Edward Collins 
Dec 13, 2023
The smartphone industry churned out phones in full swing this year, as usual. But not all phones are going to be remembered as must-haves of 2023. So, to cap off the year, Gadinsider rounds up its picks for the best smartphones of 2023.
Top 4 smartphones to buy in 2023
Best Phone Overall: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Even though it launched earlier in the year, if you are just looking for the best phone in general, with no hassle, top-of-the-line specs, and as many latest features as you can get in one single device, then the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the phone for you.
The phone is a powerhouse of specs: the main camera is a juggernaut 200MP lens; the processor is the latest Gen 2 Snapdragon 8; and the myriad of quality of life and premium features make it one of the best smartphones of 2023.
Prominent features:
- Best main camera (arguably)
- Snappy performance
- 256GB storage in the base model (biggest in the market)
- S pen included
Best iPhone: iPhone 15 Pro
Apple continues its legacy of keeping innovation at the centre of its ethos with the latest iPhone. iPhone 15 Pro comes installed with the world’s smallest processor, making it light in hand, while also keeping all the premium features of a flagship iPhone.
Two new features include the action button that offers a variety of customisation options and the change to USB Type-C charging port — a feature people have been asking Apple for ages.
Prominent Features:
- Addition of a shortcut button
- Light and breezy build
- Smooth performance
- USB Type-C port
Read more: What to expect from the next iPhone SE
Best Android and Camera Phone: Google Pixel 8 Pro
It is no surprise that Google’s Pixel series excel in the camera department, and this year’s Pixel 8 Pro continues the tradition of producing the best camera results across the board. Though what pushes it in the league of the best smartphones of 2023 is its comparatively lower price.
Prominent Features:
- Best camera quality in all conditions
- Cheaper than its competitors
- Stock Android experience
- Plenty of AI features from Google
Read more: Google Pixel 8a info leaked
Best Budget Phone: Samsung Galaxy A54
The Budget category takes a surprising turn, as many of the previous market leaders were unable to claim the throne this year; Samsung filled this gap with its Galaxy A54.
In hindsight, the Galaxy A53 from the previous year was also a great phone and with minor improvements in Galaxy A54, such as the slightly better Exynos 1380 chipset, bumped-up brightness, and a better design, the phone indubitably became the best budget smartphone of 2023.
Prominent Features:
- Inexpensive ($450)
- Best display in this price range (arguably)
- Samsung’s ethos (5 years of updates, quality of life features)
