Best Mobile Phones In 2023
The Mobile Phone Market in 2023
The mobile phone market in 2023 is booming with innovation. With advanced cameras, displays, processors and 5G connectivity now commonplace, there are lots of great options to choose from. Here are some of the best mobile phones this year based on features, value and overall user experience.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra tops the list for best overall phone. It has a gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ display with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animation. Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, the S23 Ultra flies through tasks with ease. The main upgrade is in the camera system, featuring a 200MP main sensor capable of incredible detail and clarity. It also has a 10MP periscope telephoto lens with impressive 10x optical zoom. For power users and photo enthusiasts, the S23 Ultra hits every mark.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google’s Pixel 7 Pro earns second place for its sublime software optimization and AI capabilities. It runs the cleanest, most fluid version of Android, enhanced by Google’s custom Tensor G2 processor. The Pixel 7 Pro particularly shines for its photographic prowess. Using advanced machine learning and computational techniques, it captured incredible looking photos and video. Night photography is also best-in-class. While the hardware design remains similar to last year’s model, at $899 it’s priced to push premium options in its class.
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max comes in third for users more embedded in the iOS ecosystem. While it iterates more on known features versus reinventing them, Apple perfected key elements like display, power and camera performance. The dynamic island cutout housing the front camera and Face ID sensors allowed Apple to stretch the display on the Pro Max to an immersive 6.7 inches. The 48MP Main camera delivered detailed imagery while the A16 Bionic chip provides all-day performance. At a starting $1099, it’s Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet, aimed at their highest-tier users.
OnePlus 11 5G
OnePlus flies under the radar compared to mainstream brands, but the OnePlus 11 5G proves you don’t need ultra-premium prices for top-notch performance. It shares key hardware specs with the Galaxy S23 series, like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and wide angle Hasselblad camera array. Beautifully designed with a 6.7-inch, 2K 120Hz AMOLED display, the OnePlus 11 5G matches phones double its $699 cost in performance. OxygenOS 13 also brings a clean, customizable Android experience that enthusiasts will love.
Xiaomi 13 Pro
Rounding out the top five is China’s Xiaomi with their new 13 Pro flagship phone. The elegant ceramic-backed chassis houses capable internals like a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, fast 120W charging and a triple 50MP camera system co-developed with Leica. Its 6.73-inch OLED display features LTPO 4.0 technology allowing the adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate. While unavailable in the US, the Xiaomi 13 Pro launches in Europe early 2023 at a competitive €1299. With polished hardware and clean MIUI 14 interface, it’s a compelling high-end option.
While 2023 still holds more smartphone advances, these current contenders lead the pack in terms of features, performance, imaging and overall user experience. Each has strengths in certain areas, so personal preferences and budgets play a big role in determining the best option. But based on both outstanding hardware and innovation, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra shines bright as 2023’s best mobile phone overall.