THE BEST PHONES 2021
1. APPLE IPHONE 12
Apple has released four different variations of iphone12, more than it ever has at one time. Despite all of those, another regular choice model is a good pick. The regular iphone12, which starts at around $830 for a 64GB model, is the best smartphone for most people
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2. SAMSUNG GALAXY S21 ULTRA
if neither size nor price is a concern, the best Android phone you can buy right now is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. With a big 6.8-inch screen and the best cameras you can get on an Android phone, it’s the no-compromise pick. In some cases, its cameras can get even best the iPhone 12 Pro Max
3.SAMSUNG GALAXY S21/S21 PLUS
The Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus are essentially identical phones with three differences: screen size, battery size, and materials. We’ve reviewed the regular Galaxy S21 and found it to be a capable phone, even though you could argue it’s a minor refresh over last year’s Galaxy S20.
4. APPLE IPHONE 11 PRO MAX
The big difference between the 12 Pro Max and the other iPhone 12 models is its primary camera sensor. The 12 Pro Max has a larger camera sensor that gathers more light and produces better-quality images in dark or challenging lighting conditions. In addition, the 12 Pro Max has an improved image stabilization system that helps keep your pictures sharp as light levels drop.
5. APPLE IPHONE 12 MINI
If you prefer Android, the Asus Zenfone 8 is a good alternative. It’s a little bigger than the 12 mini with a 5.9-inch screen, and it doesn’t work on Verizon. Still, it’s otherwise a very similar proposition: excellent build quality, top-notch processor, and high-end features like a 120Hz screen all tucked into a pocket-friendly device.
6. SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 20 ULTRA
Although you can now use a stylus with the Galaxy S21 Ultra, it isn’t built into the phone as it is here on the Note 20 Ultra. Depending on Samsung’s plans, this may be the last “Ultra” version of the Note, too — though rumors have conflicted on that front.
8. SAMSUNG GALAXY A52 5G
The A52 5G delivers on the basics too. It's Snapdragon 750G processor isn’t the fastest, but it keeps up well with day-to-day tasks. Its 4,500mAh battery provides well over a day of moderate to heavy use. And the phone supports sub-6GHz 5G, which will allow it to take advantage of improving 5G networks in the US over the next few years.
9. GOOGLE PIXEL 4A
The Pixel 4A’s main claim to fame is its camera, which can go head-to-head with smartphones that cost $1,500 or more. That’s because Google does so much image processing in software — the sensor itself is pretty old and not very special. It means the Pixel 4A can take night photos, do astrophotography, and has a passable portrait mode. It can’t hang with the iPhone SE for video but beats it for pictures every time.
10. SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD 2
That flexibility is unmatched by any other phone you can buy right now, but it doesn’t come without a significant list of compromises. The Fold 2 is twice as thick when closed as regular phones, and its outside screen is much smaller than what you’re probably used to. It is also delicate; there’s no rated dust or water resistance, and its inner screen is more likely to get damaged if you poke it too hard.