These Editor-Recommended Phones Are the Best on the Market

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For off-the-grid outdoors lovers and cutting-edge gadget enthusiasts alike, we all need cell phones these days. Whether you use it to simply make calls to loved ones or it serves as a full-on pocket computer, your phone is a vital piece of technology for staying connected to the world.

Phones range drastically, from smartphones that come with tons of additional features to flip phones designed as tools of communication and nothing more. High performance smartphones have internet connections and come with microprocessor chips for impressive computing power, sleek operating systems with easy-to-use interfaces, and expansive catalogues of apps for social media, gaming, and even financial services. Many of the best smartphones also come with high resolution screens and multiple camera lenses so you can take high quality pics and watch videos directly on your device.

With so many options available and most costing at least a few hundred dollars, we compiled a list of the best phones you can buy, so that investment is a sound one. Check out our picks for the best phones below.

The Best Phones

• Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G

• Best Value: Google Pixel 7a

• Best Flip Phone: Kyocera DuraXV Extreme

• Top Performing Google Device: Google Pixel 7 Pro Phone

• Best Foldable Phone: Motorola razr+

What to Consider

Should I Buy an Apple or an Android Phone?

Choosing between a smartphone running on Apple’s iOS platform and one that uses Android comes down to a few key factors. Apple products are entirely proprietary, from the hardware to the operating system, meaning that if you want to use iOS, you should get an iPhone.

Android—which lets developers design the user interface however they want—works with tons of different phone companies including LG, Samsung, HTC, and Google. These Android-run phone brands offer a larger range of options and, typically, more customizable features, but they lack the consistency and exclusive features of Apple products, like AirPlay and iMessage.

While the choice between the two operating systems and hardware often comes down to preference, the price points are more static. Android phones come at an incredibly wide range of price points, including several high quality smartphones that cost less than $500. On the opposite side of the spectrum, one of the most expensive options from Android, and our top recommendation, is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G at just under $900. In comparison, our top recommendation for Apple phones, the iPhone 14 Pro, costs $1,000.

Camera Quality

Nearly all smartphones come with at least a decent camera now. However, if high quality photos is a major priority, pay attention to the different lenses and photo modes offered, as well as the number of megapixels the lenses can capture. The best phone cameras on the market capture up to 64 megapixels, but most people can get away with 48 megapixels or less, especially if you’ll be viewing your photos digitally.

Many phones come with anywhere from two to five different lenses optimized for compressed telephoto pictures, ultra-wide images, or even high resolution macro shots. Many of these phones also come with low-light settings and portrait modes.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Considering the cost of many of these devices, long-term durability against drops and moisture is vital, especially for those of us who are a bit clumsy with our phones. Lots of phones now come with scratch-resistant glass as well as water and dust resistance ratings. Some smartphones can even be completely submerged in water without any damage at all, though we recommend using this feature with caution—even a minuscule crack in the body of your phone can let water inside.

Additional Features

The best phone features include extended battery life, wireless charging, exterior touchscreen displays, and much more. These features are often unique to specific phone designs or brands, so if there are features that stand out to you on any specific model, make sure to check if you can find those same features on other phones you consider.

How We Selected

We made our final selections on this list based on extensive research across multiple trusted publications, as well as using product specs and our tech know-how. We compared key specs, camera quality, unique features, and of course, verified user reviews between the different phones on this list to provide the best possible choices. We also chose options across a wide range of prices, brands, operating systems, and designs to capture the taste, budget and preferences of multiple potential buyers.

Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G Phone

Built for the highest level of performance that you can fit in your pocket, this S23 Ultra from the Samsung Galaxy line has everything.

It comes with a whopping five different cameras, including a low-light mode for photos in the dark, a stylus that fits directly into the phone, and an edge-to-edge display screen for maximum viewing and use. You can use the stylus to snap pics or write directly on the phone for easier texting.

While these features are part of what makes this phone great, much of what is under the hood is also special. This phone comes with Samsung’s most powerful processor, making playing games or streaming videos easy.

Pixel 7a Phone

Both affordable and powerful, this phone from Google is built to perform without costing you a fortune. Each Pixel 7a is completely splash, dust, and scratch proof with a sturdy exterior and hardened glass that gives it an IP67 rating.

This phone also comes with tons of photo editing features to go alongside the three-camera design. These include automatically un-blurring photos that are out of focus and removing background items with the “Magic Eraser” tool.

Despite the lower price, the Pixel 7a actually comes with the same processor as the Pixel Pro 7 from Google, so you’re getting a state-of-the-art processor for less.

iPhone 14 Pro Phone

The flagship phone from Apple, this iPhone 14 Pro is built to be the everyday smartphone for this generation of Apple users. Designed with four cameras, this iPhone can shoot and stabilize high action video.

Beyond the camera, this phone comes with an always-on display so you can simply look at your phone and it will show you basic information from the time and notifications, to the weather, or any other programmable widgets.

The ceramic-infused glass and water resistant exterior also make this phone one of the most durable you can buy.

Razr+

Combining the compact design of a classic flip phone with the power of a smartphone, this Razr+ from Motorola stands out from the rest.

The flip phone design isn’t just a gimmick—the folded display offers two cameras and a fully operational touchscreen even when folded down.

The folded design also allows for a much larger combined screen than other similarly priced options without taking up the space in your pocket.

The 6.9-inch display is one of the largest you will find while the 3.6-inch folded size means this phone can fit anywhere.

DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone

If you have no desire to spend the money on a fancy smartphone nor have any inclination to use any of the added features, this flip phone from Kyocera will get the job done without any of the fuss.

A classic flip phone design is pair with a durable exterior that stands up well to heavy shock and drops up to five feet on concrete. That exterior is also rated IP68 for water and dust resistance.

This phone also comes with a few unique features including the front display, a removable and replaceable battery, and even a push-to-talk button on its side.

Pixel 7 Pro Phone

The top line model from Google, this Pixel 7 Pro is the upgraded version of the Pixel 7a, with a price tag that reflects it. With a triple-rear camera, you can snap pics up close, in low light, and from far away with impressive clarity.

This phone also comes with several features that are unique to this line of Google devices. This includes programmable car keys that automatically unlock the door to your car when you are within a few feet of it.

Each Pixel 7 Pro also comes with real-time conversation translation so you can speak to and understand the people around you no matter where you are.

iPhone 13 Mini Phone

A smaller, more affordable option from Apple, this iPhone 13 Mini is designed to give you all the power of the traditional iPhone 13 in a much smaller size.

With a 5.4-inch display, you can far more easily slip this phone into your pocket. For most users, the biggest advantage of the smaller size is that you can navigate the screen better with just one hand.

This iPhone is offered exclusively in the iPhone 13 line, so unfortunately, you can’t get this size in the newest generation.

Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G Phone

Built for the highest level of performance that you can fit in your pocket, this S23 Ultra from the Samsung Galaxy line has everything.

It comes with a whopping five different cameras, including a low-light mode for photos in the dark, a stylus that fits directly into the phone, and an edge-to-edge display screen for maximum viewing and use. You can use the stylus to snap pics or write directly on the phone for easier texting.

While these features are part of what makes this phone great, much of what is under the hood is also special. This phone comes with Samsung’s most powerful processor, making playing games or streaming videos easy.

Pixel 7 Pro Phone

The top line model from Google, this Pixel 7 Pro is the upgraded version of the Pixel 7a, with a price tag that reflects it. With a triple-rear camera, you can snap pics up close, in low light, and from far away with impressive clarity.

This phone also comes with several features that are unique to this line of Google devices. This includes programmable car keys that automatically unlock the door to your car when you are within a few feet of it.

Each Pixel 7 Pro also comes with real-time conversation translation so you can speak to and understand the people around you no matter where you are.

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