2017 has been an amazing year for smartphone nerds. It’s featured arguably the most consistently good phones, including some interesting newcomers. When there are so many devices it’s important to embrace their differences and pick what’s best for you.
Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
Google’s flagship phones are simply the most well-rounded Android devices out there, with buttery-smooth performance, long battery life, a useful Google Assistant, and the best overall camera performance. It’s also one of very few Android flagships that still comes in a small size that’s friendly for one-handed use.
It’s not without drawbacks, of course; stock Android is sometimes too barebones, there’s no headphone jack, and the XL’s display is a step behind OLEDs. Still, the device’s immediate access to Android’s newest updates bodes well for long-term performance, especially considering how well the original Pixel has held up a year later.
iPhone X.
It’s the latest and greatest iPhone. If you’re committed to iOS and/or Apple’s ecosystem, there’s no better choice for most people. It has an insanely powerful processor, wireless charging, and an excellent dual camera, but the real reason you buy this phone is for the nearly bezel-less OLED display – notch and all.
You might still prefer the iPhone 8 if you want an ever-so-slightly smaller device, or the 8 Plus for a screen that takes better advantage of real estate, but otherwise the iPhone X is clearly the best iPhone – if you can afford the $1,000 price tag, that is.
Samsung S8 and S8+
The Samsung Galaxy S8 is an incredibly solid all-rounder. Performance is solid, the camera is as reliable as ever, it has an extensive set of accessories, and battery life is strong on both models. Oh, and it has a headphone jack.
Best phones for power users.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. In many ways, the Samsung Note series has defined what it means to be a power user phone, and after the Note 7’s flamey fiasco, Samsung returned with a somewhat less-bombastic-than-usual but extremely reliable phone in the form of the Note 8.
It’s still the only phone worth buying if you want a stylus, it has a gorgeous, gigantic 6.3-inch screen, the dual camera-system is solid and it’s packed to the brim with software and hardware features. Though some of them are still extraneous, Samsung arguably packs in more useful software features than arguably any other manufacturer.
Huawei Mate 10 Pro.
The Mate 10 Pro was one of the first phones to launch with Oreo – despite a heavy skin – and it both performs excellently and is packed with as many features as a Samsung Phone. That said, there’s no headphone jack, which almost omitted it from this category, but the stereo speakers are solid. The phone also comes with screen protector and case by default, which is a nice touch for long-term durability.
OnePlus 5T.
OnePlus built its reputation off of enthusiast Android users looking for a good value, and the OnePlus 5T delivers more than ever. For $500, you get flagship specs, and excellent display, a solid camera, and buttery smooth performance with consistent updates.
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