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The Best Phones for 2023

Whether you're looking for an Android smartphone, iPhone, or a simple feature phone, these are our top picks for a variety of budgets across the major US wireless carriers.

By Sascha Segan

My Experience

I'm that 5G guy. I've actually been here for every "G." I've reviewed well over a thousand products during 18 years working full-time at PCMag.com, including every generation of the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy S. I also write a weekly newsletter, Fully Mobilized, where I obsess about phones and networks.

Read Full Bio
& Dave LeClair

My Experience

I love portable technology—if you can put it in a pocket or a bag, I’m probably into it. I’ve covered phones and tablets of all shapes and sizes, and reviewed everything from game consoles to laptops in my decade-plus career. Prior to joining PCMag, I wrote articles for Android Authority, How-To Geek, MUO, New Atlas, Tom’s Hardware, and plenty of other tech publications.

Read Full Bio

OVERVIEW

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Best iPhone Overall
Jump To
Details

Google Pixel 7

Best Midrange Android Phone
Jump To
Details

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best for Artists and Photographers
Jump To
Details

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Best Folding Phone
Jump To
Details

Apple iPhone 14

Best iPhone for Most People
Jump To
Details

Motorola Moto G Power (2022)

Best Phone Under $200
Jump To
Details

Samsung Galaxy S23+

Best Android Flagship
Jump To
Details

Sunbeam F1

Best Simple Voice Phone
Jump To
Details

Unihertz Titan Pocket

Best QWERTY Keyboard Phone
Jump To
Details
Our Experts Have Tested 37 Products in the Mobile Phones Category This Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.(Opens in a new window)

For most of us, mobile phones are at the center of our universe. The typical feature set of these palm-sized marvels is astounding. It's your phone, messaging device, web browser, camera, music player, GPS, and more. The phone you choose affects your life in a multitude of ways. That's why we're here to help you pick exactly the right one.

We're a smartphone-dominated nation, with 5G now widely available across much of the land. We're down to three major, nationwide wireless carriers, but a new entrant, Dish, recently launched coverage for over 120 million people and is slowly building out a 5G network. Moreover, virtual carriers such as Google Fi, US Mobile, and Visible keep competition alive and push prices down. But some of our choices have constricted a bit: The smartphone OS marketplace is basically down to Apple's iOS and Google's Android. It's surprisingly difficult to find a really good simple voice phone nowadays, too.

We've reviewed almost every smartphone available for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless, as well as for many of their sub-brands such as Cricket, Metro, and Visible. But rather than simply choosing the phones with the highest ratings here, we aim to deliver a list of devices that covers every budget. We generally focus on the hottest, newest releases, but you can also find great value in slightly older phones, so make sure to shop around. We also include some helpful buying advice below the list that can help you throughout your search.


Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Best iPhone Overall

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the most iPhone you can get, with the fastest processor, the best screen, the biggest battery, and the most capable cameras.

Who It's For

Simply put, this is the best iPhone money can buy.

PROS

  • High-quality hardware
  • Always-on display includes widgets
  • Top-notch cameras
  • Stellar wireless performance

CONS

  • Pricey
  • Dated design and Lightning connector
Sold By Price
Best Buy $1,099.99 See It (Opens in a new window)
Amazon $1,046.99 See It (Opens in a new window)
Read Our Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Review

Google Pixel 7

Best Midrange Android Phone

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

In a rare feat, the Pixel 7 impressed us more than its pricier sibling, the Pixel 7 Pro. Between its excellent cameras, silky smooth Android experience, and slick design, it's one of the best midrange phones we've tested.

Who It's For

The Pixel 7 is an excellent phone for anyone who wants a premium device for not a lot of money.

PROS

  • Fantastic value
  • Incredible cameras
  • Excellent performance
  • Great-looking display
  • Smooth Android 13 experience

CONS

  • No telephoto camera
Sold By Price
Best Buy $449.00 See It (Opens in a new window)
Amazon $449.00 See It (Opens in a new window)
Read Our Google Pixel 7 Review

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best for Artists and Photographers

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers superb specs including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, up to 1TB of storage, up to 12GB of RAM, and the best camera stack you can get in the US. The built-in S Pen stylus is another significant point in its favor for artists and notetakers.

Who It's For

If you want 10x telephoto zoom power, a 200MP primary lens, and stylus support, stop your search here. Just make sure you have the funds to afford this pricey flagship.

PROS

  • Large, bright display
  • Speedy performance
  • Excellent cameras
  • S Pen integration
  • Solid battery life
  • Durable hardware
  • Strong software update commitment

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Big, heavy build
Sold By Price
Amazon $1,099.99 See It (Opens in a new window)
Samsung $1,199.99 See It (Opens in a new window)
Read Our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Best Folding Phone

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

There isn't a lot of competition in the folding phone space (at least in the US), so the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is your only viable choice. Fortunately, it feels premium, offers strong connectivity, and makes good use of its extra screen real estate. Just prepare to spend some big bucks.

Who It's For

If you aren't afraid to jump into the deep end with some fairly new technology, the Z Fold 4 might be your ideal next phone. It's the latest (and by far the best) entry in Samsung's Fold lineup and is sure to turn a few heads.

PROS

  • Fast and powerful
  • Useful multi-window mode
  • Excellent signal strength
  • Fully usable with one hand

CONS

  • Very expensive
  • Heavy
  • Some applications are buggy
Sold By Price
Samsung $1,319.99 See It (Opens in a new window)
Amazon $1,899.00 See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Buy $1,919.99 See It (Opens in a new window)
Read Our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Review

Apple iPhone 14

Best iPhone for Most People

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The base model iPhone 14 offers everything you want from an iPhone for a lot less money than a Pro version.

Who It's For

If you don't need bleeding-edge hardware or the largest screen, the standard iPhone 14 won't let you down.

PROS

  • Solid performance
  • Capable cameras
  • Helpful emergency features

CONS

  • Not that different from the iPhone 13
  • Dated design and Lightning connector
Sold By Price
Best Buy $799.99 See It (Opens in a new window)
Apple.com $799.00 See It (Opens in a new window)
Read Our Apple iPhone 14 Review

Motorola Moto G Power (2022)

Best Phone Under $200

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Motorola G Power costs less than $200 and delivers a suitable experience for the price. The main highlights include a 90Hz screen and extensive battery life.

Who It's For

We recommend the Moto G Power to anyone looking for a smartphone for under $200.

PROS

  • Long battery life
  • Solid performance
  • 90Hz refresh rate

CONS

  • Ships with Android 11
  • Noticeable pixelation on 720p display
  • Underwhelming audio
Sold By Price
Amazon $126.48 See It (Opens in a new window)
Read Our Motorola Moto G Power (2022) Review

Samsung Galaxy S23+

Best Android Flagship

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Galaxy S23+ hits the sweet spot among Android flagships. It's not as massive as the Galaxy S23 Ultra, but still has plenty of screen real estate and nearly as powerful internals. It can also take stunning photos, even without its larger sibling's 10x telephoto lens. Other positives include fast 45W wired charging, a bright panel, and long battery life.

Who It's For

If you want a high-end Android phone that costs just a little less, this is the device to buy.

PROS

  • Excellent performance
  • Big, vibrant display
  • Fantastic cameras
  • Impressive battery life
  • Industry-leading software upgrade policy

CONS

  • Lower resolution than the Galaxy S23 Ultra
  • No S Pen
  • Expensive
Sold By Price
Amazon $899.99 See It (Opens in a new window)
Read Our Samsung Galaxy S23+ Review

Sunbeam F1

Best Simple Voice Phone

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

We haven't forgotten about the humble feature phone. The Sunbeam F1 prioritizes communication over everything else and we applaud it for that reason.

Who It's For

Anyone who doesn't need a smartphone should check out the Sunbeam F1.

PROS

  • Thoughtful design
  • Solid construction
  • Loud earpiece
  • Three levels of feature restrictions

CONS

  • Lacks band 71 for T-Mobile
  • Long-term support not guaranteed
Sold By Price
Sunbeam Wireless $195.00 See It (Opens in a new window)
Read Our Sunbeam F1 Review

Unihertz Titan Pocket

Best QWERTY Keyboard Phone

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Few phones on the market still have a QWERTY keyboard, but the Unihertz Titan Pocket is an exception. We're fans of its sculpted key layout, as well as its dual-SIM design and reasonable price.

Who It's For

If you want a phone with a physical keyboard, you won't find a better option than the Unihertz Titan Pocket.

PROS

  • Unique design
  • Dual-SIM and compatible with all carriers
  • Good performance for the price

CONS

  • Small 1:1 screen isn't great for all apps
  • Lacks some speed and coverage bands
  • Terrible cameras
Sold By Price
Amazon $309.99 See It (Opens in a new window)
Kickstarter $299.00 See It (Opens in a new window)
Read Our Unihertz Titan Pocket Review

Which Cell Phone Carrier Has the Best Coverage?

Despite all the recent hardware and mobile software innovation, choosing a wireless service provider remains the most important decision. No matter what device you buy, it's a paperweight unless you have solid 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 carriers have "mid-band" 5G and use phones that support that technology. T-Mobile won our Best Mobile Network award in 2022 because it's far ahead of the other carriers on both counts. It has speedy mid-band in more places than the other carriers, and all its current 5G phones support mid-band.

AT&T performed best in areas away from cities and off the interstates. Verizon's C-band 5G is spreading fast: it now covers some 200 million Americans, but you need the right phone to take advantage of it.

UScellular is available only in about half the country. It has a reputation for good customer service, but we haven't been able to test it because its service is not available near where our staffers live.

The newest national carrier is Dish. We headed out to test its network and found it's in a very early beta state—exciting for wireless geeks, but ordinary consumers probably should wait a while. It's only available in 12 markets, covering about 30 million people.

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 most don't have family plans.

Mint Mobile (on T-Mobile's network), Consumer Cellular (on AT&T's), and Spectrum Mobile (on Verizon's) all got higher ratings in our Readers’ Choice survey than the companies that host their service.

PCMag Logo What Is 5G?

AT&T owns Cricket, T-Mobile owns Metro by T-Mobile, Verizon owns Visible, and Google owns Google Fi. Verizon now also owns Net10, Page Plus, Simple Mobile, Straight Talk, Total Wireless, and Tracfone, although it might sell off some of those brands. 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 may change everything eventually, it won't happen immediately.

As noted above, our Best Mobile Networks tests for 2022 showed that T-Mobile's 5G mid-band network is making a considerable difference in performance. 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.

AT&T has a strong 4G network and not much mid-band 5G. It has been studiously installing a new form of mid-band called 3.45GHz(Opens in a new window), but you need an iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, or fourth-generation Samsung Galaxy foldable model to take advantage of it. Hopefully, more upcoming phones will support this spectrum.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (Credit: Eric Zeman)

Verizon Wireless is famous for its top-notch network quality. It recently turned on C-band 5G in areas covering more than 200 million people, and data shows that it's making a difference. If you're in one of the C-band areas, upgrading to a C-band compatible 5G phone with Verizon is a good move. Otherwise, Verizon's "nationwide" 5G is only slightly faster than LTE, and you don't need to concern yourself with it too much. You can find more 5G recommendations on our list of the best 5G phones.

(One note: you may see a "5G E" icon on your existing AT&T phone. That isn't 5G; it is a marketing ploy. Your phone is still running on LTE 4G.)


Should You Get an Unlocked Phone?

Carriers have moved to increasingly more confusing service and pricing plans, so the value of unlocked phones has risen accordingly.

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 all three major carriers, including Verizon. For the most flexibility, look for a recent Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S flagship, or Motorola phone. If you use a low-cost MVNO service, make sure your unlocked phone works on its network; we've received several emails stating that some MVNOs don't support phones that should work on their networks.

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 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.

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 the best app store and the best media features. But Apple's tightly controlled ecosystem can feel stifling to some, and iOS isn't 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 also means fragmented third-party app compatibility, occasional bugs, carrier bloatware you can't remove, and less consistent OS updates.

Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7 (Credit: Eric Zeman)

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.  


What Is the Best Feature Phone?

Some people still use simpler phones, even though the number of choices is steadily dwindling. The top reasons to consider these models are their lower price, ease of use, and often cheaper associated service plans (because mobile data 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 additional apps. For voice quality, read our feature on how to make your cell phone calls sound better. 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). 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. Another point to consider: Some phones have much louder speakerphones than others.

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 took a header into the pool or 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 keep you from buying a phone that's about to be discounted or replaced with something newer and cooler.

The pandemic and the global chipset shortage upended the usual phone release cycles for some time, but things seem to be returning to normal now. For instance, Apple released the iPhone 14 models in September, as it has done in the past. Google's new Pixels came out in October. And Samsung stuck with its usual schedule of Galaxy S devices in February and foldable phones in August.

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.

Our Picks
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
See It
$1,099.99
at Best Buy
(Opens in a new window)
Google Pixel 7
See It
$449.00
at Best Buy
(Opens in a new window)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
See It
$1,099.99
at Amazon
(Opens in a new window)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
See It
$1,319.99
at Samsung
(Opens in a new window)
Apple iPhone 14
See It
$799.99
at Best Buy
(Opens in a new window)
Motorola Moto G Power (2022)
See It
$126.48
at Amazon
(Opens in a new window)
Samsung Galaxy S23+
See It
$899.99
at Amazon
(Opens in a new window)
Sunbeam F1
See It
$195.00
at Sunbeam Wireless
(Opens in a new window)
Unihertz Titan Pocket
See It
$309.99
at Amazon
(Opens in a new window)
Rating
Editors' Choice
4.5 Editor Review
Editors' Choice
4.5 Editor Review
Editors' Choice
4.5 Editor Review
Editors' Choice
4.0 Editor Review
Editors' Choice
4.0 Editor Review
Operating System
iOS 16 Android 13 Android 13 Android 12 iOS 16 Android 11 Android 13 Other Android 11
CPU
A16 Bionic Google Tensor G2 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Apple A15 MediaTek Helio G37 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy MediaTek MT6739 Mediatek Helio P70
Dimensions
6.33 by 3.05 by 0.31 inches 6.1 by 2.9 by 0.3 inches 6.43 by 3.07 by 0.35 inches 6.11 x 2.64 x 0.62 inches 5.78 by 2.82 by 0.31 inches 6.6 by 3.0 by 0.4 6.21 by 3.0 by 0.3 inches 4.3 by 2.2 by 0.8 inches 5.22 by 2.88 by 0.66 inches
Screen Size
6.7 inches 6.3 inches 6.8 inches 7.6 inches 6.1 inches 6.5 inches 6.6 inches 2.8 inches 3.1 inches
Screen Resolution
2,796 by 1,290 pixels 1080 by 2400 3,088 by 1,440 pixels 2,176 by 1,812 pixels 2,532 by 1,170 pixels 1,600 by 720 pixels 2,340 by 1,080 pixels 240 by 320 pixels 716 by 720 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP 50MP, 12MP; 10.8MP 200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 10MP; 12MP 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP; 4MP 12MP, 12MP; 12MP 50MP, 2MP, 2MP; 8MP 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 12MP 2MP 16MP; 8MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
19 hours 12 hours 10 minutes 13 hours 11 hours, 30 minutes 15 hours, 30 minutes 16 hours, 7 minutes 14 hours and 45 minutes 5 hours, 45 minutes 11 hours, 10 minutes
Where to Buy
$1,099.99
at Best Buy
 
(Opens in a new window)
$1,046.99
at Amazon
 
(Opens in a new window)
$449.00
at Best Buy
 
(Opens in a new window)
$449.00
at Amazon
 
(Opens in a new window)
$1,099.99
at Amazon
 
(Opens in a new window)
$1,199.99
at Samsung
 
(Opens in a new window)
$1,319.99
at Samsung
 
(Opens in a new window)
$1,899.00
at Amazon
 
(Opens in a new window)
$799.99
at Best Buy
 
(Opens in a new window)
$799.00
at Apple.com
 
(Opens in a new window)
$126.48
at Amazon
 
(Opens in a new window)
$899.99
at Amazon
 
(Opens in a new window)
$195.00
at Sunbeam Wireless
 
(Opens in a new window)
$309.99
at Amazon
 
(Opens in a new window)
$299.00
at Kickstarter
 
(Opens in a new window)

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About Sascha Segan

Lead Analyst, Mobile

I'm that 5G guy. I've actually been here for every "G." I've reviewed well over a thousand products during 18 years working full-time at PCMag.com, including every generation of the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy S. I also write a weekly newsletter, Fully Mobilized, where I obsess about phones and networks.

Read Sascha's full bio

Read the latest from Sascha Segan

About Dave LeClair

Analyst, Mobile

I love portable technology—if you can put it in a pocket or a bag, I’m probably into it. I’ve covered phones and tablets of all shapes and sizes, and reviewed everything from game consoles to laptops in my decade-plus career. Prior to joining PCMag, I wrote articles for Android Authority, How-To Geek, MUO, New Atlas, Tom’s Hardware, and plenty of other tech publications.

Read Dave's full bio

Read the latest from Dave LeClair