Top Phones of 2023

2023 has seen an impressive array of smartphones launched in India, with many pushing the boundaries of innovation and features. From groundbreaking camera capabilities to lightning-fast processors, AI features, and stunning designs, the top phones of 2023 set new standards in the world of smartphones.

Here's a look at the crème de la crème of smartphones that have made a mark this year, setting new standards in performance, design, camera capabilities, and more.

Best Foldable Phones

1. OnePlus Open

The OnePlus Open marks a leap from experimental to the mainstream, boasting a minimalist titanium hinge, offering a sleek 11.7mm thickness, and weighing 239 grams. Though not IPX8-rated, the hinge's flexibility and seamless design impress. This phone's design, display, cameras, and performance position it as a top contender against other flagship phones, potentially swaying even iPhone users.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

The Galaxy Z Fold series pioneered foldable smartphones, but competitors such as the OnePlus Open challenged Samsung's dominance this year. The Fold5 retains the familiar design of its predecessors, enhancing durability with the flex hinge and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, albeit lacking dust resistance. Samsung's after-sales service remains top-notch.

Despite its advancements, the Fold5 is a refined iteration rather than a revolutionary leap. Its minor updates might not justify the high price for users of older models, so it's recommended mainly for first-time foldable users.

3. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

The Galaxy Z Flip5 embodies the essence of classic clamshell phones while addressing the weaknesses of previous models. Its construction feels premium, and flipping it closed gives users the satisfaction of shutting a luxury car door. The flex hinge allows the phone to be used in various positions, and it impresses with its performance. It also has a remarkable display and impressive camera capabilities.

Top Flagship Phones

1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has garnered immense attention globally despite being an incremental update. Design-wise, it maintains Apple's iconic look with subtle improvements such as a titanium frame, lower weight, and refined finishes. The USB Type-C port allows for expanded functionalities but this phone still doesn't charge as quickly as some of its competitors. Performance receives a significant boost across the board with the A17 Pro chip, showcasing notable CPU, GPU, and NPU capabilities. Apple claims this SoC is capable of impressive computational tasks, and you also get excellent camera performance. Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a top-tier experience, especially for those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the pinnacle of Android phones, offering top-tier performance and a sophisticated camera system. It boasts of cutting-edge specs including a powerful processor, ensuring seamless multitasking and high-end gaming experiences. Its standout feature remains the camera array which enables its 100X "Space Zoom" claim. The device features an immersive, vibrant, high-refresh-rate screen with exceptional clarity and colour accuracy. The S23 Ultra continues to offer premium build quality, catering to users seeking a comprehensive flagship experience.

3. Google Pixel 8 Pro

Renowned for its exceptional camera prowess and clean Android experience, the Pixel series continues to excel at photography, AI features, and seamless software updates with the Pixel 8 Pro. While impressive, its AI-driven features, like Best Take and Magic Editor, blur the lines between reality and manipulation, raising ethical concerns. Ultimately, while not the absolute best, the Pixel 8 series reign as the smartest Android phones of the year, offering groundbreaking features and performance.

Best Phones Under ₹40,000

1. Google Pixel 7a (₹38,999)

The Pixel 7a is Google's standout mid-range offering, boasting impressive specs and the signature Pixel experience. It carries forward the iconic Pixel design and features Android 13. Powered by the Google Tensor G2 SoC, it delivers seamless performance, and its cameras' ability to capture detailed shots even in challenging lighting conditions makes this phone a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market.

2. OnePlus 11R (₹39,999)

The OnePlus 11R impresses with solid performance and battery life. The camera setup, though not top-tier, delivers decent results. The phone's design mirrors the OnePlus aesthetic, with a vibrant display offering an immersive viewing experience. Known for its smooth OxygenOS and reliable performance, it is a solid choice for Android enthusiasts. 

3. Nothing Phone 2 (₹39,999)

The Nothing Phone (2) builds upon the foundations of the original Phone (1) by improving its design, display, performance, battery life, and cameras. It has a curved glass back that improves ergonomics and customisable "glyph" lights on the back. Thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, the performance is flagship-level, and the battery life is excellent at over 12 hours on a charge. Cameras are improved but still lag behind top competitors. While not for everyone, it remains a unique device with its bold style and lighting effects.

Best Phones Under ₹30,000

1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (₹27,999)

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a powerful mid-range experience, excelling in camera capabilities and overall performance. Its standout feature is the 200-megapixel camera, providing high-quality images. It excels in terms of battery life, charging speed, performance and design. However, some users might find the software experience a bit heavy due to the MIUI skin. Overall, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ stands out as a solid choice for those seeking a feature-packed smartphone at a competitive price point.

2. Samsung Galaxy F54 (₹26,999)

The Samsung Galaxy F54 offers solid specs like a 120Hz AMOLED display, a powerful 108MP camera, a large 6000mAh battery, and a capable Exynos 1380 chip, all for an affordable price. The F54 has a slim yet durable design despite using plastic and performs well in daily tasks and gaming. Its huge battery provides multi-day usage. For the price, the F54 delivers impressive features and performance for casual users.

3. Motorola Edge 40 (₹26,499)

The Motorola Edge 40 has a sleek design, IP68 rating, and standout features like a 144Hz pOLED curved-edge display. The Edge 40 features a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chip, delivering solid performance and a competent camera setup, although it falls slightly short of being a top-tier camera performer. Nonetheless, at its price, it offers remarkable value.

Best Phones Under ₹20,000

1. Redmi Note 12 (₹15,499)

The Redmi Note 12 offers a blend of impressive features. Its sleek design is complemented by a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, providing excellent visuals for both entertainment and productivity. The device offers good performance, 5G connectivity, and reliable battery life with 33W fast charging. It is equipped with decent cameras, including an ultra-wide one. The Redmi Note 12 checks many boxes with its features and performance, and is an affordable option for those looking for a great budget phone.

2. Moto G54 (₹13,999)

The Motorola Moto G54 is a budget smartphone with exceptional battery life and dependable performance, handling various tasks smoothly. It features a 120Hz Full HD+ display, a 6,000mAh battery, and dual cameras packed in a sleek design. While the camera quality could see improvement, the G54's overall value at its price makes it an enticing option in the budget segment.

3. Poco X5 (₹18,999)

The Poco X5 is an affordable yet feature-rich smartphone, offering competitive specs at a relatively low price point. Sporting a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a high 120Hz refresh rate, it delivers smooth visuals for an immersive experience. Overall, the Poco X5 strikes a balance between cost-efficiency and great features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a capable smartphone under ₹20,000.