Each year, countless new smartphones launch, all eager to show off the latest tech and innovations. 2023 is no different, especially with the Android smartphone market introducing a bunch of eye-catching newcomers. Let’s dive into the best Android smartphones in the U.S. for 2023, comparing design, performance, camera capabilities, operating systems, and their standout features.
- Select Models to Compare
- Best All-Around Choice for Most: Google Pixel 7 Pro
- The Powerful yet Pricey Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Best Flip Phones Showdown: Moto Razr+ vs. Samsung Flip
- Best Large-Screen Folding Phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Best Overall Under $800: Moto Edge+ 2023
- Best Android Phone Under $500 – Google Pixel 7a
- Best 5G Phone Under $200 – Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- A Budget-Friendly Camera Phone: OnePlus 11
- Gamers’ Top Pick: Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate
- Best Business Flagship: Motorola ThinkPhone
Select Models to Compare
The table below highlights nearly 30 popular models from brands like Google, Samsung, One Plus, Sony, Xiaomi, Motorola, and Asus. We’ve also thrown in a few top-rated iPhone models for good measure. If you’ve got your eye on a few models, you can compare them directly in the table. Due to screen width constraints, you can only compare up to three models at a time. By default, we’ve set it to Google Pixel 7 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, two of the top-performing Android phones overall. Detailed reviews and recommendations are coming up.
| iPhone 13 Mini | iPhone 14 | iPhone 14 Pro | iPhone 14 Pro Max | Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate | Asus Zenfone 10 | Google Pixel 6a | Google Pixel 7a | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Google Pixel Fold | Moto Edge+ 2023 | Moto G Stylus 5G | Moto G62 5G | Moto Razr+ | Motorola ThinkPhone | Nothing Phone (2) | OnePlus 11 | OnePlus Nord N30 5G | Samsung Galaxy A03s | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 | Sony Xperia 1 V | Xiaomi 13 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1080 x 2340 px
141g (4.97oz) | 1170 x 2532 px
172 g (6.07 oz) | 1179 x 2556 px
206 g (7.27 oz) | 1290 x 2796 px
240 g (8.47 oz) | 1080 x 2448 px
165Hz 239 g (8.43 oz) | 1080 x 2400 px
144Hz 172 g (6.07 oz) | 1080 x 2400 px
178 g (6.28 oz) | 1080 x 2400 px
90Hz 193.5 g (6.84 oz) | 1440 x 3120 px
120Hz 212 g (7.48 oz) | 1840 x 2208 px
120Hz 283 g (9.98 oz) | 1080 x 2400 px
165Hz 203 g (7.16 oz) | 1080 x 2400 px
120Hz 202 g (7.13 oz) | 1080 x 2400 px
120Hz 184 g (6.49 oz) | 1080 x 2640 px
165Hz 184.5 g or 188.5 g (6.53 oz) | 1080 x 2400 px
144Hz 188.5 g (6.67 oz) | 1080 x 2412 px
120Hz 201.2 g (7.09 oz) | 1440 x 3216 px
120Hz 205 g (7.23 oz) | 1080 x 2400 px
120Hz 195 g (6.88 oz) | 720 x 1600 px
60Hz 202 g (7.13 oz) | 1080 x 2408 px
90Hz 202 g (7.13 oz) | 1080 x 2340 px
120Hz 202 g (7.13 oz) | 1080 x 2340 px
120Hz 168 g (5.93 oz) | 1440 x 3088 px
120Hz 234 g (8.25 oz) | 1080 x 2640 px
120Hz 187 g (6.60 oz) | 1812 x 2176 px
120Hz 253 g (8.92 oz) | 1644 x 3840 px
120Hz 187 g (6.60 oz) | 1440 x 3200 px
120Hz 229 g (7.41 oz) | |
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Best All-Around Choice for Most: Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Pixel 7 Pro is Google’s crown jewel and is dubbed the “best Android smartphone” for the vast majority. Its strengths include its stellar camera capabilities, a top-notch software experience, and the pure Android OS. However, when it comes to wireless performance, processing power, and battery life, the Pixel 7 Pro doesn’t exactly outshine some other leading Androids.
Pros:
- Excellent camera software.
- Reliable biometric features.
- Fast, pixel-rich display.
Cons:
- Battery life could be better.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor, the Pixel 6 Pro, but with subtle tweaks. The back is still glossy glass, but the camera strip is brushed aluminum, seamlessly integrated into the phone’s frame. The curved screen’s edges are less pronounced, making it more comfortable to hold. The second-generation Google Tensor G2 chip doesn’t bring a massive leap in performance but supports more AI-driven applications.
The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a brilliant 6.7-inch OLED display with a 3210 x 1440 resolution and a density of 512ppi. Its adaptive refresh rate, higher than the Pixel 7’s 90Hz, strikes a balance between efficiency and smoothness. While these features enhance the display, they can impact battery life.
Photography has always been a strength of the Pixel line, and the Pixel 7 Pro is no exception. The combination of its main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, supported by the Tensor G2’s computational photography tech, produces stunning photo results.
The Pixel 7 Pro retains the Pixel 6 Pro’s 50-megapixel primary sensor, outputting at 12.5 megapixels and producing spectacular shots. The ultra-wide lens boasts a broad 126-degree field of view. It also features a unique macro mode. Compared to the basic Pixel 7, its major upgrades include a larger screen and an added telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom (up from 4x in the previous model). It can achieve up to 30x digital zoom with the Super Res mode. Even at 10x zoom, it captures jaw-dropping shots.
Running a clean, smooth Android 13 OS, the Pixel 7 Pro’s stock Android experience gives it an edge in user interface and updates. Google pledges up to five years of security updates and three years of Android version updates, ensuring users always get the latest features and improvements.
A significant downside of the Pixel 7 Pro is its battery life. With regular use, it lasts about a day, without much juice left over. The Tensor G2 chip also tends to heat up during use. Still, its strengths overshadow its flaws, making it the top Android choice for most. If you don’t need its telephoto capabilities, the Google Pixel 6 is also a great option. For those on a budget, the $599 Pixel 7 offers a more affordable alternative.
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | |
|---|---|
1440 x 3120 px
120Hz 212 g (7.48 oz) | |
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*Prices mentioned are as of the time of writing.
The Powerful yet Pricey Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is Samsung’s new flagship after the discontinuation of the Galaxy Note series. It stands out in two significant areas: the built-in S Pen stylus (similar to the now-defunct Galaxy Note series) and a camera with 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom. While other stylus-supported phones exist, none match Samsung’s zoom capabilities, not to mention its top-tier specs. Additionally, its stellar screen and top-notch cell signal reception are major selling points.
Of course, premium specs mean a premium price tag – starting at a hefty MSRP of $1,199. If money isn’t an issue, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra might just be the best smartphone you can get your hands on.
Pros
- Top-notch smartphone display
- Lightning-fast performance
- Stellar camera quality
- Integrated S Pen
- Long-lasting battery life
- Durable hardware design
- Brand promises four OS upgrades and five years of security updates
Cons
- Hefty price tag
- Some camera software quirks
- Bulky and on the heavier side
The Galaxy S23 Ultra sports a remarkable display (6.8 inches, 120 Hz, 1440P) and boasts a primary camera with an impressive 200MP, along with a suite of secondary cameras. This places its photo performance on par with the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and Google Pixel 7 Pro. The camera’s highlight? Its 200MP sensor and pixel binning for better detail. Plus, its video capabilities are top-tier, supporting 4K60 HDR and 8K24/8K30 recording.
However, for action shots, it has its limitations. If you prefer a hassle-free auto mode, the Pixel 7 Pro might suit you better. But for those who love manual controls, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a dream come true.
Performance-wise, the Galaxy S23 Ultra rocks the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and offers up to a whopping 1TB + 12GB RAM. This bad boy excels, especially in multitasking and graphics performance, running demanding apps and games seamlessly.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra sticks to Samsung’s signature design, flaunting top-notch build quality, premium materials, and best-in-class IP68 dust and water resistance. And let’s not forget the integrated S Pen, which unlocks creative potentials for users.
Running on Android 13, the Galaxy S23 Ultra promises system updates until 2028 (up to Android 17). While its price is definitely on the higher side, if you’re the type to stick with a phone for years, this one will keep you future-proofed.
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | |
|---|---|
1440 x 3088 px
120Hz 234 g (8.25 oz) | |
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Best Flip Phones Showdown: Moto Razr+ vs. Samsung Flip
The upgraded Motorola Razr+ made a comeback in June 2023, and it’s more captivating than ever. It feels like a nostalgic nod to the 2000s. When folded, its front is dominated by a snazzy 144Hz, 3.6-inch display. Great for emails, music control, gaming, and more. Unfold it, and you’re greeted with a smooth 165Hz, 6.9-inch main screen.
Pros
- Impressive front screen size and capabilities
- Decent battery life for its size
- Stunning 6.9-inch foldable OLED with 165Hz refresh rate
- Compact and lightweight design
- Dolby Atmos audio support
- Fun and even trendy, especially in the wine red variant
Cons
- Motorola’s software could be better
- Camera specs lag behind competitors
- The faux leather on the wine red variant isn’t for everyone
The Razr+ not only outperforms its predecessor but is also more wallet-friendly. Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and running Android 13, its camera might not boast the highest resolutions, but it manages tasks like video calls with ease. Plus, it comes with decent IP52 water resistance – good against some dust and moisture, but don’t go dunking it.
The Razr+’s external OLED is a sizeable 3.6 inches, making multitasking on the go a breeze. You can text, check maps, and save battery all without flipping it open. Its foldable nature also makes it super handy, adjusting your viewing angle on flat surfaces.
The inside boasts a massive 6.9-inch OLED with a 165Hz refresh rate, perfect for gaming. Streaming fans? Enjoy HDR10+ and DCI-P3 support for enhanced visuals.
But like all foldables, the camera is its Achilles’ heel. Motorola hasn’t quite caught up to Google or Samsung, and it shows.
Samsung’s been the foldable king for a while, mostly thanks to little competition stateside. Let’s dive into how the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 stacks up.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 stands out with its compact design and unique features. Priced at $999, it’s significantly cheaper than Samsung’s other foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 5. It’s all about delivering that big screen experience in a small package, making it a direct competitor to the Moto Razr+.
Pros
- Sleek design and craftsmanship
- Powerful performance
- Crisp screen
Cons
- Limited functionality on the default external display
- App continuity could be better between the two screens
Function-wise, when compared to Motorola’s Razr+, the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s external screen offers limited utility.
Typically, when you turn off your phone, Samsung assumes you’re done using it and closes all apps. To interact with it again, you’d need to unlock the device.
By default, there are interactive widgets on the outer screen but no apps. To access apps on the external screen, you have to enable “Allow Apps on Cover Screen.” You can then select from a limited list of just six apps to run in the external screen widget.
The app continuity between the two screens isn’t great. For instance, if you initiate a text chat on the outer screen and then unfold the phone, you can pick up right where you left off on the inner screen. But if you start on the inner screen and then fold the phone, the app gets shut down and you’d have to relaunch the messaging app on the outer screen.
Similarly, if you’re watching a YouTube video on the outer screen and then open the device, playback continues seamlessly. But if you start watching on the inner screen and close the phone, you’d need to restart YouTube on the outer screen—unless you have YouTube Premium, which allows video playback even when the phone is locked. However, if you were just browsing a section of YouTube on the external screen and then unfold the phone, even though YouTube automatically opens up, you can’t continue viewing what you were looking at.
Still, with its hardware improvements and innovative design, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 stands out, especially for those who want a big screen experience in a compact form. Its sturdy build and faster processor might make it a top pick for those planning to keep their phone for a few years.
| Moto Razr+ | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
1080 x 2640 px
165Hz 184.5 g or 188.5 g (6.53 oz) | 1080 x 2640 px
120Hz 187 g (6.60 oz) | |
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Best Large-Screen Folding Phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is Samsung’s large-screen contender in its line of foldable phones. While the Flip 5 tucks a sizable 6.7-inch display into a compact shell-like body, the Fold 5 unfolds like a book, revealing a standard 7.6-inch Android tablet. Compared to its predecessor, the Z Fold 4, this year’s Z Fold 5 comes with numerous upgrades, including a lighter, more compact body, a fully flush-folding hinge design, upgraded Gorilla Glass, and top-tier specs.
The Fold 5 has competitors like the Google Pixel Fold but outperforms in many key areas. It’s pricey, but for high-end users, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is undoubtedly the best option—if your budget allows.
Pros:
- Outstanding performance
- Robust camera system
- Versatile software with Dex mode
- Excellent build quality
- Multi-use and multi-screen options
Cons:
- High price tag
- Small cover screen
- Cover screen operation takes getting used to
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 boasts a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring top-notch performance whether multitasking, running demanding apps, or playing graphics-intensive games. It significantly outperforms its predecessors, offering users a smoother experience.
Both inner and outer screens of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 offer great quality and responsiveness. The external screen is a handy 6.2 inches, ideal for quickly checking messages and notifications. The internal screen measures 7.6 inches, effectively turning your phone into a mini tablet. This internal screen also supports Dex mode, allowing for a wider work and entertainment experience when connected to an external display.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes equipped with a triple rear camera setup and a front-facing camera. The rear setup includes a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 50MP standard lens. These cameras work seamlessly together, capturing fantastic photos and videos, especially in low light. The front camera doesn’t disappoint either and is perfect for selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 continues Samsung’s tradition of premium build quality. Despite being a foldable phone, its lightweight and slim design make it easy to carry around. Weighing in at only 8.92 ounces (compared to the 9.28 ounces of the Fold 4), this seemingly minor 0.36-ounce difference is significant for one-handed use. The device’s weight distribution is even, ensuring balance whether unfolded or folded. By contrast, the 10-ounce Google Pixel Fold can sometimes feel cumbersome. Plus, the device has IPX8-rated water resistance, so using it in damp conditions isn’t a worry.
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 | Google Pixel Fold | |
|---|---|---|
1812 x 2176 px
120Hz 253 g (8.92 oz) | 1840 x 2208 px
120Hz 283 g (9.98 oz) | |
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Best Overall Under $800: Moto Edge+ 2023
The Moto Edge+ 2023 offers several improvements over the older Edge+ model, including a better waterproof rating, a new telephoto zoom feature, and an improved software update plan. While it faces stiff competition from phones like the OnePlus 11 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23, Apple iPhone 14, and Google Pixel 7 Pro, its standout performance, rapid wired charging, and impressive battery life make it shine among similarly priced phones. Whether you’re a gamer, photography enthusiast, or everyday user, the Edge+ delivers a top-notch experience.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Steady performance
- Curved screen
- Fast charging
Cons:
- Screen resolution is only 1080p
- Fingerprint sensor can be a bit finicky
The Moto Edge+ boasts a fresh and innovative design, standing out among large-screen phones. It measures 6.34 x 2.91 x 0.34 inches, slightly smaller than last year’s Edge+, weighs 7.16 ounces, and features a 6.7-inch screen with a 165Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 2 SoC, it’s a gaming powerhouse. However, it’s a tad disappointing that it opts for a 2400 x 1080 pixel pOLED display instead of a denser 1440p. Still, its 1300-nit peak brightness ensures great visibility in all conditions.
The battery life of the Moto Edge+ truly stands out. Tests showed its 5100mAh battery lasts an impressive 16 hours and 55 minutes when streaming YouTube videos via Wi-Fi, surpassing its rivals. With support for 68W TurboPower wired and wireless charging, it excels in charging speeds as well.
The Moto Edge+ doesn’t skimp on 5G connectivity either. It supports a wide range of 5G bands, ensuring fast connections under various network conditions. Call quality is top-notch, with both the earpiece and speaker delivering crystal clear audio. The speaker quality is commendable, especially for music playback.
In terms of photography, the Moto Edge+ shines. Its front-facing 60MP selfie camera, combined with multiple rear cameras, captures stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions. While low-light performance might lag behind some competitors, the overall quality is satisfying. Moreover, the Moto Edge+ offers various shooting modes and options catering to different photography needs.
The Android system on the Moto Edge+ offers a pure experience with some handy customized features. On the software support side, Motorola offers three years of OS updates and four years of monthly security patches, which is rare for a phone at this price point.
| Moto Edge+ 2023 | |
|---|---|
1080 x 2400 px
165Hz 203 g (7.16 oz) | |
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Best Android Phone Under $500 – Google Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 7a has made a remarkable impression in the mid-range Android phone market. Priced under $500, it brings significant improvements in the camera, performance, and screen quality, surpassing its predecessors and integrating features from the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Compared to similarly priced competitors like Apple’s iPhone SE ($429), the Pixel 7a outshines them. While it’s pricier than the previous Pixel 6a, it’s hard to find a better option in the sub-$500 Android market.
Pros:
- Steady performance
- Impressive camera system
- Supports wireless charging
Cons:
- Potential Wi-Fi disconnection issues
Aesthetically, the Pixel 7a closely resembles its pricier siblings, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, which is a plus. The camera strip is uniquely placed at the top of the phone’s back, setting it apart from most other phones on the market. Instead of a glass back, the Pixel 7a opts for polycarbonate, which not only feels great in hand but is also less prone to fingerprints and dust. The phone’s frame is metallic, with some internal parts made of recycled aluminum – an eco-friendly touch.
The Pixel 7a is sleek, with its relatively compact size making it comfortable to hold. The 6.1-inch OLED screen boasts high resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother interactions. Supporting HDR content and 24-bit color depth, the display remains vivid and bright, even in direct sunlight.
Performance-wise, the Pixel 7a is packed with the same Tensor G2 processor as the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, coupled with 8GB RAM and 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring it’s on par with pricier devices. Multitasking and smooth operations are a breeze. Additionally, its 4385mAh battery offers a commendable battery life and supports 18W fast and wireless charging.
Photography on the Pixel 7a is impressive. Equipped with a 64MP primary camera, its software includes numerous AI-assisted features, maintaining Google’s high standards. No matter the lighting, the Pixel 7a captures excellent photos. Its front camera also shines in selfies and portrait modes. Moreover, it supports both 1080p and 4K video recording, with results that won’t disappoint.
| Google Pixel 7a | |
|---|---|
1080 x 2400 px
90Hz 193.5 g (6.84 oz) | |
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Best 5G Phone Under $200 – Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a budget-friendly 5G phone, priced under $200. It provides access to fast 5G networks and benefits from a commendable Android update policy. Competitors include the Moto G Play and TCL 40 X 5G: while the Moto G Play is cheaper, it lacks 5G; the TCL 40 X 5G matches the A14 in most specs but falls short in display quality and software update promises. If you’re on a tight budget or buying a first smartphone for your kid, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is the go-to choice.
Pros:
- Large, sharp display with a 90Hz refresh rate
- Great bang for your buck in performance
- Excellent software update policy
Cons:
- Not dust or water-resistant
- Screen can be hard to see under sunlight
One of the standout features of the Galaxy A14 5G is its display. Compared to the previous Galaxy A13, the A14 boasts a slightly larger 6.6-inch screen with an upgraded resolution from 720p to 1080p, resulting in a crisper image. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smoother animations and scrolling. However, with a max brightness of just 500 nits, visibility under bright sunlight might be a challenge, a common issue for phones in this price range.
The Galaxy A14 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor. Crafted with a 7nm process, this chip offers a good balance of efficiency and performance. While it’s not top-tier, it handles daily tasks like calls, texts, and social media, and even some light gaming, pretty well.
Notably, the Galaxy A14 5G supports 5G, allowing users to enjoy faster data speeds and a more stable connection. Although there might be some limitations on its 5G support, it usually adapts well to 5G networks, ensuring a smoother online experience.
The main camera on the Galaxy A14 5G boasts 50MP with an f/1.8 aperture, capturing clear shots under good lighting. While it lacks advanced wide-angle and zoom capabilities, it suffices for most everyday shooting needs. The selfie camera also sees an upgrade with 13MP, snapping sharp images under adequate lighting. While it’s not flagship camera quality, it’s decent for its price.
The Galaxy A14 5G runs on the Android OS paired with the One UI interface. Although not pure Android, One UI offers a modern, user-friendly interface and features. Plus, expect multiple Android version updates and years of security patches, ensuring the device remains snappy and secure.
| Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | |
|---|---|
1080 x 2408 px
90Hz 202 g (7.13 oz) | |
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A Budget-Friendly Camera Phone: OnePlus 11
What might catch your eye about the OnePlus 11 is its price. Starting at just $699, it offers a whopping 6.7-inch screen and a larger battery capacity than most Plus phones, all at a more affordable rate than the iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S23.
Pros:
- Unique photography features
- Smooth overall performance
- Clean and simple interface
- Large battery
Cons:
- Glossy and slippery
- No IP68 water resistance
- Limited camera variety
- No wireless charging
The 6.7-inch display of the OnePlus 11, comparable to the iPhone 14 Plus, dwarfs the 6.1-inch screens of both the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S23. Its screen is spacious, bright, and colorful, perfect for gaming or browsing photos. With a pixel density of 525ppi, it outdoes its competitors in sharpness. For comparison, the so-called “retina” display of the iPhone 14 only offers 460ppi.
Though the OnePlus 11 doesn’t boast the brightest screen, it compensates with color and contrast. Supporting both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dynamic range standards, it also incorporates LTPO tech, saving power when high refresh rates aren’t in use.
The camera system of the OnePlus 11, fine-tuned by photography experts, leans more towards artistry than functionality. This results in a slightly steeper learning curve compared to competitors at the same price point.
The phone also boasts a massive display coupled with a large battery, promising impressive battery life. Charging the OnePlus 11 is lightning fast, though it’s a bummer there’s no wireless charging.
A notable downside: compared to flagship competitors, the OnePlus 11 isn’t waterproof. While the iPhone 14 or Google Pixel 7 can handle submersion, the OnePlus 11 can only withstand rain, so be cautious around water.
Appearance-wise, while the OnePlus 11 looks sleek, it doesn’t feel as refined as the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. You might notice edges and seams, and the top and bottom bezels appear slightly uneven and thicker.
| OnePlus 11 | |
|---|---|
1440 x 3216 px
120Hz 205 g (7.23 oz) | |
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Gamers’ Top Pick: Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate
Targeted at gamers, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is the go-to phone for pro players or avid gamers. With a 165Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 8 series 2 processor, and impressive battery life, it truly shines in gaming performance. Gaming-centric features like air triggers and the Game Genie overlay give gamers enhanced control and experience. While its vibrant design screams gaming, it also includes an additional pOLED screen for notifications. However, its design might not appeal to the typical phone user.
Pros:
- Massive, speedy 165Hz display
- Multiple USB-C ports
- Fast wired charging
- Top-tier audio
- Long-lasting battery
- Vast accessory ecosystem
Cons:
- Inconsistent Wi-Fi performance
- No wireless charging
- Mediocre camera
- On the pricier side
The standout feature of the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is the air triggers on the right side of the phone, offering a console-like gaming experience. Gamers can also utilize the in-game overlay called Game Genie to map these buttons anywhere on the screen. For instance, while playing games like “Call of Duty Mobile” or “PUBG”, you can set the right trigger as the fire button and the left one to aim, just like using a game controller. In terms of actual gaming performance, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate shines, especially with graphically intense games like “Genshin Impact” and “Call of Duty Mobile”, delivering a super smooth gameplay with lifelike visuals.
Cooling technology is a major highlight for ASUS’s ROG product line. The GameCool 7 system uses a rapid-cycle evaporation chamber design which offers superior cooling compared to traditional ones. Even after extensive gaming sessions, the phone feels cooler than other devices.
Another impressive aspect of the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is its display. With a 6.78-inch screen, 165Hz refresh rate, and 720Hz touch sampling rate, it offers extremely smooth visuals and rapid touch response. The adaptive brightness ensures clear visibility in various lighting conditions.
The phone also features dual front-facing speakers and powerful sound technology, supporting a range of high-quality audio codecs, making audio experiences even more enjoyable. Additionally, the phone boasts solid battery life with its dual 3000mAh batteries.
The biggest downside of this phone is its mediocre camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions. Moreover, the Wi-Fi connectivity can be unstable, which might affect the online gaming experience.
| Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate | |
|---|---|
1080 x 2448 px
165Hz 239 g (8.43 oz) | |
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Best Business Flagship: Motorola ThinkPhone
Motorola’s ThinkPhone stands out for business users with its robust performance, stunning screen, long battery life, and superior connectivity. It sports a 6.6-inch pOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate. This is clearly superior to competitors with 120Hz refresh screens and slower touch responses. It looks sleek and slim but is powerful enough to handle all kinds of daily business tasks.
Pros:
- Outstanding performance
- Swift 144Hz display
- Above-average battery life
- Excellent resistance to drops and water
Cons:
- Average camera performance
Worth mentioning is the ThinkPhone’s high-level support for security and enterprise integration. It’s equipped with management apps like ThinkShield, Moto Secure, Moto OEMConfig, and Moto Device Manager to meet the needs of IT admins. Plus, the Ready For companion app allows seamless connectivity with Windows PCs, enabling app streaming, cross-device copy-pasting, and drag-and-drop file sharing.
Performance-wise, the ThinkPhone excels, powered by the high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, paired with 8GB LPDDR5x RAM and 256GB of storage. While it doesn’t support mmWave, it performs brilliantly in the sub-6 5G spectrum.
In terms of battery life, the ThinkPhone boasts a large 5000mAh battery. Coupled with its efficient processor, it supports extended use. Additionally, the phone benefits from Motorola’s TurboPower 68W fast charging and 15W wireless charging, offering users multiple charging options.
While the ThinkPhone may have just average camera capabilities, its camera setup still meets most day-to-day photography needs, including the main camera, ultra-wide lens, and front camera. The phone runs on Android 13, maintaining a clean Android experience, and comes pre-loaded with handy Microsoft and Motorola apps.
| Motorola ThinkPhone | |
|---|---|
1080 x 2400 px
144Hz 188.5 g (6.67 oz) | |
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