The best phones offer you every thing you could want from a smartphone. They deliver great cameras, the performance you need to multitask and enough battery life to last the whole day. And with strong options available at all price levels, you don’t have to spend a lot to get something great. Whether you prefer iPhone or Android, there’s an option for you.
When it comes to buying a new phone, some people may prefer to have the biggest display possible along with the most advanced specs. And others want a solid mid-range phone that delivers all the basics without feeling cheap. To help you pick the best smartphone for you, we test dozens of handsets in the lab and in the real world to bring you in-depth reviews and make recommendations you can trust.
What are the best phones?
Based on our rating, the new iPhone 12 Pro Max remains the best phone overall, as it delivers great cameras, a vivid 6.7-inch display, 5G connectivity and the fastest performance of any handset. While other iPhone 12 models impress, the Pro Max gives you the most screen real estate along with the longest battery life.
If you prefer Android, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the best Android phone you can buy, thanks to its powerful cameras, long battery life, gorgeous dynamic 120Hz display and support for the S Pen. The OnePlus 9 Pro is another great option, offering faster charging and a lower price. And we’re excited to see the new Google Pixel 6, which Google has announced is coming this fall with a new premium design and Tensor chip for advanced AI.
1. iPhone 12 Pro Max
The best phone overall
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.7-inch OLED (2778 x 1284)
CPU: A14 BionicRAM: 6GBStorage
/Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Rear camera: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.6), 12MP
ultrawide (ƒ/2.4), 12MP telephoto (ƒ/2.2)
Front camera: 12MP (ƒ/2.2)
Weight: 8.03 ouncesBattery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:53(5G)
2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Samsung’s best phone
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.8-inch OLED (3200×1400; 10-120Hz)
CPU: 888RAM: 12GB, 16GBStorage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB /
Rear camera: 108MP wide (f/1.8), 12MP ultra wide (ƒ/2.2), 10MP telephoto (3x zoom, f/2.4), 10MP telephoto (10x zoom, f/4.9), laser AF sensor
Front camera: 40MP (ƒ/2.2)
Weight: 8.08 oz
Battery life: (Hrs:Mins): 11:25
3. OnePlus 9 Pro
A very good flagship value
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED (3168 x 1440; 1-120Hz)
CPU: Snapdragon 888RAM: 8GB, 12GBStorage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No
Rear camera: 48MP wide (ƒ/1.8), 50MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2), 8MP telephoto with 3x optical (ƒ/2.4), 2MP monochrome
Front camera: 16MP (ƒ/2.4)
Weight: 6.95 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:40
4. iPhone 12 Pro
Another top Apple phone
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.1-inch OLED (2532×1170)
CPU: A14 BionicRAM: 6GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB / No
Rear camera: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.6), 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.4), 12MP telephoto (ƒ/2.0)
Front camera: 12MP (ƒ/2.2)
Weight: 6.66 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 9:06
5. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
The best Android phone for productivity
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.9-inch AMOLED (3088×1440)
CPU: Snapdragon 865 PlusRAM: 12GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB / Yes
Rear camera: 108MP wide (ƒ/1.8); 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom (ƒ/3.0); 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2)
Front camera: 10MP (ƒ/2.2)
Weight: 7.33 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:15
