Introduction: What actually makes the best smartphone?
2023 is an exciting year for smartphones - they are not only our constant companions, but also real technological marvels packed with the latest hardware and of course the latest software and AI features. From impressive displays to cameras that can almost keep up with professional equipment - the innovations in the smartphone world are breathtaking. And because choosing the perfect smartphone is often a question of the operating system, we have divided the best models of the year into two categories for you: Apple and Android. Each system has its own peculiarities and fans, so we look at the highlights of both worlds.
Selecting the best smartphones in these categories was no easy task. Our criteria focused on aspects such as performance, everyday camera quality, ease of use, usability and useful features - all the things that really make a smartphone stand out in everyday use. It's not just about technical data on paper, but about the real experience these devices offer. Our decisions are of course subjective, based on tests and user experience. Ultimately, the "perfect" smartphone is different for everyone, depending on individual needs and preferences. Our goal is to give you an overview that will help you make your own choice.
Best smartphone for most: iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8
iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 is a real eye-catcher and technological wonder in one. Here are its
Highlights:
- display: A 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display ensures brilliant colors and sharp resolution (2556x1179 pixels at 460 ppi).
- design: Elegant aluminum design, combined with a ceramic shield on the front and a colorful glass back.
- memory: Available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB variants.
- Weight: 171 grams for the iPhone 15 and 201 grams for the iPhone 15 Plus.
- camera: A dual 12MP camera for impressive photos.
- chipset: Powered by the powerful Apple A16 Bionic.
- operating system: iOS 17, upgradeable to iOS 17.2.
- special functions: Face ID, dual SIM support and integrated accessibility features.
Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 8 is a favorite for those who value innovation and security:
- display: A 6.2-inch full-screen OLED display with 1080 x 2400 resolution and an adaptive refresh rate of 60–120 Hz.
- design: Robust Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® and an always-on display with practical information.
- memory: Available in 128GB and 256GB options.
- Weight: 187g with a thickness of 8.9mm.
- camera: A powerful dual main camera with 50 MP and 12 MP as well as a 12 MP ultra-wide angle camera.
- chipset: Google Tensor G3 (4 nm).
- operating system: Android 14.
- special functions: IP68 dust/water resistance and comprehensive security features from Google.
Why iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8 are the best for most
The iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8 are the frontrunners for most users, and for good reason:
The iPhone 15 offers the complete package that Apple users love: a stunning Super Retina XDR display for vivid images, a sleek and robust design, and the latest version of iOS that prioritizes both performance and privacy. At just 171 grams, it's lightweight but still packs all the essential features, from a high-quality camera to a powerful chipset. It's perfect for those who are plugged into the Apple ecosystem and value seamless integration with other Apple products.
The Google Pixel 8, on the other hand, is the star of Android phones. It offers the cleanest and most authentic Android experience with fast and regular updates, backed by Google's leading security measures. Its strength lies in its artificial intelligence and advanced camera features, powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip. The Pixel 8 is ideal for users looking for an intuitive, pure Android experience, packed with innovative features and an excellent camera.
Best value for money: iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung Galaxy A54
The Samsung Galaxy A54 is a real bargain with impressive features:
- display: A vibrant Adaptive 120 Hz OLED display with a size of 6.1 inches and a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels offers razor-sharp images.
- camera: The 50 MP main camera with night mode delivers great photos even in low light conditions. A 32 MP front camera is perfect for high-quality selfies.
- connectivity: With WiFi-6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC and USB-C 2.0, the device is perfectly connected.
- memory: Available in 128GB and 256GB variants for sufficient storage space.
iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 remains a favorite among Apple fans:
- display: A 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels ensures vivid images.
- camera: Known for its excellent camera quality, including a 12MP front camera.
- battery: Impressive battery life with up to 19 hours of video playback and up to 75 hours of music playback.
- processor: The A15 Bionic, still one of the best chips on the market.
- memory: Available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB variants.
Why iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy A54 offer the best value for money
The iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy A54 stand out as the "best value" smartphones of 2023, and for good reasons:
The Samsung Galaxy A54 offers an outstanding combination of advanced technology and value for money. With its impressive Adaptive 120 Hz OLED display, it offers a visual experience usually reserved for more expensive models.The high-resolution 50MP main camera and 32MP front camera are a dream for photography lovers, especially considering the affordable price. Add to that solid connectivity and ample storage, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a budget-friendly but powerful Android device.
The iPhone 13, despite its cheaper price compared to newer models, remains a powerhouse in the Apple lineup. It offers an impressive combination of a vibrant OLED display, a top-notch camera and long battery life. The A15 Bionic chip continues to ensure top performance that handles demanding apps and games with ease. This device is ideal for Apple lovers who don't need the latest of the latest, but still don't want to sacrifice the quality and reliability you expect from an iPhone.
Best camera phone: iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung S23 Ultra
iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro sets new standards in smartphone photography:
- main camera: A 48MP wide-angle camera with a focal length of 24mm, aperture f/1.78 and the second generation of sensor-based optical image stabilization.
- ultra-wide-angle camera: 12MP with a focal length of 13mm, aperture f/2.2 and a 120° field of view.
- front camera: A 12MP front camera with f/1.9 aperture, autofocus and Retina Flash.
- chip: The A17 Pro, probably the best chip on the market – 3nm process.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a dream for photography enthusiasts:
- rear cameras: Equipped with five cameras – a 12MP selfie camera, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a revolutionary 200MP wide-angle camera, a 10MP telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom and a second 10MP telephoto camera for 3x optical zoom.
- front camera: A 12MP selfie camera with 2PD AF, a pixel size of 1.12μm and an aperture of F2.2.
- chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – the best Android chip on the market.
Why these are the best camera smartphones
The iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra dominate the world of camera phones. The iPhone 15 Pro impresses with its 48MP main camera, which delivers razor-sharp images thanks to advanced stabilization and a high-resolution sensor. The versatility of the cameras, including the impressive ultra-wide-angle camera, makes it a favorite for photography lovers.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the other hand, sets new standards with its 200MP wide-angle camera. The impressive number of cameras offers unparalleled flexibility, from wide-ranging landscape shots to detailed zoom shots. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip supports these photographic capabilities with high performance and efficiency.
These smartphones are an excellent choice not only for amateur photographers but also for professionals. They offer a combination of advanced technology, versatile features and ease of use that make them the best camera phones of 2023. With these devices in hand, anyone can capture moments in professional quality.
Best battery: iPhone 15 Plus and ROG Phone 7 Ultimate
iPhone 15 Plus
The iPhone 15 Plus is a prime example of efficiency and endurance:
- battery capacity: 4383mAh battery – offers impressive battery life thanks to the larger battery compared to the standard iPhone 15 and the efficient A16 Bionic chip.
- display: A large 6.7-inch OLED display guarantees an immersive viewing experience.
- Performance: The A16 Bionic 4nm chipset ensures outstanding performance and efficient energy management.
- camera: A 48MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera and a 12MP front camera deliver excellent photo and video quality.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate
The Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate sets standards in battery technology:
- battery capacity: Impressive 6,000 mAh battery capacity.
- loading speed: Fast 65W charging capacity for quick charging.
- display: High-refresh-rate display, perfect for gaming and multimedia applications.
- Performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- camera: The phone takes beautiful shots, excels in portrait mode and macro shots, but night shot performance is disappointing compared to high-end devices. Compared to top-of-the-range models like the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro, the ROG Phone 7's camera can't keep up
Why these are the best smartphones with the best batteries
2023 was a year when battery life was not just a feature, but a real statement. At the forefront of this trend are two giants that claim the best price in this category: the iPhone 15 Plus and the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate.
The iPhone 15 Plus is like the marathon runner of smartphones. It may not have a huge battery, but thanks to the efficient A16 Bionic chip, it's a master of endurance. It's proof that size isn't everything when it comes to battery life. For those looking for a slim device with the ability to last a full day, the iPhone 15 Plus is a dream come true.
Then there's the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate - the powerhouse. With an impressive 6,000mAh battery and 65W fast charging, it's the ultimate weapon for gamers and power users. This phone is like an off-road vehicle with a huge tank - ready to take on any challenge and never run out of steam.
Together, these two models show that there are two ways to go in the world of battery life: the efficient, sophisticated route of the iPhone 15 Plus and the raw, powerful route of the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. Both are top of their game and make it clear that there is something for every type of user when it comes to battery life. Whether you're looking for a sleek everyday device or a powerful beast for gaming sessions, the choice is yours.
The best smartphones 2023
Best pure Android phone: Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 8 sets the standard for a pure Android experience:
- Pure Android experience: A pure, user-friendly Android interface, ideal for purists.
- customization options: Extensive personalization options, from app icons to Google Assistant routines.
- Powerful features: Equipped with the new Tensor G3 processor, a high-quality camera system and a vibrant display.
- Software updates: Seven years of software updates, including OS upgrades and security updates.
- Price-performance ratio: An attractive package of high-end features at a competitive price.
The Google Pixel 8 stands out with its combination of pure Android experience, powerful hardware and long-term software support, making it the ideal choice for users who want a clean, customizable smartphone experience.
Best iPhone: iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
These iPhones represent the best that Apple has to offer:
- display: iPhone 15 Pro with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, iPhone 15 Pro Max with a 6.7-inch display, both with ProMotion technology and adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz.
- camera: Both models feature a triple camera system with 48 MP main camera, 12 MP telephoto and ultra-wide angle cameras, supported by features such as Night Mode, Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 5.
- chipset: Powered by the powerful Apple A17 Pro chipset manufactured in 3nm process.
Why these are the best smartphones in 2023
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the epitome of excellence and innovation at Apple, offering an unbeatable combination of advanced camera technology, powerful chipsets, and large, high-resolution displays. They are the top choice for users seeking the ultimate iPhone experience, with unmatched performance, cutting-edge photography, and an impressive display. These models are ideal for Apple enthusiasts seeking the best of the best and set the benchmark for premium smartphones in 2023.
Summary and Conclusion
2023 was a year in which smartphones were not just technical devices, but real companions in life. From the impressive iPhone 15 Pro, which enchants with its technological sophistication and A17 Pro chipset, to the Google Pixel 8, which delights with its pure Android experience and future-oriented features - we saw that there is the perfect smartphone for every type.
But let's be honest: Smartphones have reached such a level that an annual upgrade is unnecessary for most of us. If you have a model from the last three years, you're probably still behind the wheel of a technological marvel. The decision of whether and when to switch is less about necessity and more about personal preference and the desire for the latest of the new.
Tip: If your budget is tight, it is a good idea to buy used smartphones – whether Samsung or iPhones – refurbished you can save a lot of money.
Outlook: New Smartphones 2024
Looking ahead to 2024, the trend towards AI-driven features and functions that began in 2023 seems to be moving forward unabated. With the upcoming announcement of the Samsung Galaxy S24 in January - including the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen3 - we can expect further exciting developments. There is already lively speculation about the specs of the upcoming iPhone 16 generation. These trends show that the integration of AI into apps and operating systems is becoming increasingly important, opening up new possibilities for user experience and efficiency.
In the ever-changing world of smartphone technology, one thing remains clear: future developments will continue to build on a solid foundation of user experience and innovation that was so defining in 2023. We can be excited to see what new paths smartphones will take in 2024.
