Best Phone to Buy for 2023

Apple gave its Pro models a glow-up with a refreshed lighter build, a new shortcut button and the world’s smallest processor. And it did all this while managing to keep that tried-and-true iPhone aesthetic front and center. They also made more of a differentiation between the Pro and Pro Max model. The 15 Pro also still has the same familiar 3x telephoto camera found on previous models.

The brain behind the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is the A17 Pro chip, which has the performance chops to handle console tier video games like Resident Evil Village. If the A17 Pro chip is the brains, then iOS 17 is the 15 Pro and Pro Max’s soul. The new OS is filled with lots of quality-of-life improvements throughout like StandBy mode, Check-In, Stickers in Messages and better autocorrect for the keyboard.
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are some of the best phones released by Apple or any phone maker this year. Read our Apple iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max review.

Pros: 

• Lighter and more comfortable to hold
• A17 Pro for console video games
• Being able to change the focus in Portrait photos is welcome
• Easier and cheaper to repair back glass

Cons: 

• Action button can only trigger one action
• Baseline 15 Pro Max is $100 more
• The only color option is blue

With its stellar triple camera, refined design and spacious 6.7-inch screen, there’s a lot to love about the Pixel 7 Pro. Although it’s not very different from the previous Pixel 6 Pro, it will feel like a big change to those upgrading from a phone that’s more than two years old. Google has improved the zoom capabilities on the Pixel 7 Pro, giving it a 30x digital zoom compared to the 6 Pro’s 20x range for capturing tighter shots. Both the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have some new features powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, such as the ability to sharpen old photos. You’ll also get free access to Google’s VPN on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.

Regularly priced at $899, the Pixel 7 Pro is cheaper than both the $1,000 Galaxy S23 Plus and $1,200 Galaxy S23 Ultra at their typical starting prices, making it a solid choice for those who want a giant screen and an excellent camera for less. But keep in mind, Google is getting ready to announce the Pixel 8 soon enough, so it may be worth waiting. Read our Google Pixel 7 Pro review.

Pros:

• Stellar camera with awesome new features
• Design refinements look classy
• Android 13 is bliss to use

Cons:

The Galaxy S23 is a lot, but in a good way. It’s more than most people need in a phone, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Samsung made improvements to the camera’s resolution (200 megapixels compared to 108 megapixels), color tones and dynamic range, while retaining the same edgy design and massive 6.8-inch screen as its predecessor. There’s also a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that’s been optimized specifically for Samsung’s phones, which brings faster performance compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra. 

Starting at $1,200, it may be an understatement to call this phone expensive. But those willing to pay more for a giant screen and a high-quality, versatile camera won’t be disappointed. Read our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review.

Pros:

• Fast performance
• Excellent main camera, especially in low light
• Bright screen
• Included stylus
• Double the storage in the base model
• Four years of Android OS updates

Cons:

• High price
• Photos don’t always look natural, especially selfies
• No improvements to fast charging

Android fans looking for a petite phone don’t have much to choose from. But the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 provides a compelling option for those who want a phone that feels compact but still provides enough screen space.

The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a fresh processor (a version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that’s been optimized for Samsung’s phones), a slightly new design and a higher-resolution selfie camera. But it’s the Galaxy S23’s larger battery that makes it worth recommending. Read our Samsung Galaxy S23 review.

Pros:

• Attractive design
• 4 generations of Android OS updates
• Longer battery life than the Galaxy S22
• Fast performance
• More storage in the base S23 Plus

Cons:

• Cameras are basically the same as last year
• Expensive
• No improvements to fast charging
• Regular Galaxy S23 lacks base storage upgrade

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the biggest leap forward Samsug’s flip phone has seen in years. Samsung has significantly expanded the size of the cover screen located on the outside of the device, meaning you can look up directions, take photos and send messages without opening the phone. It’s this combined with the Z Flip’s solid battery life and sturdy design that makes it a top pick.

The Z Flip 5 may be our favorite flip phone, but there are still some drawbacks to be aware of. At $1,000, it’s still expensive for a phone without a telephoto camera. And not all apps work natively on the front screen as they do on the Motorola Razr Plus. Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review.

Pros:

• Big cover screen is fun to use
• New hinge eliminates the gap when closed
• Solid battery life
• More storage in base model

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not all apps work on the cover screen natively
• Apps don’t transition from main screen to cover screen
• Minimal camera updates

The Motorola Razr Plus raised the bar for what a flip phone should be in 2023. Its 3.6-inch cover screen allows you to use almost any app without opening the phone, plus battery life is long enough to get you through a busy day. It’s also thinner than the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which could make it the ideal choice for those who prioritize portability in a phone.

While I recommend the Galaxy Z Flip 5 as the best flip phone overall, the Razr Plus is worth considering if you prefer a thinner design and want to use more apps on the phone’s front screen without much extra fuss. The Razr Plus felt more fragile than the Z Flip 5 during my testing, but it’s certainly thinner, making it a great choice for those who care about compactness above all else. Read our Motorola Razr Plus review.

Pros:

• Large, useful cover screen
• Crease is barely visible
• Thin design
• Good battery life
• Fun photography features like photo previews

Cons:

• Not as many Android updates as Samsung
• Flex View feels limited
• Front screen gathers fingerprint smudges easily
• $1,000 is still expensive

The Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola has a lot going for it, from its palatable regular $700 price to its unique aesthetic, easy compatibility with PCs and smooth 6.6-inch screen. But it’s the ThinkPhone’s incredibly fast charging that truly makes it stand out. It supports 68-watt fast charging and notably comes with a compatible power adapter in the box, making it one of the fastest-charging phones you can buy in the US. In CNET’s testing, the ThinkPhone’s battery went from empty to 92% in 30 minutes.

Every phone has its drawbacks. The cameras on the ThinkPhone struggle in low light, which means it may not take the best photos in dim restaurants and bars. And even though it’s a great value at $700, there are some cheaper alternatives that are also compelling, such as Google’s Pixel 7A. Read our Lenovo ThinkPhone review.

Pros:

• Cohesive design
• Incredibly fast charging
• Cross functionality with PCs
• Incredible value for the price

Cons:

• The cameras are good, but struggle in low light
• The Google Pixel 7 is $100 less

The Nothing Phone 2 stands out for its unconventional design that incorporates flashing LED lights, relatively low price and fast performance. And unlike the Nothing Phone 1, you can actually buy the Nothing Phone 2 in the US, for $700. It’s best suited for those who want a phone with a large, bright screen, powerful processor and a design that makes a statement, all for well below $1,000.

That said, it’s important to remember that Nothing has a lot of competition in this price range. If camera quality is your top priority, you can get the Pixel 7A at a lower price of $449. Read our Nothing Phone 2 review.

Pros: 

• Flashy design
• Powerful processor
• Large, bright display
• Attractive interface

Cons:

• Disappointing camera performance
• Needs to be cheaper to compete against rivals

Google’s budget phone took a leap forward in 2023 with the Pixel 7A, which offers many of the same benefits as the Pixel 7 but at a cheaper price. Like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A runs on Google’s Tensor G2 processor, meaning it has many of the same photo editing and language translation features as its pricier sibling. The Pixel 7A’s 64-megapixel camera also takes excellent photos that rival the Pixel 7’s in quality. 

While we still like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A’s lower price makes it a better deal for most people. Only opt for the Pixel 7 if you really want a slightly larger screen and are willing to pay the extra $100 for it. Otherwise, the main differences between the Pixel 7 and 7A come down to the former’s more durable build, slightly faster charging and its ability to wirelessly charge compatible accessories. The Pixel 7 also has a larger camera sensor that’s more sensitive to light, according to Google, but CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco didn’t notice much of a difference. Read our Pixel 7A review.

Pros:

• Excellent camera
• Many of the same features as the Pixel 7 at a cheaper price
• Attractive design
• Gains wireless charging, face unlock and high refresh rate

Cons:

• Screen still looks dim outdoors
• Higher price compared with Pixel 6A at launch
• Only three generations of Android OS updates compared with Samsung’s four

Google no longer sells the Pixel 6 Pro through its website, but you can still find it through some third-party retailers at a significant discount for now. The Pixel 6 Pro’s unique design, great software additions, superb camera quality and solid all-around performance earned the phone an excellent rating when CNET reviewed it in 2021. 

It’s almost two years old, but many of our initial impressions still hold true. All told, it’s a worthwhile choice for those who want a spacious screen and a top-notch camera on a budget. Read our Pixel 6 Pro review.

Pros:

• Excellent cameras
• Solid all-round performance
• Neat Android 12 interface
• Attractive design

Cons:

• Battery is good, but not great
• Fast charge isn’t all that fast
• No face unlock

The $599 iPhone 13 is still an excellent phone. If you’re considering buying an older iPhone to save money, the iPhone 13 is the best choice for most people. 

It has a lot in common with the iPhone 14, considering both phones run on the same A15 Bionic processor and have a 12-megapixel camera system. The iPhone 14’s processor has an extra GPU core, but those who primarily use their phone for casual gaming, social media, checking email and watching video likely won’t mind. 

The iPhone 13, like the 12 before it, is defined by its square-sided design. It supports 5G, MagSafe charging and has cameras on par with the ones from 2020’s top-of-the-line iPhone 12 Pro Max.

But the iPhone 13’s best feature is its larger battery that, in our tests, lasted 4.5 hours more on a single charge than the iPhone 12, and nearly 3 hours longer than the more recent iPhone 14.

The 13 also has Cinematic mode, which is basically a video version of Portrait mode, and iOS 17. The iPhone 13 earned a 2021 CNET Editors’ Choice Award. Just remember the iPhone 13 lacks satellite connectivity for contacting emergency services without a cell service and car crash detection, both of which are available on the iPhone 14 and 15 series. Such features may be important to consider if you’re purchasing a phone for your child. Read our Apple iPhone 13 review.

Pros:

• Good cameras
• Solid battery life
• Cinematic mode is fun
• Affordable price compared to other iPhones

Cons:

• Notch is noticeable
• Cinematic mode is more of a novelty than a pro feature
• Selfie camera could be better

The $700 OnePlus 11 is a powerful phone that’s well equipped to handle gaming, video streaming and other common tasks. In typical OnePlus fashion, this phone is also cheaper than the $800 Galaxy S23 and $900 Pixel 7 Pro. The cameras aren’t the best, but they’re fine for casual photographers that just want to capture their next vacation or a night out. What sets the OnePlus 11 apart from many of its rivals is its blazing fast 100-watt fast charging, which can replenish the battery in just 25 minutes. (The US version only supports 80-watt charging, but that’s still an improvement over the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 45-watt charging).

Overall, the OnePlus 11 is ideal for those who want a powerful phone that charges quickly and won’t break the bank. Read our OnePlus 11 review.

Pros:

• Incredible performance for gaming
• Slick, refreshed design
• Hyperfast charging
• Five years of security support

Cons:

• Cameras are good, but not great
• Rivals offer better waterproofing

At $429, you might think the only appeal of the iPhone SE (2022) is its price. And admittedly that’s a big factor. But now that iPhone has stopped selling the iPhone 13 Mini, it’s also a solid option for those who prefer smaller phones. 

On the outside, the iPhone SE has the same body as the iPhone 8, which makes it the only iPhone on this list that still has Touch ID. On the inside, the SE has the same A15 processor as the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 14 and 14 Plus which takes the 2017 camera hardware and gives it an injection of Apple’s computational photography magic.

The SE represents the classic iPhone design but with the added ability to run the latest version of iOS and apps. One of the quieter updates in 2022 was that the SE’s back was upgraded to the back glass used on the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini. It’s also your most affordable way into all of Apple services like FaceTime, iMessage and iCloud. Read our Apple iPhone SE (2022) review.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Home button and Touch ID FTW
• Good battery life 
• Camera takes good photos and videos

Cons:

• Lacks night mode for photos
• Screen could be brighter
• Bezels above and below screen look dated
• Selfie camera not on par with rear camera
• 20-watt USB-C charger not included

The Pixel 6A impressed CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco last year with its attractive design and Tensor processor, which enabled it to inherit many of the same features as the Pixel 6 but at a cheaper price. Now, Google has knocked the price down to $349, making it an even better value.

The Pixel 6A has a 6.1-inch screen, making it the same size as the Pixel 7A and slightly smaller than the Pixel 7. While it’s missing out on certain newer features that require the Tensor G2, it still has a lot to offer for the price. With the Pixel 6A, you get Google-specific features like Face Unblur, which sharpens a subject’s face in blurry photos, and Real Tone, which renders skin tones more accurately in photos. Read our Pixel 6A review.

Pros:

• Great camera
• Affordable price
• Premium design for a midtier phone
• Among the first to get new Android updates

Cons:

• Somewhat dim display
• Not a great value alongside discounted Pixel 6
• Not as many years of guaranteed Android updates as Samsung
• Video quality isn’t as good as still photos