Runner-Up Phones (8 devices that didn't make top 20)

• Pixel 4: Good design, excellent camera in specific cases
  • Missing: no ultra-wide camera, mediocre battery, bizarre storage limitations
• Nokia 9: Fun to use, penta-camera setup, fantastic RAW images, good design
  • Issues: outdated chip shows performance problems, 5 cameras but no ultra-wide/telephoto
• ZTE Axon 10 Pro: Solid hardware across all areas
  • Problem: gets buried under hurricane of equally affordable phones with more features
• Galaxy Fold: Good when working - gaming full screen, multitasking 3 apps
  • Issues: expensive, incredibly bulky, crease down middle, front display too small for media, large display aspect ratio poorly supported on Android
  • Not recommended except for most adventurous users
• Sony Xperia 1: Fits well in hand, super tall display good for Instagram feeds
  • Problems: camera system less reliable than Samsung/Apple, weak battery life
• LG G8X ThinQ: Bundled secondary display, less stylish Galaxy Fold alternative, more affordable, same productivity perks, nearly as powerful
  • Issues: underwhelming cameras, unwieldy with accessory
• Xiaomi Mi Note 10: Reasonably priced, one of best cameras on phone ever
  • Limitations: pairs magnificent camera with mid-range chip, average speaker - suited for camera enthusiasts only
• Oppo Reno 2: Feels great for mid-range, solid design and camera
  • Issue: can get more power for money, performance prioritized over design/camera

Gaming Phones (Top 3)

• Xiaomi Black Shark 2 Pro: £500/$650, supremely powerful, sci-fi design
• ROG Phone 2: Fastest hardware, possibly largest mainstream phone battery, insane 120Hz fluid display
  • Issues: massive size may be uncomfortable, camera compromises if gaming not priority
• Red Magic 3S: Best value gaming phone
  • Specs: 90Hz refresh rate (vs ROG's 120Hz), 5000mAh battery (vs ROG's 6000mAh), around half UK/US price of ROG Phone

Value Category Phones

• Google Pixel 3a: Similar clean Google software/camera to Pixel 4, cheaper with better battery
  • XL model: incredible endurance with 8+ hours screen time
• Redmi K20 Pro: ~$400, personal pick, fast as expensive counterparts with design flair
• Realme X2 Pro: $450 (+$50 over K20 Pro), better performance than flagships
  • Features: new 64MP camera sensor, fastest charging (30+ minutes full charge), 90Hz AMOLED panel
  • Standard X2 tested but Pro recommended
• Asus ZenFone 6: +$50 over X2 Pro, massive improvement for Asus
  • Features: cleaner software, 5000mAh battery, flip camera for front use
  • Issue: LCD panel quality not best
• Nubia Red Magic 20: Dual screen, powerful, good battery life (dual screen low priority but doesn't cost much)
• OnePlus 7T: $599, software advantage with clean/light Oxygen OS, faster updates, longer support
• iPhone 11: Not cheap but works well
  • Hardware: not high-end display, thick black bezels
  • Strengths: best camera systems any budget, ultra-wide camera good for video/photos, fantastic build/audio quality, most affordable iOS experience
  • Recommendation: easy for current iPhone users, Android users should consider Redmi/Realme/OnePlus

Flagship All-Rounders

Samsung Lineup (3 devices)

• Galaxy S10 Plus: One of best smartphone displays, improved One UI software, consistently improving camera via updates
  • Issue: standard S10 not recommended due to poor battery life over time
• S10 5G: More expensive but better overall - larger display, beefier battery, faster charging, 5G
• Note 10 Plus: Similar to S10 5G, S-Pen benefits, no headphone jack, slightly smaller battery

Other Flagships

• OnePlus 7T Pro: No longer cheapest with best hardware but becoming one of better ones
  • Features: light/fast/updated software, dazzling 90Hz display, still cheaper than counterparts
• Vivo NEX 3: Waterfall display, great for curved display lovers
  • Features: dramatic curve, 64MP camera, 4500mAh battery, couple hundred less than Samsung/Apple
• iPhone 11 Pro Max: Missing USB-C, 120Hz/90Hz display but gimmick-free with clear purpose
  • vs iPhone 11: adds telephoto zoom camera, matte finish, better display
  • Battery: gone from below average to record-breaking, 2019 first year smaller iPhone recommended for full day+ use
• Huawei P30 Pro: Crazy hybrid 50x zoom, powerful nighttime camera (few phones match 8 months later)
  • Warning: US ban still in place, uncertain Google future, wait 1 month for clarification
• Huawei Mate 30 Pro: Favorite phone of year in terms of hardware/camera/battery
  • Features: asymmetrical front design, top-line camera (night = day capability), Kirin 990 chipset, aggressive battery management, 4500mAh = easy 2 days use
  • Would be using if no complications