The Best Smartphones
A great phone is a necessity for modern life, but there's no worse feeling than paying a lot of money for a device that underperforms. Speed, visual fidelity, and ease of use are just a few of the many things a good phone needs to be able to perform with ease. With so many choices out there, it can be a bit overwhelming for even seasoned techies to find the next phone that's right for them, which is why we've compiled this list of great smartphones you can pick up today.
What to Look For
There are many criteria for what makes a worthwhile smartphone, but we boiled it down to three essentials: how up-to-date are its features, does it have solid battery life, and is it user-friendly? We found a variety of great phones to fit any number of needs, from the Samsung Galaxy S21 for those looking for unparalleled visual fidelity to the Google Pixel 4a and its incredibly long battery life. The Pixel 4a also offers supreme processing power for a low price. We guarantee there’s a phone you’ll fall in love with somewhere on our list, so ready your swiping finger and read on.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
A modern smartphone needs to be able to do it all, and the A52 5G from Samsung is our go-to when you need a solid all-arounder. The 64 MP camera represents a massive improvement over those of previous models, and with over 120 GB of storage and room for an additional MicroSD card, you won’t want for storage anytime soon. Best of all, Samsung’s iconic 5G service allows you to enjoy all these features at lightning speed. If you feel uncertain about what new smartphone you should get, the A52 should put your mind at ease.
Pros:
- The overall quality of this phone matches competitive models that can cost up to twice as much.
- We love the bright, clear, and responsive screen that adapts to various light environments.
- A long battery life ensures none of those frustrating, sudden shutdowns in the middle of gaming or texting.
Cons:
- This phone can be fussy when moving data to and from SD cards, should you decide to use one.
Google Pixel 4a
Long-lasting
The Pixel 4a represents a beautiful melding of form and function that few other models can touch. With up to 24 hours of battery life, this smartphone is one you definitely won’t have to worry about constantly having to charge. Digital security is also a massive concern in the modern world, so the advanced Titan M security chip is a welcome boon for your peace of mind. Package all this into an appealingly slim model, and you have a smartphone worth your time and (literal) energy.
Pros:
- This phone features a high-quality camera not usually seen on such affordable models. Google Photos also has excellent editing software for touching up your photos on the fly.
- The eSim compatibility means you don’t have to spend money (or space) on a physical sim card.
- The 4a has a good screen-to-body ratio that makes it more accessible to use than many other phones.
Cons:
- It’s incompatible with wireless chargers.
OnePlus Nord N10 5G
Do more, pay less
You’re probably well aware of how expensive a good smartphone can be, which is why this budget offering from OnePlus is so appealing to us. With a 90 Hz display, a great camera, and copious storage, this inexpensive phone matches and surpasses many of the features touted by its more expensive peers. And with 5G compatibility, you’ll also be able to access all these perks at competitive speeds. If you want a premium smartphone without having to pay premium prices, this offering from OnePlus will steer you right.
Pros:
- This phone’s speed and storage capacity make it ideal for mobile gaming.
- It’s built to last: with a case and screen protector, this phone can stand up to accidents with surprising resilience.
- A speedy fingerprint scanner makes up for the lack of facial recognition software.
Cons:
- The screen can be a bit dim even with the brightness turned up.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
High def and high class
Nowadays, we expect our phones to come with great cameras, and for a smartphone that can capture high-definition imagery with ease, nothing tops the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. With 8k video resolution and 100x zoom capability, this movie-quality camera is the highest tech you can find on a commercial phone by a wide margin. Plus, this phone also features a self-managing battery, meaning your smartphone distributes its power wisely and won’t power down at inconvenient times. The Galaxy S21 is an absolute must for those who won’t settle for anything but the highest visual fidelity.
Pros:
- The user interface is intuitive and lets you slide through your apps with speed and ease.
- Its large body and screen make it very easy to use and allow you to look at your high-quality images and videos on an appropriately huge platform.
- Customizable routines for built-in apps like the alarm and calendar allow for unprecedented control over your scheduling and daily management.
Cons:
- The speakers are a little underwhelming.
- It’s undeniably expensive.
Motorola One 5G Ace
Gesture-driven to perfection
A smartphone that changes the game from a user perspective is a rare thing, but the design of the Motorola One 5G Ace truly brooks no comparison. A gesture-only navigation system allows you to swipe through your apps with ease, and the boot-up tutorial does a great job of making new users comfortable with this system. And with the phone’s heavy, robust build, you won’t have to worry about your gestures not being read. We can’t recommend this phone enough for those with motor skill disabilities or even simply users who want to try something fresh.
Pros:
- For its excellent perks and compatibility with multiple providers, this phone is very inexpensive.
- The large screen makes texting and watching videos easy on the hands and eyes.
Cons:
- There’s no home-screen button, so traversing your apps may take some getting used to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a smartphone?
Every person’s needs are going to be a bit different, but at a minimum, your phone should have a decent camera, good connectivity speeds, and a long battery life that won’t leave you constantly fretting about your charge. And you don’t necessarily have to pay out the nose for these features, either. Many newer models feature top-of-the-line accouterments available at surprisingly affordable prices.
Why is a good camera so important?
Your phone camera isn’t just for snapping selfies. You may also need it for important government or administrative functions, like getting a clear picture of your ID to sign up for a state service. This is a visual world, and you never know what you may need to capture in HD.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.