Greatest Cellphone to Purchase for 2023

Apple gave its Professional fashions a glow-up with a refreshed lighter construct, a brand new shortcut button and the world’s smallest processor. And it did all this whereas managing to maintain that tried-and-true iPhone aesthetic entrance and middle. In addition they made extra of a differentiation between the Professional and Professional Max mannequin. The 15 Professional additionally nonetheless has the identical acquainted 3x telephoto digicam discovered on earlier fashions.

The mind behind the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max is the A17 Professional chip, which has the efficiency chops to deal with console tier video video games like Resident Evil Village. If the A17 Professional chip is the brains, then iOS 17 is the 15 Professional and Professional Max’s soul. The brand new OS is full of a lot of quality-of-life enhancements all through like StandBy mode, Test-In, Stickers in Messages and higher autocorrect for the keyboard.
The iPhone 15 Professional and 15 Professional Max are among the finest telephones launched by Apple or any cellphone maker this yr. Read our Apple iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max review.

Execs: 

• Lighter and extra comfy to carry
• A17 Professional for console video video games
• With the ability to change the main target in Portrait photographs is welcome
• Simpler and cheaper to restore again glass

Cons: 

• Motion button can solely set off one motion
• Baseline 15 Professional Max is $100 extra
• The one shade possibility is blue

With its stellar triple digicam, refined design and spacious 6.7-inch display, there’s quite a bit to like concerning the Pixel 7 Professional. Though it is not very completely different from the earlier Pixel 6 Professional, it can really feel like a giant change to these upgrading from a cellphone that is greater than two years outdated. Google has improved the zoom capabilities on the Pixel 7 Professional, giving it a 30x digital zoom in comparison with the 6 Professional’s 20x vary for capturing tighter photographs. Each the Pixel 7 and seven Professional have some new options powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, comparable to the flexibility to sharpen outdated photographs. You may additionally get free entry to Google’s VPN on the Pixel 7 and seven Professional.

Recurrently priced at $899, the Pixel 7 Professional is cheaper than each the $1,000 Galaxy S23 Plus and $1,200 Galaxy S23 Extremely at their typical beginning costs, making it a strong selection for many who need a large display and a very good digicam for much less. However take note, Google is on the point of announce the Pixel 8 quickly sufficient, so it might be value ready. Read our Google Pixel 7 Pro review.

Execs:

• Stellar digicam with superior new options
• Design refinements look stylish
• Android 13 is bliss to make use of

Cons:

The Galaxy S23 is quite a bit, however in a great way. It is greater than most individuals want in a cellphone, however that does not make it any much less spectacular. Samsung made enhancements to the digicam’s decision (200 megapixels in comparison with 108 megapixels), shade tones and dynamic vary, whereas retaining the identical edgy design and big 6.8-inch display as its predecessor. There’s additionally a brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that is been optimized particularly for Samsung’s telephones, which brings sooner efficiency in comparison with the Galaxy S22 Extremely. 

Beginning at $1,200, it might be an understatement to name this cellphone costly. However these prepared to pay extra for an enormous display and a high-quality, versatile digicam will not be disenchanted. Read our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review.

Execs:

• Quick efficiency
• Glorious primary digicam, particularly in low gentle
• Vivid display
• Included stylus
• Double the storage within the base mannequin
• 4 years of Android OS updates

Cons:

• Excessive worth
• Pictures do not all the time look pure, particularly selfies
• No enhancements to quick charging

Android followers in search of a petite cellphone haven’t got a lot to select from. However the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 offers a compelling possibility for many who need a cellphone that feels compact however nonetheless offers sufficient display house.

The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a recent processor (a model of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that is been optimized for Samsung’s telephones), a barely new design and a higher-resolution selfie digicam. But it surely’s the Galaxy S23’s bigger battery that makes it value recommending. Read our Samsung Galaxy S23 review.

Execs:

• Engaging design
• 4 generations of Android OS updates
• Longer battery life than the Galaxy S22
• Quick efficiency
• Extra storage within the base S23 Plus

Cons:

• Cameras are principally the identical as final yr
• Costly
• No enhancements to quick charging
• Common Galaxy S23 lacks base storage improve

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the most important leap ahead Samsug’s flip cellphone has seen in years. Samsung has considerably expanded the scale of the duvet display positioned on the skin of the gadget, which means you may lookup instructions, take photographs and ship messages with out opening the cellphone. It is this mixed with the Z Flip’s strong battery life and durable design that makes it a high choose.

The Z Flip 5 could also be our favourite flip cellphone, however there are nonetheless some drawbacks to pay attention to. At $1,000, it is nonetheless costly for a cellphone with no telephoto digicam. And never all apps work natively on the entrance display as they do on the Motorola Razr Plus. Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review.

Execs:

• Huge cowl display is enjoyable to make use of
• New hinge eliminates the hole when closed
• Strong battery life
• Extra storage in base mannequin

Cons:

• Costly
• Not all apps work on the duvet display natively
• Apps do not transition from primary display to cowl display
• Minimal digicam updates

The Motorola Razr Plus raised the bar for what a flip cellphone must be in 2023. Its 3.6-inch cowl display means that you can use nearly any app with out opening the cellphone, plus battery life is lengthy sufficient to get you thru a busy day. It is also thinner than the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which may make it the best selection for many who prioritize portability in a cellphone.

Whereas I like to recommend the Galaxy Z Flip 5 as the very best flip cellphone total, the Razr Plus is value contemplating for those who desire a thinner design and need to use extra apps on the cellphone’s entrance display with out a lot further fuss. The Razr Plus felt extra fragile than the Z Flip 5 throughout my testing, but it surely’s actually thinner, making it a fantastic selection for many who care about compactness above all else. Read our Motorola Razr Plus review.

Execs:

• Giant, helpful cowl display
• Crease is barely seen
• Skinny design
• Good battery life
• Enjoyable pictures options like photograph previews

Cons:

• Not as many Android updates as Samsung
• Flex View feels restricted
• Entrance display gathers fingerprint smudges simply
• $1,000 remains to be costly

The Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola has quite a bit going for it, from its palatable common $700 worth to its distinctive aesthetic, straightforward compatibility with PCs and clean 6.6-inch display. But it surely’s the ThinkPhone’s extremely quick charging that actually makes it stand out. It helps 68-watt quick charging and notably comes with a suitable energy adapter within the field, making it one of many fastest-charging telephones you should buy within the US. In CNET’s testing, the ThinkPhone’s battery went from empty to 92% in half-hour.

Each cellphone has its drawbacks. The cameras on the ThinkPhone wrestle in low gentle, which suggests it might not take the very best photographs in dim eating places and bars. And although it is a fantastic worth at $700, there are some cheaper alternate options which can be additionally compelling, comparable to Google’s Pixel 7A. Read our Lenovo ThinkPhone review.

Execs:

• Cohesive design
• Extremely quick charging
• Cross performance with PCs
• Unimaginable worth for the worth

Cons:

• The cameras are good, however wrestle in low gentle
• The Google Pixel 7 is $100 much less

The Nothing Cellphone 2 stands out for its unconventional design that includes flashing LED lights, comparatively low worth and quick efficiency. And in contrast to the Nothing Cellphone 1, you may truly purchase the Nothing Cellphone 2 within the US, for $700. It is best suited for many who need a cellphone with a big, vivid display, highly effective processor and a design that makes an announcement, all for effectively under $1,000.

That stated, it is necessary to keep in mind that Nothing has quite a lot of competitors on this worth vary. If digicam high quality is your high precedence, you will get the Pixel 7A at a lower cost of $449. Read our Nothing Phone 2 review.

Execs: 

• Flashy design
• Highly effective processor
• Giant, vivid show
• Engaging interface

Cons:

• Disappointing digicam efficiency
• Must be cheaper to compete towards rivals

Google’s finances cellphone took a leap ahead in 2023 with the Pixel 7A, which presents most of the identical advantages because the Pixel 7 however at a less expensive worth. Just like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A runs on Google’s Tensor G2 processor, which means it has most of the identical photograph enhancing and language translation options as its pricier sibling. The Pixel 7A’s 64-megapixel digicam additionally takes glorious photographs that rival the Pixel 7’s in high quality. 

Whereas we nonetheless just like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A’s lower cost makes it a greater deal for most individuals. Solely go for the Pixel 7 for those who actually need a barely bigger display and are prepared to pay the additional $100 for it. In any other case, the main differences between the Pixel 7 and 7A come all the way down to the previous’s extra sturdy construct, barely sooner charging and its means to wirelessly cost suitable equipment. The Pixel 7 additionally has a bigger digicam sensor that is extra delicate to gentle, based on Google, however CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco did not discover a lot of a distinction. Read our Pixel 7A review.

Execs:

• Glorious digicam
• Lots of the identical options because the Pixel 7 at a less expensive worth
• Engaging design
• Features wi-fi charging, face unlock and excessive refresh charge

Cons:

• Display screen nonetheless seems to be dim outside
• Increased worth in contrast with Pixel 6A at launch
• Solely three generations of Android OS updates in contrast with Samsung’s 4

Google now not sells the Pixel 6 Professional by way of its web site, however you may nonetheless discover it by way of some third-party retailers at a major low cost for now. The Pixel 6 Professional’s distinctive design, nice software program additions, excellent digicam high quality and strong all-around efficiency earned the cellphone a wonderful score when CNET reviewed it in 2021. 

It is nearly two years outdated, however lots of our preliminary impressions nonetheless maintain true. All advised, it is a worthwhile selection for many who need a spacious display and a top-notch digicam on a finances. Read our Pixel 6 Pro review.

Execs:

• Glorious cameras
• Strong all-round efficiency
• Neat Android 12 interface
• Engaging design

Cons:

• Battery is sweet, however not nice
• Quick cost is not all that quick
• No face unlock

The $599 iPhone 13 remains to be a wonderful cellphone. Should you’re contemplating shopping for an older iPhone to save cash, the iPhone 13 is your best option for most individuals. 

It has quite a bit in frequent with the iPhone 14, contemplating each telephones run on the identical A15 Bionic processor and have a 12-megapixel digicam system. The iPhone 14’s processor has an additional GPU core, however those that primarily use their cellphone for informal gaming, social media, checking e-mail and watching video doubtless will not thoughts. 

The iPhone 13, just like the 12 earlier than it, is outlined by its square-sided design. It helps 5G, MagSafe charging and has cameras on par with those from 2020’s top-of-the-line iPhone 12 Professional Max.

However the iPhone 13’s finest function is its bigger battery that, in our assessments, lasted 4.5 hours extra on a single cost than the iPhone 12, and almost 3 hours longer than the more moderen iPhone 14.

The 13 additionally has Cinematic mode, which is principally a video model of Portrait mode, and iOS 17. The iPhone 13 earned a 2021 CNET Editors’ Alternative Award. Simply keep in mind the iPhone 13 lacks satellite tv for pc connectivity for contacting emergency providers with no cell service and automotive crash detection, each of which can be found on the iPhone 14 and 15 collection. Such options could also be necessary to think about for those who’re buying a cellphone to your youngster. Read our Apple iPhone 13 review.

Execs:

• Good cameras
• Strong battery life
• Cinematic mode is enjoyable
• Reasonably priced worth in comparison with different iPhones

Cons:

• Notch is noticeable
• Cinematic mode is extra of a novelty than a professional function
• Selfie digicam could possibly be higher

The $700 OnePlus 11 is a strong cellphone that is effectively geared up to deal with gaming, video streaming and different frequent duties. In typical OnePlus style, this cellphone can be cheaper than the $800 Galaxy S23 and $900 Pixel 7 Professional. The cameras aren’t the very best, however they’re tremendous for informal photographers that simply need to seize their subsequent trip or an evening out. What units the OnePlus 11 aside from lots of its rivals is its blazing quick 100-watt quick charging, which might replenish the battery in simply 25 minutes. (The US model solely helps 80-watt charging, however that is nonetheless an enchancment over the Galaxy S23 Extremely’s 45-watt charging).

Total, the OnePlus 11 is right for many who need a highly effective cellphone that fees rapidly and will not break the financial institution. Read our OnePlus 11 review.

Execs:

• Unimaginable efficiency for gaming
• Slick, refreshed design
• Hyperfast charging
• 5 years of safety assist

Cons:

• Cameras are good, however not nice
• Rivals supply higher waterproofing

At $429, you would possibly assume the one enchantment of the iPhone SE (2022) is its worth. And admittedly that is a giant issue. However now that iPhone has stopped promoting the iPhone 13 Mini, it is also a strong possibility for many who desire smaller telephones. 

On the skin, the iPhone SE has the identical physique because the iPhone 8, which makes it the one iPhone on this checklist that also has Contact ID. On the within, the SE has the identical A15 processor because the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 14 and 14 Plus which takes the 2017 digicam {hardware} and provides it an injection of Apple’s computational pictures magic.

The SE represents the traditional iPhone design however with the added means to run the newest model of iOS and apps. One of many quieter updates in 2022 was that the SE’s again was upgraded to the again glass used on the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini. It is also your most inexpensive manner into all of Apple providers like FaceTime, iMessage and iCloud. Read our Apple iPhone SE (2022) review.

Execs:

• Reasonably priced worth
• House button and Contact ID FTW
• Good battery life 
• Digicam takes good photographs and movies

Cons:

• Lacks evening mode for photographs
• Display screen could possibly be brighter
• Bezels above and under display look dated
• Selfie digicam not on par with rear digicam
• 20-watt USB-C charger not included

The Pixel 6A impressed CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco final yr with its enticing design and Tensor processor, which enabled it to inherit most of the identical options because the Pixel 6 however at a less expensive worth. Now, Google has knocked the worth all the way down to $349, making it a good higher worth.

The Pixel 6A has a 6.1-inch display, making it the identical dimension because the Pixel 7A and barely smaller than the Pixel 7. Whereas it is lacking out on sure newer options that require the Tensor G2, it nonetheless has quite a bit to supply for the worth. With the Pixel 6A, you get Google-specific options like Face Unblur, which sharpens a topic’s face in blurry photographs, and Actual Tone, which renders pores and skin tones extra precisely in photographs. Read our Pixel 6A review.

Execs:

• Nice digicam
• Reasonably priced worth
• Premium design for a midtier cellphone
• Among the many first to get new Android updates

Cons:

• Considerably dim show
• Not a fantastic worth alongside discounted Pixel 6
• Not as a few years of assured Android updates as Samsung
• Video high quality is not nearly as good as nonetheless photographs