If you’re like me, you can’t imagine living without your smartphone. For better or worse (we still remember you fondly, month-long Nokia 3210 battery), we’ve come to rely on the convenience of having a device in our pockets for work and play.
Back in 2007, Apple was the first company to envision the perfect combination of phone and personal computer, with the release of the iPhone. This device revolutionized our relationship with technology, proving you could carry a very capable computer in your pocket.
Compared to that first smartphone, today’s flagship devices are almost obscenely powerful. So if you’re looking to upgrade to a shiny new iPhone, or the most powerful Android smartphone on the market, we’ve got the scoop on the year’s hottest flagship devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google.
iPhone X
With its edge-to-edge “top-notched” screen and refined design, the new iPhone redefines what a luxury smartphone is.
Just like Apple’s other devices, software and hardware pair perfectly; everything just works. The processor is blazing fast, the camera is excellent as ever, and the battery life – while shorter than competitors – is decent. There are fun features like animojis, too, which uses face-tracking to animate your face on a monkey, pig, or… poop.
Downsides? This phone is expensive. Really, really expensive. At $1000+, every time you drop this phone could put another dent in your savings. It’s hardly something you want to hide away in a big, bulky case, so get insurance.
The other downside is Apple’s continued insistence on proprietary hardware. There’s no headphone jack, and if you want to fast charge, you have to buy a lightning USB-C cable and power brick for another $50.
Bottom line:
Best phone of the year? If you’re turned off by Apple, then no. But if you’re looking for the ultimate high-end smartphone, with a slick user experience to match, the iPhone X is the one for you.
Who it’s for:
Trend-conscious fashionistas, and turtle-neck wearing Chief Technology Officers.
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Samsung Galaxy S8
With an incredible edgeless screen, industry-leading hardware, and excellent battery life, the Galaxy S8 is constellations ahead of other smartphones.
Not only blazingly fast, the standout feature is that screen. The 5.8” infinity display is drop-dead gorgeous, with a higher resolution (1440 x 2960 pixels) than any other phone on this list. If that’s not enough, Samsung also offers the Galaxy S8+, which has a gigantic 6.2” screen.
The less good? The fingerprint scanner is located awkwardly next to the rear camera. Bixby, Samsung’s take on a virtual assistant, isn’t quite as slick as Google or Siri.
The bottom line:
When it comes to luxury Android phones, the Samsung S8 clearly leads the pack. Despite the niggles, not only will this phone turn heads, it’s got the brains to match those incredible looks.
Who it’s for:
People who hate being “contained” by screen edges, and Apple-hating hipsters.
Google Pixel 2XL
Direct from the original creators of Android, comes a smartphone with oodles of power, and a combination of software and hardware that work in perfect harmony. The Google Pixel 2XL is a purebred stallion in a stable full of donkeys.
This phone has the best version of Android, hands down. The bundled Google apps integrate seamlessly, and you get unlimited cloud storage for your photos with Google Photos. Good thing too, because the camera on this device is absolutely stunning. When paired with Google Lens, a unique app that contextualizes what it’s seeing, you can, amongst other things, point your camera at a Wi-Fi network name and password, and your phone will automatically connect.
Google Assistant is back too, and better than ever. Plus, this time, there’s no more shouting at your phone or struggling with gloves; you simply squeeze your phone to activate the helpful AI assistant.
The bad? The design isn’t quite as inspiring as those from Apple and Samsung. The metal and glass feel a bit plasticky in your hand, and the screen doesn’t stand out.
The bottom line:
While it might lack the immediate oomph of the iPhone X or S8, this phone is packed to the brim with great features. Add the game-changing camera, and you have the most well-rounded Android smartphone on the market.
Who it’s for:
Die-hard Android purists, and people who don’t want to have a heart-attack every time they drop their phone.
That completes our round-up. Best of luck finding the device that suits you, and when you do, enjoy that new phone smell. Just don’t drop it. Please.
