Call, text, stream music, check emails, take stunning photos and videos and so much more with a smartphone — and that’s just a fraction of what you can do from the palm of your hand. These tiny gadgets not only connect us to our friends and family around the world, but they run on advanced operating systems like iOS or Android to give us access to the internet and hundreds of applications that make them closer to personal computers than phones.
Whether you’re long overdue for a smartphone upgrade or you’re debating switching to a new operating system, we’re here to help. Below are the best smartphones available today, including the latest picks from Apple, Google and Samsung that feature exceptional battery life, superior cameras and much, much more.
Our top picks:
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
The engineers and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test gadgets and accessories from the best phone cases to tablets, solar phone chargers and laptops. When choosing the best smartphones on the market, our tech experts reviewed phones for key features like ease of use, battery life, performance, design, camera quality and more. We’ve been hands-on with more than 20 models in the past two years alone, from flagship smartphones to ones with unbeatable value. According to our pros, these are the best smartphones of 2023.
After checking out our top picks, keep reading to learn what to look for in a smartphone and don’t forget to brush up on how to clean a phone once you get your new device.
PROS
- Bright, vivid display
- High-quality camera
- Solid battery life
- USB-charging
- Features action button and dynamic island
CONS
- Expensive
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are Apple’s latest iPhones and an excellent choice if you’re in the market for a new smartphone. Not only is the iPhone 15 Pro’s screen display bright and crisp, but its performance is top-of-line. The new titanium design feels lighter than previous generations made of aluminum and the slightly rounded edges are as sleek as they are comfortable to hold. You can choose between four neutral shades, including black, blue, natural and white.
If having a high-quality camera is a priority for you, then you won’t be disappointed with either the Pro or Pro Max. Both models feature three rear lenses that take crisp, high-resolution photos and videos, though the Pro Max has a slight edge thanks to a 5x telephoto camera (as opposed to 3x), making super zoomed-in shots possible. Photo editing has also improved over previous generations and one of our analyst’s favorite features is being able to turn standard photos into portraits even after you’ve taken the shot.
The Pro Max has a larger 6.7-inch display (versus 6.1-inches on the Pro) and a more powerful battery, making it a great choice for anyone who likes a larger phone screen. Both models feature a 120Hz refresh rate that makes navigating the phone, streaming content or playing games feel fast and responsive. Also new to the iPhone 15 Pro is an action button that you can customize with a flashlight, magnifier, quick access to a favorite app and more, as well as USB-C charging (goodbye lightning cables!). While our pros recommend the iPhone Pro or larger Pro Max for most people, consider the iPhone 15 if you’re drawn to its pretty pastel colors and don’t need the most premium camera or performance.
| Screen size | 6.1″ |
|---|---|
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB |
| Weight | 0.48 lbs |
| Claimed battery life | Up to 29 hours video playback |
| Water resistant | Yes, IP68 rating |
PROS
- Affordable
- Fantastic camera
- Bright display
CONS
- Only one storage size
- Not as water-resistant as the Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 7a is one of Google’s more affordable Pixels as newer generations have been released, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on quality. It features a main camera lens and an ultra-wide lens for high-res, crisp photo and video quality, though you won’t get some of the very latest editing features you’ll find on the Pixel 8 Pro. But if you’re not a content creator or avid photographer, these may not be features you’ll miss in the first place. For under $500, it’s hard to find greater value and a better camera in a smartphone. Just keep in mind that you won’t be able to get more than 128GB of storage, and it’s not quite as water-resistant as the latest Pixels.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
CREDIT: SAMSUNG
PROS
- Stunning photos with exceptional zoom
- Fast processor
- Buit-in S Pen
- Sleek, thin design
CONS
- Pricey
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the best Android smartphones you could get and certainly gives Apple a run for its money. Not only do our pros love its sleek, thin design and large display, but Samsung’s S Pen is built-in so you can pull it out and use it whenever you’re feeling extra productive (or want to give tapping with your fingers a rest). We love that you can use the pen to take selfies in addition to jotting down notes or drawing like you would on a tablet.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s most sought after feature is its four rear cameras that enable you to take stunning photos and videos, even in low light. Plus, the phone’s processor is extremely fast and responsive, which we notice when switching among apps and multitasking. Our pros also appreciate that the S23 Ultra features the most powerful battery of any of the Samsung smartphones featured on this list, though it’s also one of the most expensive.
| Screen size | 6.8″ |
|---|---|
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB or 1TB |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs |
| Claimed battery life | Up to 26 hours |
| Water resistant | Yes, IP68 rating |
PROS
- Fantastic camera
- Impressive photo editing
- Bright, large display
- Features Google AI tools
CONS
- AI features may have learning curve
If you’re an Android user or want to make the switch, the Pixel 8 Pro has one of the best cameras we’ve seen on a Google phone, which takes great selfies and has an impressive zoom. Our pros appreciate the on-device photo and video editing tools thanks to Google AI and other handy features like Magic Editor or Best Take, which lets you create the perfect shot directly from your phone.
The Pixel 8 Pro comes in three colors (black, white and blue) and its display is bright and the performance quick. It throws in a few extras like a call-screening feature so you can avoid spam, but even more creative is its temperature sensor that enables you to check whether your kid’s bath is too hot or your coffee needs reheating. For a smaller (yet not quite as vivid) display or impressive camera, consider the more affordable Pixel 8.
| Screen size | 6.7″ |
|---|---|
| Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB |
| Weight | 0.46 lbs |
| Claimed battery life | Up to 24 hours |
| Water resistant | Yes, IP68 rating |
PROS
- Small, compact size
- Unique design
- Available in a variety of colors
- Cover screen is a nice touch
CONS
- Only two camera
- Screen may not be as durable
Flip phones are back, and they’re way better than they used to be back in the early 2000s (though the original Motorola Razrs will always have a special place in our hearts). Fast forward to the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which is one of the most compact smartphones we’ve tested this year yet still features a large display when fully open. It’s the best of both worlds. Our pros love that it folds up nicely and should fit easily into most pockets. Plus, it comes in eight colors so you can choose what you like.
Though the Flip takes some getting used to, one of the phone’s most unique features is its 3.4-inch flex window, or the cover screen where you’ll find your favorite widgets like calendars, weather apps and more (all while the phone is folded). The Z Flip 5 also makes it super easy to take selfies or group photos by simply propping up the phone and using the timer or a palm gesture. Though the camera isn’t quite as impressive as what you’ll find on some of the more premium Androids, it’s still fantastic for its value.
| Screen szie | 6.7″ (open) or 3.4″ (closed) |
|---|---|
| Storage | 256 or 512GB |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs |
| Claimed battery life | Up to 20 hours video playback |
| Water resistant | Yes, IPX8 rating |
PROS
- Huge screen when opened fully
- Compatible with S Pen
- Good quality cameras
CONS
- Tablet-like design may not be for everyone
This foldable phone from Samsung feels like a smartphone and tablet in one. Folded up, you can use it like you would any other phone to text, check emails, take photos and more, or you can open it up for an entirely different experience. When unfolded, the 7.6-inch screen makes it a true joy to watch movies, research and even access Excel spreadsheets. Our pros like that it’s not heavier than other smartphones like you would expect, and its three rear cameras pack a powerful punch with a 3x optical zoom lens. Though an S Pen isn’t included, it’s compatible so you can take your productivity even further.
| Screen size | 7.6″ (open) or 6.2″ (closed) |
|---|---|
| Storage | 256GB or 512GB |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs |
| Claimed battery life | Up to 21 hours of video |
| Water resistant | Yes, IP68 rating |
How we test the best smartphones
The Good Housekeeping Institute experts have been hands-on with smartphones for years, reviewing the latest flagship iOS and Android phones regularly. To find the best smartphones available today, we assessed phones for key features such as ease of use, battery life, performance, screen brightness, design, camera quality and more. Our analysts also use the latest smartphones for a better understanding of how each model performs day-to-day.
What to look for when shopping for a smartphone
✔️ Operating system: Before you go out and choose your future smartphone, you’ll need to decide which operating system you prefer: Android or iOS. If you’re familiar with Apple devices and use a MacBook, AirPods, Apple watch or even luggage tags like AirTags, you’ll probably want to stick with iOS for the seamless integration and connectivity you’ll have across devices. Plus, only iOS users can take advantage of features such as iMessage, FaceTime and AirDrop. But if you’re device agnostic and want to save some money, Android offers a much larger range of smartphones to choose from a variety of manufacturers. However, software support (which includes security and OS upgrades) may be a bit more limited depending on the device you choose, meaning you’ll have to upgrade phones more frequently to have the latest software and optimal functionality.
✔️ Cameras: Most of us snap photos and videos from our phones as opposed to larger cameras. If that sounds like you, you’ll want to opt for a smartphone with multiple lenses — one primary wide lens and one ultra-wide lens. Many more premium smartphones, like the iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, will feature a third telephoto lens that improves zoom capabilities. You’ll want to choose a phone with high-quality lenses that not only let in light and capture details in rich colors, but ones that perform well in low-light situations and feature image stabilization. Typically, the more expensive the phone, the better the camera.
✔️ Battery life: A larger phone typically means a larger battery life for both Androids and iPhones. Though most flagship phones feature some of the best battery life you can get from a smartphone, you should always expect at least a full day’s worth of battery life from your phone, which you’ll then recharge at night.
✔️ Other features: Choose a higher amount of phone storage if you have a lot of photos, videos, apps and music on your phone. Most users will be satisfied with at least 128GB, but opt for more if you want some extra wiggle room and rather not rely on cloud storage. Consider a phone with high refresh rates (at least 120Hz) if you like to stream movies on your phone or play games. This will make the phone fast, zippy and responsive. And while most phones these days are constructed to be quite durable, our pros always suggest protecting your new device with a phone case and screen protector.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Media and Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski tests and reviews the latest gadgets and gear in tech, travel, fitness, home and more. Not only does she bring years of product review experience to GH, but since joining in 2021 she’s been hands-on with flagship smartphones from Apple, Google, Samsung and more.