Best smartphone 2023: Apple and Android phones reviewed

If you’re in the market for a mobile upgrade, this is the list you’re looking for. From big-screen Androids to the latest iPhone flagship, we’ve reviewed the best smartphone options you can buy. And to help you pick which is the right fit for your pocket, we’ve ranked our favourites below.

To test the best smartphone options, our team takes every model out into the real world. That means binge-watching on the bus to measure battery life, snapping all day to bag an album of camera samples, and maxing out the graphics on Genshin Impact to assess processing power. After putting each contender through its paces, we highlight the winning handsets in this guide.

If you’re shopping specifically for the best Android smartphone, we’ve got a separate feature covering exactly that. We’ve also rounded up the best budget phones, the best mid-range mobiles, and our guide to the best small phones.

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What’s the best smartphone?

We think the best smartphone you can buy is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (buy now). Superlative in every respect, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the complete smartphone package. Design, display, performance, cameras: if you’re willing to pay, this is the best smartphone you can buy right now.

Other best smartphone recommendations

Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra not right for you? Here are four of the other best smartphones we’d recommend:

The best smartphones you can buy today:

1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specs
Screen	6.8in, 3088×1440 AMOLED, 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM	8/12GB
Storage	256GB/512GB/1TB
Software	Android 13 with OneUI
Cameras	200+12+10+10MP (rear), 12MP (front)
Battery	5000mAh
Dimensions	163×78×8.9mm, 234g

If you’re shopping for the ultimate smartphone experience in 2023, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is top of the tree. Superlative in every respect, it exceeded all expectations in testing. Clad in Gorilla Glass Victus 2, it feels equal parts premium and rugged in the hand. Its sizeable 6.8in AMOLED display is sublime on the eyes, while the bundled S Pen stylus is more responsive than ever.

Performance is peerless, courtesy of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU running at higher speeds than any rival. The Ultra simply whizzes through almost every app, task and game. The top-spec S23 also has many camera highlights to summarise: from zoom clarity to colour reproduction, it’s 200MP main sensor and trio of secondary lenses are sublime. Yes, you’ll pay handsomely for the privilege of squeezing an S23 Ultra into your pocket. But if you’re willing to do so, your reward will be the best overall smartphone you can buy right now.

• Read more: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review

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2. Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Apple iPhone 14 Pro specs
Screen	6.1in, 2556×1179 OLED, 120Hz
Processor	A16 Bionic
RAM	6GB
Storage	128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Software	iOS 16
Cameras	48+12+12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
Battery	3200mAh
Dimensions	147.5×71.5×7.85mm, 206g

At first glance, the latest iPhone doesn’t change anything. Upon closer inspection, it changes one: the notch. Now a pill-shaped cutout called Dynamic Island, the UI adapts around it to show app-specific shortcuts. Unless an app doesn’t support it, then it remains a black blob.

Otherwise, the Pro is an evolutionary iteration. You still get a wide, ultra-wide and telephoto trio of cameras, but the rear flash is brighter, macro zoom is boosted to 2x optical and the main sensor has leapt to 48MP. Stills feel detailed and alive, while low-light shots are now even better. Up front, selfies are sharper, while the vivid 6.1in display is brighter at 2000 nits. It can also be set to always-on, showing a dim version of your lock screen.

As a package, the iPhone 14 Pro is brilliant. With A16 Bionic silicon running the show, nothing fazes it. Add an industry-leading display and impressive camera revamp and you’ve got a top smartphone. But if you’re upgrading from an iPhone 13 Pro, you might want to wait another generation.

• Read more: iPhone 14 Pro Max review

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3. Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel 7 Pro specs
Screen	6.7in, 3120×1440 OLED, 120Hz
Processor	Google Tensor G2
RAM	12GB
Storage	128/256/512GB
Software	Android 13
Cameras	50+12+48MP (rear), 10.8MP (front)
Battery	5000mAh
Dimensions	162.9×76.6×8.9mm, 212g

A relatively minor upgrade from its predecessor, the Pixel 7 Pro is a worthy Google flagship. It matches the outgoing model on price, while streamlining the design, adding a speedier CPU and doubling down on camera capabilities.

Slimmed by a few millimetres, it remains a sizeable handset. Like the 6 Pro, its display is a 6.7in AMOLED number, but peak brightness has been boosted to a huge 1500 nits. That makes the viewing experience even more vibrant, even if you can’t force adaptive refresh rates to stay at 120Hz.

The 50MP main sensor is unchanged, but the telephoto now has 5x optical zoom and 30x digital, while a new autofocus setup lets the ultra-wide work as a macro snapper. Image quality is superb, with wide dynamic range and satisfying detail. Night Sight is faster and sharper, too.

Tweaked for Gen two, its Tensor chip isn’t the last word in mobile muscle, but it matches other flagships for seamless multi-tasking. It’s also more energy efficient, squeezing a full day of use from the 5000mAh cell.

• Read more: Google Pixel 7 Pro review

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4. OnePlus 11

OnePlus 11 specs
Screen	6.7in, 3216×1440 AMOLED, 120Hz
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM	8/12GB
Storage	128/256/512GB
Software	Android 13 with OxygenOS
Cameras	50+48+16MP (rear), 16MP (front)
Battery	5000mAh
Dimensions	163×74×8.5mm, 205g

Delivering killer specs at a competitive price point, the OnePlus 11 hits a home run. Its all-screen frontage fits the modern mould, complemented by a tactile matte back. The display itself is simply brilliant, with dynamic refresh rates ranging from 1 to 120Hz.

A trademark alert slider marks it out as a OnePlus handset, while Hasselblad branding on the distinctive circular camera bump hints at enhanced shooting modes. Results are great in most conditions, with Pro and 12-bit RAW+ options offering useful flexibility for serious snappers and low-light seeing an improvement from last year.

Performance is predictably superb, while battery life proved impressively frugal throughout our testing. When the 5000mAh cell did run empty, 100W SuperVooc refuelling had it back to full in just over half an hour. If you’re after a flagship bargain, the OnePlus 11 comfortably undercuts every major rival.

• Read more: OnePlus 11 review

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5. Nothing Phone 2

Nothing Phone 2 specs
Screen	6.7in, 2410×1080 OLED, 120Hz
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
RAM	8/12GB
Storage	128GB/256GB/512GB
Software	Android 13
Cameras	50MP+50MP (rear), 32MP (front)
Battery	4700mAh
Dimensions	162x76x8.6mm, 201g

Nothing has taken everything we loved about its debut smartphone effort and turned things up a notch. The glyph interface? It’s smarter now, with more LEDs that better represent countdown timers, incoming notifications and even how long until your Uber driver will turn up. The transparent design? It’s slicker, with slightly curved rear glass that better sits in your hand and a larger 6.7in screen.

Performance is very respectable for a mid-range phone, using last year’s flagship chip, and while the camera hardware hasn’t changed significantly, there are still image quality gains in both daylight and nighttime settings. It’s the NothingOS 2.0 that stands out the most, though: it’s a fantastic spin on Android with consistent styling that puts widgets front and centre. For the money, it’s a very tempting alternative to a Pixel 7 Pro or OnePlus 11.

• Read more: Nothing Phone 2 review

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6. Apple iPhone 13 Mini

Apple iPhone 13 Mini specs
Screen	5.4in, 2340×1080 OLED, 60Hz
Processor	A15 Bionic
RAM	4GB
Storage	128/256/512GB
Software	iOS 16
Cameras	12+12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
Battery	2406mAh
Dimensions	131.5×64.2×7.65mm, 141g

Two years after its launch, the iPhone 13 Mini is the best small smartphone you can buy in 2023. A compact model with very few comprises, it’s a pocketable handset with full-fat performance. And with no successor in the iPhone 14 line-up, it looks like the last palm-friendly iPhone for a while.

Physically smaller than the iPhone SE (2022), it maximises the real estate with a frame-filling 5.4in OLED that’s rich, sharp and bright. Its 12MP main camera delivers impressive results, aided by optical image stabilisation. And while screen refresh rates are capped at 60Hz, an A15 Bionic processor – the same chip found inside the iPhone 14 – means iOS 15 runs snappily.

Battery life is one of the few trade-offs, although it still outperformed the standard iPhone 12 in testing. And at its new lower price, the iPhone 13 Mini cements its status as the top smartphone with smaller proportions.

• Read more: Apple iPhone 13 Mini review

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7. Google Pixel 7a

Google Pixel 7a specs
Screen	6.1in, 1080×2400 OLED, 60Hz
Processor	Google Tensor G2
RAM	8GB
Storage	128GB
Software	Android 13
Cameras	64+13MP (rear), 13MP (front)
Battery	4385mAh
Dimensions	152x73x9mm, 193g

We’ve long been fans of Google’s affordable phones, and the Pixel 7a only continues that record. While not quite as wallet-friendly as its predecessor, this is still as well-rounded a phone and as streamlined an Android experience as you’ll get for the cash. There’s none of the Nothing Phone 1’s snazzy lighting, but the composite shell does a stellar impression of the glass used by its premium cousins. You’re also getting pure Android 13, which the 7a’s Tensor G2 CPU runs without a stutter.

Where the Pixel 67 really excels is in the shooting stakes. With powerful algorithms in its arsenal, almost every image it captures is balanced, noise-free and packed with detail. There’s no telephoto, but autofocus is rapid, while the combination of high pixel count main camera and Night Sight smarts pull true-to-life stills from tricky late-night scenes.

The addition of luxuries like wireless charging and a 90Hz refresh rate, missing on the outgoing Pixel 6a, mean you’ll struggle to find a better all-round Android experience for less.

• Read more: Google Pixel 7a review

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8. Sony Xperia 1 V

Sony Xperia 1 V specs
Screen	6.5in, 1644×3840 OLED, 120Hz
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM	12GB
Storage	256GB
Software	Android 12
Cameras	12+12+12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
Battery	5000mAh
Dimensions	165x71x8.3mm, 185g

The Xperia 1 V isn’t a mainstream mobile, and Sony’s fine with that. It’s a phenomenally capable Android handset, with exceptional performance, a cinematic 4K display and day-long battery life. And it’s packaged in the smartphone equivalent of a sharp business suit. But it has a very clear target market: photographers.

Rapid burst shooting, extensive manual options and stellar image quality make it a serious tool for skilled snappers. Daylight results had exceptional clarity in testing, while images remained sharp, balanced and largely free from noise in low light thanks to an all-new main sensor that relies on pixel-binning cleverness and a new auto Night mode. The 1 V also retains the continuous optical zoom lens of its predecessor, getting you closer to subjects without digital trickery. Sony’s camera app is comprehensive, while object-tracking autofocus is unnaturally fast.

It’s true that rival devices do more to hold your hand, often for a smaller outlay. But fans with deep pockets won’t be disappointed.

• Read more: Sony Xperia 1 V review

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9. Motorola Moto G82

Motorola Moto G82 specs
Screen	6.6in, 2400×1080 AMOLED, 120Hz
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
RAM	6GB
Storage	128GB (expandable)
Software	Android 12
Cameras	50+8+2MP (rear), 16MP (front)
Battery	5000mAh
Dimensions	160.9x8x74.5mm, 173g

Not everyone wants to spend the best part of a grand on a smartphone. If your budget’s smaller by two thirds, this sub-£300 smartphone is a steal. The Motorola Moto G82 packs an OLED display with 120Hz refresh rates, a generous 5000mAh battery and an optically stabilised 50MP camera. All features you’d expect from handsets costing a chunk more.

Sure, there are some signs of the compromises required to reach its price point. Its plastic build doesn’t break the G-series mould, while the 2MP macro camera is little more than a token addition. The Snapdragon chip inside won’t set any benchmark records, either.

But thanks to Motorola’s minimal take on Android, overall performance is far from shabby. The main sensor also impresses, producing detailed, realistic images, while the packaging is neat and no-nonsense. If you want a mid-tier mobile that nails the basics at a keen price, this is your pick.

• Read more: Motorola Moto G82 review

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10. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 specs
Screen	6.2in, 2316×904 AMOLED w/ 120Hz (outer) 7.6in, 2176×1812 AMOLED w/ 120Hz, S Pen support (inner)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM	12/16GB
Storage	256GB/512GB/1TB
Software	Android 13 w/ OneUI
Cameras	50MP + 12MP + 10MP (rear), 10MP (cover), 4MP (inner)
Battery	4400mAh
Dimensions	155x130x6.1mm (unfolded), 155x67x13.4mm (folded), 253g

It’ll leave a bend in your bank balance, but Samsung’s top-spec foldable sets the benchmark for folding smartphones. As sturdy and stylish as you’d expect for the price, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is heftier than a normal handset when folded, but easier to handle than its predecessor.

Last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 was already a peach of a foldable phone, with just a few rough edges – edges Samsung has smoothed off to great effect here. Deleting the gap means the Z Fold 5 now delivers. on design as well as performance and software. The tall and thin outer screen may still be a sticking point for some, though.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is zippy in the extreme. Top-tier shooting skills are inherited from the Galaxy S23, too. The main sensor produces consistently detailed stills in almost all scenarios, while the telephoto snapper zooms with impressive clarity.

With colourful OLED tech and 120Hz adaptive refresh rates, the outer panel is as good as you’ll find on any flagship phone. Yet it’s the lesser of the two: the 7.6in screen inside is bright, smooth and vibrant, offering acres of space for scribbling with the S Pen. We just wish there was somewhere to stash the stylus. Perhaps inside that empty wallet.

• Read more: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 review

Want more folding phone suggestions? Check out Stuff’s guide to the best folding smartphones.

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How to choose the best smartphone for you

In order to buy the best smartphone for your needs, there are several important factors to consider. Luckily, Stuff’s smartphone experts are here to help you compare options and make a final decision.

The first big decision you’ll have to make is choosing between Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android operating systems. Both have their own interface, features, and app ecosystem, so if you have a preference or existing devices with potential compatibility issues, then it’s best to stick with what you’re already familiar with.

One of the next things you’ll need to do is set a budget. Smartphones vary widely in price, from as little as $300/£200 to over $1200/£1000. Once you’ve decided on a budget you’ll be able to narrow down potential candidates from our best cheap phone guide, best mid-range smartphone guide, and the best premium phones (this guide).

Once you’ve decided on an operating system and budget, then it’s time to consider things like size, resolution, and quality of the display. If you prefer a more compact phone then you can read Stuff’s guide to the best small phones, or you might prefer a bigger screen which is better for watching videos and reading.

The performance of your smartphone will largely depend on much you spend, but you should look for a phone with a decent amount of processing power, RAM, and storage capacity (of course, we’ll help you avoid any underpowered phones). This ensures smooth multitasking, and fast app loading.

On a similar note, check the battery capacity and read about the battery life tests in our phone reviews to assess how long the phone typically lasts. You should also look for smartphones with fast charging and wireless charging options, as both of these are very useful.

While all smartphones are pretty good at taking pictures nowadays, if you’re really into taking pictures, then you’ll want one of the best smartphones for photography.

And, finally, if you’re a hardcore gamer, then you should consider one of the best smartphones for gaming. These push performance to the max to take your mobile gaming to the next level.