Our best smartphone round-up includes only the best smart phones today. If you’re searching for a brand-new phone then it remains in this list somewhere.
2016 is now in full swing, and we’ve started to see a flood of flagship smartphones hit the racks. If you’re preparing yourself to upgrade your phone, now is most likely the time to do it.
Samsung’s fantastic Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are strong alternatives, but both the LG G5 and stunning HTC 10 are also worth a look if it’s an Android phone you’re after. iOS fan? The outstanding iPhone SE is certainly an excellent choice. There’s the iPhone 7 too, and obviously the iPhone 7 Plus, which are consistent improvements on the formula.
Oh, and let’s not the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. A fantastic phone, pull down by a dodgy battery that seems to be exploding. Ah, that’s a little bit of a problem. But ideally it’ll be sorted in the coming months.
If you actually cannot wait, however, there are still lots of fantastic phones to pick from. Click on this link to search our best smartphone list now, or continue reading for more smartphone purchasing recommendations.
BEST SMARTPHONES AND MOBILE PHONES FOR YOR
Unsure where to begin in your mission for a brand-new phone? Whether you’re skilled purchaser or are aiming to buy your first smartphone, here are a few pointers to help you get started.
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SPEND ON A NEW SMARTPHONE?
While flagships seem to be getting more pricey by the year, laying your hands on a good smartphone is in fact cheaper than ever. By all ways sprinkle the cash on a show-stopper like the iPhone SIX or LG G4 if you want to, but remember that some crackers like the 4G-enabled Motorola Moto E (2015) cost a fraction of the price and are fantastic phones in their own right.
It’s likewise worth considering last year’s top phones. The LG G4 and S6 now readily available for much less and are much better than lots of brand-new mid-range phones.
WHAT SIZE SMARTPHONE SHOULD YOU BUY?
Large-screened mobiles are very much in need nowadays, with even Apple welcoming phablet fever. Phones measuring in at 5.5 inches and above can be thought about as such, and are usually with outstanding display screens that are terrific for viewing videos and playing games on.
Anything in between 4.5 and 5.1 inches is more practical for fingers and pockets, while still great for searching the web, video gaming and more. 4-inch smartphones, on the other hand, are ideal for children and users who aren’t fussed about games and videos. If you’re uncertain what’s best for then a 5-inch is an excellent size for most people.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
You may consider additional features to be like the sprays on top of a cake, but they’re even more crucial than that. Things like microSD card slots, NFC, fingerprint scanners and water-resistance can considerably impact the overall user experience of a smartphone.
Of all those, finger print scanners and NFC are quickly becoming essential features. Not only does the former include additional security to your phone, the two combined open the potential for contactless payments. Think us when we say paying with your phone using your finger print is extremely cool.
ANDROID VS IPHONE VS WINDOWS: WHICH IS BEST?
The smartphone world is notoriously divisive, with Apple on one end of the spectrum and Android on the other. The smaller sized Windows Phone OS has likewise militant supporters who do not yet have a collective name, and you ought to neglect all of them.
We’ve described the primary advantages and downsides of each of the three primary mobile operating systems below.
BUY AN ANDROID SMARTPHONE IF YOU WANT A WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS
The Android operating system uses a much better balance of range and cost than its rivals, due to the large variety of Android smartphone manufacturers. There’s a phone to match any desire or budget as well as the flagship ones are often more affordable than iPhone rivals.
In Google Play, Android has the biggest choice of apps and games too, but there’s a lot of rubbish mixed in with the excellent stuff. In general, it’s a fantastic os and it’s definitely the best alternative if you ‘d rather not invest huge money on a glossy brand-new smartphone.
PURCHASE AN IPHONE IF YOU VALUE SIMPLICITY
iPhones are a few of the most costly smartphones you can purchase, and the last-generation iPhone 6 will still set you back a fair amount SIM-free. However, design is always on-point, the apps are fantastic and they’re extremely simple to use.
Apple’s App Store isn’t really quite as populated as Google Play, but its constraints are tighter, implying that the general quality of iOS games and apps is greater than what you’ll find on Android.
It’s likewise a terrific alternative if you own other Apple devices, like MacBooks and iPads, as the tightly incorporated services make life easy.
1. LG G5
EXCELLENT IN SO MANY AREAS, BUT THE LG G5’S MODULAR SYSTEM MISSES THE MARK
Key features
- 5.3-inch, quad-HD resolution LCD screen
- 16-megapixel, f/1.8 rear electronic camera w/ a larger angle lens too
- Fingerprint scanner on the back
- Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB RAM
LG has actually really aimed to noteworthy from the pack with the G5. It’s brand-new modular style suggests you can pull off the bottom and swap out the battery, but you’ll likewise have the ability to add extra bits to the phone. The preliminary two are a DAC for improving the audio and a grip that provides you physical video camera controls and an extra hit of battery. This system does harm the clean appearance of the phone and while LG declares it’s metal, it does not feel as sturdy as the HTC 10.
On the inside though, it’s a much better story. The Snapdragon 820 CPU and 4GB RAM looks after whatever you toss at it, while the 32GB storage is helped by a Micro SD card. Android 6.0.1 is onboard however it has LG’s UX 5.0 on top. It’s a little bit heavy, however it’s an enhancement over in 2015.
The two cams on the back, yep two, are wonderful. One is a routine 16MP lens with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS, while the other is an 8MP wide-angle lens that’s terrific for landscape shots. The battery should get you through the day and there’s USB-C quick charging too.
$444.99.
2. IPHONE SE
A POCKET POWERHOUSE
Key features
- 4-inch screen
- 12 megapixel, rear cam
- TouchID and Apple Pay
- A9 CPU and 2GB RAM, 16 or 32GB internal storage
If you want a smaller phone, the iPhone SE is the best option. It loads the majority of the goodies from the iPhone 6S, however in a shell that can be used quickly in one hand. The same 12MP cam rests on the back, while the same A9 CPU and 2GB RAM power the device. This makes it superfast and an enjoyment to use.
Touch ID and Apple Pay are here too, as is the fetching Rose Gold colour scheme. 3D Touch, though, does not make the cut. The smaller screen cannot match the competitors for resolution, but it’s still sharp, colourful and pixels are tough to spot.
We do wish the 16GB internal storage alternative wasn’t here, however a minimum of there’s the 64GB variation.
$454.
3. MOTO G4 2016
SERIOUSLY AFFORDABLE PHONE THAT PACKS THE SPECS
Key features
- 5.5-inch 1080p screen
- 13-megapixel cam
- microSD card slot
- Android 6.0.1
The Lenovo owned Motorola has done it again. The initial Moto G kicked off the start of really fantastic spending plan phones, and the current model– the Moto G4– takes it to another level. For ₤ 169, you get a great 1080p 5.5-inch display screen and plenty of power from the Snapdragon 617 CPU and 2GB RAM. For the price, there isn’t much that competes.
There’s 16GB storage as basic, though a 32GB option is readily available, and this can be expanded through microSD. On the back you’ll find a really impressive 13MP camera and a 5MP variation on the front for selfies. The actual electronic camera app has been provided a large enhancement too, with a great set of manual features and a streamlined look. Actually, software application on the whole is great here; most likely due to the fact that it’s just stock Android 6.0.1 with a number of Moto fine-tunes. The 3,000 mAh battery is hefty and will get you through a whole day.
$199.
4. IPHONE 6S
A SURPRISINGLY GOOD UPGRADE FROM THE IPHONE 6
Key Features
- 4.7-inch, 326ppi LCD screen
- 1.8 GHz, Apple A9 processor with 2GB RAM
- 12-megapixel rear electronic camera, 5-megapixel front electronic camera
- 3D Touch pressure sensitive screen
The most recent iPhones were’S’ phones, which suggests they share the same basic design as the previous variation but include a bunch of new features. For the iPhone 6S, those features include greater resolution cameras and a neat brand-new pressure delicate screen innovation 3D Touch.
3D Touch is the exceptional brand-new feature of the iPhone 6S. It allows you to activate all sorts of features by pushing a little harder on the screen, and it can identify a number of levels of pressure. For example, press on a link and you can sneak peek it without leaving the app you’re in; press a little harder and it will open it in Safari– Apple calls this Peek and Pop.
There countless small, beneficial uses for this– a ‘3D Touch’ on the Camera app icon, for instance, provides you the choice to take a selfie immediately, so you do not need to pick the mode in the app. It’s a great method to get to what you need a little faster.
Apple’s also enhanced the cams. The main cam is up to 12-megapixels (from 8-megapixels) and has improved contrast efficiency. It also shoots 4K video, though it lacks optical image stabilisation– an useful feature that improves photo quality in low light. The front camera is improved, too, and adds a smart feature that uses the screen as a flash when taking selfies.
It’s another outstanding phone overall, though we want to see wireless charging in the next iPhones Apple launches.
$690.
5. IPHONE 6S PLUS
A BIG PHONE WITH A TOP-CLASS CAMERA
Key Features
- 5.5-inch, 1080p screen with 3D Touch
- 1.8 GHz, dual-core Apple A9 processor with 2GB RAM
- 12-megapixel cam with optical image stabilisation
Just like in 2015, the iPhone 6S Plus is the bigger cousin to the 6S. It has a 5.5-inch screen with a greater, 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. It’s an outstanding screen– it cannot match the best from Samsung, but it’s right up there amongst phones with LCD screens.
The Plus variation likewise has Apple’s ingenious 3D Touch system, which can identify the level of force you use to push the screen and trigger additional software application choices. It’s a great addition to the iPhone that we can see numerous companies copying it in future.
Apart from its size, the iPhone 6S Plus adds optical image stabilisation to the electronic camera over the basic 6S. This makes it much better for shooting pictures in low light and also makes it easier to get constant, shake-free video. It’s the better phone for video.
Battery life is better, too, however the Plus does feel huge and heavy. It’s much heavier than the first ‘Plus’ phone, so try it out first if you think weight is essential.
$755.
6. SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 EDGE
SAMSUNG HAS JUST MADE THE BEST-LOOKING PHONE EVER
Key Features
- 5.5-inch quad-HD screen
- Exynos 8890 CPU, 4GB RAM
- microSD slot, IP68 for water resistance, 32GB internal storage
The S6 Edge from last year was a vibrant release for Samsung, signalling a brand-new style instructions for the business. The Galaxy S7 Edge though, refines on that formula and it works so well.
That gorgeous quad-HD panel may be the like previously, but it’s larger here (5.5-inch rather than 5.1-inch) and it helps the phone fit well into your palm. The curved edges look stunning, and the minor curve to the back remains in an inspired style option pinched from the Note 5.
Looks aside, the Galaxy S7 Edge performs as you ‘d anticipate from a Samsung flaghip. The Exynos 8890 CPU and 4GB RAM is a mix that chews through whatever from day to day to extensive gaming. There’s an ever so minor lag in TouchWiz (that’s Samsung’s Android skin) but it’s far from a dealbreaker.
On the back there’s a 12 megapixel electronic camera with Dual Pixels for faster autofocus and imporved low-light efficiency. Snaps aren’t a whole lot much better than the S6, however they are still fantastic. Crisp, clear and intense. The 5MP selfie shooter has a good wide angle lens too, so you can stuff more faces in.
The battery lasts all day, it’s IP68 water resistant and the microSD has returned. An all round winner.
$699.
7. HTC 10
IT MIGHT NOT BE A PERFECT 10, BUT IT’S MIGHTILY CLOSE
Key features
- 5.2-inch quad-HD display
- Snapdragon 820 CPU, 4GB RAM
- microSD slot, 32GB internal storage, BoomSound audio
With the HTC 10, the Taiwanese business is well and genuinely back. After the frustrating One M9 and One A9, the HTC 10 is a spectacular phone that not only looks fantastic with a strong design, however it likewise carries out like a champion.
The Snapdragon 820 CPU and 4GB takes care of all the extensive tasks, while the quad-HD 5.2-inch screen is crisp, sharp and incredibly bright. HTC has actually done a fantastic task at making sure Android isn’t messed up by bloatware by removing a load of replicate apps. It has some cool brand-new addition too, like a creative method of locking out access to certain apps.
While HTC claims you’ll get multiples days of battery life we just handled one, however it did quickly make it from early morning till bedtime. One of the greatest concerns with the One M9 was its bad electronic camera, and it has mostly been arranged here. The 12MP UltraPixel sensing unit takes fantastic and very comprehensive images, while the selfie shooter is the best on the marketplace. It does in some cases overexpose shots, however it’s still an excellent video camera.
$599.99.
8. ONEPLUS 3
A GREAT PHONE AT A GREAT PHONE
Key features
- 5.5-inch 1080p screen
- Snapdragon 820, 6GB RAM
- 64GB storage
It has practically whatever you require, and in a good looking body.
Powered by the Snapdragon 820, and 6GB RAM, this thing is quick. Apps open up smoothly and the Oxygen OS is well optimised. The 16-megapixel cam too is impressive; with precise colours and a nice depth of field. It shoots 4K video too, another reward.
The 3,000 mAh battery determines up against the competitors, however does not exceed them, while the USB-C Dash charging is very quick. You’ll have to use the included charger though.
We ‘d have wanted to see a quad-HD screen, however the 5.5-inch 1080p variation gets the job done. If the colours are a bit overcooked.
$508.
9. SAMSUNG GALAXY S7
A FEW SIMPLE TWEAKS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE WITH THE SAMSUNG GALAXY S7
Key features
- 5.1-inch quad-HD display screen
- Exynos 8890 CPU, 4GB RAM
- microSD slot, IP68 for water resistance, 32GB internal storage
We rarely give a phone full-marks here at TrustedReviews, however the Samsung Galaxy S7 should have that award. The Korean business has taken the S6 and enhanced just about everything. The Exynos 8890 processor is ridiculouly quick and there’s 4GB RAM for silky smooth multitasking, while the battery has had actually a much needed bump from 2,600 mAh to 3,000 mAh implying it’ll quickly get you through the day.
The camera has been spruced up too. It’s now a 12MP sensor (down from 16MP) but the pixels are larger and the aperture has been expanded to f/1.7 to let more light in. The result? Super photos that do not get destroyed by low-light environments.
It’s a charming looking phone and the addition of the somewhat curved back makes it much easier to get of a table and just generally hold for longer periods of time. Gorilla Glass 4 covers both the front and back, but it feels durable. It’s IP68 ranked for water-resistance too, so you can dunk it in 1m of water for 30 minutes. Or y’ understand, take it in the bath.
TouchWiz has actually been softened to the point where it isn’t really such a chore, though there is still a lot of preinstalled software that cannot be deleted.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 is a great phone, most likely the best out there.
$609.
10. NEXUS 6P
THE ULTIMATE ANDROID PHONE
Key Features
- 5.7-inch, Quad HD AMOLED screen
- Snapdragon 810 processor and 3GB RAM
- 32, 64 and 128GB versions, 3,450 mAh
The Nexus 6P does not have a microSD slot– it’s practically the only problem we can think about this phone, and it’s barely alone in leaving out that feature. In every other regard, the Nexus 6P is one of the best Android phones ever made. Among the smartphones ever, really.
The truth this is a Nexus phone helps. It doesn’t have any annoying extra things you don’t want or require and you’ll get Android updates when they’re available, not 6 months later. However this is first time Google has actually combined that with a preferable high-end phone that can match the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones.
It’s big at 5.7-inches, but the screen is fantastic and battery life is excellent. Vitally, it has a decent electronic camera– its 12-megapixel effort isn’t rather as excellent as Samsung’s and Apple’s electronic cameras, however it’s close. Low light photos look terrific and it records a lot of detail.
If you want the best Android experience possible, this is the phone to buy.
$496.99.
