Visit our Business Solutions website >>

Cell Phone & Smartphone Reviews

Updated: Dec 2, 2023 16:04

Filters

Brand
Age
OS
Find the right phone for you Let our interactive guide help you! >>
#1
alaScore 100

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

“The iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the most exciting iPhone upgrades Apple's delivered in years...

27 expert reviews

performance  
camera  
price  
portability  
#2
alaScore 99

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 / Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 5G

“The futuristic folding Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is thinner, lighter, and more powerful than ever...

48 expert reviews

portability  
screen  
performance  
price  
#3
alaScore 99

Nothing phone (2) / Nothing Phone 2 / Nothing Phone Two

But if you do, or you just want a breath of fresh air, an innovation of sorts in an otherwise...

51 expert reviews

design  
price  
performance  
camera  
#4
alaScore 98

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

“The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the most complete, most versatile Android smartphone you can buy...

74 expert reviews

price  
performance  
camera  
screen  
#5
alaScore 98

Sony Xperia 1 V

Everything boils down to whether the Xperia 1 V checks the most boxes on your list - if it does...

37 expert reviews

performance  
price  
design  
camera  
#6
alaScore 98

Asus Zenfone 10 / Asus Zenfone 10z

We're not saying that getting the Zenfone 10 is a bad idea. It remains part of a relatively short...

38 expert reviews

portability  
performance  
screen  
size  
#7
alaScore 98

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 (2023)

“The Galaxy Z Flip 5 keeps everything that worked about the Flip 4, then combines that with a...

55 expert reviews

screen  
portability  
durability  
design  
#8
alaScore 97

Google Pixel 8 Pro

“With an exquisite design, top-notch cameras, and big processor upgrades, it's Google's strongest...

27 expert reviews

performance  
screen  
battery  
reliability  
#9
alaScore 97

Honor Magic 5 Pro

“The Honor Magic 5 Pro is not a perfect smartphone, but for the right person, it comes very close...

41 expert reviews

performance  
screen  
camera  
battery  
#10
alaScore 97

Google Pixel 7a

In summary, with the 7a, Google appears to have simply created a more affordable Pixel 7, making...

55 expert reviews

price  
performance  
screen  
battery  
#11
alaScore 97

Sony Xperia 5 V

Being an expensive device makes the Xperia 5 V a tough sell, but far from impossible. This phone...

15 expert reviews

performance  
camera  
size  
battery  
#12
alaScore 97

OnePlus 11

“The OnePlus 11's eye-catching design, incredible performance, characterful camera, long battery...

69 expert reviews

performance  
price  
screen  
camera  
#13
alaScore 97

Samsung Galaxy S23

“The S23 has a clean design, a compact size that makes it comfortable to hold, a gorgeous display...

55 expert reviews

performance  
design  
screen  
battery  
#14
alaScore 97

Honor 90

The Honor 90 is the latest addition to the company's number series of phones. As such, it is not...

37 expert reviews

screen  
design  
camera  
performance  
#15
alaScore 96

Apple iPhone 14 Pro

“The iPhone 14 Pro's outstanding performance, simple and powerful software, versatile camera, and...

60 expert reviews

performance  
screen  
camera  
battery  
#16
alaScore 96

Apple iPhone 15

“The iPhone 15 is one of the most significant iPhone upgrades ever. The Dynamic Island, USB-C, a...

49 expert reviews

performance  
camera  
design  
screen  
#17
alaScore 96

Google Pixel 7

“The Google Pixel 7's superb camera, long battery life, and great software experience are a...

57 expert reviews

camera  
price  
design  
performance  
#18
alaScore 96

Xiaomi 13 Pro

“The Xiaomi 13 Pro's Leica-tuned camera is an absolute winner, and the phone has the performance...

45 expert reviews

performance  
camera  
design  
screen  
#19
alaScore 96

vivo X90 Pro

All things considered, however, the vivo X90 Pro is an exemplary flagship smartphone that...

30 expert reviews

performance  
design  
camera  
battery  
#20
alaScore 96

Xiaomi 13 Ultra

Now, when's that global version coming out, again?

28 expert reviews

camera  
performance  
design  
battery  
#21
alaScore 96

Xiaomi 13

All things considered, the Xiaomi 13 is a really compelling, feature-rich package. There is very...

30 expert reviews

design  
performance  
screen  
camera  
#22
alaScore 96

Motorola Edge 40 Pro

To sum it all up, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro is an all-round very capable package that should be...

31 expert reviews

performance  
camera  
design  
screen  
#23
alaScore 96

Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate

Neither of these "criticisms" is a new development, though, and neither is the steep price tag on...

27 expert reviews

screen  
performance  
camera  
battery  
#24
alaScore 96

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra

The Moto Razr 40 is the most affordable clamshell foldable in the market, as of today. So, how...

30 expert reviews

portability  
screen  
battery  
design  
#25
alaScore 96

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

“The Samsung Galaxy A54's colorful design and screen are matched by the colorful photos it takes...

53 expert reviews

screen  
performance  
battery  
price  

Compare

    Buying Guide

    Buying Guide - Cell Phones

    Cell phones have become the indispensable personal technology device of the 21st century, and it is increasingly difficult to think of a time when we did not have instant mobile telecommunications connectivity available in the convenience of a pocket-sized device. Cell phones are evolving to allow faster texting, Web surfing, GPS navigation, and social networking while keeping up with their day job - voice calling. There is an almost limitless selection of cell phone models on the market, but purchasing a cell phone is ultimately about choosing a service provider as well – finding the provider with the network technology that meets your individual needs is the key to making the right choice.



    Contents

    Cell Phone Network Formats

    Cell phones and network services are available in two major (and largely incompatible) formats that offer different advantages:

    • CDMA – CDMA network coverage is very strong in the United States, especially in rural areas that are otherwise inaccessible to wireless communications, and thus are a popular choice for domestic consumers. Sprint, Verizon, MetroPCS and US Cellular are the major CDMA carriers.
    • GSM – GSM network coverage is good in the United States, but much stronger throughout the world, and is a common choice for international consumers. GSM also has convenient SIM card technology, which makes it easier to swap and upgrade phones. AT&T and T-Mobile are the major GSM carriers.

    Rare exceptions do exist. Some GSM phones do not work overseas, while a few of the newer CDMA cell phones can accommodate GSM networks internationally. Confusing? A little bit, but if you do your homework and ask questions, you will find a cell phone and a service provider that works for you.

    What to Look for in a Cell Phone

    Style: Flip phones and candy bar models are the most common, but slider phones are popular as well. Swivel phones are also available, but they are relatively few in number. Standard cell phones, for people who use them mostly for simply making and receiving phone calls, come in a compact package at an excellent price – however, texting and advanced Internet connectivity are not optimized. Smart phones and keyboard devices are larger and heavier, but accommodate texting, emailing, and web-surfing much more comfortably.

    Features: As a general rule, you shouldn't buy anything more than you need. Beyond extras such as a keyboard or web-browsing software, consider what extras you would like. Most phones feature a still camera, but many others upgrade to take full motion video. Smart phones allow you to unify all multi-media functions – pictures, video, MP3s, games, and more. GPS with directional services is an increasingly popular feature. Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and AT&T offer their own GPS services while other handsets, like the iPhone, use Google Maps.

    Bluetooth: This feature lets you wirelessly connect via low-frequency radio waves with external devices, such as a headset for making calls. Some phones support stereo Bluetooth headsets for music and other multimedia. And some can wirelessly exchange pictures, contacts, and other files with other compatible Bluetooth devices, such as a computer, cell phone, or printer.

    3G Network: Not all networks use the same frequencies for 3G coverage. If you want to use your phone's advanced connectivity features, you'll need a cell phone that works on your host country's 3G network. Maybe you're hearing a lot about 4G as wireless carriers begin upgrading their networks to fourth-generation wireless communications. Carriers say 4G will alleviate network congestion, and allow faster streaming, downloading, video chats, and uploading of HD videos and other large files. Anyway, phones that support the 3G networks are still fine for Web browsing, streaming videos or music, and downloading files.

    Battery Life: Large phones, especially smart phones with many features consume battery life quickly and require more frequent recharging. Simple handsets are more efficient and can be kept off the plug for much longer. At the very least, you'll want a cellular phone with more than three hours of continuous talk time and more than five days of standby time (three days for smart phones).

    Popular Cell Phone Brands

    Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson are all familiar names, and each one is known for delivering good phones at competitive prices – each of these manufacturers has models at every level of performance and price. Blackberry and HTC are leaders in the smart phone market, and are popular choices for business travelers who need connectivity on the go.

    Apple is almost a category in itself with its extremely popular iPhone. The iPhone offers full smart phone performance: beyond making and receiving phone calls, you can play MP3s, surf the web, send emails, play games, and much more. There are also a host of iPhone applications that give you GPS-enabled directions, help you find restaurants and entertainment, and provide a number of 'lifestyle enhancements'.

    Back to top

    Cell Phones on alaTest

    alaTest.com has collected and analyzed millions of reviews from 2687 sources to help you choose the best Cell Phone & Smartphone from top brands like Apple, Htc, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and more.

    Buying Tips Read our Buying Guide
    before you make your purchase