The 20 best smartphones in the world

It would be much easier to rank these smartphones based purely on specs and the number of features each offers, but that would mean the most expensive smartphones would always rank in the top three, and they're not the first phones I'd usually recommend.
 
One of the biggest factors for me when ranking and recommending a phone is its value in relation to its specs and features. That typically leads me to recommend phones that may have fewer features or a less sleek design than the ultra-premium models that command four-figure price tags.
 
Indeed, just because a phone has everything and the kitchen sink doesn't mean you have to buy it — it's just an option for those who might have a larger budget. The same logic applies to pretty much anything you can buy. Do you pick the most expensive model of everything you buy? If you don't, the top three will suit you well. If you always go with the top of the line, then you probably already know the phone you want.
 
1. OnePlus 6T
 
A new OnePlus device is expected to be announced soon. It might be worth waiting a little while to see what OnePlus comes out with before buying the OnePlus 6T.
 
The OnePlus 6T doesn't come with a lot of the features that other phones in this list have, like wireless charging, official water resistance ratings, dedicated zoom or ultra-wide angle lenses, or an ultra-sharp 1440p display. And yet, it earns the top spot on this list.
 
That's because it does the things it does so well, like looking good, taking photos, running Android and apps, charging quickly, and lasting a long time on a single battery charge. And it does all those things for a base price tag of $550 compared to the $750+ price tags of smartphones above.
 
I never missed any of the extra features from other, more expensive top smartphones while using the OnePlus 6T. If I were to buy a new smartphone, this would be the one for its excellent design, performance, and value.
 
The OnePlus 6T is also the first OnePlus phone to be sold by a US carrier — T-Mobile — and it's also the first OnePlus phone to be compatible with Verizon's network.
 
2. Galaxy S10e
 
The Galaxy S10e poses the best value in the latest Android or Apple smartphones above the $700 mark, period.
 
It runs on the same processor as the Galaxy S10 that starts at $900, has a brilliant screen, a great camera, an ultrawide camera, a fingerprint sensor that works better than the in-display sensor on the Galaxy S10, and it's $150 cheaper than the Galaxy S10.
 
Anyone who wants a small-screen Android phone, or simply one of the best values in smartphones, should put the Galaxy S10e high up at the top of their list.
 
3. iPhone XR
 
The $750 iPhone XR is more appealing than its more expensive counterparts, the $1,000 iPhone XS and $1,100 iPhone XS Max.
 
In almost every respect, you're getting the same experience as the iPhone XS series, save for slightly larger bezels, and a lower-resolution LCD display compared to a superior OLED display, and a dual-lens camera. But, in my mind, all that extra stuff from the iPhone XS series isn't worth an extra $250.
 
At $750, the iPhone XR is a great value for an iPhone with such a large screen and latest specs. It's just a shame that there's no iPhone X-style phone under $700 for those who like smaller displays.
 
4. Galaxy S10 Plus
 
The Galaxy S10 Plus is a larger version of the Galaxy S10, and it all comes down to your preference over bigger or smaller phones.
 
5. Galaxy S10
 
The Galaxy S10 is an overhaul in design, performance, and features, all while maintaining the Samsung smartphone formula that makes its phones great.
 
It's a fantastic smartphone that comes with more features that those higher up on this list, and I'm especially fond of its ultra-wide camera.
 
As good as the Galaxy S10 is, it doesn't pose the best value compared to the Galaxy S10e and other smartphones that come higher on the list.
 
The list also includes Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, which are equipped with good cameras and are the first to receive Android updates from Google, Samsung Galaxy Note 9, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus and iPhone X.

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