The best phones in 2023 tested and rated

The very best telephones may be any value, which is why our checklist has low-cost units alongside the flagship handsets you’d probably count on.

Contenders from the best Android phones and best iPhones may be discovered on this checklist, which means you are prone to be glad it doesn’t matter what telephone you are transferring from. And you may depend on the actual fact these are all telephones we at TG have examined completely, with all the professionals and cons laid out so that you can see that will help you make your thoughts up.

Learn on for the highest telephones you should buy, whether or not that is from a giant model like Apple or Samsung, or smaller gamers like OnePlus, Xiaomi or Realme.

The very best telephones within the UK you should buy at the moment

Apple as soon as once more leads the telephone world with its top-tier iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Professional Max. Constructing on final yr’s Professional Max, this mannequin contains a new 48MP major digital camera, an extended battery life and a long-awaited always-on show. Apple nonetheless equips it with a mighty chipset too, and a brand new Dynamic Island to interchange the notch and maintain your notifications and lively app widgets.

What is not so nice is that Apple’s nonetheless sticking with its 20W charging commonplace, which is the slowest amongst flagship telephones proper now. Additionally, including all the brand new options has expanded the thickness and mass of the telephone, making it much more unwieldy for those who’re making an attempt to make use of it one-handed.

That mentioned, you may’t argue that the iPhone 14 Professional Max’s options don’t have any actual equal. Due to this fact it is a pure match for the highest spot on this checklist.

Learn our full iPhone 14 Pro Max review.

Samsung introduced fairly a number of upgrades with the Galaxy S23 Extremely, together with a 200MP major digital camera and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip fairly than a brand new Exynos mannequin. These two upgrades have helped shut the hole between it and the iPhone 14 Professional Max, and have actually given the Galaxy S23 Extremely the highest spot in our best camera phones information.

There are nonetheless some issues that will put you off the S23 Extremely. It is sluggish to cost in comparison with its rivals (besides the iPhone), it is nonetheless one of the crucial costly telephones in the marketplace, and it is stored its curved show. It is flatter than it was on the Galaxy S22 Extremely, however it might nonetheless not be flat sufficient for some customers who dislike curved shows.

All that mentioned, there’s most likely no higher general telephone for {hardware} which you could get proper now. When you can afford it, there’s probably little higher you should buy this yr.

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review.

Final yr’s Pixel 5a skipped the U.Okay., however we’re extra lucky with the Pixel 6a, which is extra extensively accessible. And that is factor, too, as Google’s midrange telephone continues to ship superior digital camera efficiency for a low value.

The Pixel 6a does not simply choose up the Pixel 6’s {powerful} digital camera software program, it additionally runs on the identical Google-built Tensor chip that powers final fall flagships. Which means the Pixel 6a is able to lots of the identical machine learning-powered options, from the Magic Eraser photo-editing instrument to on-the-fly translation that takes place totally on the telephone itself.

Battery life stays a weak point for the Pixel A collection units, however we just like the telephone’s shiny 6.1-inch show. The telephone ships with Android 12, but it surely’s in line for the Android 13 replace, and Google is promising as much as 5 years of safety updates, so you must be capable to maintain onto the Pixel 6a for a while.

Learn our full Google Pixel 6a review.

As a result of measurement distinction within the show and battery capability, the iPhone 14 Professional does not fairly attain the identical heights because the iPhone 14 Professional Max. Do not be fooled although, this iPhone nonetheless crushes many of the Android rivals beneath its heel, due to the mix of energy and ease of use that Apple works laborious to good.

The 6.1-inch 13 Professional nonetheless affords a superb show with always-on and Dynamic Island options, incredible cameras and an similar A16 Bionic chipset to the one contained in the iPhone 14 Professional Max. However the smaller measurement means each a small low cost in comparison with the Professional Max, but in addition a shorter battery life.

Except for this, we aren’t followers of how Apple’s nonetheless obtained a few of the slowest charging speeds within the enterprise, with a most of simply 20W. Additionally, our Telephones editor Jordan Palmer did not like how Apple’s new low-light photograph processing system, known as Photonic Engine, treats some photographs, notably these taken with the ultrawide digital camera. Even so, that is nonetheless probably the greatest, most full telephones in the marketplace proper now.

Learn our full iPhone 14 Pro review.

There’s been numerous modifications to the OnePlus 11 from earlier OnePlus flagships, however regardless that it isn’t strictly a “Professional”, it is nonetheless obtained loads to draw energy customers.

The OnePlus x Hasselblad collaboration continues to bear fruit with higher images than ever (although we want the zoom digital camera had extra {powerful} magnification like rival telephones), whereas the OnePlus staples of quick charging, long-lasting batteries and aggressive pricing have additionally seen enhancements. About the one factor lacking is wi-fi charging, however that is one thing that is not too troublesome to miss.

Learn our full OnePlus 11 review.

The Pixel 7 is a refinement of final yr’s breakthrough Pixel 6, bettering on lots of the prior telephone’s current strengths.

Highlights of the Pixel 7’s function set is its sensible Tensor G2 chipset that powers AI skills like the brand new Picture Unblur mode, its shiny and colourful show, and the truth that it nonetheless prices simply £600. Whereas the Pixel 7 Professional affords extra, it nonetheless cannot beat the wonderful worth of its non-Professional sibling.

Two of the Pixel 7’s limitations, the 90Hz show (fairly than the smoother 120Hz) and the weak battery life, are unlucky holdovers from the earlier era. However for those who’re in search of a stable telephone that will not break the financial institution, it is laborious to beat the Pixel 7.

Learn our full Pixel 7 review

Realme continues to be a recent face within the smartphone enterprise, however with the GT 2 Professional it is proven it may well assemble a flagship telephone that is as worthy of your consideration as extra established firms.

For an attractively low value, you get the show and chipset you’d count on from a way more costly telephone, plus wonderful 65W charging that outpaces most different Android telephones. It additionally is available in a fairly engaging bio-polymer physique that offers the telephone a really distinctive look, and affords the fairly nifty 360-degree NFC contactless features.

The limitation you will have to simply accept with the GT 2 Professional are its cameras. Its photograph processing is not as much as the usual of the larger gamers, as enjoyable as its 150-degree ultrawide and microscope cameras may be. When you’re not a giant snapper although, you’ll want to contemplate this Realme telephone for those who’re in search of a brand new premium Android.

Learn our Realme GT 2 Pro review.

Samsung’s made some good selections when updating the S21 to the Galaxy S22 because it’s now principally as premium as its Plus and Extremely siblings with out costing almost as a lot.

Though the S22 stands at a surprisingly small 6.1 inches, you continue to get triple rear cameras (together with much-improved telephoto and night time modes), an Exynos 2200 chipset and probably the greatest high quality shows in smartphones. It is the very best worth solution to get in on the Samsung flagship motion for certain.

There are some limitations although. The small measurement means a small battery, and that in flip means disappointing battery life. It is also the one one of many S22 handsets to not help speedy 45W charging, which is a disgrace. However as sacrifices go for getting a top-tier Samsung telephone go, it isn’t that dangerous, and the remainder of the expertise far outweighs these issues

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy S22 review.

Apple’s fundamental iPhone 14 is simply a slight improve over the iPhone 13, which means it is nonetheless a fantastic telephone however one we anticipated a bit extra from.

It nonetheless has loads of efficiency due to the A15 Bionic chipset, a fantastic show and {powerful} cameras. Nevertheless that is nonetheless the identical chip as final yr, nonetheless a show with out the brand new commonplace refresh fee of 120Hz, and nonetheless an £849 telephone that does not have a telephoto digital camera.

We might suggest wanting on the iPhone 14 Professional for those who can afford one other £200, because it’ll get you some Professional-only options just like the Dynamic Island and 48MP major digital camera. But when that is so far as your finances can stretch, the iPhone 14 will make improve for those who’re utilizing a telephone that is a number of years previous already.

Learn our full iPhone 14 review.

The Xiaomi 12 Professional is the perfect telephone for anybody who desires to cost up as quick as attainable. How does a 0 – 100% fill-up in 22 minutes sound?

The place issues fall down is that it is nonetheless extra expensive than final yr’s Xiaomi Mi 11, which makes it a more durable promote. Additionally for those who’re hoping to benefit from the in-built audio system, we do not notably fee their high quality.

The remainder of the telephone continues to be greater than as much as scratch although. Its 6.7-inch, QHD 120Hz show seems wonderful, and its cameras are fairly good too. Plus regardless that the worth has gone up, it nonetheless undercuts the competitors from Samsung.

Learn our full Xiaomi 12 Pro review.

Samsung’s Galaxy A53 offers you a extra inexpensive entry level to the most important ecosystem within the Android world, and with comparatively few sacrifices. We do not just like the macro or depth cameras’ outcomes on the again, and the chipset is somewhat underpowered, however with a 120Hz AMOLED show, first rate ultrawide and low-light images and the uncommon skill of expandable storage, you get sufficient choices to cowl your on a regular basis wants.

We additionally actually like how this telephone shares the Galaxy S22’s prolonged four-year replace promise, which means you will get plenty of worth out of this telephone even when it is now not the newest handset. It is a simple telephone to decide on for those who’re restricted on funds, however one you will nonetheless discover enjoyable to make use of lengthy into the long run.

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy A53 review

The Noting Cellphone (1) arrives with plenty of hype, primarily as a result of it is the brand new gadget created by OnePlus founder Carl Pei. And whereas it is a midrange telephone with some trade-offs — efficiency is simply so-so and the cameras underwhelm — this gadget nonetheless makes a stable first impression.

The very best factor in regards to the Nothing Cellphone (1) is its distinctive design, which contains a clear again and plenty of glyphs. These glyphs are extra than simply eye sweet — they mild up and you may modify them in settings to flash other ways for various callers. The glyphs mirror notifications and Google Assistant indicators, too.

Battery life approaches 11 hours on our check with the adaptive 120Hz refresh fee turned on for the Nothing Cellphone (1)’s 6.55-inch show, and Nothing is dangling 4 years of safety patches. Consider a pleasant value, and we might have a brand new telephone maker price maintaining a tally of.

Learn our full Nothing Phone (1) review.

The most recent Nord handset is a mid-range champion, providing all of the fundamentals plus a number of premium options on high for a really affordable value. The choice of 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, together with the surprisingly {powerful} Dimensity 1300 chipset means you get efficiency that is near flagship high quality.

For downsides, the Nord 2T affords a static 90Hz most refresh fee, fairly than a 120Hz or dynamic one that will assist make the expertise smoother or extra energy environment friendly. Additionally, OnePlus guarantees solely two years of full software program updates, which is sort of low in comparison with rivals.

The opposite spotlight is its 80W speedy charging, taken from the OnePlus 10 Professional. That lets it cost sooner than every other telephone in its value bracket, and plenty of dearer than it too.

Learn our full OnePlus Nord 2T review.

With this finances handset from Redmi, you will not end up wanting for a lot. The Redmi Notice 11 Professional makes use of a big AMOLED show with a 120Hz refresh fee, similar to telephones 4 instances as costly. It even beats a few of these dearer telephones on charging pace with an included 67W charger.

The cons you will have to simply accept for those who get this telephone are its low-powered chipset, and its outdated software program. One means you will not get a lot out of high-performance apps and video games, the opposite means you are at all times going to be behind rival telephones in relation to default Android options. If neither of those trouble you, then it can save you a bunch of cash by going for the Notice 11 Professional as a substitute of a flagship telephone of comparable measurement.

Learn our full Redmi Note 11 Pro review.

Apple’s newest iPhone SE seems so much older than it seems. When you do not thoughts, and even want, a telephone with thick bezels and a bodily house button, then it can save you some huge cash by going for this cheaper iPhone.

Utilizing the identical chip because the iPhone 13, you get unimaginable efficiency in comparison with equally priced Android telephones. It could possibly additionally use that efficiency to take some nice photographs, though there’s solely a single digital camera on the again which might restrict the type of pictures you may take.

Most likely the worst a part of the expertise is the show, which has a really poor decision because the iPhone SE’s physique relies on the 2017 iPhone 8. You will not be having fun with films or video games to their fullest extent on the iPhone SE 2022, however it’s possible you’ll effectively admire how effectively it covers the bases of the iPhone experiences for half of a brand new iPhone 13.

Learn our full iPhone SE (2022) review.

How to decide on the very best U.Okay. telephone for you

Your first query when selecting which telephones to shortlist must be: Apple or Android? iPhones are wonderful, however deciding in opposition to any type of Android telephone means limiting your alternative considerably. Typically, if you need the newest and best {hardware}, you are higher off with a current Android telephone, whereas iPhones prioritise well-optimised options that work seamlessly with user-friendly software program.

It is also vital to maintain the scale of the telephones you are taking a look at in thoughts. Many telephones are above 6 inches in measurement lately, which fits most individuals however if you need one thing extra compact, you will want to go looking extra completely for the best small phones.

As for key options, the 2 you will need to deal with are cameras and battery. With telephones having all however changed the compact digital digital camera, it is vital to have a flexible array of cameras. Excessive megapixel (MP) counts aren’t all the pieces although, so have a look by way of our comparability photograph sliders in our evaluations to see how all of the cameras on a telephone carry out in opposition to a rival telephone.

The significance of battery and charging must be apparent: you need your telephone to final so long as attainable, and ideally energy up once more rapidly. As a normal rule, the extra milliamp hours (mAh) in a telephone’s battery, the higher. Nevertheless it isn’t at all times correct — iPhones have a few of the smallest batteries of any fashionable telephone, however some nonetheless place extremely on our greatest battery life telephones checklist. Once more, it is a good suggestion to examine our evaluations the place we element how lengthy these telephones final doing on a regular basis duties.

How we check smartphones

To ensure that a smartphone to make our greatest telephone checklist, it must excel on a number of checks that we run on each handset. We carry out a few of these checks in our labs and a few in the true world.

On the subject of efficiency, we depend on such artificial benchmarks as Geekbench 5 and GFXBench to measure graphics efficiency. These checks enable us to match efficiency throughout iPhones and Android units. We additionally run a real-world video transcoding check on every telephone utilizing the Adobe Premiere Rush app and time the outcome.

To measure the standard of a telephone’s show, we carry out lab checks to find out the brightness of the panel (in nits), in addition to how colourful every display is (DCI-P3 coloration gamut). In these circumstances, increased numbers are higher. We additionally measure coloration accuracy of every panel with a Delta-E ranking, the place decrease numbers are higher and a rating of 0 is ideal.

One of the vital checks we run is the Tom’s Information battery check. We run an internet browsing check over 5G or 4G at 150 nits of display brightness till the battery offers out. Basically, a telephone that lasts 10 hours or extra is sweet, and something above 11 hours makes our checklist of the best phone battery life.

Final however not least, we take the very best telephones out within the discipline to take photographs outdoor, indoors and at night time in low mild to see how they carry out versus their closest rivals. We take pictures of landscapes, meals, portraits and extra, and likewise mean you can be the decide with side-by-side comparisons in our evaluations.