reviews for phones 31-60

both flagships and midrange phones that were pushed out of the TOP 30 list. These phones include some of the best phones in the world from a year or two ago as well as unique phones (foldables, gaming phones) that can’t quite compete with the best (and the most expensive) of the best.

Here is the Samsung S24 Ultra’s score string:

13+6+15+12+12+5+5+0+5+5 = 78

This string of 10 numbers separated by plus signs shows the score for each of the 10 categories I use to evaluate a phone. The maximum possible score is 100 points. The bigger number is always better. The first 5 categories carry a maximum of 15 points each. Categories 6 to 10 are “value categories” each adding up to 5 points.

(1) Performance + (2) Battery + (3) Screen + (4) Ingress protection + (5) Main camera + (6) Selfie camera + (7) Video recording + (8) SD memory + (9) Software and (10) Desktop replacement

The score string allows you to quickly compare phones. For example, to compare Battery and the quality of Main camera photos of two phones, you will compare their 2nd and 5th numbers in the score string.

To see how I rate each category, please visit the About page .

Phones also score BADGES to underline important features:
FOLD badge after phone’s name indicates a “fold” type of foldable phone with a hinge running on the long edge of it’s body.
FLIP badge after phone’s name indicates a “flip” type foldable phone – a hinge along the short side of it’s body.
* BEST badge indicates the BEST – better than all others and it is given to the Top scoring phone of the season. It is also assigned to a phone consistently judged as the best in a single category. Only a few phones hold the BEST badge in a single category:
• Battery: OnePlus 12, (Oppo) Realme GT 5 Pro and (Oppo) Realme GT 6 Pro got the BEST Battery badge for their battery endurance combined with the top charging speed (0 to 100% in less than 30 minutes).
• Screen: Samsung S25 Ultra
• Protection: Motorola Thinkphone 25 and Ulefone Armor Mini 20T Pro for adding Military grade drop and element protection to already maximum water and dust resistance.
• Main camera: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra
• Video recording: iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
* TOP badge goes to the phone with maximum points in a category (i.e. Battery) or a subcategory (i.e. Battery endurance). In the “TOP Battery endurance” case, it marks a phone with a “more than a full day of battery life” (12 or more points at the 2nd position in the score string)
* TOP PHOTO/VIDEO badge is given to a phone with maximum scores in all three camera categories (the 5th, 6th and 7th number in the score string)
* BEST Midranger badge is given to the best scoring phone with a midrange processor like SD 7 (or lower) series or a Mediatec Dimensity 8xxx series or lower. Midrange phone score string will start with a number 9 or less indicating it’s processor performance
* TOP Midranger badge is given to top scoring midrange phones
★ star is added to the listing that displays expected (but not yet confirmed) test results. I will add and update these phones to give you more options to consider when making your purchasing plans.

* TOP Performance * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: (this is a pre-test listing based on reasonable expectations of battery endurance, charging speed and imaging performance) Following Samsung, Apple and Motorola, Honor is putting out a 6mm thin phone. But this one is also a compact measuring less then 72mm in width (competition is all >74mm). The 8 Pro Air comes with a bigger battery, faster charging and a smaller screen. It has a full set of 3 back cameras instead of 2 on Samsung and Motorola and just 1 on iPhone. The battery life should last over 30 hours under moderate load – much longer then competition.
PROs: thin and compact, just 155g, excellent build, fast Dimensity 9500 performance, close to 36hr endurance of 5500mAh Si-C battery with sub-60min 80W (and 50W wireless) charging. >1600nits bright 450ppi LTPO AMOLED screen with Dolby Vision and >4000Hz PWM dimming, IP69 protection, great photos from a 50MP 23mm OIS PDAF main + 64MP 74mm OIS PDAF periscope telephoto + 50MP 16mm ultrawide (no AF), very good 50MP 21mm (no AF) selfie, very good video recording and up to 7 years of OS updates
CONs: limited market availability, no AF on ultrawide and selfie, no expandable memory, no desktop replacement functionality, slow USBC 2.0 with no Video Out (added Jan 27, 2026)

* TOP Screen * TOP PHOTO/VIDEO * TOP Software * TOP Desktop replacement
EDITORIAL: This 2024 phone is that good. Samsung fit everything in there, a stylus, 6 cameras (!), the best screen in the industry (at the time) and (almost) 24 hours of battery life. In 2024, this was the best phone ever made by the world’s biggest phone making corporation. It had the most features too, by far. Samsung also included seven years (!) of OS updates as well as amazing desktop replacement (DeX) software. Consider that at 79 mm wide, this is a “two hands and a bag” phone.
PROs: SnapDragon 8 Gen 3 processor fast performance, 1400+nits 500+ppi LTPO AMOLED with HDR10+, 200MP OIS main + 10MP OIS tele + 50MP OIS tele and a 12MP ultrawide (all with PDAF), 12MP PDAF Selfie, top AI features trickling down with software updates, 7 years of OS updates, stylus with Bluetooth and of course: the DeX feature that may save you from buying a new computer
CONs: size, barely a day of battery endurance, slow charging, lack of expandable SDmemory storage (updated Mar 26, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Photos * TOP Selfie
EDITORIAL: Many years of hard work at Huawei photo prowness are on display here with beautiful photos and selfies. Magic 6 Pro was the first Honor phone to offer outstanding battery life, a great screen and even the computer replacement function. In 2024, it placed top or close to the top of smartphone photo quality lists
PROs: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with very good overall performance, a 2-day endurance 5600mAh Silicone Carbon battery with fast 80W wired (66W wireless) charging, >1580nits LTPO OLED with Dolby Vision, IP68 protection. 50MP main + 180MP periscope tele (both with PDAF and OIS) + AF 50MP ultrawide, 50MP AF selfie, and a Desktop replacement software too
CONs: it is heavy at >220gr, inconsistent video quality across lenses. no expandable storage and only 3 years of OS updates (updated Mar 26, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Battery endurance * TOP Photos * TOP Software . Badge Guide > …
EDITORIAL: (this is a pre-test listing based on reasonable expectations of battery charging speed as well was photo, video and software performance) Oppo brings an iterative upgrade with narrower body, best Dimensity chip, UFS 4.1 memory architecture, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, brighter screen and Bluetooth 6.0 but the biggest upgrades is the 7000mAh battery that delivers 2 day endurance. The back and front cameras remain the same with minor tweaks. Design and build are the same: flagship (tho a bit bland). Screen didn’t get LTPO tech and the selfie remains sans-AF: the weakest part of this excellent phone. Oppo also added more AI tricks and a new customizable function button.
PROs: excellent build, very fast Mediatec 9500 with UFS 4.1 performance, 2day endurance from a 7000mAh Si-C battery with sub-60min 80W charging (50W wireless). bright >1400nits 460ppi AMOLED screen with 3800Hz PWM, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, IP69 protection. excellent photos from the 50MP OIS main + 50MP OIS periscope telephoto + 50MP ultrawide (all with multi-directional PDAF), up to 5 updates of very stable and modern OS packed with AI features
CONs: wide and hard to use one-hand, no LTPO tech, no AF on mediocre selfie, no SDmemory slot, no video out or desktop replacement functionality (added Oct 19, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Selfie * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: This year, Xiaomi is all-out after Apple. They skiped the 16th gen and name their flagships to match Apple’s at number 17, add Pro and Pro Max models and copied the design too. Except, instead of just offering a “plateau” bump across the upper back of their new Pro phones, Xiaomi added a second screen there. Both back and main screens match in brightness and Dolby Vision certification and allow you to take selfies with back cameras. Otherwise, 17 Pro upgrades on last year’s (China only) 15 Pro with better processor, memory speed, bigger battery size and charging speed. Also, 17 Pro’s screen PWM dimming rate is higher, water immersion can go deeper, selfie got a PDAF, there is new OS and even added Dolby Atmos speaker certification.
PROs: compact, great new design with a large and bright back screen, fast SD Elite 8 Gen 5 processor with UFS 4.1 performance, 36hr endurance from a 6300mAh battery with sub-40min 100W (50W wireless) charging. 2 LTPO AMOLED screens with 120Hz refresh >2000Hz PWM and HDR10+ and Dolby Vision tech. IP68 protection (up to 4m water immersion for 30 min). excellent imaging from the 50MP 23mm OIS main + 50MP 17mm ultrawide (both with PDAF), great 50MP selfie with PDAF. HyperOS 3.0 with 4 years of updates and a fast USB-C 3.2 port with Video-out
CONs: limited market availability, sub-1300nits on both screens, average 50MP 115mm periscope telephoto performance, no SDmemory, minor OS quirks and no desktop replacement functionality (updated Jan 24, 2026)

* TOP Performance * TOP Battery endurance * TOP Selfie * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Xiaomi created the Pro and Pro Max models this year to underline it’s focus on Apple’s market share. And rightfully so as Xiaomi 17 Pro Max does everything as well as iPhone 17 Pro Max except telephoto and video recording. To make up for it, Xiaomi’s Pro Max has 3 hours better endurance then iPhone 17 Pro Max (6 hours longer then S25U), faster charging and of course: a second display that can even be used as a gaming platform (With optional attachment). Ironically, there is an excellent new selfie on a phone that can produce amazing selfies with it’s main camera.
PROs: great built, great SD 8 Elite Gen 5 with UFS 4.1 performance (with throttling under very high loads), >36hr endurance from 7500mAh Si-C battery, sub-40min 100W (50W wireless) charging. 2 LTPO AMOLED screens with >2000Hz PWM dimming and both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ certification. IP68 protection (down to 6m for 30min). very good imaging from a 50MP 23mm OIS main + 50MP 17mm ultrawide (both with PDAF) and a 50MP 21mm PDAF selfie, 4 years of OS updates and fast USB-C 3.2 port with Display Out tech
CONs: initially limited to China market, disappointing performance from the new 50MP 115mm OIS PDAF periscope telephoto (especially at night), no expandable memory, Harmony OS is not everyone’s cup of tea and no desktop replacement functionality (updated Jan 24, 2026)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Photos * TOP software …
EDITORIAL: 8 months after X200 Pro Mini here comes another compact Vivo. Along with Oppo and Xiaomi, Vivo is now clearly after Apple’s compact phones profits. This phone looks and feels similar to iPhones falling somewhere in between iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 but delivering clean Android, much better battery life and faster charging.
PROs: very good build, fast Dimensity 9300+ with UFS3.1 performance, 2-day endurance from 6500mAh Si-C battery with sub-1hr 90W wired charging, bright >1700nits HDR10+ LTPO AMOLED screen, IP69 element protection, great photos from the 50MP PDAF main + 50MP OIS PDAF periscope telephoto (but not from the ultrawide) camera, excellent selfies from a 50MP AF unit and 4 years of OS updates
CONs: no AF on the 8MP ultrawide, slow USB-C port with no video out, no expandable storage or desktop replacement feature (updated Jul 13, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Photos * TOP Memory expansion * TOP software
EDITORIAL: Sony seems unsure about the direction of it’s mobile business. This year’s Xperia announcement didn’t introduce Xperia 10 VII – their midrange phone. Xperia 5 V from 2023 was the last compact Sony put out and now they seem to have slimmed their model range from 3 to just 1.
1 VII is still a great phone. The hardware is unique and more functional them any other flagship phone. Great grip and a bright screen, forward facing stereo speakers, hi quality headphone jack, SDmemory… this phone offers so much value. The battery life is still a 2-day affair, cameras are as good as ever (tho selfie lacks AF) and software is simple, elegant and bloatware-free.
PROs: excellent build and grip, relatively narrow (easier to use one hand) body, headphone/microphone jack, tool-less SDmemory slot for quick expansion, dedicated two-step camera button, SnapDragon 8 Elite chip with UFS4.0 performance, 2-day 5000mAh Lithium battery endurance, >1500nits bright LTPO OLED screen, IP68 protection, great photos from the 48MP OIS main + 12MP OIS continuous optical zoom + 48MP ultrawide (all 3 have PDAF) and a tried and true Sony OS with 4 years of OS updates
CONs: expensive, lack of innovation, heavy throttling under load, slow charging 5000mAh Lithium battery, sub400ppi non-HDR10+ screen, no-AF selfie, mediocre videos and lack of desktop replacement functionality that is a logical extension of Sony’s “creator tool” strategy (added May 14, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Photos * TOP software
EDITORIAL: (this is a pre-test score based on reasonable expectations of battery and camera performance) Arriving 6 months and week later, this is a Vivo X200 upgrade. The body is narrower by 0.5mm, Dimensity 9400 is now 9400+, UFS4.0 is now 4.1, Si/C battery got bigger by 400mAh and gained wireless charging, already bright screen is now (slightly) brighter with ultrasonic (instead of optical) fingerprint sensor. Wish the selfie received AF but that seems reserved for the Ultra edition.
PROs: a flagship on a narrow side, good build, fast Dimensity 9400+ with UFS4.1 performance, 2-day 6200mAh battery with sub-1hr 90W charging, great imaging from the 50MP OIS PDAF main + 50MP OIS PDAF periscope + 50MP AF ultrawide, very clean Android version with 4 years of OS updates
CONs: selfie with no AF, lack of expandable memory or desktop replacement software (added Apr 22, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Photos * TOP Video
EDITORIAL: (the star after phone’s name indicates that we are still waiting for actual tests to be completed. My score string here is based on what we know so far and it is subject to change) Huawei’s 2025 flagship comes with a midrange performance processor and a brand new HarmonyOS based on Android 13 but everything else about this phone is flagship grade. The main camera system however, could be the best in the world – we’re waiting for actual tests to confirm this. Huawei committed early on to including a very good desktop replacement feature with all of their top tier phones. A 100W power adapter is likely to be included as well.
SUPERPOWER: TOP 5 Main camera
PROs: a (likely) 2-day battery endurance 5700mAh Silicone Carbon battery with 100W wired (80W wireless) fast charging, a IP69 water protection, 50MP main + 48MP tele lenses with OIS plus 40MP ultrawide (all with PDAF) and a Desktop replacement software too
CONs: this is a China-only phone, midrange performance of Kirin 9020 chip, a no-AF Selfie, lack of expandable memory and real concerns over the future OS updates (updated Apr 7, 2025)

* TOP Processor * TOP Battery endurance
EDITORIAL: (we’re waiting for battery and camera test results – these scores are estimates) This is a cheaper version of 7 Pro. Same outstanding performance in the processing, battery and screen domain but no periscope tele camera and no desktop replacement feature. Sized as amazing Honor Magic 6 Pro > , this phone is a pleasure to use if your hand is big enough.
PROs: fast SD 8 Elite performance, a 2-day battery with 100W fast charging, >1500nits bright Dolby Vision screen, excellent main camera with the latest AI tricks, 7 years of OS updates
CONs: no AF selfie, inconsistent video recording, no memory expansion or desktop replacement (updated Apr 13, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Battery endurance * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: OnePlus has been doing things right for a long time, always searching for the “flagship killer” title. They got it right this time with a phone that cuts (a few) corners with the camera while besting the competition in performance and battery. The screen is great too, just not as bright as top competition. OnePlus still includes an excellent mute-vibrate-ringer slider but the SD memory and desktop replacement software are missing as always. No AF on Selfie either, only 4 OxygenOS future updates
PROs: top tier performance led by Snapdragon 8 Elite, 2-day battery life of 6000mAh Silicone Carbon battery with 100W wired (50W wireless) fast charging, 1200nits bright, >500ppi LTPO AMOLED screen with Dolby Vision, IP69 water protection, 50MP main + 50MP tele with PDAF and OIS plus a 50MP ultrawide with PDAF, great build and a ring-vibrate-off hardware slider and aggressive pricing
CONs: still big at 76.5mm, no expandable storage or desktop replacement (updated Mar 27, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Battery endurance * TOP Selfie * TOP Video recording * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Like it’s smaller version, iPhone 16 Plus is an excellent alternative to the Pro models – lacking are just the 120Htz refresh rate screen and a telephoto camera. The A18 processor is marginally slower than the A18 Pro chip used in 16 Pro and Pro Max making vanilla iPhones a better choice for more people. Battery charging remains painfully slow as with every iPhone and if coming from Android, iOS usebility and customization options can be downright upsetting. But iPhone users love how well Apple devices play with each other, so there’s that.
PROs: fast A18 chip performance, a 2-day battery endurance, 1800nits very bright LTPO OLED with Dolby Vision, up to 6m of water submersion, good imaging from the 48MP OIS main, 12MP ultrawide plus a 12MP Selfie (all with PDAF) and 6 years of updates of already very mature iOS
CONs: lack of innovation in recent years, disappointing AI effort, slow battery charging, just 60Hz screen refresh rate, lack of expandable storage (that forces you to iCloud), no Desktop replacement software (updated Mar 27, 2025)

* TOP Screen * TOP PHOTO/VIDEO
EDITORIAL: Released in May of 2024 and topped by Vivo X200 Pro phone, Vivo X100 Ultra set a new camera phone standard with it’s 200MP telephoto camera and a top all-around hardware and software imaging setup. This is one of the best 2024 phones for photography. It has an outstanding screen too but Vivo left room to improve by excluding a memory card slot and missing the 4 or more years of OS software updates that Apple, Samsung, Google and others offer.
PROs: very good SD 8 Gen 3 performance, outstanding 1800nits and >500ppi LTPO AMOLED screen with Dolby Vision, IP69 water protection, top imaging from a OIS PDAF 50MP main and 200 tele plus a 50MP ultrawide and a 50MP Selfie (both with AF), light and fast Funtouch OS
CONs: good but less than 24-hour battery endurance, lack of expandable SDmemory storage, only 3 year OS update policy and a lack of desktop replacement software (updated Mar 27, 2025)

* TOP Selfie * TOP Video recording * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Last year’s best iPhone is a fantastic value now that Apple stopped selling it (but will keep supporting for years). This was the best phone in the world a year ago and will remain in the TOP 20 for a long time.
PROs: fast performance, a 2-day battery endurance, 1800nits very bright (460ppi) LTPO OLED with Dolby Vision, up to 6m of water submersion, OIS and PDAF 48MP main and 12MP tele plus a 12MP PDAF ultrawide, 12MP OIS PDAF Selfie and 5 more years of updates of already very mature iOS
CONs: big, 2-hand size, lack of innovation in recent years, disappointing AI effort, slow battery charging, lack of expandable storage (that forces you to iCloud), no Desktop replacement software (updated Mar 27, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Battery endurance * TOP Screen * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: As last year, Vivo’s subbrand IQOO released it’s top phone as soon as the top Snapdragon chip became available. This year there is no Pro model, just one amazing gaming powerhouse with a 6000+mAh Silicon Carbon battery that provides exceptional battery runtime. The screen is also outstanding, performing better than most flagships. If you can live with a good (but not great) cameras and you’re okay with a phone this big – IQOO 13 (and OnePlus 13) should be at the top of your list.
PROs: SD 8 Elite processor and top performance scores, a 6150mAh Silicone Carbon battery with top battery endurance, very fast 120W wired (no wireless) charging, excellent 1800nits (>500ppi) LTPO AMOLED screen with HDR10+, IP69 water protection, three 50MP main and 50MP tele with OIS and PDAF plus 50MP ultrawide with AF, light and fast Funtouch OS
CONs: big size, selfie with no OIS nor AF, lack of expandable SDmemory storage and a lack of desktop replacement software (updated Mar 27, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP PHOTO/VIDEO * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: The small version of iPhone 16 Pro Max is a technological marvel (with a less-than-a-day battery life). It offers outstanding video recoding, top processor, screen and a camera like iPhone 16 Pro Max but trades battery endurance for a one hand size. The new camera control button may be just a gimmick but some of the Apple AI tricks have arrived at the end of October and help make 2024 iPhones that much better.
PROs: smooth A18 Pro chip performance, >1700nits bright (460ppi) LTPO OLED with Dolby Vision, up to 6m of water submersion, the 16 Pro Max matching camera setup: 48MP main and 12MP tele with OIS and PDAF plus a 48MP PDAF ultrawide, a 12MP OIS PDAF Selfie and up to 6 years of updates of already very mature iOS
CONs: lack of innovation in recent years, disappointing AI effort, barely a day of battery endurance, >90min 45W slow battery charging (25W wireless), lack of expandable storage, no Desktop replacement software (updated Mar 27, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Expandable memory …
EDITORIAL: Sony & Samsung make 90% of all phones camera sensors but Sony has struggled to produce a top performing camera phone. Sony phones have always featured exceptional hardware and introduced many new features (like IP68 protection) but software side was always neglected. The company changed it’s direction with Xperia 1 VI by consolidating all photo/video apps into a very good one. Xperia 1 VI has a new form factor that matches it’s flagship competition – gone is the long and narrow design (21:9) and we have a wider phone (harder to use one-hand at 16:9). The screen went from 4K to a 1020p LTPO. But many great things are there: exceptional 2-day battery life, SDmemory slot (up to a 1TB), a headphone/microphone jack, camera button and a Tool-less SIM tray. The screen is the only notch-free one in the flagship phone world! Sony is pitching it’s top phones as “creator tools” so it would give Sony an better market position if their phones could be used as creator’s computer replacement . Maybe down the road?…
PROs: outstanding design with best grip, tons of great hardware features (see above), still fast SD 8 Gen 3 performance, 2-day battery endurance from a 5000mAh Lithium battery (!), excellent photos from the main (OIS 48MP + 12MP tele + 12MP ultrawide all with PDAF) and (12MP no AF) selfie cameras, strong video performance, SDmemory expansion, headphone jack
CONs: lack of long OS update support & desktop replacement feature (updated Apr 16, 2025)

* TOP Screen * TOP Selfie * TOP Software * TOP Desktop replacement …
EDITORIAL: Top of some of the “Best Android Phone” lists, the S24+ is a lovely package that delivers so much flagship here. Samsung’s strategy of saving “the Best” title for their Ultra phone takes some excitement out of the S24+. It’s a shame as this is actually Samsung’s “top phone without a stylus”. Excellent screen, 7 year OS update policy and the full featured Desktop replacement software make the S24+ a much better phone than it appears. It only it’s battery was better…
PROs: great build, still fast SD 8 Gen 3 performance, exceptional >500ppi and >1400nits LTPO AMOLED screen, excellent daylight photos and videos from every lens (50MP main & 10MP tele have OIS PDAF, 12MP selfie with PDAF and a 12MP ultrawide with no OIS nor PDAF) – the low-light photos can sometimes be inconsistent, long OS update promise and DeX too
CONs: Samsung’s lack of innovation and drive – similar design year over year, years of the same IP68, a long tradition of sub 4900mAh batteries with 45W charging, removal of SDmemory option (updated Apr 16, 2025)

* TOP Selfie * TOP Video recording * TOP Software * TOP Desktop replacement …
EDITORIAL: A fantastic value considering that it differs from S24 Ultra by a small, incremental downgrade in processing speed, screen reflection and minor photo deficiencies. And it is smaller (easier to use) than the S24 Ultra. Samsung still promises 4 more years of OS updates making this one of the best options if you don’t want to spend much.
PROs: fast SD 8 Gen 2 with UFS4.0 performance, 500ppi screen, great cameras: 200MP main + 2 x 10MP tele + 12MP ultrawide all with PDAF and a 12MP selfie with PDAF too!, Samsung’s mature and feature rich software and a full-blown best-on-the-market desktop replacement functionality
CONs: big 234gr phone, less than 24-hour battery life, no memory expansion and Samsung’s persistent effort to lock you into their ecosystem (updated Apr 13, 2025)

* TOP Performance *TOP Battery endurance * TOP Screen * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: This year Vivo upgraded last year’s 2x zoom camera to a proper 3x periscope telephoto. The phone’s chip is again the year’s best, there is a proper gaming mode assisted by a SuperComputing Q3 chip and battery got a significant size boost and a proper 48hr longevity under moderate use. Screen ticks all boxes: bright, over 500ppi sharpness, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ certifications but despite improvement, cameras still make this phone inferior to the top tier.
PROs: flagship hardware, top SD 8 Elite Gen 5 with UFS 4.1 performance, 2day endurance from a 7000mAh Si-C battery with sub-60min 100W charging (40W wireless). >1800nits bright >500ppi LTPO OLED with high frequency dimming and Dolby Vision, IP69 protection. 4 years of OS updates and a fast USB-C 3.2 port with OTG functionality
CONs: big and hard to use one-hand, inconsistent imaging from a 50MP OIS PDAF main + 50MP OIS PDAF 3x pedicure tele + 50MP AF ultrawide setup, unimpressive 32MP non-AF selfie, no expandable memory, no desktop replacement functionality or even Video Out (updated Nov 27, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP software …
EDITORIAL: The 15T continues in T series direction of offering Xiaomi’s version of a “flagship killer”. Your compromises would include large size, slow USB-C 2.0 connectivity, no AF ultrawide and the 32MP un-binded selfie with no AF.
PROs: great built, very good Mediatec 8400 Ultra with UFS 4.1 performance, 2-day 5500mAh battery endurance with sub-60min 67W charging, bright >1500nits AMOLED screen with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, IP68 protection. great photos from Laica branded 50MP OIS PDAF main + 50MP PDAF 2x tele and reliable pics from a 12MP ultrawide. 4 years of OS updates
CONs: big and very wide, no wireless charging, no LTPO screen, poor selfie performance and inconsistent video recording, no expandable memory, no desktop replacement or even video out (added Oct 11, 2025)

* TOP Processor * TOP Battery endurance ★
EDITORIAL: Vivo’s first try at a 6.3-inch-screen flagship. Add the best performing processor, excellent battery endurance, fast charging speed, bright screen and Vivo’s excellence in camera tech and this may be the phone you were waiting for. Keeping it from a spot in the TOP 10 are it’s selfie (with no AF), video recording, lack of SDmemory slot, only 3 years of OS updates and Vivo’s refusal to offer a desktop replacement feature.
PROs: compact body for current phone size standards, great build, Dimensity 9400 flagship performance, 2-day battery endurance with 90W fast charging, IP69 ingress protection, a 50MP main & 50MP periscope both with PDAF & OIS plus a 50MP AF ultrawide
CONs: lack of software and hardware support – it is released in limited markets, no memory expansion and no desktop replacement feature (updated Apr 13, 2025)

* TOP Processor * TOP Battery endurance
EDITORIAL: Another great effort from Vivo. A downgraded UFS speed, camera and a non-LTPO screen but otherwise very close to Vivo X200 Pro in performance, battery endurance, fast charging and screen departments. Highly recommended it you can get the 512GB version, not available everywhere.
PROs: very fast performance by UFS4.0 and Dimensity 9400, 5800mAh Si/C 2-day battery with (<1hr) 90W charging, bright 460ppi AMOLED screen with HDR10+, PDAF OIS 50MP main and telephoto lenses plus a AF 50MP ultrawide CONs: low number of (years of) OS updates, no expandable memory or desktop replacement feature (updated Apr 14, 2025)

* TOP Photos
EDITORIAL: X Fold 3 Pro is only a 3rd generation Vivo foldable but it outperformed foldable competition with battery and camera and hardware. This immersive phone is a great option if you can get it in your market. It is one of the thinnest, lightest and yet top in battery endurance and water protection among foldable. Excellent build and usability, great performance and 24hr+ battery performance on the outer screen. Very bright screens and a great camera setup takes this 2024 phone to a short list of phones to consider.
PROs: great build, good SD 8 Gen 3 with UFS4.0 performance, 24h+ 5700mAh Si-C battery endurance with (0-100%) sub-40min 100W charging, excellent >2000nits Dolby Vision screens (external has long 21:9 ratio), IPx8 water protection, great photos from Zeiss branded OIS 50MP main + OIS 64MP periscope tele + 50MP ultrawide (all PDAF), fast 3.2 USB-C with OTG
CONs: mediocre selfies (tho on a foldable you should use the main camera for selfies), no SDmemory, only 3 years of OS update support, no desktop replacement or video out support (updated Jun 30, 2025)

* TOP Selfie * TOP Software * TOP Desktop replacement
EDITORIAL: One of the very few small flagships, the S24 ticks many boxes except for battery endurance. The top 2023 processor, fast storage, great screen, the same reliable camera as on S24+, 7 years of OS updates and even a full-on desktop replacement make this small phone a very good value.
PROs: compact body (compared to other modern phones), great build, 1400nits bright LTPO OLED screen, good main (50MP main & 10MP tele b both with OIS AF) camera and a great 12MP PDAF selfie, very long OS update promise and excellent desktop replacement software – DeX
CONs: less than 1-day battery endurance, lack of expendable memory (updated Apr 15, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Main camera * TOP Selfie * TOP Video recording * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: The best 2022 Apple phone still holds it’s ground – it was a great phone to begin with but with Apple’s (very) incremental annual improvements, it’s successors didn’t get that much better. A great option, especially if you’re stuck in Apple ecosystem.
PROs: 2-day battery life, >1500nits bright LTPO screen, submersible in water up to 6m, very reliable 48Mp main + 12MP tele + 12MP ultrawide (all with PDAF) back camera and a great 12MP PDAF OIS selfie, great video recording Apple is known for, Apple’s long OS upgrade support
CONs: big and 240gr heavy, a 150min slow charging, lack of expandable storage, lack of desktop replacement functionality (updated Apr 14, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: This year’s T Pro model is possibly the best “flagship killer” ever made. It is hard to imagine getting more at such a low price.
PROs: excellent Dimensity 9400+ with UFS 4.1 performance, 24+hr endurance from a 5500mAh Lithium battery, 90W sub-40min 0-100% wired charging (50W wireless), flagship grade >1400nits bright 450ppi 144Hz AMOLED screen with Dolby Vision, IP68 protection, great pics from 50MP OIS PDAF main camera (Laica branded) with good performance from a 50MP OIS PDAF periscope telephoto + 12MP ultrawide and up to 5 years of OS updates
CONs: wide and hard to use one-hand, mediocre 32MP un-binded selfie, inconsistent video recording, no expandable memory, no desktop replacement software, slow USB-C 2.0 port with no video-out (added Oct 2, 2025)

* TOP Photography * TOP Selfie
EDITORIAL: Pixel 10 Pro brings a new Tensor chip produced by TSMC’s 3nm manufacturing process. The screen is slightly brighter and battery (still old, Lithium tech) is just 170nAh larger. Android 16 brings in the 1st gen of build-in desktop replacement functionality. All cameras are the same as on 9 Pro but have some new AI tricks and the tele lense can focus closer. Qi2 wireless charging adds a cool touch.
PROs: one-hand flagship grade hardware, 2300nits super-bright 495ppi sharp LTPO OLED screen with HDR10+, IP68 protection, reliable 50MP OIS main + 48MP OIS periscope telephoto + 48MP ultrawide (all PDAF) camera performance along with 42MP PDAF selfie, good but not class-leading video recording, 7 years of OS update promise and a new desktop replacement functionality
CONs: slow UFS 2.2 brings down performance, poor Tensor G5 midrange chip performance, sub12hr endurance with 88min slow 30W wired charging (15W wireless) of old-tech Li 4870mAh battery, sub500Hz PWM dimming rate can cause headaches, same camera hardware as on 9 Pro, no SDmemory expansion (updated Sep 10, 2025)

* TOP Photos * TOP Selfie * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Honor’s second FLIP phone is a great foldable limited to Chinese market. Excellent chaftmenship, IP59 protection, very bright LTPO screens and a triple set of AF equipped lenses make this one of the best FLIP phones.
PROs: great built, excellent SD 8 Gen 3 UFS 4.0 performance, almost 24hr 5500mAh (Si cathode) battery endurance with fast 80W sub-50min charging (50W wireless), >1700nit bright LTPO AMOLED screens with Dolby Vision, full water immersion IP59 protection, excellent imaging from 200MP OIS PDAF main + 50MP AF ultrawide and a 50MP AF selfie, over 4 years of OS software support
CONs: limited to China, inconsistent video recording quality, no SDmemory slot, no desktop replacement feature and a very slow USB-C 2.0 port (added Oct 5, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Software * TOP Desktop replacement . Badge Guide >
EDITORIAL: Honor skipped the V4 iteration and put out Magic V5 – the thinnest FOLD phone in the world. At 8.8mm thickness, the USB-C port barely fits in and to make future foldables any thinner, the device will need to skip the USB port. Honor also added dust protection, increased water resistance, put in a bigger battery and improved the back cameras.
PROs: 2025 thinnest foldable, 217g light and very strong build, fast SD 8 Elite with UFS4.0 performance, 24hr endurance from 5820mAh Si-C battery with sub-1hr 66W charging (50W wireless), >400ppi LTPO AMOLED screens with Dolby Vision, IP59 dust and water protection, great pics from 50MP OIS PDAF main + 64MP periscope tele + 50MP AF ultrawide, 7 years of OS updates, stable DeX-like desktop replacement feature and a fast USB-C 3.1 with Display Port tech
CONs: only a day of battery life, no AF on either 20MP selfie nor on the periscope tele (!), no SDmemory slot (updated Aug 30, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Screen * TOP Photos * * TOP Selfie * TOP Software * TOP Desktop replacement
EDITORIAL: Samsung and Apple are bringing in thinner phones this year, creating a whole new competition space for all phone makers. The category may have actually been created last November by Huawei Mate X6’s 4.6mm thinness when unfolded. In any case, the S25 Edge titanium frame body is just 5.8mm thick and only 163gr light making it one of the thinnest and lightest flagships you could own. Samsung (and Apple) are still using Lithium Ion batteries – old technology that packs less power and uses more space then the Silicone Carbon batteries now used in all of Chinese designed flagships (Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Honor, Huawei). It is strange that two of the biggest phone makers can not make this switch to a better tech yet.
PROs: uber light build, fast SnapDragon 8 Elite with UFS4.0 performance, excellent >500ppi >1400nits HDR10+ LTPO AMOLED screen, very competent 200MP OIS main + 12MP ultrawide (both with PDAF) camera, 12MP dual pixel PDAF selfie, great OS with advanced AI features and 7 years of updates and even DeX software feature offering desktop replacement functionality
CONs: sub-24hr endurance from a 3900mAh Lithium Ion battery, >60min slow 25W wired (15W wireless) charging, no memory expansion and a premium price (updated May 26, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Photos * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Honor improved it’s midrange offering with a (last year top) flagship chip, a great screen, a 200MP main camera and a 6 year long support for OS updates. Both main and telephoto cameras produce great shots in all conditions. A 2nd (FOV) lense on the front makes up for lack of AF on a 50MP selfie and also delivers iPhone-like face unlock. What a shame that there is no video out from the very slow USB-C port.
PROs: excellent SD 8 Gen 3 performance, (barely) 2-day life from a 5300mAh Si/C battery, sub-40min 100W (50W wireless) charging, excellent pics from a 200MP OIS main + 50MP OIS tele + 12MP ultrawide (all PDAF) back cameras, a 50MP selfie with a FOV second lense and 6 years of OS updates
CONs: price, slow USB-C port, no video out, memory expansion or desktop replacement functionality (updated Jun 17, 2025)