that lets you use all of your critical apps without having to open the phone up (and get distracted by doomscrolling in the process), as well as longer battery life and a cleaner software experience. It’s a great Flip alternative if those features are important to you, but better cameras and performance give Samsung’s phone the edge.
Google Pixel Fold$1,799 at Best BuyYet another strong debut in the foldable phone space, the Google Pixel Fold is a smartphone/tablet hybrid that competes directly with the Z Fold 5. It has an excellent front display that makes it feel like a regular ol’ smartphone when the device is folded up, in addition to the same clean software and excellent camera smarts you’ll find on a traditional Pixel handset. However, not all apps work well on the big screen just yet, and its screen has a much more visible crease than that of the Z Fold 5 when folded up.
Nothing Phone (2)
From $599 at NothingIf you’re on a slightly less-than-flagship budget — and are looking for something a little different — the Nothing Phone (2) is worth considering. Its transparent design (complete with dynamic lights on the back that react to things like notifications and volume control) is truly one of a kind, and you get great cameras and performance for a $600 phone. However, you’ll have to live without the robust customer support and carrier availability of the bigger phone brands, and the Pixel 7 and 7a give you a similarly great experience for an even lower price.
Galaxy S23 Ultra
From $1,200 at SamsungIf you want all of the perks of the Galaxy S23 with even more outstanding cameras, a bigger screen and an included S Pen for taking notes, the S23 Ultra is well worth the splurge. regular Galaxy S23 is the best Android option for most people.
iPhone 13
From $699 at ApplePreviously our best pick from Apple, the iPhone 13 had all most critical upgraded features from the iPhone 12: a better display, more processing power and new camera capabilities.
iPhone SE (3rd Gen)From $429 at AppleOur best budget iPhone pick, the iPhone SE delivers a whole lot for $429.
You get the same powerful A15 Bionic processor found in the iPhone 13 series as well as 5G support and a pretty good camera for the price. the Apple ecosystem and on a Budget, it’s a no-brainer. But for everyone else, we think the Pixel 6a’s superior cameras, design and battery life give it the edge.