15 Best Phones You Can Buy in 2023 [With Pros and Cons]

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Welcome to our guide on the best phones you can buy in 2023! The smartphone market constantly evolves, offering many options with impressive features and cutting-edge technology.

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Whether you’re seeking the latest flagship devices, budget-friendly smartphones, or unique offerings with innovative designs, we have curated a list that covers a wide range of preferences and budgets.

In this guide, we have thoroughly tested and evaluated each phone, considering factors such as performance and additional features. So let’s dive into the article now.

What Is the Best Phone for Most People?

The best phone for most people is subjective and can depend on individual preferences. However, the Apple iPhone 14 and 14 Pro have impressed with their excellent performance and cameras. If you prefer Android, the Pixel 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are great options with high-end performance and superb cameras.

There are also phones with unique features, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 with its foldable screen. While these can be expensive, more affordable options are available, like the Pixel 7A, which still offers great specs and 5G connectivity at a more approachable price.

It’s worth noting that the phones listed are typically available unlocked and compatible with major US wireless carriers unless specified otherwise. The list includes some of the best phones from 2022, but it is regularly reviewed and updated as new models are tested throughout 2023.

For more detailed information, refer to our guide on finding the best phone for your needs. Additionally, we provide tips on buying a new Apple iPhone or Android phone and where to find the best phone deals.

15 Best Phones You Can Buy in 2023

We’ve listed 15 smartphones that you can buy in 2023. Let’s learn about them in detail.

1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – The Feature-Rich Phone

Specification

Outstandingly fast performance
Very good triple cameras with a 200MP main sensor
Excellent battery life that lasts well over a day
Premium build quality and tapered edges
Unique S-Pen stylus integration
Squared-off body and screen design
$1,199.99 at Amazon, $1199.99 at Best Buy

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the phone with the most available features. While it is a large and expensive device, it offers everything you could desire in a smartphone in 2023. The triple camera system is incredibly impressive, delivering outstanding image quality with slightly saturated colors that enhance the visuals without appearing artificial.

With an ultrawide lens and separate 3x and 10x optical telephoto lenses, the camera setup provides excellent versatility. The phone’s battery life is exceptional, easily lasting over a day. It boasts top-notch build quality, a squared-off body and screen design, and nicely tapered edges, ensuring a comfortable hold.

The screen is the best among all smartphones, making it perfect for any app and providing an exceptional video viewing experience. Additionally, including the S-Pen stylus adds to its appeal, offering extra functionality when needed.

If interested, you can also read about the world’s first smartphone with 24 GB RAM

Pros

Outstandingly fast performance
Very good triple cameras with a 200MP main sensor
Excellent battery life
Premium build quality
Unique S-Pen stylus integration

Cons

Slow 45W charging
Poor selfie camera
Large size

2. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Specification

Epic battery life
Largest iPhone with the best screen
Center of the popular digital ecosystem
A16 Bionic chip
Price: $1100

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is the highest-end iPhone of 2022, offering exceptional battery life. Its large 6.7-inch screen and impressive display make it the go-to choice for users seeking a big phone experience. It features the A16 Bionic chip, delivering powerful performance and benefiting from Apple’s unmatched hardware and software integration.

While the camera system may not match the best Android phones, it still offers high-quality photos. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is ideal for users who prioritize long battery life and want to remain within the Apple ecosystem. However, its larger size may be heavy and uncomfortable to hold.

Pros

Epic battery life
Largest iPhone with the best screen
Part of the popular digital ecosystem

Cons

Big, heavy, and uncomfortable to hold
The camera system lags behind the best Android phones
Doesn’t differentiate much from the smaller iPhone 14 Pro

3. Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Specification

New front design with a pill-shaped cutout
Upgraded 48MP main camera with improved image sensor
Powerful Apple A16 Bionic chip
Buttery smooth UI and performance
Wide selection of accessories and apps

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro is the epitome of a premium smartphone. It introduces a new design with a pill-shaped cutout that creates a dynamic and visually appealing user interface. The main camera has been upgraded to a 48MP sensor, utilizing pixel binning for enhanced light and detail.

However, it still tends to overexpose highlights. The phone is powered by the impressive Apple A16 Bionic chip, which offers unrivaled performance and energy efficiency. The UI is incredibly smooth, and the phone comes with a wide range of accessories and an extensive app selection.

Pros

Unmatched performance and power
Smooth UI and exceptional performance
Wide range of accessories and extensive app selection

Cons

The main camera can blow out highlights
The box-like design may be uncomfortable to hold without a case
Zoom lens performance lags behind Android rivals

4. Google Pixel 7a

Specification

Flagship Tensor G2 chip
Flagship-tier cameras
Improved 90Hz display
More RAM and better durability
Wireless charging support

The Google Pixel 7a is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a phone with a great balance of features and value. It comes with the flagship Tensor G2 chip, ensuring high performance and smooth operation. The phone boasts flagship-tier cameras, capturing impressive photos that rival more expensive devices.

With an improved 90Hz display, the Pixel 7a delivers a smooth and visually pleasing user experience. It also offers increased RAM and better durability compared to its predecessor. Moreover, wireless charging support adds convenience to the device.

Pros

Overall performance comparable to the flagship Pixel 7
Impressive camera quality for a mid-range device

Cons

Charging speed is noticeably slow

5. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Specification

Sleek design with Gorilla Glass front and back
120Hz display
Triple camera setup
Samsung Exynos 1380 chip
IP67 rating and stereo speakers

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is an impressive mid-range phone that bridges the gap towards premium flagship territory. It boasts a sleek design with Gorilla Glass on the front and back, providing a premium look and feel. The 120Hz OLED display is visually stunning and enhances the overall user experience. The phone features a capable 50MP main camera and a solid ultra-wide camera.

However, the macro sensor doesn’t offer much value. Powered by the Samsung Exynos 1380 chip, it delivers respectable performance and efficient thermal management. The device also supports expandable storage, a rarity in its price range. Its IP67 rating and stereo speakers offer additional features that elevate its overall value.

Pros

Excellent screen for a mid-range device
Solid performance from the main camera
Upgrade to a glass back from previous models

Cons

The mediocre performance of the ultra-wide camera
Competition from the Pixel 7 with a better camera and SoC
Macro sensor lacks practical use

6. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 – The Top Foldable Phone

Specification

$872.97 at Amazon, $899.99 at Best Buy
Same main and ultrawide cameras as Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus
The expected lifespan of at least 200,000 open and closed motions
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset for improved energy efficiency
8GB RAM and optional 256GB storage
Side-mounted fingerprint sensor

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 addresses the battery life and camera performance issues in its predecessor, the Z Flip 3. This foldable phone delivers improved photo-taking capabilities, including the same main and ultrawide cameras in the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus. Thanks to the energy-efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, it offers all-day battery life.

The Z Flip 4’s folding design allows it to easily transform into a more compact size for portability and convenience. While questions remain about the display’s durability and the crease, Samsung claims that the Z Flip 4 can endure at least 200,000 open and close motions, equivalent to around five years of average use. With its reliable performance, sufficient RAM, and optional expanded storage, the Z Flip 4 offers a compelling package. The inclusion of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor enhances convenience and security.

Pros

Superb performance
Solid battery life
Folding design for added portability
Improved cameras on par with the Galaxy S22 series

Cons

Durability questions regarding the display and crease
‘Slow’ 25W charging
No telephoto camera

7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Specification

Phone and tablet hybrid design
Improved camera system
Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 SoC
120Hz OLED internal display with the under-display front camera
IPX8 water resistance rating

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 represents the pinnacle of foldable devices, combining a phone’s and tablet’s functionalities. It boasts a refined design with a less protruding hinge, making it more comfortable to hold. The camera system has significantly improved, featuring a 50MP main sensor that captures exceptional photos.

The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 SoC, ensuring fast and snappy performance. The 120Hz OLED internal display, complemented by the under-display front camera, offers an immersive and uninterrupted viewing experience. With an IPX8 water resistance rating, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 provides added durability. While it carries a hefty price tag, it remains the best option for those seeking a foldable device.

Pros

Offers the versatility of both a phone and tablet
Improved camera system compared to previous foldable
Can handle more tasks than conventional phones

Cons

Still slightly heavy and bulky
Screen creases can be visually unappealing
High price point

8. Motorola Razr+ (2023)

Specification

Clamshell foldable design
The large 3.6-inch outer screen
Beautiful 165Hz folding OLED display
Sleek and compact form-factor
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset

The Motorola Razr+ (2023) is an outstanding clamshell foldable phone that rivals the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. Its standout feature is the large 3.6-inch outer screen, covering the entire front half of the device. This screen eliminates the need to unfold the phone for basic tasks.

The Razr+ also features a stunning 165Hz folding OLED display, providing an immersive visual experience. Its sleek and compact design further enhances its appeal. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset powers the device and delivers excellent performance and responsiveness. With its impressive display and reliable performance, the Motorola Razr+ (2023) is a top contender in the clamshell foldable category.

Pros

A large outer screen enables increased functionality
Beautiful 165Hz folding OLED display
Sleek and compact form-factor

Cons

Battery life could have been better
Build quality could have been improved

9. Google Pixel 7 Pro

Specification

Impressive main camera performance
Refined, premium design
Smooth UI
Google Tensor G2 chip
Price: $899

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is Google’s flagship phone, boasting a refined and premium design. Thanks to the 50MP main sensor and Google Tensor G2 chip, its standout feature is the impressive main camera performance. The powerful hardware and Google’s machine-learning capabilities result in stunning images with excellent dynamic range, details, and clarity.

The phone also offers smart photography features like Action Pan and Night Sight. While the display’s maximum brightness may lag behind top-tier phones, the Pixel 7 Pro delivers a smooth user experience and is an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts.

Pros

Arguably the best-performing main camera on the market
Beautiful, premium design
Smooth UI

Cons

Display maximum brightness falls behind top phones
Pixel 7 offers a similar camera and chip at a lower price

10. Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

Specifications

Screen: Bright, sharp, and flat display
Battery Life: Excellent longevity
Software Support: Five years of updates
Cameras: Solid and versatile triple-camera setup

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus delivers outstanding performance during testing. Equipped with three capable rear camera lenses, it stands out among other phones with triple-camera setups while maintaining a sleek and manageable form factor. Although the design may appear plain, this aspect becomes inconsequential once the phone is housed in a protective case.

While the software requires customization to suit individual preferences, Samsung’s OneUI offers more flexibility than Google’s Android version. The phone boasts a premium feel thanks to its aluminum and glass construction, and the display impresses with its excellent visibility, even under direct sunlight. Samsung also offers the regular Galaxy S23 variant for users desiring a smaller display.

Pros

Bright and sharp flat screen enhances the visual experience.
Impressive battery life ensures extended usability.
Five years of software support guarantees long-term security and updates.
The versatile triple-camera system produces excellent image quality.

Cons

The phone comes with a relatively higher price tag.
45W charging is slightly slower compared to some competitors.
Software customization may require some tweaking to reach desired preferences.

11. OnePlus 11

Specification

Almost-flagship experience at a lower price point
120Hz LTPO 3.0 OLED display
Triple-lens camera system
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
Fast charging with included charger

The OnePlus 11 marks the return of OnePlus to the affordable flagship segment. It offers a nearly flagship-level experience at a more affordable price than Samsung’s. With a 120Hz LTPO 3.0 OLED display, the phone provides a visually stunning experience. The triple-lens camera system captures impressive photos with accurate colors and a fast shutter.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and featuring OnePlus’ in-house cooling system, the OnePlus 11 delivers exceptional performance while controlling temperatures. Additionally, the phone comes with fast charging capabilities and includes a charger.

Pros

Excellent performance-to-price ratio
Impressive cameras that rival more expensive flagships
Fast charging with included charger

Cons

No official IP rating for water and dust resistance
Slightly pricier than the Google Pixel 7 Pro, with better cameras
Not available through US carriers

12. Apple iPhone 13 Mini

Specification

Excellent for one-handed use
Lightweight and compact
Powerful A15 Bionic chip
Small screen size
Price: $630

The Apple iPhone 13 Mini is the perfect choice for users who prefer small phones and one-handed use. Despite its compact size, it packs plenty of power with the A15 Bionic chip, making it capable of handling demanding tasks. It is lightweight and offers easy portability.

The small screen size may be a drawback for some users, but it caters to those who prioritize a small, lightweight device. While the battery life may be weak compared to larger models, the iPhone 13 Mini remains a strong option for users seeking a small phone experience.

Pros

Excellent for one-handed use
Lightweight and compact
Still powerful despite its age

Cons

The screen size may be too small for some users
Limited upgradability to newer versions
Weaker battery life compared to larger models

13. Asus Zenfone 10

Specification

Compact form factor
Impressive performance
Digital gimbal feature in video mode
Price: Not specified

The Asus Zenfone 10 builds upon the success of its predecessor and offers an even better package. It retains its compact form while delivering high-end specifications and helpful software features. The phone features a 5.92-inch display with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz for gaming, while it remains at 120Hz for regular usage.

Notably, it now supports wireless charging, a feature missing in the previous generation. The Zenfone 10 delivers impressive performance and introduces a digital gimbal feature for stabilized video recording. While not currently available in the U.S., it is expected to release in Q4 2023.

Pros

Compact form factor
Impressive performance
Digital gimbal feature for video stability

Cons

144Hz refresh rate limited to gaming
Availability limited, not yet released in the U.S.

14. Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate

Specification

Ultimate gaming flagship
16GB RAM
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Powerful performance
Price: $1530

The Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is the pinnacle of gaming smartphones, offering exceptional power and features. It delivers top-tier performance, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. The phone features a 6.78-inch OLED panel with a refresh rate of up to 165Hz and a peak brightness of 1,500 nits.

Its design maintains a sleek and understated appearance, distinguishing itself from typical gaming phones. With a decent set of cameras and a large 6,000mAh battery, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate offers an immersive gaming experience. Additional features include dual USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 7.

Pros

A comprehensive set of features
Impressive performance for gaming
Sleek design

Cons

High price tag
Cameras could be improved

15. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

Specification

Solid performance for its price
Smooth 90Hz LCD panel
Good battery life
Triple camera setup (50MP primary camera)
Affordable price point

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone with many desirable features. Its 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD panel supports a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, providing an enjoyable viewing experience. Powered by the Samsung Exynos 1330 chipset, the phone delivers reliable performance capable of handling various tasks.

Its 5,000mAh battery ensures extended usage without frequent recharging. The triple camera setup, highlighted by the 50MP primary camera, captures decent photos. However, the macro and depth cameras offer limited practicality. Although the build quality could have been improved, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G remains a solid budget pick.

Pros

Offers solid performance considering its price
A smooth 90Hz LCD panel enhances the user experience
Good battery life for prolonged usage

Cons

Macro and depth cameras have limited usefulness
Build quality could be better

How to Select the Best Smartphone?

Below we’ll be adding a few facts to help choose the best smartphone.

Determine your budget: The first step in choosing a smartphone is deciding how much you will spend. The market offers a wide range of options, from high-end devices that cost significantly to more affordable phones available at a lower price point. Our list includes options at both ends of the price spectrum.

Consider the platform: Decide whether you prefer an Android or iPhone. Your choice may depend on work requirements, compatibility with friends and family, and the devices you already own.

Evaluate camera features: Determine your photography needs. Are you a serious photographer seeking advanced camera capabilities, or do you prefer easy-to-use cameras for casual photo editing and sharing? Phones with multiple lenses and higher megapixel counts offer versatility, while simpler phones with a 12MP limit may offer more automated features. For the camera, you can also read on Oppo K9s.

Explore unique features: If you’re looking for something beyond the ordinary, our list includes phones with built-in pens for writing, foldable designs for enhanced portability, large-screen options, small and compact models, powerful zoom capabilities, and specialized portrait photography features.

Trust our testing and vetting: Every phone on our list has undergone thorough testing and evaluation. We have vetted each device to ensure its performance and quality, allowing you to make an informed choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can check the answers here if you have any queries on the best phones.

What criteria make a phone camera good?

Today’s phones have various camera setups, including ultrawide and telephoto lenses. Expensive phones often feature larger image sensors, high-quality lenses, and image stabilization to capture detailed images with vibrant colors in both daylight and low-light conditions. Generally, higher-priced flagship models offer the most advanced camera features.

Which is the best phone case?

The best phone case depends on individual needs. While many cases focus on style and provide basic protection against scratches, those seeking rugged protection for outdoor adventures should consider specialized rugged cases.

How long should a phone battery last?

Most smartphones, including high-end models, should last a full day with mixed use on a single charge. This means the battery should have some remaining power at the end of the day, requiring a full charge overnight.

How much storage should my phone have?

Most phones come with a minimum of 128GB of storage, suitable for apps, games, and locally stored music. However, it’s essential to consider personal usage. If you plan to download and play many games or store large files, opting for a higher-capacity version would be beneficial.

What defines a smartphone?

Smartphones go beyond basic calling capabilities, and offer internet connectivity for web browsing, app and game downloads, and cameras for capturing and viewing photos and videos. Essentially, smartphones encompass the features we associate with modern phones, and all the devices listed here qualify as smartphones.