Best Mobile Phones to buy in 2023

As someone who has spent countless hours researching and testing different phones, I can confidently say that the best phones you can buy right now tend to have some things in common. High-powered processors, amazing camera systems, and vibrant, crystal-clear displays are all features that you'll find on many of the top devices. But with so many options available, and so many key features being common across all these devices, deciding which one is right for you isn't always easy. To help make the selection process simpler, I've rounded up my top picks for the Best phones to buy in 2023. From battery life to camera performance, every phone on this list has been thoroughly reviewed and tested by me. You'll find options across the iPhone and Android lines, in different sizes and budgets. The Apple iPhone 14 and 14 Pro have really impressed me with their excellent performance from the processor and the camera. But if you're not looking for the best iPhone, there are still plenty of other great smartphone choices, including the Pixel 7 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Both of these devices offer everything you could want, from top-of-the-line performance to superb cameras. For those who are looking for something a bit cheaper, the $599 Pixel 7 is a great option to consider. And if you prefer smaller phones, the Galaxy S22 might be more suitable for you. There are also a number of other phones with eye-catching features, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, which has a bendy screen. These can be quite expensive, but if your budget doesn't quite stretch that far, don't worry. More and more affordable phones, like the new Pixel 6A, are offering great specs and high-speed 5G connectivity at more approachable prices. Most of the phones on this list are available unlocked and should be compatible with the big four US wireless carriers, unless otherwise specified. I will continue to update this list as new devices are released, and I encourage you to check out my guide to finding the best phone for your needs.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max: 

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is the top-tier iPhone for 2022, offering the best cameras, display, and battery life. It includes a new 48-megapixel camera, always-on screen, and Dynamic Island, as well as an immersive display and longer battery life. The phone has a stainless steel frame, frosted glass back, and small, exquisite details like buttons and haptic feedback. However, it is also quite large, measuring 160.7mm tall and weighing 240 grams. The 6.7-inch OLED display has a resolution of 2796 x 1290 and a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, as well as a max brightness of 2000 nits. The phone is powered by the A15 Bionic chip and comes with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. It also has a ceramic shield front cover, which is four times more resistant to drops than previous models. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a triple-lens camera system with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 12-megapixel wide lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, as well as a LiDAR scanner for improved augmented reality and low-light performance. It is also 5G-enabled and has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating.

Camera

Camera on the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is a standout feature, with a brand new 48-megapixel main camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and an f/1.78 aperture. It can also be used as a 2x optical zoom lens and is joined by a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x zoom and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera with a 120-degree field-of-view. The front-facing camera is also 12 megapixels and is the first selfie camera on an iPhone with autofocus. The camera uses Apple's new Photonic Engine image pipeline, which allows for "more lifelike colors and beautifully detailed textures in less light than ever." The camera consistently produces high-quality images with rich, vibrant colors and great detail, even in low light. The 48-megapixel main camera also creates a natural depth of field in photos, and the 12-megapixel ultrawide camera has minimal edge distortion and can switch to a macro mode for close-up shots. The camera also has a night mode for improved low-light performance.

iOS

iPhone 14 Pro Max runs iOS 16 out of the box, which includes a customizable lock screen with widgets and multiple lock screens, as well as new app icons and a redesigned app library. The update also includes a new App Library feature that automatically organizes all of your apps into categories, as well as a new compact design for incoming calls and the ability to set third-party apps as defaults.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which delivers lightning-fast performance and smooth multitasking. The phone also has a ceramic shield front cover, which is four times more resistant to drops than previous models. It comes with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage options to fit your needs. The phone is also 5G-enabled, allowing for faster download and upload speeds, as well as improved streaming and online gaming experiences. The phone has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 6 meters. 

battery life

The battery life on the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is impressive, thanks to its large size and efficient chip. It can last up to a full day of heavy use, and the phone also has fast charging capabilities, allowing you to get up to 50% charge in just 30 minutes. The phone also has a low power mode that can extend the battery life even further by reducing power consumption when the battery is low.

Overall, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is a powerful and feature-packed smartphone, offering the best cameras, performance, and battery life. It is ideal for those who want the best of the best and are willing to pay for it. The large size may not be for everyone, but for those who can handle it, the expansive display and longer battery life make it worth considering. The camera is top-notch, with excellent low-light performance and the ability to switch between wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. The A15 Bionic chip delivers fast performance and smooth multitasking, and the phone is 5G-enabled and has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. The iOS 16 update adds new features like a customizable lock screen and App Library, as well as new app icons and a compact design for incoming calls.  

iPhone 14: 

Design

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have a similar design to their predecessor, the iPhone 13. They both have a glossy chassis and aluminum frame, and come in a variety of colors including Midnight, Starlight, Purple, and Blue. The most notable differences from the iPhone 13 are the colors and the cutout at the top of the display. The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 14 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch display. The iPhone 14 is 1.2 ounces lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro, while the iPhone 14 Plus is 1.3 ounces lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Cameras

Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have a 12-megapixel ultra-wide and wide rear camera, as well as a 12-megapixel front camera. The front camera has been improved and now has autofocus. Both phones also have improved computational photography and enhanced video stabilization. 

Processor and Storage

Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are powered by the Apple A15 Bionic processor. They come with 128GB of internal storage, with the option to upgrade to 512GB.

Battery Life

iPhone 14 has a battery life of up to 20 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 14 Plus has a battery life of up to 26 hours of video playback. 

Features

The iPhone 14 comes with a 6.1-inch display and is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chip. It has a dualcamera setup on the back, comprising a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 12-megapixel wide lens. On the front, it has a 12-megapixel camera. The iPhone 14 has a glass back and comes in five colors: Purple, Starlight, Midnight, Blue, and (PRODUCT)RED. It also has a ceramic shield front cover and is waterresistant. 

Performance

The iPhone 14 is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chip and has 5G connectivity. It comes with 128GB of storage as standard, with options to upgrade to 256GB or 512GB. The iPhone 14 has a battery life of up to 20 hours of video playback and can be charged wirelessly or with a lightning cable. It runs on the latest version of iOS, iOS 16, which includes a new home screen design, widgets, and an always-on display. In terms of performance, the iPhone 14 is smooth and responsive, with no noticeable lag or stuttering. The camera is also very good, producing high-quality photos and videos, even in low light. The front camera has been improved and now has autofocus, which is a welcome addition. Overall, the iPhone 14 is a solid performer that is well suited for a wide range of tasks. 

Google Pixel 7 Pro:

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a smartphone that has a lot to prove. Last year, when Google released its first Tensor-powered devices, many people were impressed by the affordability of the Pixel 6. The Pixel 7 Pro is Google's phablet-sized flagship model, and it has been refined with a new design, an improved telephoto lens, and a better ultra-wide sensor than its smaller brother, the Pixel 7. However, it remains to be seen whether these improvements are worth the extra $300, or if that money could be better spent on a new Pixel Watch.

Specifications: 

• SoC: Google Tensor G2 
• Display: 6.7-inch QHD+ OLED, 120Hz, LTPO 
• RAM: 12GB 
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 
• Battery: 5,000mAh 
• Ports: USB-C 
• Operating System: Android 13 Front 
• camera: 10.8MP, f/2.2, 92.8° FoV 
• Rear cameras: 50MP wide (f/1.85), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 125.8° FoV), 48MP telephoto (f/3.5, 5x optical zoom) 
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e, 5G (sub6 / mmWave) 
• Dimensions: 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9mm 
• Weight: 212g 
• Charging: 23W wired with Google 30W USB-C charger, up to 23W wireless with Pixel Stand, 12W wireless with compatible Qi chargers 
• IP Rating: IP68 
• Price: $899 USD. 

Design

The Google Pixel 7 Pro has a refined design compared to its predecessor, with some subtle changes to the camera bar and the addition of an aluminum cover to blend seamlessly into the frame. It also features a glossy glass back, which does not feel great in the hand and may not be aesthetically pleasing to some users. The phone has a 6.7-inch QHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and LTPO technology, which helps to optimize battery life. It is also IP68 rated, meaning it is water and dust resistant. 

Performance

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is powered by the Tensor G2 processor and has 12GB of RAM, providing smooth and reliable performance. It is available in three storage options: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, with the option to expand storage through the use of a microSD card. The phone runs on Android 13, which is much more stable than Android 12 and offers a number of new features and improvements. 

Cameras

One of the main highlights of the Google Pixel 7 Pro is its camera system, which includes a 50MP wide camera with an f/1.85 aperture, a 12MP ultrawide camera with an f/2.2 aperture and 125.8 degree field of view, and a 48MP telephoto camera with an f/3.5 aperture and 5x optical zoom. The camera software also includes a number of impressive features, such as Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and Super Res Zoom, which help to produce high quality photos in a variety of lighting conditions. The front camera is a 10.8MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and 92.8 degree field of view.

Battery

The Google Pixel 7 Pro has a 5,000mAh battery, which is larger than the battery found in its predecessor. However, it may not reach the "all-day" battery life estimates as some users have reported shorter battery life compared to other flagships on the market. The phone supports fast charging through its USB-C port and can also be charged wirelessly with a compatible Qi charger or the Google Pixel Stand. 

Availability and Carrier Options

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is available in thirteen countries, including the US, Canada, and several countries in Europe and Asia. It is available on all three nationwide carriers in the US, as well as Google Fi and other MVNOs. It can also be purchased unlocked through Google's web store or at a retailer of your choice to use on the network of your choice. The Pixel 7 Pro is available at a starting price of $899 for the 128GB version in the US.

Pros:

• Plenty of improvements to last year’s design
• Android 13 is much more stable than Android 12 ever was
• Between the faster fingerprint sensor and face unlock, biometrics are pretty reliable
• Some truly incredible camera software features and the photos are pretty great, too

Cons

• The curved display has got to go
• Glossy glass doesn’t feel great in your hand and it doesn’t look great, either
• Face unlock only works on the lock screen and only in well-lit conditions
• No leaps in performance year-over-year 
• The battery isn’t reaching those “all-day” estimates

Galaxy S22 Ultra:

Samsung has released its latest flagship smartphone, Galaxy S22 Ultra, and it aims to top the list of the best phones on the market. The S22 Ultra comes with a range of impressive features, including an improved S Pen that is 70% faster with less latency than previous models. The phone's display is also brighter and more colorful than any other phone we've tested, and it comes with faster 45W charging. The Galaxy S22 Ultra's biggest upgrades come with its cameras, as Samsung is aiming to become the best camera phone on the market with the help of a raft of upgrades, including a bigger main sensor for better low-light photos, an AIboosted portrait mode, and a new Super Clear lens. However, the phone comes with a hefty price tag of $1,199, and it has less RAM than previous models. It also costs $100 to $300 more than its top competitors, which may make it a tough decision for some users. Based on our testing, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is the best Android phone money can buy, although it may not be the best phone overall.

Design and build quality 

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has a simple but stunning design, with sharp, squared-off angles and a Gorilla Glass Victus+ back. It is also protected by an aluminum frame, making it both durable and lightweight. The phone measures 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 inches and weighs 8 ounces, making it slightly larger and heavier than some competing models. Some users may not appreciate the curved display, but overall the phone has a sleek and modern look. 

Display

The Galaxy S22 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3088 x 1440. The display has a high refresh rate of up to 120Hz, making it smooth and responsive to use. It is also brighter and more colorful than many other phones on the market, making it ideal for outdoor viewing. 

S Pen 

One of the major upgrades of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is the inclusion of an S Pen, which has been made 70% faster and has less latency than previous models. This makes writing and drawing on the phone feel smooth and natural, almost like using pen and paper. The phone also has a built-in holster for the S Pen, making it easy to carry around. The S Pen is responsive and precise, and can be used for a range of tasks, including taking notes, drawing, and editing documents.

Cameras

Galaxy S22 Ultra's camera system is one of its major selling points, with a range of improvements designed to make it the best camera phone on the market. It has a 108MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, a 10MP 10x telephoto camera, and a 10MP 3x telephoto camera. The main camera has a larger sensor than previous models, which helps to improve low-light performance. The phone also has an AIboosted portrait mode and a new Super Clear lens, which helps to produce bright and detailed photos. In testing, the Galaxy S22 Ultra has been found to take excellent photos, especially in low light conditions.

Performance and battery life 

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor in the US and an Exynos 2200 processor in the UK. It is available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, depending on the configuration. In terms of battery life, the phone is able to last for around 10 hours in web surfing tests, which is good but not as long as some competitors. It does, however, come with fast 45W charging, which allows it to reach 67% charge in just 30 minutes. The phone also has a 5,000 mAh battery, which should be sufficient for most users. 

Software and features

The Galaxy S22 Ultra runs on Android 12 with Samsung's One UI 4.1 user interface. It includes a range of features and apps, including Samsung Pay, Samsung Health, and Samsung Knox. The phone also has a range of security features, including facial recognition and a fingerprint sensor. Samsung has also promised to support the Galaxy S22 Ultra with updates for five years and major OS updates for four years, making it a long-lasting and reliable device. 

rice and availability

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is available now, starting at $1,199 for the 8GB/128GB configuration. It costs $1,299 to go up to 256GB, $1,399 for 512GB, and $1,599 for 1TB. It is available in black, white, green, and burgundy, and can also be found in Graphite, Sky Blue, and red online. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a highend smartphone with a premium price tag, making it more expensive than many other models on the market.

Pros: 

• Impressive display 
• Improved S Pen functionality 
• Impressive camera capabilities 
• Sleek and durable design 
• Fast 45W charging 
• Long update support

Cons:

High price tag 

Less RAM than predecessor 

Average battery life compared to competitors.

'Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a powerful and feature-rich smartphone with a range of impressive capabilities. Its bright and colorful display, improved S Pen functionality, and impressive camera capabilities make it a strong contender for the best Android phone on the market. However, its high price tag and somewhat average battery life may not make it the best choice for everyone. Overall, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is a strong and capable smartphone, but it may not be the best fit for everyone.'

Google Pixel 7:

Google Pixel 7 is a smartphone with a range of impressive features, including a superb camera, long battery life, and an eye-catching design. It also has a vibrant screen and is backed by years of software updates, making it a reliable and long-lasting device. The phone's price is also very competitive, making it a great value for the money. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The Pixel 7 has been known to have slow charging times, and there have been reports of software bugs. Additionally, its gaming performance may not be up to par with some other smartphones on the market. Ultimately, whether or not the Pixel 7 is the right choice for you will depend on your needs and priorities. If you are looking for a smartphone with a great camera, long battery life, and a competitive price, the Pixel 7 is worth considering. However, if you place a high priority on fast charging and top-notch gaming performance, you may want to consider other options. Click here to check out complete review 

Google Pixel 6 Pro: 

Google Pixel 6 Pro is the latest flagship smartphone from the tech giant, and it aims to compete with the best devices from Apple. One of the standout features of the Pixel 6 Pro is its excellent camera system, which has been consistently praised for its performance. In addition to its impressive cameras, the phone also boasts a Tensor processor that performs well in a range of applications. The Pixel 6 Pro has a beautiful new design that makes it stand out among other flagships, and it is more affordable than many competing models. However, the phone does have a shorter battery life than some competitors, and the in-display fingerprint reader can be finicky at times. Overall, the Pixel 6 Pro is a powerful and capable smartphone that offers a lot of value for its price. Click here to check out complete review.

OnePlus 10 Pro:

The OnePlus 10 Pro is a powerful and feature-rich smartphone that offers strong competition to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra for the title of best Android phone. One of the standout features of the OnePlus 10 Pro is its excellent battery life, which allows it to last for long periods of time without needing to be charged. The phone also has a beautiful new design, with a sleek and modern look. It runs on OxygenOS 12, which is a smooth and user-friendly operating system. The cameras on the OnePlus 10 Pro are the best that have ever been included on a OnePlus phone, producing bright and detailed photos. Additionally, the phone is available at a lower price than last year's model. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The OnePlus 10 Pro does not support mmWave or AT&T 5G, and it only comes with three years of updates. The telephoto camera is also only 8MP, which may be a disappointment for some users. Overall, the OnePlus 10 Pro is a strong contender for the best Android phone on the market, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. Click here to check out complete review.

Google Pixel 6A: 

The Google Pixel 6a is a budget smartphone that aims to offer top-notch photos at a lower price point than many other phones on the market. It has a bright display and a compact size for a phone with a 6.1-inch screen, making it easy to use and carry around. The Pixel 6a also has Tensor-powered capabilities, which allow it to perform certain tasks faster than other budget phones. However, it falls short in terms of battery life, and it is made of cheaper materials than the more expensive Pixel 6. Overall, the Pixel 6a is a good choice for those who want excellent photos and performance at a lower price, but it may not be the best option for those who prioritize battery life or build quality. Click here to check out complete review.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3:

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the latest foldable smartphone from Samsung, with a starting price of $999. It has a 6.7-inch FHD+ inner display with a high refresh rate of 120Hz, making it smooth and responsive to use. The outer display is also four times bigger and more durable than the previous model, making it more practical for everyday use. However, the phone's battery life may be a concern, with a 3,300 mAh battery that may not last as long as some other smartphones. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 also has slow charging speeds and lacks a telephoto lens, which may be disappointing for some users. Despite these drawbacks, the phone does have some positive features, including IPX8 water resistance and an enhanced level of durability compared to its predecessor. The crease in the foldable display is still noticeable, but it may not be as prominent as on previous models. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is an affordable foldable smartphone with some impressive features, but it may not be the best choice for everyone due to its limited battery life and lack of certain camera capabilities. Click here to check out complete review.

Sony Xperia Pro:

The Sony Xperia Pro is a high-end smartphone that aims to offer professional-level imaging capabilities. However, it may not be the best choice for all users due to its high price tag and lack of features like mmWave 5G and wireless charging. In addition, the phone has been found to have subpar battery life in 120Hz mode and a dim display. While it does offer excellent audio and a high-res display, it may not be able to match the camera capabilities of less expensive phones like the iPhone 13 Pro Max or Pixel 6 Pro. The pro app user experience has also been criticized as being unintuitive. Overall, while the Sony Xperia Pro has some strong points, it may not be the best choice for all users due to its high price and lack of certain features. Click here to check out complete review and specs