Smartphones might not be the most thrilling gadgets to invest in, but they're indispensable for daily life. These glass rectangles are used for messaging, watching YouTube, scrolling through social media, and snapping photos. However, the latest models can be quite expensive. That's why we've carefully selected the best smartphones that offer great value for their price.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Smartphones:
Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
1See it at Amazon
### Google Pixel 9 Pro
2See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### Apple iPhone 16 Pro
4See it at Best BuySee it at Apple
### Google Pixel 8
0See it at Amazon
### PocoX5 5G
1See it at Amazon
### RedMagic10 Pro
1See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic
### SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 6
0See it at AmazonEveryone values different aspects of a smartphone. Some prioritize exceptional photo quality, while others seek top-notch performance for gaming or a stunning display for watching movies and TV shows. Fortunately, we've tested a range of phones that cater to all these needs.
Here, you'll find smartphones that excel in various areas, from the best Android phones and iPhone alternatives to the latest from Apple. These phones strike a balance between features and affordability, ensuring you don't compromise on quality or functionality. We've also included some older models that offer great value due to price reductions, making them competitive against newer alternatives. Consider what you need from a smartphone and explore the best options available.
Contributions by Jacqueline Thomas, Callum Bains, and Danielle Abraham
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best Smartphone
Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
1Experience the power of a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen on a phone that can handle multiple apps, video editing, gaming, and stunning camera performance. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size6.8 inchesRear cameras4Front cameras1ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)Battery life5,000mAhStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TBStarting price$1,299.99PROSIncredible performanceExceptional camera systemCONSTitanium makes the device big and heavyThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the ultimate all-around smartphone, excelling in every aspect. Our Galaxy S24 Ultra review highlights its impressive features. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it effortlessly runs the latest games at a steady 60fps, even with settings maxed out. Its ample memory allows for seamless multitasking, keeping games running smoothly in the background.
The S24 Ultra's 6.8-inch Super AMOLED display boasts a 1-120Hz refresh rate, delivering stunning visuals and smooth motion. The new anti-glare finish enhances visibility in bright conditions. While the large display contributes to the phone's size and weight, its titanium frame ensures durability and elegance. The expansive screen is perfect for using the S Pen stylus for drawing, annotating, and more.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos
5 Images
Samsung's commitment to the Ultra series is evident in its camera system. The S24 Ultra features a 200MP wide sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto sensor, offering versatile photography options. The rear cameras capture exceptional images, while the 12MP front-facing camera delivers solid selfies.
Despite its high price, the S24 Ultra's comprehensive capabilities and refined design justify its position at the top of the market.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Best Camera Phone
### Google Pixel 9 Pro
2With an elegant design, exceptional cameras, a quality display, and extensive software support, the Pixel 9 Pro stands out among smartphones. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen6.3-inch OLED, 1280x2856, 495 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G4Camera50-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 48-Megapixel Telephoto, 42-Megapixel SelfieBattery4,700mAhWeight199g (0.44lb)dPROSElegant and compact designExcellent camera systemLong-term software supportCONSGaming performance lags behindBase storage could be biggerThe Google Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography with its versatile triple-camera system. Each sensor delivers high-quality photos, whether you're zooming in on a distant subject or capturing wide landscapes. The selfie camera also produces vibrant, sharp images.
Pixel 9 Pro – Main Camera Samples
22 Images
Google has refined the Pixel line's design, and the Pixel 9 Pro benefits from this elegance. It features a sleek aluminum and glass build, with thin bezels around a 6.3-inch display that's both bright and vibrant. The OLED panel offers a smooth refresh rate and vivid colors, making it a standout feature.
While the Tensor G4 chip may not match the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Apple's A18 Pro, it's more than adequate for everyday use and AI applications. It also handles gaming well, and Google's commitment to long-term software support ensures the phone remains up-to-date.
3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Best iPhone
### Apple iPhone 16 Pro
4The iPhone 16 Pro offers a lower starting price and a more compact design while retaining the full camera capabilities and powerful performance of the Pro Max. See it at Best BuySee it at AppleProduct SpecificationsScreen6.3-inch OLED, 1206x2622, 460 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorA18 ProCamera48-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 12-Megapixel Telephoto, 12-Megapixel SelfieBattery3,582mAhWeight199g (0.44lb)PROSPowerful performanceElegant designRobust camera systemCONSCamera settings could use some tweaksThe Apple iPhone 16 Pro, starting at $999, is a well-rounded powerhouse. It shares many similarities with the Google Pixel 9 Pro, including display size, camera count, price, and weight. While the Pixel 9 Pro's cameras may be more reliable, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers excellent quality with some adjustments, particularly for the ultra-wide and selfie sensors.
This year, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max share the same camera system, allowing you to enjoy top-tier capabilities in a smaller form factor. The iPhone 16 Pro's 6.3-inch display, thanks to slim bezels, is perfect for those with smaller hands. The Pro Max offers a larger 6.9-inch display for those who prefer a bigger screen.
The iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding games like Wuthering Waves. The 120Hz OLED display enhances the gaming experience. While the base model's 128GB storage might be limiting, the USB 3.0 Type-C port allows for quick backups to free up space.
Google Pixel 8
Best Mid-Range Smartphone
### Google Pixel 8
0Powered by the G3 Tensor chip, the Pixel 8 offers solid cameras, smart AI functions, and a bright, beautiful OLED display at an affordable price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.2-inch OLED, 1080x2400, 428 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G3 Camera50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10.5-megapixel selfieBattery4,575 mAhWeight187g (0.41lb)PROSWonderfully responsive screenSeven years of updates and OS supportImpressive cameraCONSRAM upgrade reserved for Pro modelThe Pixel 8 may not be the newest model, but it still offers significant value. The Tensor G3 chip improves performance and thermal management, enhancing the phone's longevity. Google's promise of seven years of OS, security, and feature updates ensures the Pixel 8 remains relevant for years to come.
At a reduced price of $500, the Pixel 8 is a mid-range gem. It features a superior design with Gorilla Glass Victus, improved water resistance, and better cameras than its budget-friendly counterpart, the Pixel 8a. The 50MP main camera excels in various lighting conditions, while the ultra-wide sensor performs well in daylight. The selfie camera offers sharp images with a wide field of view, making the Pixel 8 a great choice for its price.
Poco X5 5G – Photos
9 Images
5. Poco X5 5G
Best Budget Smartphone
### PocoX5 5G
1This ultra-affordable phone offers 5G connectivity, smooth performance, and a crisp display, though its cameras and gaming capabilities are modest. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.67-inch Super AMOLED, 1080x2400, 395 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 695 5GCamera48-Megapixel Wide, 8-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 13-Megapixel SelfieBattery5,000mAhWeight189g (0.42lb)PROSFeels good in the hand Great-looking displayPhone is fairly snappyCONSWeak camerasSomewhat bloated softwareThe Poco X5 5G is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. Launched in 2023, it's still a strong contender at just $220, with updates to Android 14. The standout feature is its 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display, which offers a sharp resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant visuals.
Powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G, the Poco X5 5G handles everyday tasks and some gaming, like Call of Duty Mobile, with ease. Its 6GB base memory supports multitasking, ensuring longevity. However, the cameras are a weak point, with the main sensor performing adequately in bright conditions, while the ultra-wide struggles. The selfie camera is decent, making the Poco X5 5G a solid budget option.
RedMagic 9S Pro – Photos
10 Images
6. RedMagic 10 Pro
Best Gaming Smartphone
### RedMagic10 Pro
1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional gaming performance and sustained power in an impressive package. See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagicProduct SpecificationsScreen6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportThe RedMagic 10 Pro is designed for gamers, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and an active cooling fan that minimizes thermal throttling. This combination allows for sustained high performance, making it ideal for gaming. In my testing, the RedMagic 10 Pro achieved some of the fastest benchmark results, particularly in gaming scenarios.
The phone's 6.85-inch OLED display is large, high-resolution, and runs at a smooth 144Hz, with no visible selfie camera cutout to interrupt your gaming experience. The hidden under-display selfie camera, while reducing quality, prioritizes gaming. Additional gaming enhancements include boosted touch responsiveness, remappable shoulder buttons, and support for upscaling and frame interpolation.
Despite its gaming focus, the RedMagic 10 Pro offers a sturdy and elegant design, quality stereo speakers, a headphone jack, and a case included with the phone. While the cameras and network support may not match mainstream phones, the RedMagic 10 Pro's gaming prowess at just $649 is unmatched.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos
6 Images
7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Best Foldable Phone
### SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 6
0The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers incredible speed and stunning displays, though its unfolded aspect ratio can be unusual. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen7.6-inch 2160 x 1856 AMOLED (Main); 6.2-inch 968 x 2376 AMOLED (Cover)ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Camera50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 10MP frontBattery4400mAhWeight239g (0.52 lb)PROSStunning displays, inside and outExtremely powerfulCONSAspect ratios can be weirdThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the top choice for those seeking a foldable smartphone that transforms into a tablet. When folded, it features a narrow 968x2376 AMOLED display, but when unfolded, it reveals a large 7.6-inch 2160x1856 AMOLED display. Both screens offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, thanks to the OLED technology.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Z Fold 6 handles any mobile game with ease, including demanding titles like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves. It's significantly faster than its predecessor, with up to a 22% performance boost in my tests.
The camera system is impressive, with a 50MP main sensor and 30x digital zoom for detailed photos. While the front-facing cameras are not as strong, they still produce quality selfies.
The only drawback is the unusual 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded, which can affect content display, such as games or movies, potentially leading to cropping or black bars.
How We Picked the Best Smartphones
The smartphone market often pushes consumers to upgrade to the latest models or opt for premium versions like Pro or Max. While these models offer advanced features, many of these may not be necessary for everyone.
I selected smartphones across various price points that provide the best value for money. These choices cater to different needs, whether you're focused on photography, gaming, or display quality. Durability and ongoing software support were also key factors, ensuring these phones remain relevant and functional over time.
Best Smartphones FAQ
Is Samsung better than Apple for smartphones?
Not necessarily. Both Samsung and Apple produce high-quality, feature-rich premium phones. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer fast performance, sleek designs, excellent cameras, and long-term software updates. The choice often comes down to familiarity with their respective operating systems: Android versus iOS.
Are iPhones better than Android phones?
Modern iPhones are very similar to premium Android phones, with any previous advantages largely diminished. Both iOS and Android operate similarly and receive yearly updates. The choice depends more on your familiarity with the operating system. iPhones integrate well with other Apple products, while Android phones work better with Windows devices.
Which Android phone is the best value for money?
The Google Pixel 8 offers superb value at $500. Despite being an older model, it provides strong performance, an elegant design, and long-term software support, which is rare at this price point. Going lower in price often means significant compromises in features and quality.
