Let’s be honest—smartphones aren’t exactly the most thrilling purchases. Sure, they’re essential for everyday life, but at the end of the day, they’re sleek rectangles we use to text, scroll, watch videos, and take photos. And if you want the latest model with all the bells and whistles, you’ll definitely feel it in your wallet. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best smartphones that deliver real value without breaking the bank.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Smartphones:

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Our top pick
• Google Pixel 9 Pro – Best camera phone
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro – Best iPhone
• Google Pixel 8 – Best mid-range smartphone
• Poco X5 5G – Best budget smartphone
• RedMagic 10 Pro – Best gaming smartphone
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Best foldable phone

Everyone has different needs when it comes to smartphones. Some prioritize photography, others need raw performance for gaming, and many are looking for a great display for streaming movies or shows on the go. That’s why we’ve tested a wide variety of phones across price points and categories to bring you only the best options. Whether you're after the latest flagship or a more affordable device with long-term support, there’s something here for every kind of user.

Contributions by Jacqueline Thomas, Callum Bains, and Danielle Abraham

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best Smartphone

Experience a massive 6.8-inch AMOLED display on a powerhouse of a phone equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, perfect for multitasking, video editing, gaming, and delivering stunning photo quality. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Screen Size: 6.8 inches
• Rear Cameras: 4
• Front Camera: 1
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)
• Battery Life: 5,000mAh
• Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Starting Price: $1,299.99

Pros

• Incredible performance
• Exceptional camera system

Cons

• Titanium build makes the device large and heavy

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the most versatile smartphones available today. As reviewed, it features the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which handles everything from multitasking to mobile gaming with ease. You can run multiple apps simultaneously and even jump away from games without losing progress.

The standout feature is its 6.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1–120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant visuals and smooth motion clarity. The new anti-glare finish enhances outdoor visibility significantly. While the titanium frame adds durability and premium feel, it also makes the phone quite bulky compared to other flagships.

Its stylus-friendly screen is another highlight, especially for those who like to sketch, annotate, or take notes directly on their phone. The S Pen is included, making this an excellent choice for productivity-focused users.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photography Performance

The camera system is nothing short of impressive. It includes a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto. This combination allows for incredible zoom capabilities and detail-rich images. Even the 12MP front-facing camera delivers sharp selfies with natural skin tones and good dynamic range.

While the Galaxy S24 Ultra commands a high price, it offers unparalleled performance and photographic capability, justifying its position as our top recommendation.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Camera Phone

A refined design, superior cameras, a brilliant display, and long-term software support make the Pixel 9 Pro a top contender in the smartphone market. See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy

Product Specifications

• Screen: 6.3-inch OLED, 1280x2856, 495 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Tensor G4
• Rear Camera: 50MP Wide, 48MP Ultrawide, 48MP Telephoto
• Front Camera: 42MP Selfie
• Battery: 4,700mAh
• Weight: