Google Pixel 7 Professional
Finest worth for a premium Android cellphone
It is 2023 and high quality smartphones are in abundance. Customers have their decide of all kinds of telephones with quick processors, vibrant shows and highly effective cameras. However with so many choices, deciding which one’s best for you is not all the time straightforward. To simplify the choice, we have rounded up our high picks — every cellphone on this checklist meets the necessities for what CNET considers to be the most effective smartphones. From flagship telephones to funds telephones beneath $500 and every part in between, there are many worthwhile choices for everybody.
Each cellphone on this checklist has been completely reviewed and examined, and you will find choices throughout iPhone and Android that match totally different wants.
What’s the finest cellphone for most individuals?
The Apple iPhone 14 and 14 Professional impressed us with wonderful efficiency from their processors and the cameras. However if you happen to aren’t after the most effective iPhone round, you continue to have loads of smartphone selections, together with the Pixel 7 Professional and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely. They each provide every part you could possibly need, from high-end efficiency to very good cameras.
Those that need one thing cheaper ought to think about the $599 Pixel 7, whereas the Galaxy S23 could also be extra appropriate for individuals who desire smaller telephones.
There are a variety of different nice smartphones with eye-catching options, comparable to Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 4, which has a foldable display. These could be fairly costly, but when your money would not stretch that far, fear not. Increasingly reasonably priced telephones, comparable to the brand new Pixel 6A, pack nice specs, high-speed 5G connectivity and more-approachable costs.
A lot of the telephones beneath can be found unlocked and ought to be appropriate with the massive 4 US wi-fi carriers, except in any other case specified. Lots of the finest telephones of 2022 stay out there beneath, however we evaluation and replace this checklist often and can maintain you posted as we take a look at new fashions within the yr forward. For more information, learn our information to assist discover the most effective cellphone on your wants and try our recommendations on how you can purchase a brand new Apple iPhone or Android cellphone and the place to snag the finest cellphone offers.
Finest telephones of 2023
Apple’s iPhone 14 Professional and Professional Max introduce sweeping adjustments just like the Dynamic Island, a brand new 48-megapixel digital camera system and Apple’s new A16 Bionic processor. All of those upgrades come collectively to make for an expertise that feels recent and quick. The upgrades to the principle digital camera permit it to take some really beautiful photographs, making the cellphone a stable choice if you happen to’re into cell pictures.
As Apple’s high cellphone it would not come low-cost — particularly in order for you the bigger Max mannequin — however if you happen to’re on the lookout for the most effective all-round efficiency in an iPhone, then the 14 Professional is the cellphone to get.
Learn our Apple iPhone 14 Professional evaluation.
Whereas the bottom iPhone 14 would not have the identical triple digital camera array or new Dynamic Island notch as its pricier 14 Professional sibling, it nonetheless affords rather a lot to be enthusiastic about and comes with a extra reasonably priced worth. CNET editor Patrick Holland describes it as ” improve for most individuals” due to its stable efficiency, up to date primary digital camera and varied different tweaks together with a extra repairable glass again in case it takes a tumble.
It is not an enormous overhaul from final yr’s fashions, however if you happen to’re available in the market for a brand new iPhone and you do not fancy spending the massive bucks on the Professional sequence, then it is an incredible choice to think about.
Learn our Apple iPhone 14 evaluation.
With its stellar triple digital camera, refined design and spacious 6.7-inch display, there’s rather a lot to like concerning the Pixel 7 Professional. Though it is not very totally different from the earlier Pixel 6 Professional, it should really feel like an enormous 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 pictures. Each the Pixel 7 and seven Professional are getting some new options powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, comparable to the power to sharpen outdated photographs. You may additionally get free entry to Google’s VPN on the Pixel 7 and seven Professional.
At $899, the Pixel 7 Professional is cheaper than each the $1,000 Galaxy S23 Plus and $1,200 Galaxy S23 Extremely at their common beginning costs, making it a stable selection for individuals who need a big display and a very good digital camera for much less.
Learn our Google Pixel 7 Professional evaluation.
The Galaxy S23 is rather a lot, 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 digital camera’s decision (200 megapixels in comparison with 108 megapixels), coloration tones and dynamic vary, whereas retaining the identical edgy design and large 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 keen to pay extra for a large display and a high-quality, versatile digital camera will not be disillusioned. Learn our full evaluation of the Galaxy S23 Extremely.
Android followers on the lookout for a petite cellphone haven’t got a lot to select from. However the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 gives a compelling choice for individuals who need a cellphone that feels compact however nonetheless gives 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 digital camera. However it’s the Galaxy S23’s bigger battery that makes it value recommending. Learn our full evaluation of the Galaxy S23.
The Pixel 7 prices considerably lower than the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 14, however nails the fundamentals extraordinarily effectively for a cellphone of its worth. You may additionally get additional options which are particular to Google telephones, like the power to have the Google Assistant wait on maintain for you.
The Pixel 7 is not very totally different from the Pixel 6, nevertheless it would not have to be. As a substitute, it provides refinements like a more in-depth digital digital camera zoom, a barely upgraded design with a extra outstanding digital camera bar fabricated from metallic and face unlock. The brand new Tensor G2 processor additionally brings some new pictures enhancements, like Photograph Unblur, which sharpens outdated photographs.
Total, the Pixel 7 is a good selection for individuals who need a new Android cellphone with a pretty big display at a worth that is extra reasonably priced than Samsung’s Galaxy S23 household.
Learn our Google Pixel 7 evaluation.
Google not sells the Pixel 6 Professional by its web site, however you possibly can nonetheless discover it by some third-party retailers at a major low cost for now. The Pixel 6 Professional’s distinctive design, nice software program additions, very good digital camera high quality and stable all-around efficiency earned the cellphone a wonderful score when CNET reviewed it in 2021. It is greater than a yr outdated, however a lot of our preliminary impressions nonetheless maintain true. All advised, it is a worthwhile selection for individuals who need a spacious display and a top-notch digital camera on a funds.
Learn our Google Pixel 6 Professional evaluation.
Whereas Apple’s new iPhone 14 and 14 Professional is perhaps the extra thrilling choices with their upgraded cameras and the Professional’s new Dynamic Island notch, Apple continues to be promoting the bottom iPhone 13.
The usual iPhone 13 is a dependable selection for most individuals, sporting a 6.1-inch display and two wonderful rear cameras. We liked the iPhone 13’s stability of energy, digital camera efficiency and worth and whereas it is not an enormous sum of money saved over the bottom iPhone 14, if you happen to’re on the lookout for a brand new handset and attempting to maintain your prices down it could possibly be cash effectively saved.
Learn our Apple iPhone 13 evaluation.
The $700 OnePlus 11 is a robust cellphone that is effectively outfitted to deal with gaming, video streaming and different frequent duties. In typical OnePlus vogue, this cellphone can also be cheaper than the $800 Galaxy S23 and $900 Pixel 7 Professional. The cameras aren’t the most effective, however they’re nice for informal photographers that simply need to seize their subsequent trip or an evening out. What units the OnePlus 11 other than a lot 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 good for individuals who need a highly effective cellphone that costs rapidly and will not break the financial institution. Learn our full evaluation of the OnePlus 11.
Apple’s 2022 iPhone SE could not have the unbelievable a number of cameras of the top-end iPhone 13 Professional, however the iPhone SE has rather a lot to supply if you happen to’re on the lookout for an incredible expertise with out spending flagship ranges of money. It is 5G-enabled, for one, it runs the newest iOS 15 software program and it packs the identical A15 Bionic processor present in Apple’s high telephones. Consequently, efficiency is lightning-fast.
Learn our Apple iPhone SE (2022) evaluation.
The Pixel 6A is Google’s latest midrange cellphone, changing the Pixel 5A because the $449 system in its lineup. CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco known as it the “finest Android cellphone beneath $500” in her Pixel 6A evaluation, noting that it retains the identical Tensor chip seen within the $599 Pixel 6 and plenty of of its options.
The cellphone is barely smaller than the Pixel 6, that includes an 6.1-inch OLED show and a refresh charge of 60Hz. And it has the same digital camera to the Pixel 5A, together with a 12.2-megapixel primary digital camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide digital camera. However by together with the Tensor chip, photographs can profit from its Actual Tone pores and skin tone characteristic, Face Unblur, Night time Sight for darker pictures and the Magic Eraser for eradicating undesirable parts from a photograph.
Samsung’s $1,000 Galaxy Z Flip 4 is essentially the most moveable and enjoyable cellphone CNET’s Patrick Holland reviewed final yr. It inherits the most effective elements of the Z Flip 3, like its pocketable flip phone-inspired design and Flex Mode, which makes it simpler to make use of the cellphone when it is propped open midway. The Z Flip 4 additionally has a brand new picture sensor, which improves picture high quality in comparison with the Flip 3, together with a much bigger battery and newer processor.
These enhancements tackle a number of the Z Flip 3’s largest shortcomings, regardless that Samsung did not give us every part we needed (like a bigger cowl display). However all advised, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a good selection for individuals who need a cellphone that is extra moveable than virtually anything you will discover available on the market.
You might additionally go for the Galaxy Z Flip 3, which Samsung nonetheless sells at a decrease $900 worth. However that is nonetheless rather a lot to spend on a brand new cellphone, so I might advocate spending a little bit additional now that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is roughly a yr and a half outdated. You may as effectively spend money on newer know-how that may last more if doable, particularly if you happen to can rating trade-in deal.
Learn our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 evaluation.
In case you’re somebody who prefers smaller, pocket-friendly units, that is the cellphone for you. The 6.1-inch iPhone 13 Mini is simple to make use of with one hand and even suits into tight jean pockets. Beginning at $699, that is the most affordable mannequin in Apple’s iPhone 13 lineup. Whereas battery life is not so long as on the iPhone 13, this petite Apple iPhone would not sacrifice on digital camera capabilities or processing energy.
At a whopping worth of $2,500, the Sony Xperia Professional is not for everybody. However if you happen to’re a photographer or videographer on the lookout for professional-level digital camera cellphone options, you possibly can’t go improper. The Xperia Professional is actually 4 merchandise in a single: a cellphone, a digital camera monitor, a speedy photograph file switch system, and a 5G machine appropriate for broadcasting and livestreaming.
Learn our Sony Xperia Professional evaluation.
How we take a look at telephones
Each cellphone on this checklist has been completely examined by CNET’s professional evaluations staff. We really use the cellphone, take a look at the options, play video games and take photographs. We assess any advertising guarantees that an organization makes about its telephones. And if we discover one thing we do not like, be it battery life or construct high quality, we let you know all about it.
We look at each side of a cellphone throughout testing:
- Show
- Design and really feel
- Processor efficiency
- Battery life
- Digital camera high quality
- Options
We take a look at all of a cellphone’s cameras (each back and front) in a wide range of situations: From outdoor beneath daylight to dimmer indoor locales and evening time scenes (for any out there evening modes). We additionally examine our findings in opposition to equally priced fashions. We’ve a sequence of actual world battery assessments to see how lengthy a cellphone lasts beneath on a regular basis use.
We keep in mind extra cellphone options like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, quick charging, foldable shows and different helpful extras. And we, in fact, weigh all of our experiences and testing in opposition to the value so you recognize whether or not a cellphone represents good worth or not.
Learn extra: How We Take a look at Telephones
Telephone FAQs
What makes cellphone digital camera?
All of as we speak’s telephones pack some form of digital camera setup on the again, with most packing a number of ones like ultrawides or telephoto zooms. Costlier telephones, just like the iPhone 14 Professional, use bigger picture sensors, better-quality lenses and picture stabilization that permit in additional gentle, capturing detailed pictures with stunning colours — in daylight and at evening. Sometimes, the extra you pay, the higher high quality you will get, with essentially the most superior options being reserved for the most costly flagships.
What’s the finest cellphone case?
There is a huge array of case choices for nearly each cellphone available on the market, so which one is finest actually comes all the way down to what you want it for. Many instances are merely there for the fashion. And whereas these instances will definitely assist maintain gentle scratches and scuffs off your cellphone, you need to look towards extra specialised rugged instances if you wish to take your smartphone on a rough-and-tumble journey into the outside.
How lengthy ought to a cellphone battery final?
Most smartphones — even these on the high finish — ought to be capable of ship a full day of combined use out of a single cost. Meaning you need to have a little bit of juice left on the finish of your day, however you need to anticipate to provide it a full cost whenever you plug it in subsequent to your mattress at evening.
How a lot storage ought to my cellphone have?
Most telephones have a tendency to return with a minimal of 128GB of storage, which is an efficient quantity for apps, video games and regionally saved music. However it’s necessary to consider what you will be doing together with your cellphone. If you wish to obtain and play loads of video games, then think about choosing a higher-capacity model.
What makes a cellphone a smartphone?
Smartphones allow you to do extra than simply make calls; they connect with the web for net shopping, you possibly can obtain apps and video games, they usually sometimes have cameras able to taking — and displaying — photographs and movies. Briefly, they’re simply what we all know of as we speak as a “cellphone,” and every part on this checklist qualifies as a smartphone.