The all-around best phone
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Flagship phone with a great value
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Best Android phone under $750
OnePlus 9
Best Android phone under $600
Google Pixel 6
Best camera for its price
Google Pixel 5A with 5G
Best small phone
Apple iPhone 13 Mini
Best foldable phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Best phone for creatives
Sony Xperia Pro
Best phone with a stylus
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
The iPhone 13 Pro is the best phone Apple produces and it received a stellar score in our review. The new smartphone adds a third rear camera with 3x optical zoom (up from 2x on the iPhone 12), a stainless steel body and a ProMotion screen with refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling.
<div id="a9fe9390-2999-4add-9628-7adbe6ad7e30" section="cap" data-id="listicle-a9fe9390-2999-4add-9628-7adbe6ad7e30" data-cy="bestListProductListing" edition="us" description="
As Samsung’s elite flagship phone for 2021, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a brilliant 6.8-inch AMOLED display with an ultrasmooth 120Hz refresh rate that also supports Samsung’s S-Pen stylus, an awesome rear camera with incredible zoom skills and 5G connectivity for super speedy data. It’s powered by the top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon chip for amazing performance. This is the best in mobile technology that Samsung has to offer, and it’s the Android phone to go for if you’re keen to put cutting-edge mobile phone tech in your pocket.
” superlative=”Top-of-the-line Android smartphone” imagegroup=”{"alt":"101-samsung-galaxy-s21-and-s21-ultra-comparison","caption":"","credits":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageData":{"id":"305749c9-2158-4686-9d2c-3da8d55a6d25","title":"201-samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra-back","filename":"201-samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra-back.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/2021/01/20/305749c9-2158-4686-9d2c-3da8d55a6d25/201-samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra-back.jpg","caption":"","size":6594736,"width":4000,"height":2667,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-01-20 20:38:52","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-16 19:55:37","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":null,"alt":"Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, black","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"305749c9-2158-4686-9d2c-3da8d55a6d25","imageAltText":"101-samsung-galaxy-s21-and-s21-ultra-comparison","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"201-samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra-back.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/01/20","imageWidth":4000,"imageHeight":2667,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”” overridecredit=”Sarah Tew/CNET” linktext=”Read our Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra-review-5g-phone-pretty-badass/” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__a9fe9390-2999-4add-9628-7adbe6ad7e30″ imagecredit=”Sarah Tew/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor buttoncolorsection class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”6.6822995461422″>
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The Google Pixel 6 Pro’s unique design, great software additions, superb camera quality and solid all-round performance have already earned the phone an excellent rating in our full review. With performance that’s every bit as good as its design, it’s the best phone Google has ever made. The main camera is on par with the best iPhones. And at $849 for the base 128GB model, it trounces its premium phone rivals in price.
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The standard iPhone 13 is a reliable choice for most people, sporting a 6.1-inch screen and two excellent rear cameras. For this model, Apple has pledged longer battery life, improved cameras and better durability than the Apple iPhone 12. What do you miss by not going Pro? A third rear camera with 3x optical zoom and a ProMotion screen with refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling. It is not a cheap phone, but definitely a more affordable flagship pick than the Pro siblings.
” superlative=”Best everyday phone” imagegroup=”{"alt":"iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05","caption":"","credits":"Patrick Holland/CNET","imageData":{"id":"58850c0a-0a5f-420a-a7c4-69db938bd230","title":"iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05","filename":"iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/2021/09/22/58850c0a-0a5f-420a-a7c4-69db938bd230/iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05.jpg","caption":"","size":2413483,"width":2000,"height":1500,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-09-22 13:36:55","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-29 20:31:32","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Patrick Holland/CNET","alt":"Apple iPhone 13 on a table next to a latte","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"58850c0a-0a5f-420a-a7c4-69db938bd230","imageAltText":"iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Patrick Holland/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"iphone-13-cnet-2021-review-05.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/09/22","imageWidth":2000,"imageHeight":1500,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”” overridecredit=”Patrick Holland/CNET” linktext=”Read our iPhone 13 review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/iphone-13-review/” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__c891c52d-d8b8-4ac0-99d6-e648ec241f98″ imagecredit=”Patrick Holland/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor buttoncolorsection class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”6.5278246205734″>
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While OnePlus isn’t as well-known as Apple or Samsung, the OnePlus 9 offers great performance at a relatively more affordable price than rivals. It’s 5G-enabled, runs a powerful Qualcomm processor and has a decent camera for the money. It’s a solid budget phone option if the lofty prices of the Galaxy S21 Ultra are out of your reach.
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With a starting price of $599, Google’s Pixel 6 is the best Android phone you can get for the money. In terms of design, power, features and performance, the Pixel 6 is a big step up from its predecessor, the Pixel 5. Google’s latest and greatest offers improved cameras, Android 12 and the company’s in-house Tensor chip.
” superlative=”Best Android phone under $600″ imagegroup=”{"alt":"Google Pixel 6","caption":"
My review unit’s color is Sorta Seafoam. The back below the camera bar is light gray but depending on the light it can look light blue.
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My review unit’s color is Sorta Seafoam. The back below the camera bar is light gray but depending on the light it can look light blue.
","size":1710482,"width":4069,"height":2713,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-10-24 19:04:26","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2021-10-24 19:05:36","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Patrick Holland/CNET","alt":"Google Pixel 6","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":["Google Pixel 6"],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"693be217-b74c-4f9f-b285-53bc99a622b7","imageAltText":"Google Pixel 6","imageCaption":"
My review unit’s color is Sorta Seafoam. The back below the camera bar is light gray but depending on the light it can look light blue.
","imageCredit":"Patrick Holland/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"p1018244.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/10/24","imageWidth":4069,"imageHeight":2713,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
My review unit’s color is Sorta Seafoam. The back below the camera bar is light gray but depending on the light it can look light blue.
” overridecredit=”Patrick Holland/CNET” linktext=”Read our Google Pixel 6 review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-pixel-6-review-at-599-its-everything-i-ever-wanted/” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__6b4fcf0e-f724-42d8-ad4f-7fea4d1eee48″ imagecredit=”Patrick Holland/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor buttoncolorsection class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”6.4766355140187″>
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With a new low starting price of $449, Google’s Pixel 5A is currently the best Pixel deal around. Beyond its affordable price, the Pixel 5A offers a top-notch camera that takes brilliant photos, a large screen size and water-resistance. This Pixel phone is a solid option capable of tackling all of your everyday essentials, and with its 5G speeds, you won’t be left waiting for your Netflix shows to buffer when you’re waiting for the bus.
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If you’re someone who prefers smaller, pocket-friendly devices, this is the phone for you. The 6.1-inch iPhone 13 Mini is easy to use with one hand and even fits into tight jean pockets. Starting at $699, this is the cheapest model in Apple’s iPhone 13 lineup. While battery life isn’t as long as the iPhone 13, this petite Apple iPhone doesn’t sacrifice on camera capabilities or processing power.
” superlative=”Best small phone” imagegroup=”{"alt":"iphone-13-mini-cnet-2021-review-24","caption":"","credits":"Patrick Holland/CNET","imageData":{"id":"60f0fdce-3558-4374-a5be-ccd026ecb051","title":"iphone-13-mini-cnet-2021-review-24","filename":"iphone-13-mini-cnet-2021-review-24.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/2021/09/22/60f0fdce-3558-4374-a5be-ccd026ecb051/iphone-13-mini-cnet-2021-review-24.jpg","caption":"","size":1861865,"width":2000,"height":1333,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-09-22 13:36:46","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-16 19:59:53","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Patrick Holland/CNET","alt":"Apple iPhone 13 Mini","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"60f0fdce-3558-4374-a5be-ccd026ecb051","imageAltText":"iphone-13-mini-cnet-2021-review-24","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Patrick Holland/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"iphone-13-mini-cnet-2021-review-24.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/09/22","imageWidth":2000,"imageHeight":1333,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”” overridecredit=”Patrick Holland/CNET” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__7a116460-e069-47c3-95e5-92e05ac8513a” imagecredit=”Patrick Holland/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor buttoncolorsection class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”6.5757575757576″>
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 folds like a clamshell phone and has a stunning design. This smartphone remains one of our favorite foldable phones. It comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, an “aluminum armor” body, and a flexible build that makes it super-convenient to take photos and record video. CNET’s Patrick Holland says it could be “the first foldable phone you’ll consider buying.”
<div id="3612897d-6cbd-4de7-aa98-01fe1727e615" section="cap" data-id="listicle-3612897d-6cbd-4de7-aa98-01fe1727e615" data-techprodid="6dd9ff7c-21b4-4582-b9d3-27bffdf8d8e0" data-cy="bestListProductListing" edition="us" description="
At a whopping price of $2,500, the Sony Xperia Pro isn’t for everyone. But if you’re a photographer or videographer looking for professional-level camera phone features, you can’t go wrong. The Xperia Pro is essentially four products in one: a phone, a camera monitor, a speedy photo file transfer device, and a 5G machine suitable for broadcasting and livestreaming.
” superlative=”Best phone for creatives” imagegroup=”{"alt":"Sony Xperia Pro-I","caption":"","credits":"James Martin/CNET","imageData":{"id":"35887fbd-075e-4022-a129-1dbdd833c258","title":"sony-xperia-pro-i-0202","filename":"sony-xperia-pro-i-0202.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/2021/10/26/35887fbd-075e-4022-a129-1dbdd833c258/sony-xperia-pro-i-0202.jpg","caption":"","size":3806570,"width":3000,"height":2000,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-10-26 14:50:36","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2021-10-26 14:50:50","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"James Martin/CNET","alt":"Sony Xperia Pro-I","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"35887fbd-075e-4022-a129-1dbdd833c258","imageAltText":"Sony Xperia Pro-I","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"James Martin/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"sony-xperia-pro-i-0202.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/10/26","imageWidth":3000,"imageHeight":2000,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”” overridecredit=”James Martin/CNET” linktext=”Read our Sony Xperia Pro review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/sony-xperia-pro-review-a-versatile-5g-phone-thats-not-for-you/” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__3612897d-6cbd-4de7-aa98-01fe1727e615″ imagecredit=”Patrick Holland/CNET” tagslugs=”5g,google,lenovo,motorola,samsung,t-mobile,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” buttoncolor buttoncolorsection class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”6.0216535433071″>
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If you’re looking for a good budget phone that comes with a basic stylus and support for 5G, then the Moto G Stylus 5 is a great pick. The cell phone features a stylus that you can store inside the phone along with a built-in Notes app to help with productivity. This phone also offers a triple-rear camera, 128GB of internal storage and a robust 4,000-mAh battery.
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