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Best Smartphones to Buy in 2023

When it comes to getting the right phones, your preferences as the user is a fundamental aspect in picking the best phone. We have analysed a range of phones different aspects such as security, performance, affordability, compactness among other key features. Here is Mobgadgets top performing phones of 2023:




  1. Best Premium Flagship: iPhone 14 Pro Max




    • Price: Starting at $1,099 at Apple




    • Apple's iPhone 14 Pro Max sets the bar high for premium smartphones in 2023. With its stunning design, powerhouse performance, and advanced camera system, it's a top choice for tech enthusiasts.




    • Key Features:



      • A15 Bionic chip for unparalleled performance.

      • ProRAW and ProRes video recording capabilities.

      • Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology.

      • Exceptional build quality and water-resistant design.




    • Pros: Superb camera, top-tier performance, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.




    • Cons: Premium pricing and a potentially steep learning curve for new iOS users.


      Iphone 14 Pro Max




  2. Best Mid-Range Performer: Google Pixel 7




    • Price: Starting at $699 at Google




    • Description: Google's Pixel 7 continues to impress in the mid-range category, offering excellent photography and stock Android experience at a more affordable price point.




    • Key Features:



      • Google's signature camera software with enhanced AI features.

      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for smooth performance.

      • Guaranteed Android updates and security patches.

      • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.




    • Pros: Outstanding camera performance, pure Android experience, and competitive pricing.




    • Cons: May lack some premium features found in flagship devices.






  3. Best Budget-Friendly Option: OnePlus Nord 3




    • Price: Starting at $399 at OnePlus


      The OnePlus Nord 3 strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it the best budget-friendly smartphone choice for 2023.




    • Key Features:



      • MediaTek Dimensity 1200 AI processor for solid performance.

      • Versatile camera system with macro and ultra-wide lenses.

      • 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display for smooth visuals.

      • OxygenOS for a clean and customizable Android experience.




    • Pros: Competitive pricing, good camera setup, and a clean Android interface.




    • Cons: May not match the performance of higher-end devices.






  4. Best Foldable Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5




    • Price: Starting at $1,799 at Samsung


      The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 showcases the future of smartphones with its foldable design and multitasking capabilities. It's a premium choice for those seeking innovation.




    • Key Features:



      • Large foldable AMOLED display for versatile use.

      • Enhanced S Pen support for productivity.

      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for powerful performance.

      • Triple-camera system for photography.




    • Pros: Innovative foldable design, multitasking capabilities, and impressive performance.




    • Cons: High price, relatively bulky when folded, and durability concerns over time.






  5. Best for Gamers: ASUS ROG Phone 7 Pro




    • Price: Starting at $1,099 at ASUS


      Designed for gamers, the ASUS ROG Phone 7 Pro offers unmatched gaming performance, customizable features, and a unique cooling system.




    • Key Features:



      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip with enhanced gaming optimizations.

      • High-refresh-rate AMOLED display with HDR support.

      • AirTrigger buttons and customizable gaming modes.

      • Active cooling system for extended gaming sessions.




    • Pros: Exceptional gaming performance, unique gaming features, and advanced cooling.




    • Cons: Bulky design, limited appeal beyond gaming enthusiasts, and premium pricing.






  6. Best Camera Phone: Sony Xperia 5 IV




    • Price: Starting at $999 at Sony


      The Sony Xperia 5 IV caters to photography enthusiasts with its exceptional camera capabilities, advanced optics, and a compact form factor.




    • Key Features:



      • Triple-camera setup with Zeiss optics and variable telephoto lens.

      • 4K HDR OLED display for accurate color representation.

      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for speedy performance.

      • IP68 water and dust resistance.




    • Pros: Outstanding camera performance, compact size, and 4K display.




    • Cons: Limited availability in some regions, and the software may not be as polished as other options.






  7. Best Battery Life: Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra




    • Price: Starting at $899 at Xiaomi


      For users who prioritize long-lasting battery life, the Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra delivers exceptional endurance along with flagship-level features.




    • Key Features:



      • Massive 5,000mAh battery for extended use.

      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for high performance.

      • High-refresh-rate AMOLED display for smooth visuals.

      • Versatile camera system with impressive low-light capabilities.




    • Pros: Exceptional battery life, powerful performance, and versatile camera.




    • Cons: May be relatively bulky, and availability may be limited in some markets.






  8. Best Compact Smartphone: Google Pixel 7 Mini




    • Price: Starting at $599 at Google


      For those who prefer a compact form factor without compromising on features, the Google Pixel 7 Mini offers a pocket-friendly experience.




    • Key Features:



      • Compact 5.5-inch OLED display for one-handed use.

      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for smooth performance.

      • Google's camera excellence in a smaller package.

      • Guaranteed Android updates and security patches.




    • Pros: Compact size, pure Android experience, and competitive pricing.




    • Cons: Smaller display may not suit everyone, and some premium features may be missing.






  9. Best for Content Creation: LG Wing 2




    • Price: Starting at $1,199 at LG


      The LG Wing 2 stands out with its unique swivel design, making it ideal for content creators, vloggers, and multitaskers.




    • Key Features:



      • Dual-screen swivel design for enhanced multitasking.

      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for powerful performance.

      • Versatile camera setup with gimbal mode for stable video.

      • Immersive audio experience.




    • Pros: Innovative design, versatile for content creation, and powerful performance.




    • Cons: May be bulkier and more niche-oriented compared to traditional smartphones.






  10. Best Value for Money: Realme GT Neo 3




    • Price: Starting at $349 at Realme


       The Realme GT Neo 3 offers an outstanding balance between price and performance, making it a budget-friendly option with flagship-level features.




    • Key Features:



      • MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor for high-end performance.

      • 120Hz AMOLED display for smooth visuals.

      • Competitive camera system for everyday photography.

      • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.




    • Pros: Excellent value for money, strong performance, and smooth display.




    • Cons: May not match the camera quality of more expensive devices.






  11. Best Gaming Smartphone: ASUS ROG Phone 7




    • Price: Starting at $999 at ASUS


       If gaming is your passion, the ASUS ROG Phone 7 is designed for an immersive gaming experience with top-tier hardware and features.




    • Key Features:



      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and Adreno 730 GPU for exceptional gaming performance.

      • High-refresh-rate AMOLED display with HDR support.

      • AirTrigger 6 and ultrasonic shoulder buttons for precise controls.

      • Dual front-facing stereo speakers for immersive audio.




    • Pros: Tailored for gaming, powerful performance, and gaming-specific features.




    • Cons: May be bulkier and less suitable for non-gaming tasks.






  12. Best Foldable Phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4




    • Price: Starting at $1,799 at Samsung


       For those seeking cutting-edge technology, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 offers the versatility of a foldable device with flagship-level performance.




    • Key Features:



      • Foldable design with a large, flexible display for multitasking.

      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and ample RAM for productivity.

      • Versatile camera system for both everyday and creative photography.

      • S Pen support for precise input.




    • Pros: Innovative foldable design, large display, and versatile usage scenarios.




    • Cons: High price point, and the foldable screen may be fragile.






  13. Best Stock Android Experience: Nokia 9 PureView 2




    • Price: Starting at $699 at Nokia


       If you prefer a pure Android experience without bloatware, the Nokia 9 PureView 2 offers clean software and dependable hardware.




    • Key Features:



      • Stock Android with guaranteed updates and security patches.

      • Zeiss camera technology for photography enthusiasts.

      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for reliable performance.

      • Durable build quality.




    • Pros: Clean Android experience, quality camera, and reliable build.




    • Cons: May not offer as many software features as some competitors.






  14. Best for Privacy and Security: Librem 5




    • Price: Starting at $799 at Purism


      For users who prioritize privacy and security, the Librem 5 runs on an open-source, privacy-focused operating system.




    • Key Features:



      • Runs PureOS, an open-source Linux distribution.

      • Physical hardware kill switches for camera, microphone, and more.

      • Encrypted communication and user data protection.

      • Focus on user control and privacy.




    • Pros: Strong focus on privacy and security, open-source software.




    • Cons: Limited app ecosystem compared to mainstream platforms.






  15. Best Budget Smartphone: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11




    • Price: Starting at $199 at Xiaomi


      If you're on a tight budget but still want a capable smartphone, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 offers an excellent balance of affordability and functionality.




    • Key Features:



      • MediaTek Helio G88 processor for everyday tasks and light gaming.

      • Decent camera setup for basic photography needs.

      • Large, high-resolution display for media consumption.

      • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds (depending on region).




    • Pros: Affordable price, suitable for everyday use, and good display.




    • Cons: May not have flagship-level performance or camera quality.






  16. Best Camera Phone: Google Pixel 7 Pro




    • Price: Starting at $899 at Google


       For those who prioritize photography above all else, the Google Pixel 7 Pro continues the Pixel tradition of exceptional camera quality.




    • Key Features:



      • Advanced computational photography with Google's image processing.

      • Improved Night Sight and Super Res Zoom for stunning low-light and zoomed shots.

      • High-refresh-rate OLED display for vibrant visuals.

      • Fast and consistent software updates.




    • Pros: Outstanding camera performance, clean Android experience.




    • Cons: May not match the hardware capabilities of some competitors.






  17. Best 5G Phone: OnePlus 10 Pro




    • Price: Starting at $799 at OnePlus


      With 5G networks becoming more prevalent, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers excellent 5G connectivity along with flagship features.




    • Key Features:



      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and fast LPDDR5 RAM.

      • Fluid AMOLED display with a high refresh rate for smooth visuals.

      • 5G connectivity for blazing-fast download and streaming speeds.

      • OxygenOS for a near-stock Android experience.




    • Pros: Great 5G performance, fast charging, and clean software.




    • Cons: May not stand out in terms of camera quality compared to some rivals.






  18. Best Battery Life: Motorola Edge 30 Ultra




    • Price: Starting at $799 at Motorola


      If long battery life is your top priority, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra won't disappoint with its massive battery and efficient hardware.




    • Key Features:



      • Impressive 6,000mAh battery for extended use.

      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for power efficiency.

      • Vibrant OLED display with high refresh rate.

      • Clean, near-stock Android experience.




    • Pros: Exceptional battery life, smooth performance, and large display.




    • Cons: Bulkier due to the large battery.






  19. Best Rugged Smartphone: CAT S62 Pro




    • Price: Starting at $699 at CAT Phones


      For those who work in demanding environments, the CAT S62 Pro is a rugged smartphone built to withstand tough conditions.




    • Key Features:



      • MIL-STD-810H and IP68 certified for water, dust, and drop resistance.

      • FLIR thermal imaging camera for specialized tasks.

      • Solid performance for work-related apps.

      • Programmable shortcut key for quick access to tools.




    • Pros: Extremely rugged and durable, thermal imaging capability.




    • Cons: May lack some flagship-level features.






  20. Best Compact Smartphone: Sony Xperia 5 IV 




    • Price: Starting at $799 at Sony


       If you prefer a more compact form factor without sacrificing performance, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is designed to fit comfortably in your hand.




    • Key Features:



      • Compact size with a 6.1-inch OLED display.

      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for flagship performance.

      • Zeiss optics for quality photography.

      • Front-firing stereo speakers for immersive audio.




    • Pros: Compact and easy to handle, excellent performance.




    • Cons: Smaller battery capacity compared to some rivals.