What impresses me probably the most concerning the Samsung Galaxy S24 is not the brand new Galaxy AI options, brighter screens or stable cameras. It is the battery life. After testing, I can say the bigger battery within the Galaxy S24 has no hassle plowing by an extended day of use on a single cost.

The S24 is an excellent, well-built cellphone that’s glorious proper out of the field simply because the practically an identical S22 and S23 have been earlier than it. This similarity to the S22 and S23 may be seen as both a energy as a result of the design displays three years of refinements or a weak spot. In spite of everything, options just like the digicam {hardware} are basically an identical to what got here out in 2022. All of that is overshadowed by the good battery life. You will by no means hear anybody complain about getting an excessive amount of battery life. Learn our Samsung Galaxy S24 overview.

With the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port for extra handy charging and an upgraded digicam with the next decision and a crisper zoom, the iPhone 15 is a major improve for these with older iPhones. It seems like a scaled-back model of the iPhone 14 Professional, making Apple’s entry-level iPhone 15 really feel like a much bigger leap ahead than final yr’s.

The iPhone 15 is obtainable in two measurement choices: the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. They run on the identical chip because the iPhone 14 Professional, the A16 Bionic, which ought to convey notable efficiency upgrades to these with an iPhone that is a number of years outdated. These telephones even have Apple’s second-generation extremely wideband chip, enabling a brand new characteristic that makes it simpler to search out buddies or members of the family in a crowd. 

Final yr’s iPhone 14 Professional could also be a more sensible choice should you can nonetheless discover it by third-party retailers at a reduction, significantly as a result of it has a devoted telephoto lens. The iPhone 15 is probably the most thrilling improve Apple’s customary iPhone has seen in years. Learn our iPhone 15 and 15 Plus overview.

With a sharper 5x optical zoom, a sooner new processor and that acquainted large show and 100x digital zoom, the Samsung’s “Extremely” cellphone stays a best choice for cellular photographers who need loads of display screen house. The Galaxy S24 Extremely can be one of many first telephones with Samsung’s new Galaxy AI options, which embrace instruments for translating textual content messages and cellphone calls immediately and Circle to Search, a brand new gesture that allows you to launch a Google seek for virtually something just by drawing a circle round it. Just like the earlier two generations, the Galaxy S24 Extremely comes with an embedded S Pen for individuals who like jotting down notes or doodling. Maybe better of all, Samsung has dedicated to updating these gadgets with new variations of Android for seven years, that means it shouldn’t really feel old-fashioned anytime quickly.

Nonetheless, there are some vital downsides to think about. At $1,300, this cellphone is costly, so you should definitely search for trade-in reductions should you plan to improve. And for that top worth, I had hoped Samsung would’ve added further Galaxy AI options which can be particular to the Extremely — maybe some that reap the benefits of the S Pen. Galaxy AI is similar on all Galaxy S24 gadgets, and it’ll be coming to the Galaxy S23 lineup quickly too, so that you don’t must splurge on Samsung’s top-of-the-line cellphone should you simply care about these options. Learn our Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely overview.

The Pixel 8A is so good it makes the common Pixel 8 virtually really feel irrelevant. It shares a lot in frequent with its pricier sibling, from its collection of AI-powered options like Circle to Search to its cool aesthetic and highly effective Tensor G3 processor, that it’s onerous to see why anybody would purchase the Pixel 8 as a substitute.

The Pixel 8 does provide a slightly higher digicam system, a barely bigger display screen and the power to cost different telephones and equipment wirelessly on the again of the gadget. However these options don’t really feel important sufficient to influence the shopping for determination for most individuals. As I wrote in my overview, the Pixel 8A raises the bar for what a $500 cellphone needs to be. That additionally means I’ll expect extra from the Pixel 9 this fall.

Once I contemplate the Motorola Razr Plus by itself phrases, it’s excellent. And, maybe extra importantly, it is a delight to make use of. The 4-inch cowl display screen makes the Razr really feel like two telephones in a single. You should use just about any app on the outer show in addition to reply to messages, watch movies, make video calls and even play video games – all with out opening the Razr Plus up.

Add to {that a} lengthy battery life, quick charging, improved cameras and an IPX8 score that certifies that the Razr Plus will survive non permanent dunking and also you notice simply how a lot worth Motorola has poured into its flagship foldable. It is $1,000 worth is steep, however you are getting among the best clamshell model foldables you should purchase.

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G consists of a variety of options for the cash, however its 50-watt charging velocity is a standout for this worth vary. The cellphone can cost from 0% to 100% in 45 minutes, and most different telephones that value $300 or much less want 90 minutes to 2 hours to do the identical factor. Its giant 6.72-inch 1,080p show runs at a 120Hz refresh fee and makes apps, video games, web sites and streaming video animate easily.

It is value calling out that the 108-megapixel major digicam — regardless of being an astounding megapixel quantity on a cellphone — takes photographs which can be solely marginally higher than what I often see from telephones on this worth vary. Whereas the OnePlus does face stiff competitors from Google’s Pixel 6A — particularly when the Pixel is discounted to $270 — it does embrace a variety of performance for its worth. Learn our OnePlus Nord N30 5G overview.

Apple’s new iPhone SE for 2022 is a mixture of an older design with the most recent smartphone options, together with Apple’s newest A15 Bionic chip and 5G assist, for $429. It is also one of many few telephones in the marketplace that features a smaller, 4.7-inch display screen.

But it is that throwback design, which continues the overall form that Apple has used since 2014, that might be what you’ll love or dislike most about this cellphone. If you need a bigger iPhone on this worth vary, it’s also possible to contemplate the iPhone 11 at $499 with a purpose to get a much bigger display screen and Face ID. However that cellphone, first launched in 2019, doesn’t embrace 5G connectivity.

The Motorola Moto G Energy 5G is probably the most versatile possibility on this roundup, providing wi-fi charging, a 120Hz excessive refresh fee display screen, Google Pay for contactless funds and a incredible vegan leather-based design. Mix that with a digicam that takes first rate photographs in vibrant environments, and a processor that’s succesful for many each day duties, and you’ve got a cellphone that’s each enjoyable to make use of with out cramming itself with the additional bells and whistles we see in increased priced telephones.

Despite the fact that this cellphone does endure from having a shorter software program and safety assist timeline (1 yr of main Android OS, three years of safety updates) than Samsung’s Galaxy A25 5G, it’s a extra helpful gadget. And it is this attraction that makes the Moto G Energy 5G our prime advice for a cellphone that prices $300 or much less.

The Pixel 9 Professional and 9 Professional XL have loads going for them, from their shiny new designs and lengthy software program assist interval. However it’s the AI abilities that basically stand out, from the deep integration of the conversational Gemini Dwell, to the brand new Pixel Studio that creates bizarre photos out of your textual content prompts.

The telephones aren’t good. Whereas the cameras are good and might take glorious photographs in vibrant mild, they’re simply okay in low-light and in evening mode. The very best AI options would require a month-to-month subscription (although you get the primary yr free of charge) However should you’re eager to experiment with AI in your cellphone then the brand new Pixel 9 Professional vary is an excellent option to expertise it.

If quick charging, highly effective efficiency and having a big, vibrant display screen matter most to you in a cellphone, take a look at the OnePlus 12. OnePlus’ new cellphone can go from empty to full in lower than half-hour because of its 80-watt charging within the US, a perk that may be useful when you’ve got an extended day forward and forgot your charger. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which feels swift and zippy whether or not you’re enjoying video games or simply scrolling across the interface. The OnePlus 12’s 4,500-nit peak brightness additionally makes it splendid for out of doors use, since its display screen is noticeably brighter than rivals just like the iPhone 15 Professional Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely. 

There’s room for enchancment in relation to the digicam. Whereas pictures taken on the Plus 12 are first rate, CNET’s Andrew Lanxon discovered nighttime photographs look too darkish and described the optical zoom as “very hit and miss.” It’s additionally value noting that the OnePlus 12 will get 4 years of software program updates. That will have been wonderful by 2023’s requirements, however Google and Samsung now provide seven years of Android updates, which retains these gadgets recent and related for an extended interval. Learn our OnePlus 12 overview.