Smartphones aren't exactly thrilling purchases. Most people use them for messaging, videos, social media, and photos – essential, yes, but pricey if you want the latest models. We've selected the best smartphones based on value for money.

TL;DR – Top Smartphone Picks:

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Our top pick. See it at Amazon

Google Pixel 9 Pro: Excellent camera phone. See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy

Apple iPhone 16 Pro: Top iPhone choice. See it at Best Buy See it at Apple

Google Pixel 8: Best mid-range option. See it at Amazon

Poco X5 5G: Best budget smartphone. See it at Amazon

RedMagic 10 Pro: Best gaming phone. See it at Amazon See it at RedMagic

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Best foldable phone. See it at Amazon

Value is subjective. Some prioritize photography, others gaming performance, or display quality. We've tested phones across these areas. This list includes top Android and iPhone options, along with older models offering exceptional value due to price drops.

Contributions by Jacqueline Thomas, Callum Bains, and Danielle Abraham

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How We Selected the Best Smartphones:

The phone industry heavily relies on encouraging upgrades. We focused on phones offering the best value across various budgets. Unless you're a professional photographer or serious gamer, you likely don't need the most expensive features. We prioritized durability and long-term software support.

Best Smartphones FAQ:

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(Note: Replace link-to-amazon, link-to-bestbuy, link-to-apple, and link-to-redmagic with actual links if available.)