It’s already 2019, and if you are looking to purchase a new smartphone, here are the top 10 you should consider.
No. 10: Razer Phone 2
The Razer Phone 2 is a smartphone strictly focused on gaming, which features only the most powerful specs available on a smartphone, but falls short in certain categories. The Razer Phone 2 has many improvements over the previous model such as:
- Camera improvements
- Newer and more powerful processor
- More powerful graphics processor
- Clearer screen
- Larger screen
- Comes pre-loaded with Android 8.1, and upgradeable to 9.0
The camera on the previous Razer Phone was not good at all in comparison with other modern flagship phones, and while this one has a major improvement over the last one, it still cannot compete with other flagship phones. Since the Razer phone is more focused on gaming than anything else, it’s understandable that the camera might not be the best, but can still get the job done. Where this phone excels over other flagship phones is its screen and its speakers. This is the only phone to date with a 120Hz refresh rate on its screen, making the phone much smoother and snappier than every other phone out there, including even the newest iPhone. It is also one of the loudest, and best-sounding phones out currently with its dual front firing speakers.
Basic Specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon 845
- Graphics Processor: Adreno 630
- Random Access Memory: 8GB
- Battery: 4,000 milliamperes/hour (mAh)
- Screen Size: 5.72 in. 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio, 513 pixels-per-inch density
- Camera: Dual 12 megapixel rear setup and 8 megapixel front setup
- Storage: 64GB internal (expandable up to 512GB via Micro SD)
- Operating software: Android 8.1 upgradable to 9.0
- Headphone Jack: No
- Manufacturer suggested retail price: $800
No. 9: Motorola Moto G6
The main reason this phone made it on the list is because of its price. This phone retails at $250 off contract, and some can now be found as low as $170 off contract. With that price, you are getting a new phone with great specs that can still compete with phones in the $500-$700 range. This phone features a nice 5.7 inch screen that is big and vibrant as well as a pretty good dual 12mp shooter on the back. It also boasts specs that can assure your experience using the phone will be snappy and lag-free.
Basic Specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon 450
- Graphics Processor: Adreno 506
- Ram: 4GB
- Battery: 3000mAh
- Screen Size: 5.7 in. 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio, 424 ppi density
- Camera: Dual 12 megapixel + 5 megapixel rear setup, 16 megapixel front setup
- Storage: 64GB or 32GB internal (expandable up to 256GB via Micro SD)
- OS: Android 8.0 upgradeable to 9.0
- Headphone Jack: Yes
- MSRP: Starts at $250
No. 8: LG V40 ThinQ
The LG V40 ThinQ is an amazing flagship smartphone that deserves a lot more recognition. Not only is the screen on this phone massive, but what makes this phone stand out from the crowd is that it has five cameras total – three on the back and two on the front. Now while that does seem like overkill, and most are asking “why is that necessary?”, remember that many phones nowadays sport two rear cameras, which enables a lot of features and benefits over single lens cameras IN MOST CASES. All three cameras on the back of the LG V40 have different sensors, allowing you to always take the best shot. These include:
- A 12 megapixel telephoto lens for close up photos (and portrait mode)
- A regular 12 megapixel camera
- A wide angle 16 megapixel camera (for capturing the whole scene, or group of people)
On the front, the phone features an 8 megapixel primary sensor, and a 5 megapixel secondary for front-facing portrait mode.
Basic Specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon 845
- Graphics Processor: Adreno 630
- Ram: 6gb
- Battery: 3300mAh
- Screen Size: 6.4 in. 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio, 537 ppi density
- Camera: Triple 12 megapixel + 12 megapixel + 16 megapixel rear setup, 8 megapixel + 5 megapixel front setup
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB internal (expandable up to 512GB via Micro SD)
- OS: Android 8.1
- Headphone Jack: Yes
- MSRP: Starts at $950
No. 7: Nokia 7.1
In a modern smartphone world, many people tend to forget about the Nokia. While Nokia is currently not one of the biggest smartphone players in the market, it definitely has the potential to become one. The all new Nokia 7.1 is a phenomenal phone. Not only does the camera produce amazing shots using its dual 12 megapixel + 5 megapixel rear shooter, but it also will always receive the latest Android updates before all of the other phones, due to it being on the “Android One” program (which means it has higher priority for updates than other phones). This phone also features a modern bezel-less design, and great battery life with its 3060mAh battery. All of these great features come at a great price of around $350, which is still relatively cheap for a modern flagship smartphone.
Basic Specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon 636
- Graphics Processor: Adreno 509
- Ram: 4GB
- Battery: 3060mAh
- Screen Size: 5.84 in. 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio, 432 ppi density
- Camera: Dual 12 megapixel + 5 megapixel rear setup, 8 megapixel front setup
- Storage: 64GB or 32GB internal (expandable up to 400GB via Micro SD)
- OS: Android 8.1 upgradable to 9.0
- Headphone Jack: Yes
- MSRP: Starts at $350
No. 6: OnePlus 6T
Let’s just start by saying that if you want the absolute top of the line specs comparable to even the Razer Phone 2, at a price under $1,000, this absolutely is the phone for you. This phone features the latest and most powerful Snapdragon 845 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, which is literally specs of a $1,000 top-of-the-line flagship phone, for an amazingly low price of $550. Unlike other budget flagship smartphones, this phone does not fall short in ANY category in attempt to lower the price (unless you want a headphone jack, this phone doesn’t have one). With a 20 megapixel rear camera, a long-lasting 3700mAh battery, and a gigantic 6.41-inch display, it’s a miracle they can sell this phone for just $550.
Basic Specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon 845
- Graphics Processor: Adreno 630
- Ram: 8GB
- Battery: 3700mAh
- Screen Size: 6.41 inch, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio, 402 ppi density
- Camera: Dual 16 megapixel + 20 megapixel rear setup, 16 megapixel front setup
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB internal
- OS: Android 9.0
- Headphone Jack: No
- MSRP: Starts at $550
No. 5: Huawei Mate 20 Pro
On this list, there is no doubt that this phone is number one in terms of hardware and software experience. However, the reason this phone landed at number five is because of the lack of availability for the handset in the U.S.. This however does NOT mean that you can’t import one if you so please. Continuing on, Huawei is actually the most popular phone manufacturer in the world, even beating Apple. The reason that you most likely have not heard of it is due to the founder of the company having close ties with the Chinese government, and the U.S. seeing this as a threat to national security. Moving on, this phone is an absolute beast in every way a smartphone can be. Everything from an in-glass fingerprint sensor to a 40 megapixel rear camera are just a few reasons why this phone is so great. The 40 megapixel rear camera is the largest ever put on a recent smartphone (not beaten by the 2013 Lumia 1020) and produces stunning photos both in the dark and in broad daylight. If the camera on your phone is important to you, this is currently your best option. Not to mention that the battery life on this phone is also the best of any other smartphone to come out recently. So if you’re in the market for a top-five phone, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro is the phone for you.
Basic Specs:
- Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 980
- Graphics Processor: Mali-G76 MP10
- Ram: 8GB
- Battery: 4200mAh
- Screen Size: 6.39 inches, 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio, 538 ppi density
- Camera: Triple 40 megapixel + 20 megapixel + 8 megapixel rear setup, 24 megapixel front setup
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB internal (expandable up to 256GB via Micro SD)
- OS: Android 9.0
- Headphone Jack: No
- MSRP: Starts at $1,150
No. 4: Samsung Galaxy S9+
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ is a smartphone where you’re honestly getting what you would expect for the price. The Galaxy S9+ is what I like to think of the Android powered iPhone, with a headphone jack included. The Samsung Galaxy series has been Apple’s toughest iPhone competitor from the beginning, making it a recognized brand in the smartphone space. The S9+ is absolutely no exception to this, bringing top-notch build quality, and competitive specs to the table once again. If you decide to purchase this phone, I guarantee you will have no regrets doing so due to everything about this phone being done so right.
Basic Specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon 845
- Graphics Processor: Adreno 630
- Ram: 6gb
- Battery: 3500mAh
- Screen Size: 6.2 inches, 1440 x 2960 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio, 529 ppi density
- Camera: Dual 12 megapixel rear setup, 8 megapixel front setup
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB internal (expandable up to 512GB via Micro SD)
- OS: Android 8.0
- Headphone Jack: Yes
- MSRP: Starts at $840
No. 3: Samsung Galaxy Note 9
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is the best phone you can currently buy from Samsung. Everything from the amazing display on this device to the stylus that sits inside the phone makes it worth every penny. The main idea of the Note series of Samsung phones is the S pen that lets you use the phone as your personal notepad. Need to take a quick note? Just pull the pen out of the bottom of the phone at any given time and you can take one quick and easy. The S pen can also be used to navigate around the UI if you so please. Combine the S pen with a phone that has a great camera, long lasting battery life, and flagship specs, and it’s easy to understand why this is such a well known and great smartphone. If you were looking at a Galaxy S9+ but have the extra money, definitely go for the Note 9.
Basic Specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon 845
- Graphics Processor: Adreno 630
- Ram: 8GB
- Battery: 4000mAh
- Screen Size: 6.4 inches 1440 x 2960 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio, 516 ppi density
- Camera: Dual 12 megapixel rear setup, 8megapixel front setup
- Storage: 128GB or 512GB internal (expandable up to 512GB via Micro SD)
- OS: Android 8.1 upgradable to 9.0
- Headphone Jack: Yes
- MSRP: Starts at $1000
No. 2: Apple iPhone XS Max
The Apple iPhone has been the smartphone buzz ever since its original release in 2007. Today, the best iPhone you can buy definitely is the iPhone XS Max. This is worth the upgrade if you are currently on any older iPhone as this iPhone brings some key new design features to the table. Of course, the biggest difference between this phone and the rest on this list is that this phone runs iOS while the competition runs Android. What makes iOS on an iPhone so great is that the hardware is designed for the software and vice versa. This allows for amazing optimization of the UI that makes an iPhone a tough phone to beat in terms of performance. Believe it or not, most of the other modern smartphones out there absolutely annihilate the XS Max in terms of specs on the table, but iOS on the iPhone is so well optimized, that the phone feels just as fast as the others and in some cases, apps even load faster on the iPhone. The one category that the iPhone does not fall short in, and never has, is the camera. iPhones have always been known for their amazing camera performance, and the XS Max is definitely no exception. The all new 12 megapixel optically stabilized camera sensor, paired with the image processing algorithm that Apple uses, makes for some great shots that never disappoint. All of these pros come with one con, and that is the price. If you want the XS Max and all of its cool factors, you’ll have to pay a starting price of $1,099, which is for the 64gb version. If you decide you want a larger storage option, the prices range all the way up to $1,500, making the XS Max one of the most expensive phones on the market. If you want a modern iPhone, and don’t have $1,000, the regular iPhone XS and XR are worth the look too.
Basic Specs:
- Processor: Apple A12 Bionic
- Graphics Processor: Apple GPU
- Ram: 4GB
- Battery: 3174mAh
- Screen Size: 6.5 inches, 1242 x 2688 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio, 458 ppi density
- Camera: Dual 12 megapixel rear setup, 7 megapixel front setup
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB internal
- OS: iOS 12 upgradable to 12.1
- Headphone Jack: No
- MSRP: Starts at $1100
No. 1: Google Pixel 3 XL
The Google Pixel 3 XL is No. 1 on this list, and for good reason. While it does not have the highest specs on here, it is the phone designed for Android, similar to how an iPhone is designed for iOS. The Pixel 3 XL is a phenomenal smartphone in many different ways, but one of the defining features of the Pixel phones since the Pixel 2, is the camera. Camera performance on phones tends to be so good that it ends up finalizing one’s opinion on which phone is currently the best, but the majority would argue that the Pixel 3 XL has the best camera on the market right now. Unlike most phones, the Pixel 3 XL uses a single 12mp lens setup on the back and relies on Google’s amazing image processing algorithms to produce superb shots comparable to a real camera. The Pixel 3 XL also runs on the Android One program (being that it’s a Google phone) and will always be the first to get the latest Android updates straight from Google. Not only is it a great phone for that, but you’ll find upon researching this phone that it has a lot more bells and whistles to toy around with than you can ever think of. Combine all that with a great screen and fantastic battery life, and you’ve got yourself nothing short of a an amazing phone. The best part is that this phone won’t cost you an arm and a leg either.
Basic Specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon 845
- Graphics Processor: Adreno 630
- Ram: 4GB
- Battery: 3430mAh
- Screen Size: 6.3 inches, 1440 x 2960 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio, 523 ppi density
- Camera: Single 12.2 megapixel rear setup, Dual 8 megapixel front setup
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB internal
- OS: Android 9.0
- Headphone Jack: No
- MSRP: Starts at $900
So there you have it, those are the top 10 newest phones you can buy in 2019. If you’re having a hard time deciding, here are the best phones by category:
- Best Overall – Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Best Budget – Motorola Moto G6
- Best Camera – Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Apple iPhone XS Max, Google Pixel 3 XL, LG V40 ThinQ, Nokia 7.1
- Most Powerful – Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Note 9, LG V40 ThinQ, Razer Phone 2
- Best Gaming Phone – Razer Phone 2
- Best Business Phone – Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Best Hardware Design – iPhone XS Max, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Note 9, LG V40 ThinQ
- Best Bang for Buck – Motorola Moto G6, OnePlus 6T
- Best Screen – Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Razer Phone 2
- Best Battery life – Huawei Mate 20 Pro, iPhone XS Max, Samsung Galaxy Note 9, OnePlus 6T
