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The best phones we tested in 2023, including foldables and budget picks
We're in the final stretch of 2023, which means two things. 1) There's no better time to buy a new smartphone than during the holiday shopping season, with plenty of options that are truly worth investing in, and 2) ZDNET has the clearest picture of what's good, what's not so good, and what phone is best for which type of customer.
Also: Best Android phones you can buy right now
Below, I've compiled the definitive list of top phones you can buy right now, based on a year's worth of hands-on testing. My pick for the best phone overall goes to Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra for its immersive and vibrant display, reliable battery life, and wealth of special features. Read on for all and the rest of the picks on this year's Best of 2023 list.
The best phones of 2023
- Most complete smartphone experience money can buy
- Reliable quad-camera setup
- 256GB base storage leads the competition
- Integrated S Pen stylus for enhanced functionality
- Phone can be unwieldy for some, especially with a case
- Fast charging is still capped at 45W
- Pricier than most Android phones
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (2x), 10MP telephoto (5x) | Front camera: 12MP
Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra is undeniably the most complete smartphone you can buy right now. It's even more unbelievable when you realize the phone launched back in February, beating the test of time.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is built with a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display that produces vibrant visuals both in the brightest and dimmest environments, a reliable 5,000mAh battery, four cameras at the rear to help you capture a variety of shots, and an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset.
That last bit is especially important given how much more powerful yet efficient the Ultra flagship is, even when compared to last year's S22 series. In my ZDNET review, I mentioned that "the mobile platform brings meaningful improvements to the Galaxy phone experience, while Samsung's done its part to optimize the S23 Ultra with a larger vapor cooling chamber and more efficient back-end processing.
Together, you get a phone that's powerful enough for any type of user, including mobile gamers. For a smartphone that's not made specifically for gaming, that's as high praise as it gets, right?
The S23 Ultra proves just as much of its worth through unique specs and features, ones that truly matter to day-to-day usage. That includes the base storage of 256GB (versus the industry's 128GB standard), the integrated S Pen that gives you enhanced precision and inputs, Samsung's five-year commitment to security updates, and even Samsung DeX, its mobile-to-desktop service that turns your S23 Ultra into a full-on computer when connected to a monitor or TV.
Review: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Action button brings new customizability
- Lighter, more comfortable form factor
- Brighter screen for better outdoor use
- 5X zoom camera for high-quality shots
- Battery life could be longer
- Apple-branded cases, especially the FineWoven, need to be better
iPhone 15 Pro Max specs: Processor: A17 Pro | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto (2x), 12MP telephoto (5x) | Front camera: 12MP
The new iPhone 15 Pro Max offers everything a premium flagship smartphone should, including a brilliant 6.7-inch AMOLED display for all the media consumption -- and mobile productivity, of course.
This year's model also looks and feels different than any prior Pro Max devices, as it's made of titanium instead of stainless steel and, therefore, significantly lighter in the hand. This makes the iPhone 15 Pro Max noticeably more comfortable to use, as ZDNET Editor-in-Chief Jason Hiner noted in his review.
Another major feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the USB-C connector; particularly, one that supports faster charging and data transfers, the ability to charge other devices including the Apple Watch from your iPhone, and the ability to connect to an external 4K monitor. These benefits are game-changing for professional content creators.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max also features a new 5x zoom camera lens -- the equivalent of a 120mm focal length on a mirrorless or DSLR camera. A new Action button lets you better customize shortcuts and easily open the apps you need, including firing up the camera with a press-and-hold. And the A17 Pro chip rounds out the year's upgrades, offering improved graphical performance.
Apple is charging you more for this year's iPhone 15 Pro Max, with a starting price that's now been bumped up to $1,199. In turn, the device comes with a base storage of 256GB.
Review: iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Quality cameras all across the board
- Plenty of useful AI features
- 5,050mAh battery with LTPO display
- Priced to undercut the larger iPhone and Samsung Galaxy
- Stock Android can feel too minimal
- Capped at 30W fast charging
- Costs $100 more than last year's model
Google Pixel 8 Pro features: Processor: Google Tensor G3 | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto | Front camera: 10.8MP
When it comes to camera performance, you really can't go wrong with any of the flagship devices from the big three (Apple, Samsung, and Google). Depending on your preference for color temperature and feature set, you may lean towards one manufacturer over the other. But more often than not, it's Google's Pixel camera system that satisfies the most users, and the latest Pixel 8 Pro remains a champion both for instant capturing and post-processing.
This year's model features a reliable triple lens setup, with a 50MP primary lens, a 48MP ultrawide that's notably more capable at capturing macro and close-up photos, and a 48MP telephoto lens for far-distance shots. Should you want more granular control over the Pixel 8 Pro's camera quality, there's now a series of Pro controls that allow you to tweak settings like the exposure and shutter speed.
But real-time capturing is only half the battle with mobile photography; there's also post-processing and how flexible devices are with editing and tweaking subjects around. To that regard, the Pixel 8 Pro may just have the most flexible and creative photo toolbox on the market, with AI features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Best Take that can turn any bad photo into a good one.
Review: Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Lightest and thinnest foldable design
- Intuitive multitasking and productivity features
- 65W fast charging will spoil you
- 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage is the base level
- $1,699 is still pricey, even if it undercuts the competition
- No IP68 rating and wireless charging support
OnePlus Open features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display size: 6.3 inches and 7.8 inches | Storage options: 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto| Front camera: 32MP (outer) and 20MP (inner)
The number of foldable phones on the market this year basically quintupled compared the 2022, thanks to the collective effort of just about every manufacturer, including Google with its Pixel Fold, Motorola with its Razr lineup, and OnePlus with the OnePlus Open. While Samsung has held the reins of the best foldable honor for years, I'm giving the top spot this year to the OnePlus Open.
Unlike its competitors, the OnePlus Open strikes the best balance of weight-to-size ratio. When folded, the phone is as light as an iPhone Pro Max, and when unfolded, it expands into a thin slate of visual goodness. OnePlus leverages the 7.8-inch display by offering some of the most intuitive multitasking features I've tested, headlined by "Open Canvas". With it, you can open up to three apps at once, and as you tap into each one, the other one or two will tuck itself to the side, ready to reappear when needed.
The triple camera setup, while presented in a casing that sticks out more than I'd prefer, captures spectacular photos and videos, with an emphasis on blue and orangish hues that cinematographers and photography buffs know and love. By nature of the foldable form factor, the Open is also capable of taking hands-free selfies and group photos.
OnePlus got the fundamentals down pat with the Open, too, including 65W fast charging capabilities (with a charger in the box) that blow past Samsung and Google's foldable standards, a base configuration of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, and a crease-less inner display. The cherry on top for me is its $1,699 price tag, with OnePlus offering $200 off when you trade in any phone in any condition.
Review: OnePlus Open
- Large cover screen is a phone in and of itself
- Incredibly compact
- First dust-resistant foldable
- Form factor lends itself to creative camera features
- Battery is just good enough for a day of use
- Repair solutions remain up in the air
- Undeniably more fragile than the typical slab phone
Motorola Razr Plus features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Display size: 3.6 inches and 6.9 inches | Storage options: 256GB | Rear cameras: 12MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Front camera: 32MP
Flip phones have made a (somewhat) triumphant return, even if teenagers and young adults are opting for the dumber option of the two types. The Motorola Razr Plus marks the return of the old-school handset, or as I put it in my full review, "a return to form, modernizing a classic flip phone into one of today's best foldables."
With the new Razr Plus, Motorola has equipped the outer cover of the phone with a 3.6-inch display. Besides doubling as a rear-camera viewfinder, the external display basically serves as a secondary, smaller phone. You're able to run the same apps and services that you would on the inner 6.9-inch panel, including making phone calls, text messaging, watching TikToks, and playing games. The same can be achieved with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, though you'd have to jump through a loophole or two.
The foldable form factor of the Razr Plus ultimately lends itself to an improved camera experience. Since you're able to flex the display at an upright angle, it's easier to get everyone in the frame for group photos, take selfies, and capture long-exposure shots that would typically require a tripod or mounting accessory.
Review: Motorola Razr Plus (2023)
- Competitively priced at under $450
- Large and bright 120Hz AMOLED display
- Long-lasting 5,000mAh battery
- Up to five years of software updates
- Plastic body can feel cheaper than glass
- Front-facing camera is just passable
- Exynos processor still lags behind Qualcomm
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G features: Processor: Exynos 1380 | Display size: 6.3 inches | Storage options: 128GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro| Front camera: 32MP
Believe it or not, Samsung's best-selling smartphone last year was not one of its S-series or foldable devices, rather it was the humble Galaxy A53 5G, which delivered an uncompromising phone experience with a smooth-scrolling screen, reliable battery, and up to five years of software support. The device was priced at just $449, undercutting its more premium competitors and heavy-handedly beating Apple's own mid-range handset, the iPhone SE.
This year's A54 5G ticks just as many boxes as its predecessor but with a series of subtle yet useful upgrades. For example, the display is still a large 6.4-inch panel that ramps up to 120Hz refresh rate, but now shines at 1,000 nits of brightness (from 800 nits), the battery size is still a healthy 5,000mAh capacity, and the unit is now powered by an Exynos 1380 chipset. That's a minor bump from last year's Exynos chip, but a bump nonetheless.
The Galaxy A54 also features an exterior design that's more in line with Samsung's S-series phones and a new camera system that's headlined by a 50-megapixel main lens. From our testing, the photo results -- both in daytime and nighttime -- were evenly lit and sharpened just enough for you to share with others with confidence. Video capturing is capped at 4K, though the 128GB internal storage that can be expanded via MicroSD card should be ample enough for use.
Review: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
- Snappy and smooth performance
- 100W fast-charging (80W in the US) with charger in the box
- Premium build quality for the price
- Competitive main camera for photos
- Storage and RAM configuration is limited to 128GB/256GB
- No wireless charging
- No IP68 rating for water and dust resistance
OnePlus 11 features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: Up to 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto| Front camera: 16MP
A slow-charging phone can be a real pain point, especially if you're always on the go. That's why the OnePlus 11 carves out its own best category, beating Apple, Google, and even Samsung when it comes to charging speed. The latest model comes with 100W SuperVooc fast charging or 80W in the US, which is still great.
For reference, the highest-end iPhone 15 Pro Max has a charging speed limit of 30W and Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra caps out at 45W. From ZDNET's testing and comparisons, both of those devices take a least an hour to go from 0% to 75% battery, falling noticeably short of the OnePlus 11's numbers.
In less than 27 minutes, the OnePlus can go from empty to full. That charging speed, and the fact that OnePlus includes its proprietary charger in the box, put it a step above the rest.
The best part is that the rest of the phone is no slouch either; you're getting a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a 5,000mAh dual-cell battery, and a competitive triple-camera array that gets the job done. In total, OnePlus is charging you a starting rate of $699, which is just as good of a value pickup as the best budget smartphone on this list.
Review: OnePlus 11
Asus Zenfone 10 specs: Screen size: 5.9 inches | Storage: Up to 512GB | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Panel type: AMOLED | Color: Black, Blue, Hazel, White, Red | Battery life: 4,300mAh | Water and dust resistant: IP68
Asus Zenfone 10 features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display size: 5.9 inches | Storage options: Up to 512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Front camera: 32MP
There's no denying that, over the past five years, smartphones have become more and more unwieldy. Apple now offers Plus and Max-sized iPhones, Samsung has an "Ultra" beast, and even Google has a foldable that opens up to 7.6 inches. On the other end of the spectrum sits the Asus Zenfone 10, a device that deviates from the norm in favor of ergonomics and in-hand comfort, and the decision pays off.
Like last year's Asus Zenfone 9, which I called "the iPhone Mini alternative for Android enthusiasts," the newest model features a compact 5.9-inch AMOLED display, all the power you'd need in a modern-day phone thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and two capable cameras on the rear.
The battery life on the Asus holds up surprisingly well, too, with my review unit recording nearly two days of usage before hitting 0%. Some smaller yet significant details to note include the 3.5mm headphone jack on top, a physical side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a texturized back cover that looks and feels great in the hand.
Review: Asus Zenfone 10
What is the best phone?
Our pick for the best phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It features everything you could want from a smartphone including a large display, four cameras that can shoot 200MP photos and 8K video, up to 1TB of storage, a built-in S Pen for writing and drawing, and a 5,000mAh battery powering the system. Here's how the S23 Ultra fares with the rest of our top picks.
Best phone model | Price | Storage | Screen size | Battery size | Processor |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | $1,199 | Up to 1TB | 6.8 inches | 5,000mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
iPhone 15 Pro Max | $1,099 | Up to 1TB | 6.7 inches | 4,323mAh | A17 Bionic |
Google Pixel 8 Pro | $999 | Up to 1TB | 6.7 inches | 5,050mAh | Google Tensor G3 |
OnePlus Open | $1,699 | 512GB | 6.3 inches and 7.8 inches | 5,000mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
Motorola Razr Plus | $999 | 256GB | 3.6 inches and 6.9 inches | 3,800mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | $449 | 128GB | 6.4 inches | 5,000mAh | Exynos 1380 |
OnePlus 11 | $699 | Up to 256GB | 6.7 inches | 5,000mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
Asus Zenfone 10 | $699 | Up to 512GB | 5.9-inch | 4,300mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
Which phone is right for you?
Choosing a phone can be a daunting task. But having a list of your must-have features can go a long way toward narrowing down your options. If you're a mobile professional or travel a lot for work, you'll want to choose a phone that can provide you with at least a full day of use on a full battery as well as both LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity.
If you're looking for your teen's first smartphone, a budget-friendly and less feature-heavy option may be better to prevent overspending as well as misuse. And if you're a content creator or other creative professional, you'll want a phone with an excellent front and rear camera to capture photos and videos for your social media feed.
Choose this best phone... | If you want... |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | A no-compromise smartphone that virtually any type of user can take advantage of. It's the only 2023 smartphone with a built-in stylus. |
iPhone 15 Pro Max | The best iPhone money can buy. It has a large screen, the longest-lasting battery out of all the models, and a toolbox of a camera system. |
Google Pixel 8 Pro | A flagship camera experience at your fingertips. The Pixel 8 Pro differentiates itself with a slew of AI-powered camera tricks like Magic Editor and Best Take. |
OnePlus Open | The best phone-to-tablet foldable that money can buy. And if you're a power user, the multitasking and charging features especially will serve you well. |
Motorola Razr Plus | A flip-style foldable that's both compact and performant. With a large 3.6-inch external display and the market's first dust-resistant build, this is the foldable to buy for most people. |
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | A more budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise on performance and battery life. The A54 5G is also eligible for up to five years of software and security updates, besting that of any phone of a similar price. |
OnePlus 11 | A phone that lasts long and charges from 0% to 100% in just 30 minutes. The OnePlus 11 is quietly good value, too, starting at $699. |
Asus Zenfone 10 | A compact phone that's easy to pocket but doesn't compromise on performance and specs. The Zenfone 10 is also competitively priced, starting at $699. |
How did we choose these phones?
The process to make our phone selections includes real-world testing and researching about the phones for weeks, consulting with colleagues, industry experts, and analysts who also have hands-on experience with the smartphones, and then selecting the best from all of the available choices.
Ultimately, we weigh in the following aspects when curating this list:
- Design: There's only so much you can do with a slab design, but size differences, material choices, color options, and even the ability to bend a screen in half give shoppers enough diversity to have a preference. That's why we have a recommendation for every form factor.
- Performance: For many, smartphones are the center of our lives, which means the best ones are performant and can handle most, if not all, tasks you throw at them.
- Camera: Arguably the most valuable feature of a smartphone; the consistency and reliability of a camera system can make or break the overall mobile experience. We test every device in broad daylight and in the darkest of nights when finalizing this list.
- Battery: Every option in this guide should last you at least a day of moderate use. We also take into consideration what devices support fast charging and/or wireless charging.
- Value: Price points are noted, but the most important thing with buying a phone is getting your money's worth. With these picks, you can rest assured that you're getting the best bang for your buck.
Which phone has the best camera?
It's debatable between the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. For long-distance shots, Samsung's 200MP rear camera with 100x Space Zoom can capture subjects as far out as the moon. For point-and-shoot pictures and a rather simplified (but effective) camera experience, Google's Pixel phones have always been at the top. If you're a videographer at heart, then the iPhone 15 Pro, with Cinematic mode and Action mode, makes for an excellent tool to get the shots you need.
How long should a phone battery last?
The average phone battery gives you about 22 hours of use on a full charge, which is great for staying connected on your commutes, work flights, and at home in the evenings. But that's just the average, actual use time varies by phone model and by what you're using your phone for.
For example, the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a 29-hour battery life. But you'll most certainly get less than that if you habitually scroll through social media or stream video and music. And the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 has just a nine-hour battery life, which is further reduced by streaming, social media, and making calls.
How much storage should my phone have?
Most smartphones have a base storage capacity of 128GB, which is plenty of space for average users to download apps and music, take photos, and shoot videos. However, if you're a mobile or creative professional, you'll need more space. Many smartphones have expanded storage options up to 512GB or even 1TB, and you can always sync your phone to your preferred cloud storage service to free up local storage space.
Which phones are also worth considering?
If you're in the market for a new smartphone, there are tons of options out there. Whether you're looking to upgrade or get your first smartphone, Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus have great choices:
BEST IPHONE ALTERNATIVE
iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 brings major upgrades to the standard iPhone line, including USB-C charging, Dynamic Island, and new matte finishes.
BEST BUDGET ALTERNATIVE
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
If you're on a tight budget, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G is highly recommended at $300. For the price, you're getting a 6.72-inch display that ramps up to 120Hz, 5G, a 5,000mAh battery, and more.
BEST FOLDABLE ALTERNATIVE
Google Pixel Fold
If you're a fan of Google's cleaner, bloatware-free approach to Android and want to test the foldable waters, the Pixel Fold may be for you.