The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

These days, flagship smartphones can cost upwards of a thousand dollars. The good news is that we will assist you in making the appropriate choice and maximizing the value that you receive for your investment.

The most cutting-edge flagship smartphones of today are miniature technical feats. They should be, considering that their prices begin around $800 and can go far over $1,000 in some cases. It is still a significant investment for the majority of us, despite the fact that they typically last upwards of four or five years, which makes the hefty cost a little easier to stomach.

We have chosen just the most best options for you to consider so that you may maximize the return on your investment. The phones that are highlighted here may have a premium purchase price, but they have fantastic day-to-day performance, outstanding cameras, and they will continue to function reliably long into the foreseeable future. But keep in mind that the release of a new crop of flagship phones, along with the trade-in incentives and carrier freebies that accompany them, is probably just around the corner. Those that are really interested in Android might want to hold off and see what the upcoming weeks bring.

You can buy a great decent smartphone for less than $500 if you are trying to spend a bit less money while still getting the best smartphone possible on a budget. You can find such ideas in our guide to low-cost smartphones, which you can check out here.

The best phones of 2023

The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

Apple iPhone 13

The best phones of 2023
Apple has decreased the price of the iPhone 13 to $699 in conjunction with the launch of the iPhone 14. This is the best value for your money in 2022 if you are paying for it outright rather than receiving a discount from a carrier for making a purchase through them.

For anyone who needs a new iPhone but doesn’t want to upgrade to the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 14 looks to be the obvious choice as the device to purchase. But hear me out: the iPhone 13 can do practically everything that the iPhone 14 can do, yet it costs $100 less. If you want the (slight) year-over-year advancements, or if your carrier is offering you a decent trade-in deal or dirt-cheap financing for the 14, then by all means, go ahead and grab that one. It’s wonderful! After the trade-in bargain season is over or when you are paying out of pocket, however, we believe that the basic iPhone 13 is the better buy; the enhancements that come with the iPhone 14 for $799 are so tiny that they are not worth the additional cost.

If you go with the 13, you won’t be giving up anything in terms of the screen size or the CPU speed. The screen on the iPhone 13 is 6.1 inches and has a regular refresh rate; there is no smooth-scrolling ProMotion function on this model. The iPhone 14 also has a 6.1-inch screen. Both phones are equipped with an A15 Bionic processor, and despite the fact that the 14’s has a minor improvement in the form of an additional GPU core, the performance of both phones is outstanding. They are both IP68-rated for a high level of resistance to dust and water and are compatible with the MagSafe standard for wireless charging.

When you upgrade to the 14, you will receive a camera system that is marginally better than the previous model, but the gains are not significant. The ultrawide and front-facing cameras perform better in low light compared to the 13, and the main camera includes a larger sensor that is able to hold on to detail in dim conditions slightly better than the 13. The majority of individuals who view their photographs at sizes that are appropriate for use on the web and social media won’t be able to tell what has been altered because you have to actively search for the differences in the finer details.

WITH OPTING FOR THE 13, YOU DON’T LOSE OUT ON ANYTHING AS FAR AS THE SCREEN OR PROCESSOR IS CONCERNED

Also, you won’t have access to a few crucial safety features. The new Crash Detection feature that comes standard on the 14 makes use of sophisticated sensors to determine whether an automobile accident has taken place and then immediately contacts the appropriate authorities. When you are outside of the range of cellular coverage, you can use the satellite-based emergency messaging service instead. It’s possible that upgrading to get these services is worthwhile for a select few individuals, but the vast majority of us probably don’t need them and can get by without them.

The iPhone 14 and the iPhone 13 have very similar appearances when viewed from the outside. Yet, one should take note of the fact that there are certain physical distinctions. The first difference is that you cannot just use a cover designed for an iPhone 13 with an iPhone 14 due to the larger camera hump on the latter model. In addition, beneath the glass and aluminum surface of the iPhone 14, Apple made various modifications that make it significantly simpler to fix the device’s rear panel. It means the amount of repairs paid for out of pocket will probably be lower, and if you’re the DIY kind, it will be a much less intimidating undertaking to tackle on your own.

This new iteration of the iPhone includes a number of other fascinating new features, but the Pro versions are the only ones that can take advantage of them. It is in your best interest to upgrade to the iPhone Pro if you either consider yourself an early adopter or simply desire the very best iPhone that money can buy right now. The iPhone 13 will serve you just as well as the iPhone 14 if all you need is a dependable device to get you through the day, take beautiful photos and video, and keep the blue-bubble talk a-flowin’. However, the iPhone 14 will cost you a bit more money.

Best Android phone for most people

The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

Best Android phone for most people
The S23 Plus is an Android device that is sure to win over a lot of customers thanks to its impressive camera setup, large 6.6-inch screen, long battery life, and lightning-fast Snapdragon processor.

The S23 Plus is only a moderate improvement over its predecessor, but the improvements that have been made are beneficial. It still has a wide 6.6-inch display with a smooth-scrolling top refresh rate of 120Hz, and it is a gorgeous screen to use. The display does not have a resolution of 1440p like the display on the Google Pixel 7 Pro, but it is still of the highest quality. The battery life of the S23 Plus is superior to that of its predecessor as a result of some improvements made to the display technology and the addition of a larger battery with a capacity of 4,700 mAh. As a result, you will be able to get through an entire day of heavy use with a bit more wiggle room than was available with the previous model.

In addition to that, there is a brand new chipset called the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It is incorporated in every model that is sold anywhere in the world, which is a good thing because it is lightning quick. It has no trouble coping with routine work, and it breezes through more demanding activities like gaming with astonishing ease. Other from that, a majority of the S23 Plus’s features are ones that are already recognizable to users. The price still begins at $999, but the storage capacity of the base model has been increased to 256 gigabytes.

It has no trouble dealing with routine work, and it breezes through more demanding activities like gaming with astonishing ease.

The triple-camera setup in the back is also carried over from the model from the previous year, which is acceptable for the most part. The main sensor, which has a resolution of 50 megapixels, automatically generates images with a resolution of 12 megapixels that are sharp and colorful. Photos taken in portrait mode with either the primary sensor or the three times telephoto lens produce outstanding results, with superb subject isolation. When not in portrait mode, the 3x camera has a far more average appearance. Because it has a shorter focal length than the 5x telephoto on the Pixel 7 Pro, it is not as effective for capturing subjects that are located at great distances.

The out-of-the-box software experience on a Samsung phone is the aspect that we dislike the most. This is because Samsung pre-installs a large number of apps that are similar to or identical to Google’s stock applications, such as Messages, Google Calendar, and Google Assistant. De-Samsunging the S23 Plus will require some effort on your part, unless you are a die-hard supporter of Bixby. The Google Pixel 7 Pro provides users with an experience that is immediately noticeably more simplified. The good news is that the phone will arrive with One UI 5.1 and is scheduled to receive four additional OS platform upgrades as well as five years’ worth of security patches. This ensures that you can continue to use the phone without worry well into the foreseeable future, maximizing the return on your investment.

Best high-end iPhone

The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

iPhone 14 Pro

The iPhone 14 Pro is something of an early adopter special since it ushers in certain new ideas that Apple has been working on. If it’s time for an upgrade and you want all the newest and best features, you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro version of the software.
The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

iPhone 14 Pro Max

The 14 Pro Max has a much larger screen than its smaller sister, the 14 Pro, measuring in at 6.7 inches. Except from that, it is identical to the smaller model in every other respect, including having a main camera with 48 megapixels and the brand new Dynamic Island status indication.

There are a lot of people who own iPhones, and this year is not an upgrade year for them, especially if they are already using a 12 or a 13. But if you really do need a new iPhone right now and you want the very best smartphone, the Pro model is the one you should purchase. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max usher in several new ideas from Apple that the normal iPhone 14 does not get, such as the “Dynamic Island,” a fun mash-up of hardware and software that transforms the notch into a shape-shifting status indicator. The standard iPhone 14 does not get this feature. It is helpful for information about the system, such as whether or not your AirDrop was successful, and its utility is growing as developers of third-party apps begin to include it into their products. In addition to that, it has a brand new camera with a high quality and an always-on display.

The most greatest iPhone that can now be purchased is the iPhone 14 Pro, which has a starting price of $999. Nonetheless, there is a little of a discount for early adopters. There is a lot that is wonderful, but there is also a lot of space for Apple to refine and improve these features over the course of the following years. Consider purchasing an iPhone 13 from a previous generation if you are unable or unable to shell out one thousand dollars for the prototype of a brand-new design. The iPhone 14 is an incremental increase over the iPhone 13, and purchasing it won’t gain you that much more; the 13 is still available, and its price starts at $699. Although this is our recommendation for the majority of customers, the 14 Pro does have a lot to provide.

There are a number of things that are great, but there is also a lot of space for Apple to tweak and improve these features.

The display on the 14 Pro measures 6.1 inches, while the display on the Pro Max measures 6.7 inches. Both of these panels are ProMotion displays, just like the 13 models, and they have variable refresh rates that can go up to 120Hz to ensure that scrolling and animations run smoothly. An always-on display is a feature that is brand new to this generation of smartphones. When you lock your phone, the screen fades to the background and enters a low-power mode, with frame rates as low as 1Hz. Nonetheless, the clock, widgets, and wallpaper all remain visible. This allows you to view information such as the current time or whether you have any notifications without having to wake the display.

The display also comes with another new feature, which is called Dynamic Island. Apple transformed the notch, the section of the screen that houses the front-facing camera and Face ID sensors, into a pill-shaped cutout that gives the appearance of expanding dynamically (get it?) to reveal system indicators and notifications. The notch is located in the top-right corner of the screen. It is a convenient location from where you can quickly view what your phone is doing, such as playing back music, uploading files via AirDrop, or utilizing navigation software. It’s lovely, but it’s something that Apple and other third-party developers will keep making more useful over the next few years — it’s absolutely not something you should upgrade for right now.

The 14 Pro also features a brand new main camera with a resolution of 48 megapixels. This camera employs pixel binning to increase its light sensitivity and create photos with a resolution of 12 megapixels. The improvements in the real world are slight, with more fine detail in shadows and in low light; however, the differences between the regular 12-megapixel sensor in the iPhone 14 and the new sensor are difficult to discern unless you look particularly closely. In addition, the higher-resolution sensor makes it possible to use a 2x telephoto mode, which is essentially a crop of 12 megapixels taken from the middle of the sensor. It is the new default perspective for portrait mode, and it is a view that feels like a good medium between the wide and 3x telephoto views that have been the sole possibilities on iPhones in the past. In other words, it is the perfect view for taking portraits.

Aside from the fresh information, there is a lot of information that is already known. The battery on the phone can last through a typical day of use, despite the fact that it seems to drain a little more quickly than the battery on the 13 Pro. Even if the camera isn’t quite the breakthrough in photography that Apple promises it is, it’s still one of the best on the market, and it can shoot videos that are absolutely amazing. In addition, the brand new A16 Bionic chipset has no trouble coping with labor-intensive activities such as gaming.

Best high-end Android phone

The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best high-end Android phone
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a huge 6.8-inch screen, built-in S Pen stylus, two telephoto cameras, and a top-notch Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It’s pricey, but there’s nothing else quite like it on the market.

The S23 Ultra is Samsung’s top-of-the-line model, which includes everything. A built-in stylus, four back cameras (including two telephotos), a gigantic 6.8-inch screen, and the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset are just some of the features that make this experience as comprehensive as possible. It is difficult to conceive of what you might possibly pack into this apparatus without transforming it into a foldable one (please turn it into a foldable, Samsung).

Due to the high starting price of $1,200 and the fact that it has a lot of expensive technology, we do not recommend it to anyone who is just searching for a good Android phone. But if you want the absolute best of the best, this one should be at the very top of your list – especially if you live in the United States, where the number of options is more limited. The camera system is really great; the portrait mode produces outstanding photos, and it can take very fine pictures all the way up to 30 times the original size. At the center of the camera array on the back of the device is a brand-new main camera sensor that has a resolution of 200 megapixels. This sensor does an excellent job of bringing out fine details in both well-lit and dimly-lit environments.

The portrait mode produces outstanding photographs, and the camera can take extremely good pictures all the way up to a 30x optical zoom.

Even though the built-in S Pen hasn’t been improved or upgraded for the year 2023, it’s still a handy thing to have on hand in case you need to make a hurried note of something. This enormous panel has a variable refresh rate that ranges all the way from 1Hz all the way up to 120Hz, so the details are crisp and scrolling is fluid. It is powered by a sizable 5,000mAh battery, which allows it to last through a day of intensive use; nevertheless, you shouldn’t expect on getting much more than a day out of it.

Our typical complaints about Samsung’s software are present here as well, and if anything, they are a little more obvious on a phone that costs as much as this one does. During the setup process, the phone will gladly download a number of additional applications that you will most likely not want. But, you have the option to opt out of downloading a sizeable portion of these applications and can conceal the majority of the ones that you cannot remove. You will receive four OS platform upgrades and five years of security updates if you purchase a phone from Samsung that costs $1,200. This is because Samsung has a robust software support program. Although it’s not quite as amazing as Apple, it’s definitely up there with the top Android apps.

Best small smartphone

The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

Asus Zenfone 9

The display of the Zenfone 9 is just 5.9 inches, which is on the smaller side for a smartphone, but it does have an innovative camera stabilization mechanism that simulates the effect of using a gimbal to smooth out motion.
The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

Apple iPhone 13 Mini

The iPhone 13 Mini is identical to its larger brothers in terms of capabilities and cameras; the only difference is that it comes in a more compact size. It shares the same A15 Bionic chip as the other iPhone 13 models, in addition to having a display that is 5.4 inches in size, 128 gigabytes of storage space, and a more compact battery.

You don’t have to make any sacrifices when it comes to the iPhone 13 Mini’s performance, build quality, or cameras because it is one of the very few compact phones on the market with top-tier features and specifications. Instead of releasing a new Mini alongside the 14 series, Apple went with a bigger-and-bigger strategy, releasing the 14 with a display of 6.1 inches and the 14 Plus with a display of 6.7 inches. You probably won’t have another chance at a compact iPhone with a lot of features, so you should grab the 13 Mini while you still can.

Even though it is much smaller in size than pretty much every other modern smartphone, the screen on the Mini’s 5.4-inch display is still large enough for text messaging, email, web browsing, app video and game play, and if you are coming from an iPhone 6, 7, or 8, it will feel quite spacious to you. Yet, it is still compact enough that the majority of adults, even those with smaller than average hands, will be able to easily reach the entirety of the display with their thumb. On this particular issue, a PopSocket is not required.

There is no need to use a PopSocket for this one.

There is a significant drawback associated with using a smaller phone, and that is the fact that the iPhone 13 Mini has a more compact battery that most likely will not allow a power user to go a whole day without needing to be recharged. It is intended more for people who do not spend their entire day hooked to their smartphones. Except from that, the iPhone 13 Mini is identical to the iPhone 13 in every other respect: it has the same design, processor, cameras, support for 5G, and build quality as the larger model. Simply put, it is more compact, and the price tag reflects this by being approximately $100 lower.

The Asus Zenfone 9 is a wonderful alternative to consider if Android is your operating system of choice. It has a 5.9-inch screen, making it slightly larger than the 13 Mini, and it is not compatible with Verizon, but other than that, it offers a very similar proposition to the 13 Mini. It has excellent build quality, a top-tier processor, and high-end features such as a 120Hz screen, all of which are packed into a device that is pocketable.

The best phone under $500

The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

Google Pixel 6A

The best phone under $500
The Google Pixel 6A has a screen size of 6.1 inches, which is considered to be on the smaller end for an OLED display, but it has exceptional performance and a long battery life.

The Pixel 6A adheres to the same formula that Google has employed for years with its budget phones, which is to provide core Google functionality in a device that is minimal and includes only the essentials. In other years, this would have meant receiving the same camera system as the company’s flagship model. With the 6A, there was a little adjustment made to the recipe. You will now receive an older camera system in addition to the unique Tensor chipset that is included with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Even though it does not have the most recent hardware, the Pixel 6A still has one of the best cameras compared to other devices in its price range. This recipe for success makes the Pixel 6A an excellent all-around budget device. And despite the fact that its processor is one generation older than the processors found in the very newest Pixel phones, you won’t be losing out on many many new features, and its performance will still blow your mind.

The Google Pixel 6A has a screen with a resolution of 1080p and a standard refresh rate of 60Hz. This was one area in which Google had to make concessions in order to achieve the desired pricing point. Screens on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Pro have a quicker refresh rate, and you can even find some inexpensive phones, like the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, that have screens with faster refresh rates. If you’re coming from a phone with a screen that has a high refresh rate, then you’ll miss this feature, but if the display on your current phone is just a regular old 60Hz one, then you don’t need to worry about it at all. There is also no support for wireless charging, and it has an IP67 rating, which means that its resistance to water is not quite as strong as that of the Pixel 6.

It’s true that the 6A is lacking in a few niceties, but it excels in the areas that really matter.

The cameras are a step behind Google’s most recent flagships, but the stabilized main 12-megapixel camera and the 12-megapixel ultrawide camera are still quite capable, especially when compared to the other cameras in the class of midrange smartphones. Tensor enables some fascinating software capabilities, such as Face Unblur, which uses information from both rear cameras to keep human photo subjects looking clear even in low lighting conditions. Google’s image processing is very sophisticated, and Tensor enables these functions.

First and foremost, Tensor brings the day-to-day performance of the Pixel 6A up to the same level as that of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. The phone will continue to receive safety upgrades until July 2027, so it should remain functional for a considerable amount of time. Although the 6A does not include certain enticing extras, it excels in the areas that truly matter.

Best flip phone

The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

Best flip phone
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 has a foldable inner screen that is now more durable than previous versions. The traditional flip phone has been given a wacky, up-to-date makeover with this device.

As you open up the Galaxy Z Flip 4, you are presented with a large screen that measures 6.7 inches and behaves exactly like the slab-style smartphones you are accustomed to using. Nevertheless, if you fold it in half like the flip phones of yesteryear, you can utilize the phone’s outside screen to view basic widgets and receive notifications. This is how flip phones worked. It’s not what you’d call traditional, but it is entertaining and even a little bit chic. It’s still early days for this form factor, so it’s a wonderful choice if you’re feeling a little bit experimental and you’d appreciate a method to quickly check information on your phone without having to completely engage with it. It’s still early days for this form factor, so it’s a terrific choice.

The Flip 4 is the very definition of an incremental upgrade; nevertheless, when you consider that it’s a phone that folds in half, it’s still a fairly astounding achievement in and of itself. It has the same overall dimensions as the Flip 3, with the exception of a hinge that is slightly more svelte and some corners that have been rounded off. It still has a water resistance rating of IPX8 (there is no dust resistance, so please don’t take it to the beach), and the cover screen is still only 1.9 inches in size. This means that it is large enough to read the subject line of an email or check the current weather, but it is not large enough to do much more than that.

The Flip 4 is definitely entertaining, in addition to being distinctive.

The inside screen is shielded by ultrathin glass that is more durable than that of the Flip 3. The screen protector, which cannot be removed by the user and was also present on the earlier model, is still in place, although the glue that holds it in place has been improved for this iteration. This will presumably prevent the bubbling problem that was experienced by certain owners of foldables from prior generations.

The cameras on the Flip 4 are, for the most part, indistinguishable from those found on the Flip 3, and they continue to lag somewhat behind what one would anticipate from a flagship smartphone. There is a primary camera with 12 megapixels that has slightly larger pixels than the previous one, an ultrawide camera with 12 megapixels, and a front-facing camera with 10 megapixels. The Z Flip 4 is one of the few smartphones that does not include a telephoto lens of some kind despite having a price tag of $999. In spite of this, using the phone’s L-shaped Flex mode to take pictures and shoot videos is a lot of fun. (Just try to think of another phone that comes with its own kickstand already integrated into the design.)

There is nothing about the Flip 4 that makes it worthwhile to upgrade to if you already possess a Flip 3. In point of fact, quite a few of the brand-new software-based features that were unveiled in conjunction with the 4 are already making their way to the 3. And there are still a lot of ways Samsung might enhance its design, such as making it more robust, making it thinner, and expanding the size of the cover screen. The Flip 4 improves upon its predecessor, the Flip 3, by incorporating a number of helpful new features and enhancements that give the impression of a more finished and less experimental product. In spite of the fact that the Flip series will almost certainly undergo major development in the not-too-distant future, the game is still indisputably entertaining and original right now.

Best folding phone

The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Best folding phone
The Fold 4 is a multitasking powerhouse that can be used in tablet mode or as your primary smartphone for driving and other day-to-day activities. This is a gadget for people who like gadgets, and the price tag reflects that.

The Samsung Fold 4 is the company’s most recent folding smartphone, and it is an expensive multitasking powerhouse. It combines a smartphone and a tablet into a single gadget. It unfolds to expose a display that is the size of a tablet on the inside, measuring 7.6 inches, similar to the Fold 3 that came before it. But, the device is small like a smartphone and can fit in your pocket.

Because of this screen on the inside, activities such as reading books, surfing the online, watching films, and playing games are all enhanced in terms of their enjoyment and immersion. After you have finished using it, simply fold it back up and put it in your pocket like you would any other phone. You can perform easier chores on the 6.2-inch outside screen just as you would on a slab-style smartphone, but the larger screen is there for you to utilize whenever you require it. The Fold 4 is clearly a device that appeals most to people who are obsessed with technology and want to squeeze every last drop of usefulness out of their mobile device, regardless of how much it costs.

The screen on the outside of the Fold 4 behaves and appears exactly the same as the screens on other slab-style smartphones, but when you open up the gadget, you’ll see something very different. To begin, there is a screen protector that cannot be removed by the user that has been attached to the inner display in order to protect against scratches. This is because the ultrathin glass that allows it to fold is easily broken if the protector is not present. The entire system has been given an IPX8 rating, which indicates that it provides a high level of resistance to water but none to dust. It is not advisable to bring a folding phone to the beach.

It’s not just a neat gizmo that sits in your living room collecting dust; it’s a technology that you could actually use as your primary mode of transportation.

The Fold 4’s software offers a variety of options for making the most of its large display, allowing users to get the most out of the device overall. New multitasking interface choices make it simple to launch applications in many windows at once or to use the device in an L-shape, similar to a laptop. These options are available on both iOS and Android. As the Fold 3 is already getting these features, there is no need for anyone with a previous-generation folding phone to rush out and buy the Fold 3 just so they can take advantage of the software enhancements.

The Galaxy Fold 4 is packed to the gills with a multitude of cameras, one of which is a telephoto lens with a 3x magnification, an improvement from the previous model’s 2x zoom. There is also a conventional wide and ultrawide camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels located on the rear panel. Moreover, there is a 10-megapixel camera located on the front of the device, as well as a 4-megapixel camera located underneath the display. The image quality is comparable to that of the S23 and the S23 Plus, and it features an improved portrait mode. Nevertheless, the S23 Ultra does not fold in half and does not come with a more capable camera setup than its substantially more affordable sibling, the S23 Ultra.

The early hardware issues experienced by the first Fold phones in the series have been ironed out in the Fold 4, making it a device that you could truly use as your daily driver as opposed to simply being a cool item that is kept at home. Although the improvements made over the Fold 3 are rather insignificant, such as slightly wider aspect ratios on the screens and improved adhesive on the inner screen protector that cannot be replaced by the user, they do bring the Fold a little bit closer to the mainstream. With all due respect to the second-rate Microsoft Surface Duo 2, there is simply nothing else on the market that compares to it, that is, if you are ready to pay the extremely high premium of $1,800.

Flagship performance at a little reduced cost

The greatest available smartphone to purchase right now

OnePlus 11 5G

Flagship performance at a little reduced cost
The OnePlus 11 is missing a few essential features, the most notable of which are strong water resistance and wireless charging. But, considering its comparatively modest price, its large screen measuring 6.7 inches, superb performance, and lightning-fast cable charging are all highly enticing.

Following a short period of time spent on introspection, OnePlus has at long last returned to its core competency, which is the production of phones that are close to being considered flagship models but are sold at prices lower than those of high-end handsets manufactured by Samsung and Google. The OnePlus 11 can be purchased for $699 and comes with a brilliant Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, an excellent 6.7-inch screen, and a wonderful software support policy that includes four OS upgrades and five years of security updates. The screen is excellent. Simply taking that into consideration makes it a highly competitive choice.

Yet, in order to offer their products at such a competitively cheap price, OnePlus had to cut a few corners. It has a splash resistance rating of IP64, which is less durable than the IP68 designation that the majority of gadgets in this price bracket have, which indicates that they are able to tolerate being completely submerged in water. Another feature that practically every other smartphone priced at more than $500 contains is wireless charging, although this one does not. Instead, you have access to lightning-fast wired charging, which is rated at 80W in the United States and 100W everywhere else. It will take less than half an hour for the phone to fully charge with that amount of power. The charger and cable that came with the gadget are the only ones that can be used, and unfortunately, they do not provide the same transfer rates as other devices. Well, hey! Within the packaging, you’ll find a charger.

There is no support for wireless charging, a feature that is available on practically all other smartphones priced at or above $500.

That is really unfortunate news. Returning to the good news: the OnePlus 11 works on all three of the most important 5G networks in the United States right out of the box, whereas previous devices arrived with limited support for 5G when they were first released. After a brief absence on the OnePlus 10T, the three-stage alert slider that is so beloved by OnePlus fans has returned. Moreover, a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz makes the 1440p OLED display smooth to browse around while delivering outstanding detail. The quality of this screen far exceeds what you pay for it.

The OnePlus 11 is an amazing performer for its price point, which is significantly lower than what you would normally pay for a phone equipped with the latest and greatest flagship processor. If you are not bothered about the lack of waterproofing and can live without the ability to charge wirelessly, then you will discover that this is an excellent price for you.

Additional quality mobile devices

There are a few other gadgets that did not quite make the cut for any of the categories mentioned above but are nonetheless deserving of a mention because of their significance. The Samsung S23 Plus narrowly defeated the Google Pixel 7 Pro to get our recommendation as the top Android phone that is suitable for the majority of users. It is still a fantastic piece of hardware, and the price tag of $899 is very appealing (and often marked down). Its out-of-the-box software is superior to that of Samsung, and its camera system is sometimes superior to that of the S23 Plus, particularly due to the fact that it has a longer 5x telephoto lens. Yet, despite the fact that its proprietary Tensor G2 chipset is powerful, it is unknown how well it will perform over time.

  • Owners of the Pixel 6 and 7 have also reported a significant number of software defects in addition to odd hardware issues. It would appear that Google is acting responsibly by fixing phones that are still covered under warranty, and the frequent software upgrades for the Pixel series ensure that any faults are often addressed in a timely way. On the other hand, Samsung seems to have the S23 Plus pretty much under control with cruise control.
  • If you are an iOS user who also enjoys having a larger phone, you should give some thought to purchasing the iPhone 14 Plus. If the 14 Pro seems like too much computer for your needs but you still want a large screen and a large battery, the 14 Plus is a decent option to consider. It is more expensive than the Pro Max, which is priced at $1,099, although it is still less expensive than that. Yet, just like the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus has a relatively limited number of noticeable improvements over the iPhone 13 and does not exactly lend itself to a general recommendation.
  • In a market that is dominated by devices with enormous displays, the Samsung Galaxy S23 manages to distinguish out by being exceptionally compact. The Galaxy S23 is your best (maybe only?) option for flagship specifications in a reasonably sized phone. Its display measures 6.1 inches, making it slightly larger than the screen on the Asus Zenfone 9, which measures 5.9 inches. However, when compared to the 6.6-inch-plus screens that are much more common in this category, the Galaxy S23 is slightly smaller.

Editor at KEWIKI

Hello, my name is Zephyrine. I am a writer with a passion for storytelling and a love for the written word. I have always been fascinated by the power of words to transport us to different places, to make us feel different emotions, and to connect us with others. I strive to create stories that are both thought-provoking and entertaining, that challenge readers to think in new ways and that leave a lasting impression. I believe that good writing has the power to change the world, and I am honored to be a part of that tradition.

Writer at KEWIKI

Azura Ali, a writer who is dedicated to exploring the complexities of the human experience through my work. I believe that writing is not just about putting words on a page, but about exploring the human condition in all its forms and complexities. I strive to create stories that are both honest and authentic, that reveal the beauty and complexity of the human experience in all its forms. I believe that writing has the power to connect us with others, to bring us closer together, and to help us understand ourselves and the world around us.

Lyna Patel, writer and avid reader with a love for exploring the human experience through my writing. I believe that writing is not just about putting words on a page, it's about capturing the essence of what it means to be human. I strive to create stories that are both honest and authentic, that reveal the beauty and complexity of the human experience in all its forms. I believe that writing has the power to connect us with others, to bring us closer together, and to help us understand ourselves and the world around us.

Zareen Khan, a writer who is dedicated to creating innovative and thought-provoking work that pushes the boundaries of the written word. I believe that writing is not just about expressing oneself, but about challenging the status quo and pushing the limits of what's possible. I strive to create stories that are both unique and meaningful, that challenge readers to think differently and to question their assumptions. I believe that writing has the power to change the world, and I am honored to be a part of that tradition.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the KEWIKI crew. We spotlight services and products you may discover fascinating. If you happen to purchase them, we could get a small share of the income from the sale from our companions. We could obtain merchandise freed from cost from producers to test. This doesn't drive our resolution as to whether a product is featured or beneficial. We function independently from our promoting group. We welcome your suggestions. Please e-mail us at [email protected] 

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