Table of Contents
It can be difficult to select the finest smartphone for your needs. It might be challenging to determine which gadget genuinely has the features you desire when there are so many brands offering comparable functionality at comparable pricing. Your decision-making process is a little bit simpler if you’ve already decided that you only want an iPhone.
(And even then, there are more choices than ever in Apple’s lineup.) There will be even more options available to those who are also contemplating Android, as well as perhaps more queries. Do you prefer an intelligent AI that can automatically answer your incoming calls or a camera that can zoom in on objects that are very far away? We test cellphones here at Engadget all year long, so we can help you understand what’s available and what to watch out for. Naturally, we’ve also included our top picks for phones to assist you in narrowing down your list.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]Every operating system has advantages and disadvantages, which becomes obvious when you’re looking for the finest smartphone. It is incredibly simple to transfer data across iPhones, iPads, and Macs as well as to smoothly transfer music or phone calls from one device to another thanks to Apple’s close-knit ecosystem. However, because services like Apple Messages aren’t available on other platforms, you are essentially locked in.
With regard to Android, a considerably greater selection of phones are available from manufacturers like Google, Samsung, Sony, and others. Android phones, on the other hand, don’t have access to the same level of software support and frequently have lower trade-in values. In essence, there isn’t an incorrect response. However, you need think about how your phone will work with the rest of your technology. Therefore, switching from an iPhone to an Android phone (or vice versa) certainly doesn’t make a lot of sense unless you’re genuinely sick of one OS and prepared to learn another – especially if everyone else in your home uses the same platform.
Best Smartphones Deals
iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max smartphone was introduced on September 7, 2022. The phone has a 6.70-inch touchscreen display with a 120 Hz refresh rate that has a resolution of 2796×1290 pixels and a pixel density of 460 pixels per inch (ppi). The display is protected by Other. Hexa-core Apple A16 Bionic processor is the brains behind the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Both proprietary fast charging and wireless charging are supported on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
A 48-megapixel (f/1.78) primary camera, a 12-megapixel (f/2.2) camera, and a 12-megapixel (f/1.78) camera are all part of the triple camera configuration on the back of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. For selfies, it boasts a single front camera arrangement with a 12-megapixel sensor and an f/1.9 aperture.
The iOS 16-based iPhone 14 Pro Max has internal storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The iPhone 14 Pro Max weighs 240.00 grams and has dimensions of 160.70 x 77.60 x 7.85mm. Space Black, Silver, Gold, and Deep Purple were the colors used during its launch. It has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Wi-Fi and Lightning are two of the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s connectivity options. The phone has a compass/magnetometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and accelerometer.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Almost all of the qualities that constitute a fantastic smartphone are achieved with the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The quickest speed of any smartphone, a 120Hz refresh rate display, and an amazing battery life are all included in this high-end flagship.
But the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s cameras, which are the greatest we’ve tested on a phone to date, really make this device stand out. You may capture pictures with a new macro mode that makes use of the ultra-wide camera, shoot cinematic mode films with a captivating bokeh effect, select your own photographic styles, and get up close and personal with your subjects.
Due to the larger sensors, the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s camera hump is unquestionably more noticeable this time around, and the entire design is heavier than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. However, we appreciate how much lower the notch is on the 6.7-inch screen. If you want all the same capabilities in a more portable and slightly less expensive phone, take a look at our evaluation of the iPhone 13 Pro.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra could be considered the best smartphone ever if we only evaluated its cameras, particularly the optical and digitally enhanced zoom features. Certainly the top smartphone of 2022. However, its successor has already been unveiled; for a thorough analysis of that device, see our comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. In-depth reviews of the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus are also available.
This Samsung Galaxy Series/Galaxy Note hybrid is a fantastic, albeit large Android phone that checks off all the essential boxes and offers more capabilities than you may ever need or want. The design is reminiscent to Samsung’s previous Note handset but also more futuristic. In fact, it is a hybrid. There won’t be any issues with the 6.8-inch, ultra-high-resolution screen, which provides vibrant colors and fluid animation at 120Hz but is clever enough to slow down all the way to 1Hz when that’s all you need to conserve battery life.
The camera system is robust. It’s true that the camera system of the Galaxy S21 hasn’t been completely upgraded, but that system was already pretty darn fantastic. The Optical and Space Zooms are undoubtedly marvels of contemporary technology, making this option better. You’ll also adore the incredibly tiny and light S Pen, and we’re delighted that it has now been formally incorporated into the Galaxy series. It accomplishes numerous tasks admirably, making it a blessing for mobile users that prioritize efficiency.
vivo X80 Pro 5G
The X70 Pro+ is being replaced by Vivo’s flagship model, the X80 Pro. Even though the phone appears to have undergone only modest visual changes, the interior has undergone significant changes. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC is new and improved for the X80 Pro, and it is now partnered with Vivo’s upgraded V1+ imaging processor, which improves gaming and imaging performance.
The majority of its 6.78-inch display hasn’t changed, but it’s still a premium one with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2K resolution, making it rather sharp. The 4,700mAh battery on the Vivo X80 Pro can be charged with an 80W charger and also supports 50W wireless charging.
Additionally, the cameras have been improved. The primary camera now sports a 50-megapixel GNV sensor developed by Samsung, and Vivo has transferred its specialised gimbal stabilisation technology to the 2x Portrait camera to take better Portrait photographs in low light.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 5G
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 smartphone was introduced on August 10th, 2022. The phone has a 7.60-inch touchscreen primary display with a 2176×1812 pixel resolution. As a second display, it also has a 6.20-inch touchscreen with a 904×2316 pixel resolution. Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is an octa-core CPU that powers the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. It has 12GB of RAM built in. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 has a 4400mAh battery and runs Android 12L. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 offers its own brand of quick charging.
A 50-megapixel (f/1.8) primary camera, a 12-megapixel (f/2.2) camera, and a 10-megapixel (f/2.4) camera are all included in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4’s triple camera arrangement on the back. The arrangement for the back camera has autofocus. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 has two cameras on the front for taking selfies. The first is a 10-megapixel primary camera with an f/2.2 aperture while the second is a 4-megapixel camera with an f/1.8 aperture and a 2.0-micron pixel size.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 has 256GB or 512GB of internal storage and runs One UI 4.1.1, which is based on Android 12L. A dual-SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that takes Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM cards is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. The weight of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is 263 grams, and its dimensions are 130.10 x 155.10 x 6.30mm. It was introduced in the shades of Black, GrayGreen, Beige, and Burgundy.
Best Deals under $1500
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus will find it difficult to gain any traction in comparison to the flashy and feature-rich S22 Ultra and the tiny and reasonably priced S22. Because its hefty price isn’t fully compensated by useful features like its potent processor, photographic settings, and attractive aesthetic, it might not deserve to either. Its design is uncomfortable in the hand, and its software feels slower than that of comparable smartphones.
The Galaxy S22 Plus is one of Samsung’s very best and the top Android phone to beat for those who don’t need a stylus.
SONY Xperia 1 IV
By purchasing the SONY Xperia 1 IV, which is offered at the cheapest prices online on Gadgets Now, you may upgrade to a new phone. The cellphone, which was unofficially introduced on July 1, 2022 in India, has eye-catching features and suitable characteristics.
The phone’s camera makes it easy to take beautiful images because it has a single camera arrangement on the back with three 16 MP, 16 MP, and 16 MP cameras. The phone’s front features a 12 MP camera, allowing you to take beautiful selfies and make video calls.
With a 6.67-inch (16.94-cm) display and a 1644 x 3840-pixel resolution, you may enjoy immersive entertainment while watching movies or playing games on this phone.
Additionally, the phone has a 5000 mAh battery and runs on the Android v12 operating system, which offers you speedier updates. This allows you to enjoy watching movies, playing games, and doing a lot more on a single full charge.
Sony Xperia 1 5G
The Sony Xperia 1 III is one of Sony’s premium smartphones that has always been primarily focused on photography purists. Sony remained true to its principles while rivals Apple, Google, and Huawei enhanced shadow detail and developed night modes that made evenings appear like mornings. A dramatic silhouette will appear in a backlit photo taken with a Sony phone. It will appear to be nightfall if you shot at midnight.
The Sony camp and the “everyone else” camp are the two factions of smartphone fans caused by this minimalistic photo processing. Additionally, it has led to some of the most passionate and outspoken Sony supporters on social media, who are standing up for the Japanese tech company till the end of time.
Due of this, the Xperia Pro-I was created. The Pro-I is the first device to have hardware that has been directly trickled down from Sony imaging; especially, the sensor. Sony has been flooding the market with photo apps that match its compact and film camera lines for a few years now, starting with the Xperia 1.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G
One of the newest members of the Galaxy S Series is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, which was released with top-notch specifications and obtrusive features. Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S23+ are more devices in the Samsung Galaxy S23 series. The base model of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone, which comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
The Samsung smartphone has an environmentally friendly design because it is composed of recycled glass and PET film, and it is coloured with organic dyes. The phone weighs about 234 grams and measures 163.3 mm by 78 mm by 8.9 mm (height x width x thickness). It is also fashionable and elegant while providing a non-slip grip. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is available in the hues of Phantom Black, Cream, and Green.
Best Smartphones under $1000
OnePlus 10 Pro
This year’s OnePlus 10 Pro 5G launch was a little unusual for a few reasons. It only recently began to spread to other nations, including India, after being introduced in China at the beginning of 2022. Second, as opposed to the three models that made their debut with the 9 series in India last year, we currently only have one model in the new 10 series.
We’re very certain that a more affordable OnePlus 10 and OnePlus 10R are planned for release later this year, but for the time being, we’re only paying attention to the flagship model. The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G continues where the OnePlus 9 Pro left off and includes a number of tweaks that, theoretically, ought to improve the flagship. To me, the updated selfie camera, larger battery, and faster charging are the most significant ones.
OnePlus 11
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC included within the OnePlus 11 5G makes it one of the quickest phones on the planet at the moment. The OnePlus 11 uses a triple of Sony IMX sensors on the back to shoot some incredibly good pictures in both daylight and at night, trying to return to its flagship-killing beginnings.
The phone also has a 5,000mAh battery that will last you almost the entire day and 100W of lightning-fast charging. Last but not least, the device’s viewing experience is excellent thanks to its 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED 120Hz panel with QHD+ quality.
Google Pixel 7 Pro 5G
We now have the sequel, one year after Google restarted its Pixel smartphone project, to bring everything full circle. This is the Google Pixel 7 Pro, which, despite having a similar design to the Pixel 6 Pro, offers several improvements in terms of performance, screen, camera, and battery life. In particular, it fixes a lot of the issues from the original generation. The good news is that it is still significantly less expensive than other flagship smartphones.
The Pixel 7 Pro appears to have it all on paper: a sizable, 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a sizable, internal 5,000mAh battery, a top-tier camera, as well as Google’s new Tensor G2 chip, which shows the company’s potent AI and machine learning skills.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 5G
The Galaxy Z Flip4 resembles its predecessor almost exactly. Samsung claims that the screens’ junction has been smoothed out and the hinges have been thinned down. The extremely durable case is comprised of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and “Armor Aluminum,” an especially robust aluminium alloy, and is protected from water damage by the IPX8 classification. Because of the glass’ matte surface, fingerprints are rarely evident.
As usual, Samsung combines its own user interface, OneUI Version 4, with the Android. The latter is OneUI 4.1.1 as of the writing of this review and continues to use security updates from July 2022. Assuming the Galaxy Z series enjoys up to four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security patches, the Flip4 should continue to receive updates until Android 16.
A USB 2.0 Type-C port that can identify external peripherals via USB-OTG is used to recharge the 3,700 mAh battery. Miracast-enabled wireless broadcasting to external monitors is also supported.
Google Pixel 6 Pro
The Google Pixel 6 Pro is the manufacturer’s first sincere attempt at a high-end gadget that can compete with the greatest smartphones now available, including the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, OnePlus 10 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. This new Google Pixel 6 Pro edition was introduced alongside the normal model, which is far less expensive. It features the company’s new Tensor chipset and other top-notch internals, a fantastic camera configuration, and a number of other upgrades.
It’s reasonable to say that Google has nailed it with this version of its smartphone because it’s also created to be the ideal showcase for Android 12 and its future variations.
Best Smartphones Under $500
Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G
The new Xiaomi smartphone, the Mi 12 Pro 5G, was unveiled on April 27, 2022 in India (Official). This smartphone is offered in a variety of colours. The Xiaomi smartphone has a 6.73-inch (17.09-cm) display with a 3200 x 1440-pixel resolution. Additionally, the Xiaomi Mi 12 Pro 5G has a 20:9 aspect ratio, allowing you to view videos, play games, and stream movies online with vibrant and crisp pictures.
In order to provide you with a fluid performance when using numerous applications at once, the Xiaomi Mi 12 Pro 5G is equipped with an Octa core (3 GHz, Single core, Cortex X2 + 2.5 GHz, Tri core, Cortex A710 + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A510) Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU.
The Xiaomi Mi 12 Pro 5G sports a single camera arrangement with three 50 MP, 50 MP, and 50 MP cameras on the back. Digital Zoom, Auto Flash, Face detection, and Touch to focus are features of the setup for the back camera. The phone has a 32 MP front camera so that you can take beautiful selfies and conduct video conversations. The WiFi – 802.11, a/b/g/n/n 5GHz, MIMO, Mobile Hotspot, Bluetooth – v5.2, and 5G Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G are just a few of the connectivity choices available on the Xiaomi Mi 12 Pro 5G.
Redmi 9A
Redmi 9A mobile was launched on 30th June 2020. The phone comes with a 6.53-inch touchscreen display offering a resolution of 720×1600 pixels and an aspect ratio of 20:9. Redmi 9A is powered by a 2GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio G25 processor. It comes with 2GB of RAM. The Redmi 9A runs Android 10 and is powered by a 5000mAh non-removable battery. The Redmi 9A supports proprietary fast charging.
As far as the cameras are concerned, the Redmi 9A on the rear packs a 13-megapixel camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It sports a 5-megapixel camera on the front for selfies with an f/2.2 aperture.
The Redmi 9A runs MIUI 12 is based on Android 10 and packs 32GB of inbuilt storage that can be expanded via microSD card (up to 512GB) with a dedicated slot. The Redmi 9A is a dual-SIM (GSM and GSM) mobile that accepts Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM cards. The Redmi 9A measures 164.90 x 77.07 x 9.00mm (height x width x thickness) and weighs 194.00 grams. It was launched in Midnight Grey, Peacock Green, and Twilight Blue colors.
realme C3 4G
The Realme C3 is a low-cost smartphone with a sunrise design from Realme. Frozen Blue and Blazing Red are the two colours the manufacturer offers for the phone. It has a sizable, 6.5-inch display with a 20:9 aspect ratio. The Realme C3’s 5,000mAh battery is one of the device’s best features. This is also the cause of its slightly excessive weight of 195g.
The Mediatek Helio G70 SoC powers the two models of the Realme C3. In comparison to the other variation, which has 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage, the base variant has 3GB RAM and 32GB of storage. It is a dual SIM phone with 4G and VoLTE connectivity in both SIM slots. On top of Android 10 is Realme UI 1.0.
It has a 12-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor in a dual camera configuration on the rear. It takes reasonable pictures, but low-light photography could need some work.
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro smartphone was introduced on August 4, 2020. The phone has a 6.53-inch touchscreen display with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and a resolution of 1080×2340 pixels at a pixel density of 394 ppi. For safety, the display is covered in Gorilla Glass. The MediaTek Helio G80 processor, clocked at 2GHz, powers the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro. It has 4GB of RAM built in. Running Android 10, the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime is backed by a 5020mAh non-removable battery.
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro has four cameras on its back: a 13-megapixel (f/2.2) primary camera, an 8-megapixel (f/2.2), a 5-megapixel (f/2.4), and a 2-megapixel camera. It has an f/2.0 aperture 8-megapixel front-facing camera for taking selfies.
The 64GB internal storage of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro, which runs MIUI 11 and is based on Android 10, may be increased by a microSD card (up to 512GB) via a dedicated slot. A dual-SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that takes Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM cards is the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro. The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro weighs 198.00 grams and has dimensions of 163.32 x 77.01 x 9.10mm. Space Blue, Mint Green, Matte Black, and Sunrise Flare were the colors used for its launch.
OnePlus Nord 2
The OnePlus Nord 2 128 GB (Blue Haze, 8 GB RAM) is loaded with helpful characteristics and offers cutting-edge features and capabilities. The mobile, which is available in Blue Haze, has a striking appearance. Additionally, the phone’s dimensions—160 mmx73.8 mmx8.1 mm (height x breadth x thickness) and weight—of 189 grams make it easy to hold.
The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor, which powers the OnePlus smartphone’s Octa core (2.6 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A78 + 2 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A55) functionality, enables users to run multiple files and do tasks quickly and uninterruptedly. Additionally, you have 128 GB of internal storage and 8 GB of RAM, allowing you to conveniently store your files like as music, apps, images, and videos.