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The best phone for iPhone fans is the $799 iPhone 15. It has one of Apple’s most recent processors, the A16 Bionic chip found in last year’s iPhone 14 Pro, meaning it should support new software features for years to come. The iPhone 15 has the best balance of camera performance and features (like the Dynamic Island) that will feel new to those coming from older iPhones to satisfy most people.
For more info, read our guide to help find the best phone for your needs and take a look at our tips on how to buy a new Apple iPhone or Android phone and where to snag the best phone deals.
<div id="3ab118c9-270c-4931-8425-3305ee64033c" section="cap" data-id="listicle-3ab118c9-270c-4931-8425-3305ee64033c" data-cy="bestListProductListing" edition="us" description="
With the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port for more convenient charging and an upgraded camera with a higher resolution and a crisper zoom, the iPhone 15 is a significant upgrade for those with older iPhones. It feels like a scaled back version of the iPhone 14 Pro, making Apple’s entry-level iPhone 15 feel like a bigger leap forward than last year’s.
The iPhone 15 is available in two size options: the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. They run on the same chip as iPhone 14 Pro, the A16 Bionic, which should bring notable performance upgrades to those with an iPhone that’s several years old. These phones also have Apple’s second-generation ultra wideband chip, enabling a new feature that makes it easier to find friends or family members in a crowd.
Last year’s iPhone 14 Pro may be a better choice if you can still find it through third-party retailers at a discount, particularly because it has a dedicated telephoto lens. But the iPhone 15 is the most exciting upgrade Apple’s standard iPhone has seen in years. Read our iPhone 15 and 15 Plus review.
Pros:
- USB-C port for more convenient charging.
- Colorful matte design.
- Improved camera that can automatically take people and pet portraits.
- Dynamic Island brings better multitasking.
Cons:
- No always-on display.
- Find My Friends feature only works with other iPhone 15 phones.
- Discounted iPhone 14 Pro may be a better value.
- Galaxy S23 offers a longer optical zoom.
” superlative=”Best iPhone for most people” type=”Best list” imagegroup=”{"alt":"The iPhone 15 in someone’s hand","caption":"
The iPhone 15
","credits":"John Kim/CNET","imageData":{"id":"00bb2a12-685c-409a-881e-2ab43405c3eb","title":"iphone-15","filename":"iphone-15.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2023/09/18/00bb2a12-685c-409a-881e-2ab43405c3eb/iphone-15.jpg","caption":"
The iPhone 15
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The iPhone 15
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The iPhone 15
” overridecredit=”John Kim/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__3ab118c9-270c-4931-8425-3305ee64033c” imagecredit=”John Kim/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes=”” totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor=”” buttoncolorsection=”” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
With the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port for more convenient charging and an upgraded camera with a higher resolution and a crisper zoom, the iPhone 15 is a significant upgrade for those with older iPhones. It feels like a scaled back version of the iPhone 14 Pro, making Apple’s entry-level iPhone 15 feel like a bigger leap forward than last year’s.
The iPhone 15 is available in two size options: the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. They run on the same chip as iPhone 14 Pro, the A16 Bionic, which should bring notable performance upgrades to those with an iPhone that’s several years old. These phones also have Apple’s second-generation ultra wideband chip, enabling a new feature that makes it easier to find friends or family members in a crowd.
Last year’s iPhone 14 Pro may be a better choice if you can still find it through third-party retailers at a discount, particularly because it has a dedicated telephoto lens. But the iPhone 15 is the most exciting upgrade Apple’s standard iPhone has seen in years. Read our iPhone 15 and 15 Plus review.
Pros:
- USB-C port for more convenient charging.
- Colorful matte design.
- Improved camera that can automatically take people and pet portraits.
- Dynamic Island brings better multitasking.
Cons:
- No always-on display.
- Find My Friends feature only works with other iPhone 15 phones.
- Discounted iPhone 14 Pro may be a better value.
- Galaxy S23 offers a longer optical zoom.
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Best iPhone for most people
iPhone 15
With the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port for more convenient charging and an upgraded camera with a higher resolution and a crisper zoom, the iPhone 15 is a significant upgrade for those with older iPhones. It feels like a scaled back version of the iPhone 14 Pro, making Apple’s entry-level iPhone 15 feel like a bigger leap forward than last year’s.
The iPhone 15 is available in two size options: the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. They run on the same chip as iPhone 14 Pro, the A16 Bionic, which should bring notable performance upgrades to those with an iPhone that’s several years old. These phones also have Apple’s second-generation ultra wideband chip, enabling a new feature that makes it easier to find friends or family members in a crowd.
Last year’s iPhone 14 Pro may be a better choice if you can still find it through third-party retailers at a discount, particularly because it has a dedicated telephoto lens. But the iPhone 15 is the most exciting upgrade Apple’s standard iPhone has seen in years. Read our iPhone 15 and 15 Plus review.
Pros:
- USB-C port for more convenient charging.
- Colorful matte design.
- Improved camera that can automatically take people and pet portraits.
- Dynamic Island brings better multitasking.
Cons:
- No always-on display.
- Find My Friends feature only works with other iPhone 15 phones.
- Discounted iPhone 14 Pro may be a better value.
- Galaxy S23 offers a longer optical zoom.
<div id="99f69fc4-98b0-46c5-9a44-7d422a505e26" section="cap" data-id="listicle-99f69fc4-98b0-46c5-9a44-7d422a505e26" data-cy="bestListProductListing" edition="us" description="
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, while the Pro Max takes that further to 5x.
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
” superlative=”Best premium iPhone” imagegroup=”{"alt":"iPhone 15 Pro Max","caption":"
The iPhone 15 Pro Max (left) alongside the iPhone 15 Pro (right)
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","size":4221478,"width":4000,"height":2250,"dateCreated":{"date":"2023-09-18 18:28:24","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2023-09-18 18:39:29","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"James Martin/CNET","alt":"iPhone 15 Pro Max","restricted":false,"startDate":{"date":"2023-09-19 13:00:00","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"16cdf1fe-0814-47f4-8c89-0c935084f39c","imageAltText":"iPhone 15 Pro Max","imageCaption":"
The iPhone 15 Pro Max (left) alongside the iPhone 15 Pro (right)
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The iPhone 15 Pro Max (left) alongside the iPhone 15 Pro (right)
” overridecredit=”James Martin/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__99f69fc4-98b0-46c5-9a44-7d422a505e26″ imagecredit=”James Martin/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes=”” totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor=”” buttoncolorsection=”” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
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, while the Pro Max takes that further to 5x.
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
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Best premium iPhone
iPhone 15 Pro
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, while the Pro Max takes that further to 5x.
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
<div id="fc0e6d86-e5e5-416e-a548-f516b1cc2107" section="cap" data-id="listicle-fc0e6d86-e5e5-416e-a548-f516b1cc2107" data-cy="bestListProductListing" edition="us" description="
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 full review of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
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
” superlative=”Best premium Android phone” imagegroup=”{"alt":"Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra","caption":"
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra
","credits":"James Martin/CNET","imageData":{"id":"3ab7d16e-84a9-424e-b3a0-fef6080170d7","title":"samsung-unpacked-2023-s23-23","filename":"samsung-unpacked-2023-s23-23.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2023/01/31/3ab7d16e-84a9-424e-b3a0-fef6080170d7/samsung-unpacked-2023-s23-23.jpg","caption":"
","size":1191330,"width":6738,"height":4494,"dateCreated":{"date":"2023-01-31 17:42:13","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2023-01-31 17:42:56","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Lisa Eadicicco/CNET","alt":"Samsung Galaxy S23","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"3ab7d16e-84a9-424e-b3a0-fef6080170d7","imageAltText":"Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra","imageCaption":"
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra
","imageCredit":"James Martin/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"samsung-unpacked-2023-s23-23.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2023/01/31","imageWidth":6738,"imageHeight":4494,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra
” overridecredit=”James Martin/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__fc0e6d86-e5e5-416e-a548-f516b1cc2107″ imagecredit=”James Martin/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes=”” totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor=”” buttoncolorsection=”” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
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 full review of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
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
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Best premium Android phone
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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 full review of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
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
<div id="c891c52d-d8b8-4ac0-99d6-e648ec241f98" section="cap" data-id="listicle-c891c52d-d8b8-4ac0-99d6-e648ec241f98" data-techprodid="ee422853-12ee-43bf-bc44-851141e6115c" data-cy="bestListProductListing" edition="us" description="
While the iPhone 15 Pro has all the exciting tech packed in, it also has a huge price attached. The standard iPhone 13 is a reliable choice for most people, sporting a 6.1-inch screen and two excellent rear cameras.
Its performance and camera quality aren’t as good as you’d get from the top end iPhone 15, but the iPhone 13 will still receive the latest iOS updates, and its lower price makes it a great option for those of you not wanting to splash all your cash on the latest tech.
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
” superlative=”Best everyday phone” imagegroup=”{"alt":"iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05","caption":"
","credits":"Patrick Holland/CNET","imageData":{"id":"58850c0a-0a5f-420a-a7c4-69db938bd230","title":"iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05","filename":"iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2021/09/22/58850c0a-0a5f-420a-a7c4-69db938bd230/iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05.jpg","caption":"
","size":2413483,"width":2000,"height":1500,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-09-22 13:36:55","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-29 20:31:32","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Patrick Holland/CNET","alt":"Apple iPhone 13 on a table next to a latte","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"58850c0a-0a5f-420a-a7c4-69db938bd230","imageAltText":"iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05","imageCaption":"
","imageCredit":"Patrick Holland/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/09/22","imageWidth":2000,"imageHeight":1500,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Patrick Holland/CNET” usepricing=”false” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__c891c52d-d8b8-4ac0-99d6-e648ec241f98″ imagecredit=”Patrick Holland/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes=”” totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor=”” buttoncolorsection=”” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
While the iPhone 15 Pro has all the exciting tech packed in, it also has a huge price attached. The standard iPhone 13 is a reliable choice for most people, sporting a 6.1-inch screen and two excellent rear cameras.
Its performance and camera quality aren’t as good as you’d get from the top end iPhone 15, but the iPhone 13 will still receive the latest iOS updates, and its lower price makes it a great option for those of you not wanting to splash all your cash on the latest tech.
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
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Best everyday phone
Apple iPhone 13
While the iPhone 15 Pro has all the exciting tech packed in, it also has a huge price attached. The standard iPhone 13 is a reliable choice for most people, sporting a 6.1-inch screen and two excellent rear cameras.
Its performance and camera quality aren’t as good as you’d get from the top end iPhone 15, but the iPhone 13 will still receive the latest iOS updates, and its lower price makes it a great option for those of you not wanting to splash all your cash on the latest tech.
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
<div id="56713c32-32e8-4219-a960-2ecf8302a445" section="cap" data-id="listicle-56713c32-32e8-4219-a960-2ecf8302a445" data-techprodid="7b7c073a-fc6a-4060-a43d-5adef4ebcdac" data-cy="bestListProductListing" edition="us" description="
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.
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
” superlative=”Best Android phone for $500″ imagegroup=”{"alt":"Google’s Pixel 7A phone","caption":"
The Pixel 7A
","credits":"James Martin/CNET","imageData":{"id":"31dfdcf2-1ac3-4320-b40c-4c356300f06e","title":"google-pixel-7a-phone-14","filename":"google-pixel-7a-phone-14.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2023/05/04/31dfdcf2-1ac3-4320-b40c-4c356300f06e/google-pixel-7a-phone-14.jpg","caption":"
","size":5170773,"width":3000,"height":2000,"dateCreated":{"date":"2023-05-04 17:51:25","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2023-05-10 22:45:31","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"James Martin/CNET","alt":"Google’s Pixel 7A phone","restricted":false,"startDate":{"date":"2023-05-10 19:00:00","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"31dfdcf2-1ac3-4320-b40c-4c356300f06e","imageAltText":"Google’s Pixel 7A phone","imageCaption":"
The Pixel 7A
","imageCredit":"James Martin/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"google-pixel-7a-phone-14.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2023/05/04","imageWidth":3000,"imageHeight":2000,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
The Pixel 7A
” overridecredit=”James Martin/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__56713c32-32e8-4219-a960-2ecf8302a445″ imagecredit=”James Martin/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes=”” totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor=”” buttoncolorsection=”” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
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.
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
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Best Android phone for $500
Google Pixel 7A
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.
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
<div id="2d58f706-97c6-40e1-90dd-7a3c3cecdaa4" section="cap" data-id="listicle-2d58f706-97c6-40e1-90dd-7a3c3cecdaa4" data-cy="bestListProductListing" edition="us" description="
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the biggest leap forward Samsung’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.
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
” superlative=”Best foldable phone” imagegroup=”{"alt":"Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5","caption":"
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5
","imageCredit":"Amy Kim/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"img-9767.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2023/08/04","imageWidth":3520,"imageHeight":1980,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5
” overridecredit=”Amy Kim/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__2d58f706-97c6-40e1-90dd-7a3c3cecdaa4″ imagecredit=”Amy Kim/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes=”” totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor=”” buttoncolorsection=”” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the biggest leap forward Samsung’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.
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
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Best foldable phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the biggest leap forward Samsung’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.
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
<div id="3c1d7842-2448-4232-8098-533901e51be1" section="cap" data-id="listicle-3c1d7842-2448-4232-8098-533901e51be1" data-cy="bestListProductListing" edition="us" description="
If you’re looking for a good budget phone that comes with a basic stylus and support for 5G, then the Moto G Stylus 5 is a great pick. The cell phone features a stylus that you can store inside the phone along with a built-in Notes app to help with productivity. This phone also offers a triple-rear camera, 128GB of internal storage and a robust 4,000-mAh battery.
” superlative=”Best phone with a stylus” imagegroup=”{"alt":"015-moto-g-stylus","caption":"
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","imageCredit":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"015-moto-g-stylus.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/01/22","imageWidth":4000,"imageHeight":2667,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Sarah Tew/CNET” linktext=”Read our Moto G Stylus 5G review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/moto-g-stylus-5g-review-it-has-one-of-the-longest-lasting-batteries-in-any-phone/” usepricing=”false” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__3c1d7842-2448-4232-8098-533901e51be1″ imagecredit=”Sarah Tew/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes=”” totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor=”” buttoncolorsection=”” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
