There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to selecting a smartphone. That’s why we’ve spent so much time reviewing numerous models to help you find the device that meets your needs. Your phone choice depends on your financial means, your preferred carrier, and whether you prefer iOS or Android. Our recommendations consider both high-end and more affordable options and are suitable for all the major US carriers.
For iPhone fans, the latest and greatest is the iPhone 14. However, if you prefer a smaller display, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is a great alternative. For Android users, the Google Pixel 7 is the way to go, while those who are into bigger screens should try the Google Pixel 7 Pro. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a great choice. And if you’re looking for the cheapest possible option, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is one of the best options.
iPhone 14
Features we like: With a new subscription service, your iPhone 14 can now make emergency calls without internet or cellular service by connecting to high-flying satellites that relay your location to emergency services on Earth.
Upon connection, your iPhone will prompt you with a few questions to ensure that it contacts the appropriate service station to get you help, asking whether you’re lost, hurt, or with someone.
The feature also allows you to send emergency text messages via satellite and can be used in non-emergency situations by using satellites to share your location with Find My when out of cell and internet range. The service is offered for free for two years with the purchase of an iPhone 14, with pricing after the initial period not yet disclosed.
iPhone 14 cameras have a better low-light recording, autofocus for selfies, Action Mode for stabilized videos, a 2x zoom lens, and a 48-megapixel primary camera (Pro models).
Google Pixel 7
Features we love in Google Pixel 7:
Use Google Photos to improve blurry or noisy images in your photo collection with just a few taps. Tap “Photo Unblur” and let Tensor G2’s machine learning remove the blur and visual noise, creating clearer pictures of your favorite moments.
With Macro Focus on Pixel 7 Pro, you can take vivid closeup photos from as close as 3cm away with Pixel HDR+ photo quality. The ultrawide lens allows you to highlight even the smallest details, like raindrops on a flower petal or spots on a ladybug.
Capture your life’s most memorable moments with brighter, smoother videos using Pixel 7. Tensor G2’s hardware and software combination offers high-quality video stabilization. Record with wider color ranges and higher contrast using Pixel’s new 10-bit HDR video. On Pixel 7 Pro, Cinematic Blur lets you take videos that look like movies by allowing you to shift focus between the foreground and background.
OnePlus Nord N20 5G
I was pleasantly surprised by the OnePlus Nord N20 5G’s availability through T-Mobile, offering long battery life, great performance, a big OLED display, and a long update commitment for a sub-$300 phone. Its recent availability as an unlocked phone makes it an even better option for more users. Without a doubt, this is the smartphone to buy for $300.
Samsung Galaxy A03s
Samsung Galaxy A03s was released on August 18th, 2021, and features a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 720×1600 pixels and 20:9 aspect ratio. It is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765) processor with 3GB or 4GB of RAM and runs Android 11 with One UI Core 3.1.
The phone has a 5000mAh battery with support for fast charging. The rear camera setup is a triple camera with a 13-megapixel primary camera and two 2-megapixel cameras, while the front camera is 5-megapixel. The phone comes with 32GB or 64GB of storage that can be expanded up to 1000GB via microSD card.
It supports dual Nano-SIM cards and measures 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1mm. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth v5.00, USB Type-C, 3G, and 4G. The phone also includes an accelerometer, ambient light, proximity, and fingerprint sensor. It is available in Black, Blue, and White colors.