The Best Phones for 2023

Are you in the market for a new phone but unsure of which one to choose? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of our top picks for phones across various budgets and carriers.

OVERVIEW

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Best iPhone Overall

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$1,099.99
at Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy S22+

Best Android Flagship.

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$999.99
at Amazon
Google Pixel 7

Best Midrange Phone.

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$499.00
at Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

Best Affordable 5G Phone.

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$419.00
at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Best for Artists and Photographers.

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$1,098.00
at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Best Folding Phone.

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$1,699.00
at Amazon
Apple iPhone 14

Best iPhone for Most People.

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$699.99
at Best Buy
Motorola Moto G Power (2022)

Best Phone Under $200.

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$129.90
at Amazon
Sunbeam F1

Best Simple Voice Phone.

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$195.00
at Sunbeam Wireless
Unihertz Titan Pocket

Best QWERTY Keyboard Phone.

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$309.99
at Amazon

OVERVIEW

Mobile phones have become an essential part of our lives. They are not just phones, but also messaging devices, web browsers, cameras, music players, GPS, and more. Choosing the right phone can have a significant impact on your life. With the rise of 4G and 5G networks, the smartphone-dominated nation is down to three major nationwide wireless carriers. However, virtual carriers like Google Fi, US Mobile, and Visible offer competition and push prices down. The smartphone OS marketplace is essentially down to Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. The list of phones covers every budget, and there is helpful buying advice below to assist in your search.

A Deeper Dive: Our Tested Top Picks

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Best iPhone Overall

4.5 Outstanding
Rating-4.5

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the pinnacle of iPhone technology, boasting unparalleled performance, stunning visuals, and incredible camera capabilities. With its lightning-fast processor, you can breeze through apps and multitask like never before. The 6.7-inch OLED display is a sight to behold, with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

If you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line iPhone, look no further than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. With its cutting-edge technology and unmatched performance, this is the ultimate iPhone for those who demand the very best.

PROS

  • High-quality hardware
  • Always-on display includes widgets
  • Top-notch cameras
  • Stellar wireless performance

CONS

  • Pricey
  • Dated Design and Lightning Connector

Samsung Galaxy S22+

Best Android Flagship

4.0 Excellent
Rating-4

The Galaxy S22+ strikes the perfect balance for Android users who want a high-end device without the bulk of the Galaxy S22 Ultra. This phone delivers a sizeable screen and top-of-the-line performance in a sleek package that’s easy to handle.

Despite not having the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s 10x telephoto lens, the Galaxy S22+ still captures stunning photos. Its advanced camera system and software make it a top performer, delivering crisp and clear images even in challenging lighting conditions.

If you’re looking for an Android flagship that offers the perfect mix of size, power, and photography, the Galaxy S22+ is the perfect choice. It’s a phone that delivers on all fronts, making it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their smartphone experience.

PROS

  • Top-of-the-line performance
  • Excellent cellular reception
  • True 3x zoom camera

CONS

  • Photos can look a little washed out
  • 45W charging doesn’t make a big difference in speed

Google Pixel 7

Best Midrange Phone

4.5 Outstanding
Rating-4.5

The Pixel 7 has surprised many by surpassing its pricier sibling, the Pixel 7 Pro, in terms of performance and features. With its impressive camera system, smooth Android experience, and sleek design, this midrange phone is a standout among its competitors.

Not only does the Pixel 7 take stunning photos, but it also provides a premium smartphone experience at an affordable price. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality device without breaking the bank.

Overall, the Pixel 7 is a rare find that delivers on all fronts, making it one of the best midrange phones on the market. If you’re looking for a top-performing smartphone that won’t break the bank, the Pixel 7 is an excellent choice.

PROS

  • Fantastic value
  • Incredible cameras
  • Excellent performance
  • Great-looking display
  • Smooth Android 13 experience

CONS

  • No telephoto camera

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

Best Affordable 5G Phone

4.5 Outstanding
Rating-4.5

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 5G smartphone, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. Priced at under $300, this device packs in some impressive features that make it stand out from the crowd.

One of the most impressive things about the Galaxy A32 5G is its long battery life. You can use this phone all day without worrying about running out of juice, which is great if you’re someone who’s always on the go.

Another standout feature is the camera. The Galaxy A32 5G takes good photos that are sharp and clear, even in low light. This is thanks to Samsung’s advanced camera technology, which helps you capture your memories with ease.

But perhaps the best thing about the Galaxy A32 5G is Samsung’s generous software update policy. This means that you can expect to receive regular updates for years to come, keeping your phone current and up to date with the latest features and security patches.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly 5G smartphone. With long battery life, great camera quality, and regular software updates, you really can’t go wrong.

PROS

  • Handsome design
  • Durable Gorilla Glass 5 display
  • Capable cameras
  • Long battery life
  • Impressive performance for the price
  • Excellent software upgrade policy

CONS

  • Low-resolution display
  • Mediocre speaker
  • Back panel scratches easily

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Best for Artists and Photographers

4.0 Excellent
Rating-4

If you’re a content creator looking for a phone with top-of-the-line specs, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is an absolute monster. With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and plenty of storage space, this phone can handle just about anything you throw at it.

But perhaps the most impressive feature of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is its camera stack. With 10x telephoto zoom power, you can capture stunning close-up shots from a distance. And if you’re someone who likes to doodle or take notes on your phone, the S22 Ultra also comes with stylus support.

Overall, if you’re looking for a phone that can do it all, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re a content creator or just someone who wants the best of the best, this phone won’t disappoint.

PROS

  • S Pen integration
  • Long battery life
  • Bright screen
  • Excellent reception in low-signal environments

CONS

  • Very large
  • Expensive
  • Back scratches easily
  • Few camera improvements over predecessor

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Best Folding Phone

4.0 Excellent
Rating-4

If you’re looking for a folding phone, there’s not a lot of competition out there, but fortunately, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is an excellent option. It may be pricey, but it feels premium and takes full advantage of its extra screen real estate.

The Z Fold 4 is the latest and greatest in Samsung’s Fold lineup, and it’s sure to turn heads with its innovative design. And if you’re not afraid to try out some new technology, this phone might just be your ideal next purchase.

With strong connectivity and a premium feel, the Z Fold 4 is a great choice for anyone who wants to stay on the cutting edge of smartphone technology. Just be prepared to spend some big bucks if you decide to take the plunge.

PROS

  • Fast and powerful
  • Useful multi-window mode
  • Excellent signal strength
  • Fully usable with one hand

CONS

  • Very expensive
  • Heavy
  • Some applications are buggy

Apple iPhone 14

Best iPhone for Most People

4.0 Excellent
Rating-4

If you’re looking for a new iPhone but don’t want to break the bank, the base model iPhone 14 is a great choice. While it doesn’t offer the bleeding-edge hardware of the Pro versions or the largest screen, it still delivers everything you want from an iPhone at a more affordable price point.

The standard iPhone 14 won’t let you down if you’re looking for a reliable phone that can handle all your everyday tasks. And with its more affordable price tag, it’s a great option for anyone who wants a new iPhone without breaking the bank.

PROS

  • Solid performance
  • Capable cameras
  • Helpful emergency features

CONS

  • Not that different from the iPhone 13
  • Dated design and Lightning connector

Motorola Moto G Power (2022)

Best Phone Under $200

4.0 Excellent
Rating-4

If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable smartphone, the Motorola G Power is a great option. Priced at under $200, it offers a solid experience for the price, with a few key highlights that make it stand out from the competition.

One of the best things about the Moto G Power is its 90Hz screen, which provides a smooth and responsive user experience. And with extensive battery life, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice during the day.

Overall, we highly recommend the Moto G Power to anyone looking for a smartphone that won’t break the bank. It may not have all the bells and whistles of a more expensive device, but it delivers a solid experience at a very affordable price point.

PROS

  • Long battery life
  • Solid performance
  • 90Hz refresh rate

CONS

  • Ships with Android 11
  • Noticeable pixelation on 720p display
  • Underwhelming audio

Sunbeam F1

Best Simple Voice Phone

4.0 Excellent
Rating-4

While smartphones dominate the mobile market, there are still plenty of people who prefer a more simple, straightforward device. That’s where the Sunbeam F1 comes in. This feature phone prioritizes communication over everything else, and we think that’s something to be applauded.

If you’re someone who doesn’t need a smartphone but still wants a reliable device for making calls and sending texts, the Sunbeam F1 is definitely worth checking out. It may not have all the bells and whistles of a smartphone, but it gets the job done and does it well.

Overall, we think it’s great that there are still options like the Sunbeam F1 for people who prefer a simpler phone. So if you don’t need a smartphone and just want a reliable device for communication, be sure to give the Sunbeam F1 a look.

PROS

  • Thoughtful design
  • Solid construction
  • Loud earpiece
  • Three levels of feature restrictions

CONS

  • Lacks band 71 for T-Mobile
  • Long-term support not guaranteed

Unihertz Titan Pocket

Best QWERTY Keyboard Phone

4.0 Excellent
Rating-4

For those who prefer a physical keyboard over a touchscreen, the options are becoming increasingly limited. However, the Unihertz Titan Pocket is a notable exception. We’re big fans of its sculpted key layout, which makes typing a breeze, as well as its dual-SIM design and reasonable price point.

If you’re someone who values a physical keyboard on your phone, the Unihertz Titan Pocket is definitely worth considering. With its comfortable layout and solid feature set, it’s the best option on the market for anyone who still wants a QWERTY keyboard on their phone.

PROS

  • Unique design
  • Dual-SIM and compatible with all carriers
  • Good performance for the price

CONS

  • Small 1:1 screen isn’t great for all apps
  • Lacks some speed and coverage bands
  • Terrible cameras

Top Recommendations: Best Phones | 2023

5G: What You Need to Know About Mobile Networks in 2022

5G technology arrived in 2019, and since then, most new smartphones have included some form of it. However, the transition to 5G won’t happen overnight. In the meantime, our Best Mobile Networks tests for 2022 have shown that T-Mobile’s mid-band 5G network is making a significant difference in performance.

AT&T’s 4G network is strong, but it doesn’t have much mid-band 5G yet. It plans to install 3.45GHz mid-band eventually, but currently, only a few phones like the iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy S22 can take advantage of it.

Overall, while 5G technology may change everything eventually, it’s important to consider the current state of 5G networks and which phones are compatible with them before making a purchase. For more 5G recommendations, check out our list of the best 5G phones.

The Best Smartphones for Every Budget and Need

Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives, providing instant access to email, web browsing, messaging, and music. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. The two major smartphone platforms are Android and iOS, with the iPhone offering the best app store and media features, while Android offers more variety and open-source flexibility. However, Android’s openness also means occasional bugs, carrier bloatware, and less consistent updates. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and needs.

Looking for a Simple Phone? Here's the Best Feature Phone

Despite the prevalence of smartphones, there are still some great reasons to choose a feature phone. They’re simpler to use, often come with more affordable service plans, and can still provide excellent call quality. While they don’t have the bells and whistles of smartphones, they’re a reliable option for those who prioritize basic communication over all else. When choosing a feature phone, it’s important to consider factors like wireless network coverage, reception quality, and speakerphone volume. With a little research, you can find a feature phone that meets your needs and budget.

Timing is Everything: When to Buy a New Phone

When should you buy a new phone? The answer is simple: when you need one. But if you’re looking for a deal or want the latest and greatest, timing can make all the difference. Keep an eye on release schedules and holiday sales to score discounts or promotions. Just remember, buying too early can mean missing out on new features, while waiting too long can leave you with an outdated device. Balancing your budget and desire for the latest tech is key.