Year after year, it gets tougher and tougher to make Best Smartphones lists. The smartphones keep getting better with only a few differences here and there. And the deciding factor being one’s own preference – making it your ‘match’. 

But we still tried. Here’s our Best Smartphones 2023 picks, with quotes lifted from the content we produced on the smartphones we had the privilege of using throughout the year. 

Best Overall — iPhone 15 Pro

Michael Josh on the iPhone 15 Pro/ Pro Max

If you own an iPhone 13, iPhone 14, no matter what you want to hear, I’m here to tell you, you do not need one. Is the iPhone 15 Pro worth it? Sure, yes it is. 

But at the same time, I know a lot of you have already made up your mind and are coming here to get validation. Sure. Go ahead. If you have the money, upgrade. If you’re an iPhone forever plan, why not. Upgrade. 

But seriously, there is a lot to love about the new iPhone 15 Pro Series. That new titanium build is sexy, it’s light and it’s definitely what I’ve been waiting for. 

That action button, I believe, is going to be a game changer. Soon they’re going to open it up to third-party app developers also. That USB-C port is gonna open it up to a bunch of new possibilities as well as compatibility. And that new camera has set the bar for everybody else to try to beat.

Plus, if you’re a Pro user, if you’re a content creator, a professional video creator, then you’re definitely going to want to leverage all of its new features as well. 

There’s no beating around the bush, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the best smartphone you can get today. I highly recommend that you go out and get it. 

Honorable mention: Pixel 8 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, OnePlus Open/OPPO Find N3

Best Foldable — OnePlus Open/OPPO Find N3

Rodneil on the OPPO Find N3

The connection I had with the Find N3 went beyond my sense of touch. The way its software worked almost as seamlessly as the Galaxy Z Fold5 did, tickled my other senses. 

I can go from folded to unfolded without missing a beat. Opening two apps in a split screen is a two-finger swipe down gesture. 

It is, by all intents and purposes, the exact kind of device I once dreamt of using when I was much, much younger, imagining myself attending to online work while staying present in my immediate vicinity.

My wish of having the Galaxy Z Fold5’s software running in a better smartphone-to-mini-tablet form factor appears to have been granted. The OPPO Find N3’s software and hardware combo is a lot closer to the sweet spot I personally prefer

Every second I spent with the Find N3 was pure bliss.

Honorable mentions: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, HONOR Magic Vs/V2

Best Flip — OPPO Find N3 Flip

MJ on the Find N3 Flip

The OPPO Find N3 Flip is an excellent flagship smartphone. Everything good about its predecessor was retained, and the rest were made better. It’s not just an accessory to make a statement anymore; it’s a functional device that can keep up with whatever lifestyle you have.

If you’re open to trying a new form factor and you’re ready to jump, I’d say take the leap of faith and see where the affair will take you. A flip smartphone like the Find N3 Flip has a certain allure that you can only imagine. It’s time to flip your life around and open yourself to an array of experiences.

Did I find my GadgetMatch for the year? Highly likely, it’s a yes. After all, the OPPO Find N3 Flip earns the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval. There’s something special about it, and I can’t help but gush over a smartphone worthy of being in my pocket.

Honorable mentions: motorola razr+, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 

Best Design — OPPO Find N3 Flip

MJ on the Find N3 Flip

The Find N3 Flip felt like the partner I’ve been looking for. It fits my palm, it’s compact enough to be tucked inside my pocket, and more importantly, it can keep up with my active and busy lifestyle.

I was able to take the Find N3 Flip to the great outdoors. It was robust enough, despite having a glass body. As someone fond of extreme activities, I’d admit that a flip smartphone looks delicate as a daily driver.

But somehow, it felt sturdy enough to accompany me. Perhaps, thanks to its aircraft-grade stainless steel core.

The IPX4 rating, although a bit low, allowed me to continually use the Find N3 Flip even when it’s drizzling.

Honorable mentions: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Best for Overall Photography — OPPO Find X6 Pro

Michael Josh on the Find X6 Pro

You know how if a smartphone has like 3 cameras. You can expect the main camera to be super good. And the rest to be…not as good?  Well OPPO hopes to change that with the Find X6 Pro.

They’re saying, this phone has 3 main cameras. Instead of just one. And while that doesn’t mean they all have the same sensor and specs.Compared to its competitors. This phone is way closer to that.

All 3 main cameras whether that be wide, ultra wide or telephoto are all 50MP shooters. All have large sensors. And all have wide apertures. 

Earlier this month I took a photo trip in Malaga and Granada in the south of Spain to test out this camera phone. But before I show you my favorite photos from that trip let’s take a look at comparisons to see why the idea behind 3 main cameras makes a difference.

Honorable Mentions: Huawei P60 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Pixel 8 Pro

Best for Overall Videography — iPhone 15 Pro Max

From our iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max Review

When it comes to the iPhone 15 Pro Series’ Cameras there’s a lot more to cover. Like being able to record videos in LOG and being able to apply your own Lutz, external recording to an SSD, or being able to use the a USB-3.2 cable to shoot and immediately transfer 48MP ProRes RAW files to a Mac using Capture One — just like they do in pro photography studios. 

Cinematic Mode also gets an update and while filming you can now zoom in. So here’s a quick video montage that we shot all with Cinematic Mode. 

Honorable Mentions: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best for Selfie Photos — OPPO Find N3 Flip

MJ on the OPPO Find N3 Flip 

What I loved the most about the Find N3 Flip is how it fits everything together. The best-in-class cameras work hand-in-hand with various form factors that you can do while shooting and recording.

You can put it up like a tent, let it stand like a tripod, take photos like the usual slate phones, or fold it and use the cover screen.

Let the rear cameras do their magic. After all, it uses a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 sensor for its main shooter; a 48-megapixel Sony IMX581 ultra-wide camera; and a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 telephoto lens.

Inside, you can find a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 selfie shooter. While I will never be fond of its selfies due to padded beautification even if you turn it off, the Find N3 Flip takes gorgeous selfies if you’d like to look fresh even when you just woke up.

Honorable Mentions: HONOR 90

Best for Selfie Videos — Infinix Zero 30 5G

MJ on the Infinix Zero 30 5G

Not a lot of smartphones prioritize their front cameras. All eyes are on its rear cameras capable of up to 100x zoom or something like that. While they’re nice to have when you’re traveling and out and about, I appreciate the efforts Infinix put into the ZERO 30 5G.

It’s equipped with a 50-megapixel front camera that’s capable of recording 4K videos at 30 or 60fps, and 1080p at 30fps.

Having that camera system allowed me to film my fitness journey, especially at a time when I was hitting almost rock bottom and I was only living life between home and the gym.

Here’s a reel stitched from 4K videos, all taken using the Infinix ZERO 30 5G.

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Best Zoom Photo — Huawei P60 Pro

Rodneil on the Huawei P60 Pro

The Huawei P60 Pro does a great job of capturing multiple types of scenes. The main camera is great for capturing general scenes and quick snaps. 

My personal favorite is the telephoto lens. Something about it just adds character to the shots you take. It’s great for closing in on your subject, whether that’s architecture or food. 

Our member Vincenz even took it to a K-Pop super group TWICE’s concert and came out with stunning photos.

Honorable Mentions: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 

Best Zoom Video — Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Rodneil on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra might not be king when it comes to overall video. But it’s undisputed in Zoom Videos.

Here are a few samples, not just of zoom, but also of its overall video shooting prowess. 

@gadgetmatch

29Rooms is an experiential funhouse and it was an absolute blast to experience. Here’s a quick look #ShotOnGalaxy S23 Ultra. More info on 29rooms.sg #artinstallation #art #galaxys23ultra #samsunggalaxy #galaxys23ultra #galaxys23

♬ original sound – GadgetMatch – GadgetMatch

Momo dancing to MISAMO “Do Not Touch” while BDZ was playing 🫶#READYTOBE_IN_BULACAN#TWICE_5TH_WORLD_TOUR_BULACAN pic.twitter.com/rg3vRMXKYe

— rodneil (@rodneilquiteles) September 30, 2023

“HOT” featuring Momo, Mina (Sharon), and Nayeon #READYTOBE_IN_BULACAN#TWICE_5TH_WORLD_TOUR_BULACAN pic.twitter.com/ktxNRQznqi

— rodneil (@rodneilquiteles) September 30, 2023

Best Portrait Shooter — iPhone 15 Pro Max

Michael Josh on the iPhone 15 Pro Max

The other big change that I think is going to be a game changer is called Next Gen Portraits.

I love portrait mode. That blurry background can really bring a subject into focus. But previously the quality hasn’t been as good as just using the main camera. That’s addressed this year. 

For the first time on an iPhone — Portrait Mode is now powered by the Photonic Engine.

So you get all the benefits of Deep Fusion and Smart HDR. Even better, you don’t even have to turn Portrait Mode on.

Honorable Mentions: Huawei P60 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Pro, HONOR Magic5 Pro

Best Travel Companion — Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

MJ on the Galaxy Z Flip5 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is more than just a flip smartphone requiring delicate care. It’s already worthy of being a daily driver that can match any of your lifestyle — even if the one you chose is an extreme one. I’ve seen people carrying either a flip or a fold on a trail run, and it always amazes me how daring they are until I’ve experienced using one.

Best Gaming — ROG Phone 7

Rodneil on the ROG Phone 7

With the ROG Phone, you know what you’re getting: A gaming smartphone with gaming-specific features. There’s the distinctly gamer look with a bunch of lines that evoke a mech-vibe.

Literally no one else is doing it quite like the ROG Phone. From form to function, it’s THE undisputed gaming smartphone of choice. And the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate continues that tradition. It’s the best that the ROG Phone has ever been and that’s something we’ve come to expect year in and year out. 

Honorable Mention: iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max

Best Value-for-money — POCO F5 Pro 

Luigi on the POCO F5 Pro

The POCO F5 Pro does a lot of things right. Though the smartphone doesn’t offer one thing for users to exclusively focus on, it shines with a cohesive flagship experience worthy of its price.

Is your match not on the list? It’s likely we just didn’t get a chance to use it. Tell us what your GadgetMatch is!

A smartphone is an easy target for thieves. After all, especially after a factory reset, a stolen phone will still sell for a substantial amount of money. However, while beggars can’t be choosers, thieves surprisingly can. In the United States, a pair of robbers returned their victim’s stolen phone after realizing it was an Android phone.

First reported by ABC7, a couple in Washington, D.C. suffered a robbery attempt. “Two masked gentlemen” accosted a man after he parked his car and was walking to his wife. The robbers took everything he had at the moment including the keys to his vehicle. However, before the duo could drive off in his car, they returned his phone.

“Oh, that’s an Android? We don’t want this. I thought it was an iPhone,” the robbers supposedly said, according to the man’s wife.

While the couple’s misfortunes are still a cautionary tale, it’s also a reflection of the stark reality in the smartphone market. Even in the gray and black markets, a stolen iPhone still ranks above a stolen Android phone. While Android phones are certainly cheaper than an iPhone, the latter is still seen as a status symbol in some parts of the world. Owning one — stolen or not — can give one a strong social boost.

SEE ALSO: Apple might make a ring you can wear on other parts of your body

After persistent pressure from Europe, Apple caved in and traded its Lightning cable for a USB-C port. However, though the iPhone is not firmly in the USB-C family, the company is still hesitant to completely adopt the standard. It is requesting India to delay its new law which forces older smartphones to also adopt USB-C.

Currently, Apple is already complying with the European Union’s version of the new law. To promote pro-consumer behavior and reduce waste, smartphones must adopt USB-C as a standard by the start of 2025. Obviously, the iPhone is the device most affected by the new rule. Responding to the rule, the iPhone 15 series finally switched to the universal standard.

The new regulations go beyond newer phones, though. Older smartphone models are affected, too. Apple isn’t as receptive to the idea. In India, a country which implemented similar regulations recently, the company is asking a delay or an exemption for its older iPhone models.

Companies are mandated to completely switch to USB-C by June 2025. According to Apple, converting older models to the standard will take more time back in the drawing board. As such, the company is asking for 18 more months beyond 2024 for the switch, as reported by Reuters. Alternatively, it is also asking the Indian government to just exempt the older lineups. Failing to secure an exemption will cause Apple to miss its production targets.

Compared to the European market, Indian consumers are still invested in older iPhone models. As such, the Lightning cable is still casting quite a shadow on users, especially those using older iPhones.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 15 series will get the first Qi2 wireless chargers