The best smartphones you can buy right now

Choosing your next smartphone can be challenging. With so many brands offering similar features at similar prices, it can be hard to understand what device actually has the things you want. If youve already determined you only want an iPhone, your decision-making process is slightly easier. (And even then, Apples lineup offers more options than ever.) Those also considering Android will have even more options to choose from, and likely more questions. Do you want a camera that can zoom into subjects that are extremely far away, or do you want intuitive AI that can screen your incoming calls for you? Here at Engadget, we test smartphones all year round and can help you make sense of whats available and what to look out for. And, of course, weve included our favorite phones to help you whittle down your shortlist.

Android or iOS?

Each OS has its pros and cons. Apples tight-knit ecosystem makes it super easy to share data between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off phone calls or music from one device to another. At the same time, youre effectively locked in, as services like Apple Messages arent available on other platforms.

As for Android, theres a much wider range of handsets from companies like Google, Samsung, Sony and more. However, Android phones dont enjoy that same length of software support and often have lower trade-in values. In short, theres no wrong answer. However, you will want to consider how your phone will fit in with the rest of your devices. So unless youre really fed up with one OS and willing to learn another, it probably doesnt make a lot of sense to switch from iOS to Android (or vice versa) especially if everyone else in your household is using the same platform.

Cameras

Since peoples phones often pull double duty as their primary camera, figuring out what kind of photo tools you want is key. Nowadays, practically every phone can take a great picture in bright light. But if you want a long optical zoom, youll probably have to upgrade to a more expensive device like the S22 Ultra (which has 10x optical zoom), a Pixel 6 Pro (3x optical zoom) or an iPhone 13 Pro (3x optical zoom). (Note: The standard iPhone 13 doesnt have a dedicated zoom lens.)

Cherlynn Low / Engadget

Mid-range phones often only have two rear cameras (a primary wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide camera) and can sometimes struggle in low-light situations. Each phone maker also has various features that might be a better fit for your style, with Apple offering four different color presets on the iPhone 13 (warm, vibrant, cool and rich contrast), while Googles Pixel 6 comes with neat tools like dedicated long exposure and action pan modes.

Will you get 5G or Wi-Fi 6?

The good news is that in 2022, most phones have at least 802.11ac Wi-Fi and support for one or more types of 5G connectivity. However, if you want the fastest wireless speeds you can get, its going to cost you a bit more. For example, on certain networks, mmWave 5G offers up to gigabit download speeds, less latency and better bandwidth. But mmWave 5G also requires more sophisticated (and pricier) modems, which means support for it is often missing from budget and mid-range handsets like the iPhone SE and Pixel 5a.

On the bright side, mmWave 5G isnt as widely available as other versions of 5G, so depending on where you live and what network youre on, you may not be missing out on much if you buy a phone that doesnt support it. Its a similar situation for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e, which are available on a number of high-end devices, but harder to find on less expensive handsets. Wi-Fi 6 also requires you have to have a compatible router, so unless you know you need it or have a specific use case in mind, the lack of support for mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 6E shouldnt be a dealbreaker when looking for a new phone.

Other features to consider

Because not everyone agrees on what makes an ideal phone, you should think about any other specs that might be extra important for you. Mobile gamers will almost certainly appreciate the 120Hz refresh rates you get on phones like the Galaxy S22 or the iPhone 13 Pro. Alternatively, if long battery life is important, youll probably want to go with a larger iPhone or an Android phone with a battery thats between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in size. Meanwhile, if you find yourself juggling a lot of devices, it can be really nice to have a phone that supports reverse wireless charging, which on Samsung phones even lets you recharge the companys Galaxy Watches.

Our picks

Best iOS smartphone: iPhone 13 Pro

David Imel for Engadget

Picking the best iPhone is fairly easy. Of the current lineup, the iPhone 13 Pro offers the best balance of features, size and price. It has a fast-refreshing 120Hz ProMotion screen that makes scrolling a breeze, as well as a versatile camera system and great battery life. I prefer it to the Pro Max since the latter is an absolute anvil of a phone that will probably fracture your skull if it falls on your face. And though the Pro is heavier and pricier than the regular iPhone 13, the additional camera and faster screen is worth the extra money.

All the iPhone 13s are equipped with Apples capable A15 Bionic chip, which provides powerful performance. If you dont need something as high-end as the Pro, consider the iPhone SE 2022, which also uses the same chip but costs a lot less. Though Im a fan of the iPhone 13 minis compact size, I cant recommend it to anyone looking for a daily driver that will last all day; its limited battery life means youll need to at least charge it again in the afternoon for it to stick around till you need to order that Uber at midnight. Cherlynn Low, Deputy Editor

Best Android smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Cherlynn Low / Engadget

As Samsungs latest flagship phone and the spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note line, the Galaxy S22 Ultra has every feature power users and more mainstream shoppers could ever need. Its 10x optical zoom camera offers the longest reach you can get on a phone today, while its huge 6.8-inch 120Hz OLED screen makes everything look smooth and colorful. It also has IP68 dust and water resistance, not to mention durable Gorilla Glass Victus+ panels in front and back. And of course, theres the built-in S-Pen, whose latency has dropped to just 2.8 milliseconds for 2022. This makes drawing, sketching and anything else you do with its stylus feel incredibly responsive. And, thanks to expanded support, Samsungs Galaxy S will get at least four years of Android updates, which is longer than what Google has pledged for the Pixel 6. Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Best midrange Android smartphone: Google Pixel 5a

Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

If all you want is a simple, affordable and easy-to-use phone without any unnecessary bells and whistles, the Pixel 5a is the perfect choice. Starting at $459, the 5a features a colorful 6.34-inch OLED display, while Googles excellent photo processing produces pics that match what you get from phones that cost twice as much. You also get super handy IP67 dust and water resistance, along with good performance thanks to Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. And, unlike a lot of other mid-range phones, the Pixel 5a enjoys strong software support, with Google promising regular Android and security updates until August 2024.

The main things you won't get compared to more premium handsets are a dedicated telephoto lens, wireless charging and support for mmWave 5G (though you do get sub-6GHz). Its worth noting that the Pixel 6a is around the corner, and itll use Googles own Tensor chip that uses AI to improve photography, voice recognition and Material You. Wed need to test it to see how it performs in the real world before recommending it, but if youre not in a hurry to get a new phone, it might be wise to wait for the Pixel 6a. S.R.

Best midrange iPhone: iPhone SE (2022)

Cherlynn Low / Engadget

With an A15 Bionic chip and iOS 15, the latest iPhone SE is possibly the most powerful phone you can find for under $450. Sure, it has a dated design, but some folks might actually appreciate the retro look. The best thing about the iPhone SE is its home button: Its the only new iPhone to have Touch ID. And though it only has a single rear camera, the SE still takes solid pictures. If you can get over the small, low-res screen, the iPhone SE will serve you well. Its also really the only sub-$500 option for iOS diehards.

If youre open to considering Android and want to spend less than $400, consider something from Samsungs Galaxy A-series or the OnePlus Nord N20. Those looking to spend even less can check out the Moto G Power just be prepared to compromise on features like display and cameras at lower prices. C.L.

Best camera on a smartphone: Pixel 6 Pro

David Imel for Engadget

Its hard for me to leave the house without the Pixel 6 Pro. As long as theres a chance I might want to take photos, I make sure Ive brought Googles latest flagship. The Pixel 6 Pros triple rear camera system is versatile enough to capture anything from the largest group shots or wide landscapes to faraway animals (like that time I thought I spotted a whale when staring at a distant blob from Acadia National Park). Googles Night Sight still outperforms the competition when taking pictures in low light, too, and its computational photography delivers clear, vivid photos.

Of course, Samsung and Apples flagships are closing the gap, and these days there is little difference between the photos they deliver. Some people might even prefer the warmer tint on Galaxy devices. But special features like Googles Magic Eraser and Motion effects make the Pixel 6 Pro the most fun to shoot with. Plus, I love the additional tools you get on Pixels, like Call Screening, Material You theming and Live Captions, among others. The Pixel 6 Pro has some small flaws, including a quirky in-display fingerprint sensor and some early software bugs. But if youre willing to put up with those issues, in exchange youll get the best camera experience around. C.L.

Best foldable smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

David Imel for Engadget

While you wont find as many options for foldables in the west as you would in Asia, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is widely available in Europe and North America and remains an excellent pick regardless of market. Thats because while its starting price of $1,800 definitely aint cheap, the Z Fold 3 has the ability to adjust to your needs. Its exterior cover screen makes it easy to quickly check notifications or a map when youre on the go, while its huge 7.6-inch main screen delivers a more immersive video experience than practically any other phone out right now. You can even prop the phone on a table and use it as a mini tripod/camera combo.

On top of that, its OLED panel allows the phone to serve as an excellent gadget for reading comics or books, while stylus support lets you sketch or take handwritten notes with ease. (Just remember, the Z Fold 3s S Pens are optional extras.) And thanks to its innovative hinge, the phone can switch between modes in a snap while still offering five feet of water resistance. In a lot of ways, the Z Fold 3 is a phone, a tablet and an e-reader all rolled into a single device. Alternatively, if youre intrigued by flexible screens but prefer something more compact, the $1,000 Z Flip 3 offers similar tech in a smaller device at a more approachable price. S.R