We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best New Smartphones

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
By clicking on a link to a third party's website, log data is shared with that third party.

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple iPhone 15 (128 GB) - Blue

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,483
Battery Life
Camera Quality
Processor
Battery Life
The battery life is excellent, easily lasting through a full day of use, and the addition of a USB-C port adds convenience.
Camera Quality
The camera system is phenomenal, delivering sharp, vibrant images even in low light, and the front camera captures incredible detail.
Processor
The performance is lightning-fast, driven by the latest processor, making it feel like a significant upgrade.

The iPhone 15 with 128GB storage in blue presents a blend of innovation and reliability, suitable for those seeking a robust smartphone experience. Its design stands out with a splash, water, and dust-resistant color-infused glass and aluminum build, ensuring durability. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display delivers impressive brightness, especially in sunny conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 48MP main camera and 2x telephoto capabilities, enabling high-resolution images and versatile portrait options. The A16 Bionic chip enhances performance, supporting advanced features like computational photography and efficient battery usage, providing all-day battery life.

On the connectivity front, Apple has made a significant shift by introducing USB-C, which simplifies charging and enhances compatibility with other Apple devices. Moreover, the iPhone 15 supports 5G for faster mobile data speeds, which is a plus for streaming and gaming.

However, there are considerations to note. The 128GB storage may not suffice for users with extensive app collections or those who store large media files, potentially necessitating upgrades or reliance on cloud services. While the camera system is excellent, those focused solely on photography might find other dedicated camera phones offer even more advanced features. Regarding the operating system, iOS 16 provides a seamless and intuitive user experience, but it might require an adjustment period for users transitioning from Android or other platforms. The iPhone 15 also includes safety features like Emergency SOS via satellite and crash detection, enhancing its appeal for safety-conscious users.

In conclusion, the iPhone 15 is a strong contender for new smartphone buyers, particularly those integrated into Apple's ecosystem. It offers a balance of style, performance, and safety features, though potential buyers should consider their storage needs and specific use cases to ensure it meets their expectations.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,483
Battery Life
Camera Quality
Processor
Battery Life
The battery life is excellent, easily lasting through a full day of use, and the addition of a USB-C port adds convenience.
Camera Quality
The camera system is phenomenal, delivering sharp, vibrant images even in low light, and the front camera captures incredible detail.
Processor
The performance is lightning-fast, driven by the latest processor, making it feel like a significant upgrade.
#2

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 512 GB: 5G Mobile phone with Apple Intelligence, Camera Control, A18 Pro Chip and a Huge Leap in Battery Life. Works with AirPods; White Titanium

Rating
9.1
Display
Battery Life
Camera Quality
Display
The iPhone 16 Pro Max display is spectacular, with vibrant colors and ProMotion technology making every interaction incredibly smooth.
Battery Life
Battery life impressively lasts through a full day of intensive use, even with 5G enabled.
Camera Quality
With upgraded lenses and AI-driven enhancements, the camera system captures professional-quality photos in almost any setting.
Processor
Performance is lightning-fast with the A18 Pro chip, making multitasking, gaming, and editing high-resolution videos effortless.
Build Quality
The Black Titanium design feels premium and surprisingly lightweight, perfectly complementing the Apple ecosystem.

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 512 GB boasts a sleek and durable titanium design with a large 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, making it visually appealing and resilient with its tough Ceramic Shield front. Its A18 Pro chip ensures top-notch performance, making it suitable for heavy tasks, gaming, and advanced photo and video features.

The camera system is a standout, featuring a 48MP Fusion camera capable of 4K 120 fps Dolby Vision videos, and an improved Ultra Wide camera for detailed macro shots and wide-angle photos. With Camera Control, users can easily access camera tools for quick adjustments. Additionally, Photographic Styles offer creative flexibility in photography.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 33 hours of video playback, and the device supports both USB-C and wireless MagSafe charging. The smartphone is equipped with 5G connectivity, ensuring fast internet speeds, and it comes with iOS 18, providing customization options and enhanced privacy features. The device also includes vital safety features like Crash Detection. However, while it offers ample storage at 512 GB and substantial RAM at 8 GB, its high-end features and build may come at a premium price point. Users invested in the Apple ecosystem and those who prioritize camera quality, display, and performance will find this model particularly beneficial.

Rating
9.1
Display
Battery Life
Camera Quality
Display
The iPhone 16 Pro Max display is spectacular, with vibrant colors and ProMotion technology making every interaction incredibly smooth.
Battery Life
Battery life impressively lasts through a full day of intensive use, even with 5G enabled.
Camera Quality
With upgraded lenses and AI-driven enhancements, the camera system captures professional-quality photos in almost any setting.
Processor
Performance is lightning-fast with the A18 Pro chip, making multitasking, gaming, and editing high-resolution videos effortless.
Build Quality
The Black Titanium design feels premium and surprisingly lightweight, perfectly complementing the Apple ecosystem.
#3

Google Pixel 9 Pro - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Gemini, Triple Rear Camera System, 24-Hour Battery, and 6.3" Super Actua Display - Obsidian, 512GB

Rating
8.8
Camera Quality
Operating System
Camera Quality
The camera delivers impressive photo quality, making it a standout feature of the phone.
Operating System
The phone feels seamless and highly customizable, offering a smooth experience that rivals top competitors.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a high-end unlocked Android smartphone that suits users looking for a powerful and well-rounded device. Its 6.3-inch Super Actua display offers sharp and vibrant visuals, making it great for watching videos or browsing. The triple rear camera system stands out with excellent photo quality, especially in low light, and offers versatile options like close-up shots and sharp selfies.

Under the hood, the phone runs on Google's advanced Tensor G4 chip paired with 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and more demanding apps. Storage is generous at 512GB, so you can keep plenty of apps, photos, and files without worrying about running out of space. Battery life is designed to last around 24 hours with typical use, which should comfortably get most users through a full day on a single charge. The phone ships with Android 13, promising a clean experience with seven years of security updates, which is excellent for long-term use.

Build quality feels premium with polished edges and a soft matte finish, though the phone is relatively lightweight at 190 grams. Connectivity supports 5G and Wi-Fi, keeping you well-connected on modern networks. The Pixel 9 Pro is a strong choice for Android enthusiasts who value camera performance, long software support, and a large, vibrant display.

Rating
8.8
Camera Quality
Operating System
Camera Quality
The camera delivers impressive photo quality, making it a standout feature of the phone.
Operating System
The phone feels seamless and highly customizable, offering a smooth experience that rivals top competitors.

Buying Guide for the Best New Smartphones

Choosing a new smartphone can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience due to the vast array of options available. To make the best choice, it's important to understand the key specifications that define a smartphone's performance and usability. By focusing on these specs, you can find a device that perfectly matches your needs and preferences.
DisplayThe display is the screen of the smartphone, where you view all your content. It's important because it affects your overall experience, from watching videos to reading text. Displays come in various sizes and resolutions. Smaller screens (under 5.5 inches) are more compact and easier to handle, while larger screens (over 6 inches) are better for media consumption and multitasking. Higher resolution screens (Full HD, Quad HD) offer sharper images and text. Choose a display size and resolution based on your usage habits and comfort.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your smartphone can operate before needing a recharge. It's crucial for users who are frequently on the go or use their phones extensively throughout the day. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Phones with higher mAh (3000-5000 mAh) typically last longer. Consider your daily usage patterns; if you use your phone for gaming, streaming, or heavy multitasking, opt for a higher capacity battery.
Camera QualityThe camera quality is essential for users who love taking photos and videos. It includes factors like megapixels, aperture size, and additional features like optical image stabilization. Higher megapixels (12 MP and above) generally mean better image resolution, while a lower aperture (f/1.8 or lower) allows more light, improving low-light performance. If photography is important to you, look for phones with advanced camera features and higher specs.
ProcessorThe processor is the brain of the smartphone, affecting its speed and performance. It's important for running apps smoothly and handling multitasking. Processors are often described by their number of cores and clock speed (GHz). More cores and higher clock speeds generally mean better performance. If you use demanding apps or games, choose a phone with a powerful processor (octa-core, 2.0 GHz or higher). For basic tasks, a mid-range processor will suffice.
StorageStorage refers to the amount of space available for your apps, photos, videos, and other data. It's important because it affects how much content you can keep on your phone. Storage is measured in gigabytes (GB). Entry-level phones may offer 32 GB, while higher-end models can have 128 GB or more. Consider how much data you typically store; if you take a lot of photos or download many apps, opt for higher storage capacity. Some phones also offer expandable storage via microSD cards.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that runs the smartphone and provides the user interface. The two main OS options are Android and iOS. Android offers more customization and a wider range of devices, while iOS is known for its smooth performance and integration with other Apple products. Choose an OS based on your preference for customization, app availability, and ecosystem compatibility.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the smartphone. It's important for durability and aesthetics. Smartphones can be made from plastic, metal, or glass. Metal and glass tend to feel more premium and are more durable, but can be heavier. Plastic is lighter and often more affordable. Consider how you use your phone and your preference for feel and durability when choosing the build quality.
ConnectivityConnectivity includes features like 4G/5G support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. It's important for ensuring your phone can connect to networks and other devices. 5G offers faster internet speeds compared to 4G, which is beneficial for streaming and downloading large files. Bluetooth and NFC are useful for connecting to accessories and making contactless payments. Choose connectivity options based on your usage needs, such as internet speed requirements and accessory compatibility.