The best phone in 2019
15 Jul, 2019
The best phone in 2019 in the US doesn't come cheap, but that's inevitable when many of the latest flagship smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and others now start at around $1,000. Thankfully, you can find some discounted during the year, especially during deal seasons like Amazon Prime Day coming on July 15.
We're still comparing phones designed in the 'black rectangle, full touchscreen' style we've gotten used to over the last several years, as foldable phones like the Huawei Mate X and 5G phones like the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G aren't quite ready for the mainstream. Until 2020, we're mostly considering at phones that push the limit of the current tried-and-true form factor.
We've conducted comprehensive phone reviews of all the top phones from smartphone manufacturers big and small. For each, we've examined key factors like design, performance, battery life, camera quality, price, and ongoing software support. Taking all this into account, we've picked the best.
Why we have more than just a No. 1 pick: Even though we have a top pick, we understand that not everyone looks for the same thing from a smartphone. Some will demand the features coming in iOS 13 and ongoing support of iMessage, while others will want the customization and Google Assistant tools available in Android Q. With that taken into account, we've provided extensive rankings so you can see how all the best phones compare and what highlight features they offer.
Likewise, your contract with AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile is a preference. The best phone for AT&T may not be available on-contract on Verizon, and vice-versa. We have to take that into account when recommending phones, and we favor those available on more carriers.
Our pick for best phone isn't just crowning the newest iPhone and calling it a day, though our list does have a lot of familiar names: Apple, Samsung, Google and LG, all in the top 15. Newer companies in the US like Huawei and OnePlus make the list, too, though their limited availability is noted.