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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Most Powerful iPhone
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Pros & Cons
Fast, smooth performance
Excellent cameras
Long battery life
Useful Action button
USB-C connectivity opens up new features
Lighter than previous Pro Max
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
iOS 17
CPU
Apple A17 Pro
Dimensions
6.29 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches
Screen Size
6.7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,796 by 1,290 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
20 hours, 15 minutes
Why We Picked It
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most iPhone you can get, with the fastest processor, the best screen, the biggest battery, and the most capable cameras. A USB-C Gen 2 port, titanium frame, and versatile Action button are all new for this iteration, as are the powerful A17 Pro processor and 5x optical telephoto camera. If you’re serious about photography and videography, this is the iPhone to get.
Who It’s For
Simply put, this is the best iPhone money can buy. It’s for those who want all the new features and best performance available from an iPhone.
Learn More
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Review
Best for Artists and Note-Takers
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Pros & Cons
Speedy performance
Beautiful screen
Terrific cameras
Useful AI features
Comes with S Pen stylus
Long support commitment
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches
Screen Size
6.8 inches
Screen Resolution
3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
14 hours, 10 minutes
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers superb specs including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, up to 1TB of storage and 12GB of RAM, and the best camera stack you can get on an Android phone in the US. The built-in S Pen stylus is another significant point in its favor, particularly for artists and note-takers who like to sketch or jot on the run. Let’s not forget Samsung’s powerful productivity software, which lets you multitask with ease.
Who It’s For
If you want 5x telephoto zoom power, a 200MP main camera, good battery life, top performance, and a built-in stylus, the S24 Ultra is the phone for you.
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review
Best Folding Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Pros & Cons
Incredibly versatile
Excellent productivity software
Beautiful screens
Slimmer, lighter design than previous generation
Pricey
Odd speaker placement
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 13
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.10 by 5.11 by 0.24 inches
Screen Size
7.6 inches
Screen Resolution
2,176 by 1,812 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP; 4MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
11 hours, 20 minutes
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 works out all the major kinks that hindered the outgoing Z Fold 4. The lighter package and more compact body make it appreciably easier to carry around this incredibly powerful machine. Moreover, it finally loses the wedged shape when folded and closes entirely flat. It costs a lot of money, but Samsung justifies it with lots of features, such as advanced multitasking, S Pen stylus support, the latest 5G and Wi-Fi radios, and speedy performance.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for one device to replace your phone, tablet, and maybe even your laptop, the Z Fold 5 is built for you. It’s the top folding phone in the market with good reason.
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review
Best Android Phone for Most People
Google Pixel 8
Pros & Cons
Competitively priced
Advanced AI features
Terrific cameras
Compact
Excellent build quality
Unimpressive battery life
No telephoto camera
Storage capped at 256GB
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Google Tensor G3
Dimensions
5.93 by 2.79 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size
6.2 inches
Screen Resolution
2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 12MP; 10.5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
10 hours, 20 minutes
Why We Picked It
The Pixel 8 offers most of the same features as the Pixel 8 Pro for $300 less. It has a great build and features incredibly powerful, AI-enhanced image and video editing tools like Magic Eraser and Best Take. It also stands out for its unique design and Google Assistant-powered search tools.
Who It’s For
If you enjoy mobile photography or want a pure Google software experience, the Pixel 8 is the Android phone to get. People who don’t upgrade their phones often should appreciate Google’s promised seven years of OS updates, too.
Learn More
Google Pixel 8 Review
Best Affordable Android Phone
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Long battery life
Competent cameras
Excellent software upgrade policy
No IP rating
Plastic build
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Mediatek 6835
Dimensions
6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches
Screen Size
6.5 inches
Screen Resolution
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
14 hours, 3 minutes
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is an excellent value for under $200. Highlights include a large 90Hz screen, a good camera system, and a guarantee of four years’ worth of security updates. It’s not as tough as pricier phones, nor does it perform as well, but you can’t ask for more given the low price.
Who It’s For
If your budget is limited, the Galaxy A15 5G is an excellent choice thanks to its good everyday usability, above-average cameras, and long battery life. Midrange models outgun it, but it’s easily the best Androoid phone under $200.
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Review
Best Voice Phone
TCL Flip 2
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Long battery life
Clear earpiece and speakerphone
Wi-Fi connectivity
Email access
Can’t download additional apps
Poor cameras
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
AOSP
CPU
MediaTek 6739-CH
Dimensions
4.22 by 2.19 by 0.78 inches
Screen Size
2.8 inches
Screen Resolution
320 by 240 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
2MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
Approximately 14 hours of talk time
Why We Picked It
The TCL Flip 2 is a great voice phone with approximately 14 hours of talk time, a removable battery, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C charging port. It also features a 2MP camera, which is useful in a pinch. Finally, Wi-Fi connectivity and email access can help keep you in the communications loop.
Who It’s For
If you aren’t interested in owning a smartphone, the affordable TCL Flip 2 performs basic phone functions confidently. The speakerphone and earpiece sound quite clear, too.
Learn More
TCL Flip 2 Review
Best iPhone for Most People
Apple iPhone 15
Pros & Cons
Good size and weight
Solid performance
Capable cameras
USB-C port
Dynamic Island
No always-on display
No telephoto camera
Shorter battery life than other iPhones
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
iOS 17
CPU
Apple A16 Bionic
Dimensions
5.81 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size
6.1 inches
Screen Resolution
2,556 by 1,179 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
16 hours, 15 minutes
Why We Picked It
The base model iPhone 15 offers everything you want from an iPhone for a lot less money than the Pro version. It has a high-quality build with a waterproof chassis, a brighter screen, faster performance, and better cameras than ever. It also loses the notch of older iPhones in favor of the Dynamic Island and jumps from Apple’s old Lightning connector to the more universal USB-C.
Who It’s For
If you don’t need bleeding-edge hardware or the largest screen, the standard iPhone 15 won’t let you down and will save you money at the same time.
Learn More
Apple iPhone 15 Review
Best Flip Phone
Motorola Razr+
Pros & Cons
Excellent display quality
Highly functional external screen
Portable, stylish design
Unimpressive IP rating
Dated processor
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 13
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Dimensions
6.73 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches
Screen Size
6.9 inches
Screen Resolution
2,640 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
12MP, 13MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
14 hours
Why We Picked It
The Motorola Razr+ is a high-quality foldable that bends in half at the waist rather than down the spine. It’s pocketable, powerful, fun, and stylish. The capable external display means you can use it without opening the screen much of the time and even take selfies using the main camera.
Who It’s For
The Razr+ is for people bored with modern slab-style smartphones and want to change things up for something new. It’s a breath of fresh air in a market oversaturated with sameness.
Learn More
Motorola Razr+ Review
Best Alternative to Google and Samsung
OnePlus 12
Pros & Cons
Bright, crisp display
Excellent battery life
Rapid wired and wireless charging
Powerful processor
Lacks mmWave 5G
Not as waterproof as competing phones
No special AI features
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Dimensions
6.47 by 2.98 by 0.36 inches
Screen Size
6.82 inches
Screen Resolution
3,168 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
64MP, 50MP, 48MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
18 hours, 10 minutes
Why We Picked It
If you want a top Android phone that’s not from Google or Samsung, the OnePlus 12 is an excellent option. This $799 flagship meets the Pixels and Galaxies spec for spec with an outstanding display, solid battery life, and capable cameras. OnePlus also promises software updates for years to come.
Who It’s For
This is the phone for flagship seekers who want more individuality from their handset. OnePlus has a design language all its own and thoughtful software tweaks that set its phones apart from other Android devices.
Learn More
OnePlus 12 Review
Buying Guide: The Best Phones for 2024
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.
The Best Phones of the Year
Which Cell Phone Carrier Has the Best Coverage?Despite all the recent hardware and mobile software innovations, choosing a wireless service provider remains the most important decision. No matter what device you buy, it’s a paperweight unless you have reliable wireless coverage. You should choose a carrier that offers fair prices and provides the best coverage in your area. If you’re interested in performance and you live in a metro area, pay the most attention to where the major carriers have “mid-band” 5G (also called C-band) and use phones that support that technology.UScellular is available only in about half the country as of now, though T-Mobile’s in-progress acquisition of UScellular will certainly change things. Meanwhile, Dish now says it covers the majority of the country.
Google Pixel 8 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
There are also plenty of virtual operators that use the big three networks for service but offer lower monthly rates, cheaper international calls, or other benefits. They’re typically better for less intensive users, and some don’t even have family plans. Mint Mobile (on T-Mobile), Consumer Cellular (on AT&T), and Spectrum Mobile (on Verizon) all got higher ratings in our Readers’ Choice survey than the companies that host their service.AT&T owns Cricket, Dish owns Boost Mobile, T-Mobile owns Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile, Verizon owns Visible, and Google owns Google Fi. Verizon now also owns Net10, Page Plus, Simple Mobile, Straight Talk, Total Wireless, and Tracfone. We spotlight some of our favorite virtual operators in our roundup of the best cheap phone plans. We also have a story on the best cheap phones.Do You Need a 5G Phone?5G arrived in 2019, and most new smartphones now support some form of it. Though 5G has yet to change everything, it’s still well on its way. If you’re on T-Mobile, you should use a mid-band 5G-compatible phone. That’s an easy choice—all T-Mobile 5G phones are mid-band-compatible now.
What Is 5G?
AT&T has made big strides in deploying its C-band network. It has been studiously installing a form of mid-band called 3.45GHz, but you need at least an iPhone 14, a Samsung Galaxy S23, a fifth-generation Samsung Galaxy foldable, or a Pixel 7 to take advantage of it.If you’re in one of Verizon’s C-band areas, upgrading to a C-band-compatible 5G phone is a good move. The carrier’s Ultra Wideband network also offers the super-fast mmWave 5G in select locations. If you are in one of those areas and want to take advantage, make sure your phone has that support.You can find more 5G recommendations on our list of the best 5G phones.Should You Get an Unlocked Phone?Carriers can have confusing service and pricing plans, so unlocked phones are as relevant and invaluable as ever.Unlocked phones are those you buy from a third-party store or directly from the manufacturer; they aren’t tied to a specific carrier. Usually, you can use them with AT&T or T-Mobile. But some popular unlocked phones work on Verizon as well. For the most flexibility, look for a recent Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S or Z flagship, or Motorola phone. If you use a low-cost MVNO service, make sure your unlocked phone is actually compatible; some MVNOs don’t support phones that should work on their networks.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (Credit: Eric Zeman)
In the past, unlocked 4G phones typically worked on all the major carriers, but 5G phones are different. Apple, Google, and Samsung’s 5G phones usually work on every major US carrier, but many other brands either have limited band support or are only certified for specific carriers. AT&T customers should take extra caution before buying an unlocked 5G phone because the carrier has not yet certified many of the phones its network theoretically supports.What Is the Best Smartphone?As more people become accustomed to instant email, web, music, and messaging access at all times of the day, regardless of where they are, smartphones have become almost indispensable. But that doesn’t mean everyone wants the same mobile experience. Sometimes, a platform’s user interface or app selection speaks to you, and that’s all there is to it. With that in mind, and at the risk of attracting flames, let’s break it down as well as we can for those who aren’t so fully vested.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Credit: Eric Zeman )
There’s actually less diversity in smartphone platforms and designs than ever. Android and iOS are the two remaining major smartphone platforms, both in US sales and in the availability of third-party apps. The iPhone has a well-developed app store and some of the best media features. But Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem can feel stifling to some, and iOS isn’t always easy to customize or modify. There’s far more variety among Android handsets, and Android’s open-source nature makes it a tweaker’s dream. But it can also mean carrier bloatware you can’t remove and less consistent OS updates.Strictly interested in Android? Head over to our roundup of the best Android phones. Baffled by the variety of iPhones? Here’s how to decide which iPhone to buy. And if you want to document the world around you with your phone, we’ve rounded up the best camera phones, too.
Recommended by Our Editors
What Is the Best Feature Phone?Some people still use simpler phones, even though the number of choices is limited. The top reasons to consider these models are their lower prices, ease of use, and often cheaper associated service plans (because mobile data often isn’t a factor). There are some great deals for voice-only plans on virtual carriers such as TracFone and Consumer Cellular.Unlike smartphones, feature phones are a matter of “what you see is what you get.” They don’t receive software upgrades or run thousands of apps. Wireless network coverage is always the biggest factor, but individual phones can vary in reception, earpiece quality, transmission quality through the microphone, and sidetone (the echo of your voice that helps prevent you from yelling at the other person on the line). A phone with middling to poor reception quality can be almost impossible to use in a marginal coverage area. In contrast, one with excellent reception can make the best of the little signal that’s available.For more, see our picks for the best phones for seniors. We also have a roundup of the best phones for kids.What’s the Best Time to Buy a New Phone?The best time to buy a new phone is when you need one. If your phone met its demise on the pavement, get whatever is available that best meets your needs. But if you’re watching your budget or riding the cutting edge, a little knowledge and planning can save you from buying a phone that’s about to be discounted or replaced with something newer and cooler. For instance, Apple released the iPhone 15 models in September, as it has done in the past. Google’s flagship Pixels came out in October (though it has an event coming up in August). And Samsung seems to be sticking with its usual schedule of Galaxy S devices in January and Galaxy Z folding phones in the summer.Note that we update this story every time we review a new phone worth a spot on the list, so it changes often. Be sure to check back soon for our latest recommendations.Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.
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