The best smartphone of 2019: 15 top mobile phones tested and ranked
Our best smartphone list brings you 15 of the top phones available right now, but if you already have your mobile OS alliance set you'll want to check out either our ranking of the best Android phone or best iPhone.
If what's on offer in our best smartphone list is a little too pricey for your taste, then don't fear, as we've also got a list of the best cheap phones available right now.
Our best phone ranking recently witnessed one of the biggest shake-ups of the year too, with no fewer than five new entries recently, with the Google Pixel 4 XL, OnePlus 7T Pro, Oppo Reno 10x Zoom, OnePlus 7T and Asus Zenfone 6 all making the cut.
And all these follow on from previous big entries such as the new iPhone 11 series and Samsung Galaxy Note 10 series. It's been a huge year for mobile, and our best phones list has never looked better.
We know that it's not all about the high-cost, super spec phones all the time so we've made you a handy list of all the top smartphones that you can get on the market right now, assessing what really matters to you.
We test these phones rigorously, making sure that we check every angle and feature - but most importantly, considering whether they've got a decent battery, great screen, strong design and a cracking camera.
On top of that, they can't be too exorbitant in price either - not everyone wants or can afford a supercar of a handset, so we've made sure there are plenty of options for you there.
So let's get started on our list of the top 15 handsets - you can see them quickly below, and then we're set to talk you through the very best phone in the world right now.
The Samsung Galaxy S10 is the best smartphone available right now, still. That covers both the S10 and the larger Galaxy S10 Plus, as there's very little difference between the two handsets aside from size.
They take the very best of what's on the smartphone market and put it together in a compelling package that we loved testing.
Screen: The Super AMOLED display has been measured as the very best around, with super colours, great dynamic range and, essentially, the very best viewing experience you can have on a mobile phone.
Plus, there's a fingerprint scanner embedded in the display.
Battery life: The battery life on the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus is an improvement over the S9 series, thanks to the larger batteries inside. They easily reach bedtime with double digits still left in the tank.
They also offer Samsung's Wireless PowerShare, allowing you to wirelessly charge other devices on the rear of the handsets.
Camera: The trio of cameras on the S10 and S10 Plus are among the best on the market, building on the excellent setup on the S9 series by offering more features, shooting modes and overall clarity.
Mini verdict: The S10 and S10 Plus are packed full of the best Samsung has to offer, and it comes together to give you the best smartphone experience around right now. If we had to pick one, we'd go for the bigger screen, larger battery and dual selfie snappers of the Galaxy S10 Plus, but both phones deserve their best phone crown.
Read more: Galaxy S10 review | Galaxy S10 Plus review
Price comparison:
The best Samsung Galaxy S10 deals
The best Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus deals
- Compare the best mobile phone deals
Best phone at a glance:
- Samsung Galaxy S10/S10 Plus
- Huawei P30 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro/11 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus
- iPhone 11
- Huawei P30
- OnePlus 7T Pro
- Oppo Reno 10x Zoom
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10
- OnePlus 7T
- Samsung Galaxy S10e
- Google Pixel 4 XL
- Honor View 20
- Asus Zenfone 6
- OnePlus 7 Pro
Image Credit: TechRadar
The Huawei P30 Pro is so close to being the best smartphone right now, and for some it will take top spot in their minds.
It's close to the best phone we've used when it comes to photography with 5x and 10x zoom capabilities and fantastic low-light performance.
However, we're sad to say, it now comes with a huge caveat. After Google suspended Huawei's future access to Android Play Store and security updates, there are serious question marks over the future of Huawei phones.
While Google and Huawei have promised to support phones currently on the market, it's not clear how long they'll receive Android updates or access to the Google Play Store, which would severely curtail their usefulness compared to the competition.
Screen: The large 6.47-inch screen on the P30 Pro may 'only' have a Full HD+ resolution, but it's bright, clear and colourful providing an excellent canvas for your apps and games.
Battery life: There's no worry when it comes to the P30 Pro potentially running out of juice, the battery life here is excellent. We regularly got to the end of the day with 30% or more left in the tank.
Camera: The cameras are the P30 Pro's real party piece, providing staggeringly good 5x and 10x zoom, and a digital 50x zoom with gets you insanely close to objects far off in the distance. Its low-light capabilities are also top-notch.
Mini Verdict: The P30 Pro not only sets a new standard for Huawei, it sets a new standard for the mobile industry. Its cameras are quite simply astonishing, the design is eye-catching and the power plentiful. It's a true flagship smartphone.
Read more: Huawei P30 Pro review
Price comparison: The best Huawei P30 Pro deals
Image Credit: TechRadar
Want something a bit more from your iPhone? You're in luck with the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, as they feature improved spec including a more high-end rear camera that can compete with the very best.
It'll cost more than the iPhone 11 (which is probably the best phone for the average iPhone user), but if you're after the very best iPhone, the Pro range is what you want.
Other than the obvious size, there's very little difference between the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, which is why we grouped them together in our best phone roundup.
Screen: It's the biggest decision you'll have to make. Will you go for the 5.8-inch 11 Pro (which is easier to use one-handed) or the larger 6.5-inch 11 Pro Max (which is great for movies and gaming)? Either way, you get a great display which packs a colourful punch.
Battery life: The battery life on the 11 Pro series is slightly longer than the last few generations of the iPhone, but don't expect anything game changing here when it comes to the length your phone will last for.
Camera: Apple has put most of its focus into the rear cameras on this device, and while the design of the rear of the phone has been controversial these cameras can create some truly stunning photography that competes with the very best camera phones.
Mini verdict: You'll have to spend a bit extra to get the iPhone 11 Pro, but it's well worth it if you want a phone that sports iOS 13 but comes with top-end features.
Read our in-depth iPhone 11 Pro review | iPhone 11 Pro Max review
Price comparison: The best iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max deals
Image Credit: TechRadar
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus is one of the largest phones there is, but this stylus-toting handset is our fourth favourite phone you can buy right now.
It's expensive, but it features some of the best specs you'll get on a smartphone in 2019.
Screen: The screen on this phone is huge and the Infinity-O cutout means there's little interruption to the display here, allowing for an immersive experience.
Battery life: We found the battery life on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus to easily last the whole day, plus the fast charging tech means you're able to pump it up quickly when you're nearing 0%.
Camera: The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus isn't the best on the market, but it's impressive and offers a lot of fun features that you may want to play around with.
Mini Verdict: Samsung's Galaxy Note 10 Plus is a remarkable device, but it's only for those who want a large phone and don't mind spending that bit extra on a device. The S10 Plus will be more suitable for most, but the Note 10 Plus is a great phone too.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus review
Price comparison: The best Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus deals
Image Credit: TechRadar
There's a new hero for iPhone fans, with the iPhone 11 offering the best mix of features and price from Apple.
The specs here aren't as impressive as they are on the iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max, but the trade-off in a lower price for this device still makes it a top-buy for many Apple fans.
Screen: This isn't the best screen you'll find on an iPhone, but it's still a vibrant display that's large enough to watch video on.
Battery life: The easiest way to describe battery life on the iPhone 11 is good, but not great. You'll get around a day of usage from the iPhone 11, but it's not as good as the Pro Max.
Camera: Expect a similar experience from the camera on the iPhone 11 as on the iPhone XR. If you want the best camera on an iPhone, you'll want the Pro, but it's still an impressive shooter on the rear of the standard 11.
Mini verdict: The iPhone 11 offers some of the best features from Apple in a more affordable package. Many will be happy with what the iPhone 11 can do, but others will want to look toward the high-spec iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max to get the very best.
Read our in-depth iPhone 11 review
Price comparison: The best iPhone 11 deals
Image Credit: TechRadar
What's this? Another Huawei phone in the top 15? Your eyes do not deceive you, the Huawei P30 really is seventh in our best phone rundown.
It has a smaller screen than the P30 Pro, and makes do with just the three rear cameras (rather than four) and a maximum zoom of 30x, but it's still a great Android phone.
However, we're sad to say, it now comes with a huge caveat. After Google suspended Huawei's future access to Android Play Store and security updates, there are serious question marks over the future of Huawei phones.
While Google and Huawei have promised to support phones currently on the market, it's not clear how long they'll receive Android updates or access to the Google Play Store, which would severely curtail their usefulness compared to the competition.
Screen: With a 6.1-inch display the P30 is a little easier to manage in the hand than its larger sibling, and with a Full HD+ and plenty of colour it's a top smartphone screen.
Battery life: You can expect to get excellent battery life from the Huawei P30, with the phone often lasting a day and a half on a single charge without issue.
Camera: While the three cameras on the rear aren't quite as good as the four on the P30 Pro, they still offer up an impressive shooting experience with 5x, 10x and 30x zoom and great low-light abilities.
Mini verdict: There's heaps of power, a handy headphone jack (something the Pro can't boast) and a more manageable form factor for one-handed use. And of course, it's a little cheaper too.
Read our full Huawei P30 review
Price comparison: The best Huawei P30 deals
The OnePlus 7T Pro is the best smartphone from the Chinese phone manufacturer, but not by much.
It's a minor upgrade on the 7 Pro (if you already have the 7 Pro there's no need to upgrade), but if you're looking for the best from OnePlus, you can stop searching.
Screen: One of the highlights of the 7T Pro is its gorgeous, large display. It can compete with any other top-end handset you may be considering, and beats some of them when it comes to price.
Battery life: The battery performs admirably, matching the 7 Pro and perhaps even exceeding it in some regards. We found it would comfortably last a whole day on a single charge, even with extensive usage..
Camera: The OnePlus 7T Pro can take very good shots, but it doesn't have the best camera we’ve seen on a smartphone - one of the small compromises to keep costs down. Still, you're getting three powerful rear snappers and a selfie camera on the front.
Mini verdict: The OnePlus 7T Pro is an impressive handset that costs less than a lot of the competition, while offering an almost full suite of flagship features.
Read our full OnePlus 7T Pro review
Price comparison: The best OnePlus 7T Pro deals
The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom boasts an attractive pop-up selfie camera, cutting-edge chipset and competitive camera lineup, making it one of the best phones available right now.
Odd name aside, there's a lot to like with the Reno 10x Zoom, and if you're looking for something a little different for you next phone this could be just the ticket.
Screen: Thanks to the pop-up selfie camera, there's no notch intruding on the display and with almost zero bezel you're treated to an eye-popping 93.1% screen-to-body ratio. It just looks great.
Battery life: The battery on the Reno 10x Zoom lasts for about a day of medium-to-heavy use, and a day and a half if you use it a little less. That's what we expect from a modern smartphone, so no issues here.
Camera: Despite what its name may suggest, this phone actually offers up a whopping 60x zoom, which gets you alarmingly close to objects far in the distance. It's a digital zoom, so quality degrades a little, but even the 5x optical zoom is impressive.
Mini verdict: The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom is a stylish phone – between its sleek look, asymmetrical pop-up and delicate back colours, it looks great – and, surprisingly for a Chinese smartphone with its own UI, the software is good to look at too.
Read our full Oppo Reno 10x Zoom review
Price comparison: The best Oppo Reno 10x Zoom deals
Yeah, that's right - Samsung now offers two versions of its S Pen-toting Note range, and this one comes with a lower spec than the one you've read about earlier in this list.
The Galaxy Note 10 is better for those with smaller hands, thanks to its much smaller display and smaller dimensions, but the battery life suffers a little for that.
Screen: This may be a Samsung Galaxy Note handset, but the display isn't anywhere near as big as you'd expect. It's a 6.3-inch display with an Infinity-O cutout for the selfie camera.
Battery life: The battery is where the Galaxy Note 10 begins to suffer a little as we found it regularly ran out before the end of a full day, but it's enough for average usage.
Camera: The rear camera of the Galaxy Note 10 is similar to all other flagship Samsung phones released in 2019, and it's good but not the best we've seen on a smartphone.
Mini verdict: The Galaxy Note 10 isn't as high-spec as the Galaxy Note 10 Plus, but if you want a stylus on a smaller phone than the gargantuan Plus then you may want to opt for this.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Note 10 review
Price comparison: The best Samsung Galaxy Note 10 deals
If you're looking for an affordable flagship phone which doesn't have any major compromises on features or functionality, stop looking and check out the OnePlus 7T.
Screen: One of the highlights of the 7T is its large 90Hz display. It can compete with most top-end handsets and offers great colour accuracy and response.
Battery life: The OnePlus 7T battery provides all-day use from a single charge. It's unlikely to go much further than a day, but it's what we've come to expect these days.
Camera: The OnePlus 7T camera feels like a significant improvement over the OnePlus 7, with some impressive software wizardry on tap to optimize your images.
Mini verdict: The OnePlus 7T is the best 'T' upgrade to any OnePlus phone to date and an attractive proposition for those who find the OnePlus 7T Pro too bulky.
Read our full: OnePlus 7T review
Price comparison: The best OnePlus 7T deals
Image Credit: TechRadar
Like the look of the new S10 and S10 Plus, but not a fan of their lofty price tags? Well fear not, as Samsung has catered for you with the Galaxy S10e.
The Galaxy S10e has many of the flagship features of its pricier siblings, while offering a more palm-friendly size and a few compromises to help keep the cost down.
Screen: You don't get a QHD resolution here, instead you'll have to accept a Full HD+ 5.8-inch screen - but the Super AMOLED display provides plenty of colour and pop.
Battery life: We found battery life lasted a day on a single charge - which is what we've come to expect from phones - plus its wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare making topping it up, and you other devices, even easier.
Camera: The dual camera setup on the S10e isn't quite as good as the triple cameras on the S10 and S10 Plus, but they're still highly capable snappers producing quality photos with ease.
Mini verdict: It’s hard not to recommend the S10e to anyone who prefers a smaller phone. Size queens, look elsewhere - this smartphone is for folks who want to text and browse apps one-handed without compromising performance.
Read our in-depth Samsung Galaxy S10e review
Price comparison: The best Samsung Galaxy S10e deals
The Google Pixel 4 XL is a handsome phone in its simplicity, perfect for those looking for a handset with fewer features to be confused by.
It's the photography prowess that really excites us about the Pixel 4 XL however, with this phone capable of producing stunning shots, even in the middle of the night.
Screen: The 6.3-inch display is colourful, detailed and noticeably smooth thanks to its 90Hz refresh rate, which doesn't only make scrolling web pages and social fluid, but also helps when it comes to gaming. Win, win.
Battery life: This is admittedly the weak point of the Pixel 4 XL, with the phone just about last a day on a single charge, but the likelihood is you'll need to top it up when you hit early evening.
Camera: There are just two cameras on the rear of the handset, but boy do they perform. Google's improved its Night Sight mode and added in astro-photography chops to really wow you when the sun goes down.
Mini verdict: The Pixel 4 XL is the pragmatist's flagship, eschewing the shimmering gradients and waterfall-edged displays of the Galaxy Note 10 or Mate 30 Pro in favour of bold-hued simplicity. If you like shooting photos without much fuss, this is for you.
Read our in-depth: Google Pixel 4 XL review
Price comparison: The best Google Pixel 4 XL deals
The Honor View 20 is the best phone to come out of the Chinese brand, with a striking rear design (which may divide opinion), plenty of power under the hood, an impressive 48MP camera and a 'punch-hole' display which ushers in the post-notch revolution.
However, we're sad to say, it now comes with a huge caveat. After Google suspended parent-company Huawei's future access to Android Play Store and security updates, there are serious question marks over the future of Honor phones.
While Google and Huawei have promised to support phones currently on the market, it's not clear how long they'll receive Android updates or access to the Google Play Store, which would severely curtail their usefulness compared to the competition.
Screen: There's a huge 6.4-inch display on the View 20, giving you plenty of space to play with. It's the location of the front-facing, 25MP camera within the screen which is the real talking point though, as rather than appearing in a bezel or a notch which juts into the screen, it's surround by screen. It's different, but will it catch on?
Battery life: The Honor View 20 has a big 4,000mAh and the result is a battery which will comfortably last through an entire day and into the next on a single charge.
Camera: The View 20 is the world's first smartphone to boast a 48MP rear camera, as the firm has used Sony's new sensor to provide a camera which really packs a punch.
Mini verdict: An ultra-high-resolution camera and punch hole screen are the highlights on the Honor View 20, and they set a standard this year’s more expensive phones will need to match.
Read more: Honor View 20 review
Price comparison: The best Honor View 20 deals
A surprise addition to our best smartphone rundown, the Asus Zenfone 6 is a great handset with plenty of features and a fun little party piece.
That party piece is the ZenFone 6's flip-up camera, which rotates around from the back, so the same two powerful lenses are used for both selfies and regular shots. It's certainly something you can show off to your friends.
Screen: The large 6.4-inch LCD display packs in plenty of colours and a decent brightness level providing you with great visuals. And with the rear cameras also acting as the front cameras, bezels around the screen are kept to a minimum for an almost all-display design.
Battery life: Asus says the Zenfone 6 lasts for a full two days between charges, and that's pretty much what we found. To be more realistic, it lasts until bedtime on day two, which is still a fantastic result.
Camera: The camera is clearly the most unusual part of the Asus ZenFone 6. However, it feels quite normal until you start flipping its housing around. It lets you shoot virtually any scene carelessly and you'll almost always get a decent photo out of it.
Mini verdict: This is the best phone choice for those looking for something a little geeky and unusual. The flip camera is not as slick and safely designed as its pop-up rivals, but it can follow subjects, act as a stand, and lets you shoot better selfie video.
Read more: Asus Zenfone 6 review
The OnePlus 7 Pro may have been replaced by the 7T Pro, but the difference between the two handsets is minimal, which means this is still one of the best smartphones around.
It's now cheaper too, thanks to the arrival of its successor, so you can bag yourself a bit of a bargain if you shop around.
Screen: This is the main draw. Thanks to a mechanical pop-up selfie camera, the OnePlus 7 Pro has the best screen we've tested. No notch and punch-hole camera in sight, and it stretches from edge to edge. Even better, its 90Hz screen refresh rate gives it more fluid movement.
Battery life: The OnePlus 7 Pro has fairly good, but not great battery life thanks to its 4,000mAh battery. It'll get you through a whole day, but not much more than that. The real news is its Warp Charge 30 adapter that allows this phone to go from 0% to 100% in a little over an hour. It's very fast.
Camera: The camera has always been the weakest part of the OnePlus lineup, but we've experienced better phones from the OnePlus 7 Pro. It's not going to top our best camera phones list, but the triple lens (regular, ultra-wide and telephoto) did a fine job in proper light.
Mini verdict: The OnePlus 7 Pro has the wow factor missing from some smartphones in 2019 thanks to what's on the screen (90Hz fluidity) and what's not (a camera notch). It looks the part of a flagship phone and acts more expensive than it really in part because of its top-shelf specs.
Read more: OnePlus 7 Pro review
Price comparison: The best OnePlus 7 Pro deals
You're at the end of our best smartphone guide, but that doesn't mean we can't help you still - if you're stuck on which model is for you, we've got a tool that can compare all the phones together and you can decide which one suits you best based on the cost.
If you want to get all the info, then use the tool below or check out our full mobile phone deals page.
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