The very best smartphones in 2018
Welcome to naijadon roundup of the very best smartphones in 2018. The naijadon team has tested every handset under the sun, and this guide is designed to provide you with all the key info you need so you can choose the best smartphone for you.We only include the best phones in this list, so you can be sure you're always getting the very latest cutting edge device, and we've listed all the phones in order of preference, too, so there's no confusion. The first phone is the best phone.
Looking for something a little more affordable? These are the best cheap smartphones
These are the best smartphone deals
So whether you're after the most powerful Android smartphone money can buy, or a shiny new iPhone upgrade, we've seen and extensively tested them all so you don't have to.
It's worth noting, that the LG G7, OnePlus 6, and Honor 10 are due to be released soon. We'd say it's definitely worth waiting to see what these brands have up their sleeves.
Take a look and we guarantee you'll find the best smartphone for your need in 2018, beginning with the very best phone currently available...
Simply the best smartphone you can buy today
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 174gDimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mmOS: iOS11Screen size: 5.8-inchesResolution: 1125 x 2436 pixelsCPU: Apple A11 BionicRAM: 3GBStorage: 64/256GBBattery: 2716mAhRear camera: Dual 12MPFront camera: 7 MP f/2.2
REASONS TO BUY
+Incredibly desirable
+Future of the iPhone
REASONS TO AVOID
-Gestures take getting used to
-Fragile
Is the iPhone X the best phone this year? Yes. But only by a whisker. The Samsung Galaxy S9 is so close (especially if you prefer Android), while Apple’s own iPhone 8 Plus gives you so much of the iPhone X technology without the extra cost. In the end though, it's the ultra-desirability of the iPhone X that wins it.
The first thing that strikes you about the design is, obviously, the 5.8-inch AMOLED screen. It's certainly true that the edge-to-edge screen looks absolutely stunning, both from a design perspective and from a technology viewpoint.
Of course, there's also the top 'notch'. This does intrude on the screen slightly, especially when you want to be fully immersed in something, but call me crazy – I kind of like it. It gives the phone a visual identity.
Aside from the screen you've got Apple's blazing fast A11 Bionic processor, fantastic dual camera with portrait lighting mode, and FaceID (which actually works very well).
It’s the marriage of software and hardware, something that Apple's always been good at, that’s so effective here and that’s especially the case when it comes to Face ID. The iPhone X costs a considerable £999, making it the most expensive iPhone to date.
We'll start by saying this, if you think that's too much money then the iPhone X isn't for you. Is it worth £999? Well, it's complicated. Just like a Louis Vuitton Bag, there are more affordable alternatives that do exactly the same job, but it's all about prestige and branding.
Apple has slowly been morphing into a luxury goods company for a while now, and the iPhone X is another step in that direction. It's essentially a luxury item from a designer brand, so I feel it charging £999 is somehow more justified than Samsung charging £850 for the Note 8.
Basically, it's the refresh the iPhone needed, and Apple has succeeded in creating an incredibly desirable package. It's the best smartphone you can buy.
The OTHER best smartphone you can buy today…
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 163gDimensions: 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5mmOS: Android 8.0Screen size: 5.8-inchesResolution: 1440 x 2960 pixelsCPU: Exynos 9810 OctaRAM: 4GBStorage: 64GBBattery: 3000mAhRear camera: 12 MP f/1.5Front camera: 8 MP f/1.7
REASONS TO BUY
+Amazing design
+Almost flawless
REASONS TO AVOID
-Bixby
-Similar to S8
The Samsung Galaxy S9 is the best Android smartphone in the world right now, boasting the brilliant Infinity Edge display which occupies 84-percent of the body and cutting-edge guts. Yep, this futuristic smartphone is a looker, and Samsung managed to resist the temptation to add an iPhone X-style notch, which is definitely a good thing. It has its own identity.
The S9 is the complete package, as well as the amazing display and industry-leading specs, this handset also has decent battery life, an excellent camera and amazing performance. With all of that combined, you get not only the best-looking smartphone, but one of the top performing smartphones in the universe. Yes, the universe!
We think the 5.8-inch S9 is perfect, but if you're after an ever larger smartphone, Samsung also offers the Galaxy S9+, which features a massive 6.2-inch display.
Okay, so unfortunately Samsung hasn't released a perfect phone - there are a few small niggles - it's not the most exciting update over the S8 (which can now be purchased relatively cheap) and Bixby is still inferior to Google Assistant. But we guarantee you won't be disappointed if you buy this phone.
The Huawei P20 Pro is a legitimate premium alternative to the iPhone X
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 180gDimensions: 155 x 73.9 x 7.8mmOS: Android 8.1Screen size: 6.1-inchesResolution: 1080 x 2244 pixelsCPU: Kirin 970RAM: 6GBStorage: 128GBBattery: 4000mAhRear camera: Triple 40MP + 20MP + 8MP LeicaFront camera: 24MP f/2.0
REASONS TO BUY
+Premium design
+Battery life
+Awesome camera
REASONS TO AVOID
-Software
-'Just' HD screen
The Huawei P20 Pro is the latest flagship from the Chinese smartphone giant, and we really, really like it. It's the ideal smartphone if you're looking for a premium alternative to the iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S9, but it's also got plenty of features which make it great device in its own right.
We love the P20 Pro's Leica-branded triple camera. Yes, you read that right, this camera has three camera sensors, a 40MP RGB, 20MP Monochrome, and 8MP telephoto. The three lenses are can be used to capture some very pleasing images.
The OS is coming on leaps and bounds as well, and the design and feel of this device really is fantastic.
It's a smartphone that really puts a cat among the pigeons. The pigeons in this case being Samsung, Apple, and Google.
But it's not quite perfect. The UI still lags behind its competitors, and some won't be too fond of the iPhone X-esque design.
Despite its flaws, we think it's a brilliant smartphone, thanks to a neat blend of design, features, and camera. Plus, the battery life is class leading, capable of lasting around two days.
4. GOOGLE PIXEL 2 XL
The best smartphone camera
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 175gDimensions: 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9mmOS: Android 8Screen size: 6.0-inchesResolution: 1440 x 2880 pixelsCPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835RAM: 4GBStorage: 64/128GBBattery: 3520mAhRear camera: 12MP f/1.8Front camera: 8MP f/2.4
REASONS TO BUY
+Great camera
+Super software
REASONS TO AVOID
-Plastic-like metal
-Lackluster screen
We can't tell you how close it is between the Google Pixel 2 XL, iPhone X, P20 Pro and S9 for the title of 'best smartphone in the world.' All four are great smartphones, but the sleek design, and amazing screen puts the iPhone, Huawei, and Samsung in the lead, just.
The Google Pixel 2 XL is still an amazing smartphone - especially if you prioritise camera quality and want software straight from Google.
Whether it's the excellent camera, the metal-and-glass chassis, the oodles of power involved or just the fact that the software and virtual assistant work in perfect harmony with the hardware, Google's got a lot right here and this is a brilliant phone.
2017 was when Google came into its stride with the Pixel sequels. Google now has clear vision for its flagship smartphones. The design is distinctive and has character, and the Pixel 2 XL's edge-to-edge screen makes it the one to go for.
Of course, if you prefer smaller screens, the 5-inch Pixel 2 is also available, which is identical the OG (apart from size and screen).{Google smartphone}
The best smartphone if you want to spend less than £500
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 162gDimensions: 156.1 x 75 x 7.3mmOS: Android 7.0Screen size: 6-inchesResolution: 1080 x 2160 pixelsCPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835RAM: 6/8GBStorage: 64/128GBBattery: 3300mAhRear camera: Dual 16MP f/1.7 + 20MP f/1.7Front camera: 16MP f/2.0
REASONS TO BUY
+Low price for flagship
+Premium build with all-screen design
REASONS TO AVOID
-Not waterproof
-'Only' HD screen
Looking to upset dominance by the big brands is OnePlus, who took the mobile world by storm in 2014 with one goal, to be the flagship killer. We think it's latest smartphone, the OnePlus 5T, has finally achieved that goal.
The OnePlus 5T gives you the latest smartphone trends, including an impressive 6-inch edge-to-edge display and dual camera set up with portrait mode. These new features are backed up by crazy powerful specs, a lightning fast fingerprint sensor, and a genuinely premium design.
Perhaps what's most impressive is that you'll get all of that for less than £500.
The OnePlus 5T isn't perfect though, the premium aluminium casing still lacks waterproofing, and the screen is only HD, rather than QHD (2K) found in many of its more expensive rivals.
Still, it's a very impressive phone, and if you're reluctant to spend more than £500 on a device, this is definitely the one to go for.
Overshadowed by the X, but still a brilliant smartphone
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 202gDimensions: 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5mmOS: iOS11Screen size: 5.5-inchesResolution: 1080 x 1920 pixelsCPU: Apple A11 BionicRAM: 3GBStorage: 64/256GBBattery: 2691mAhRear camera: Dual 12MPFront camera: 7 MP f/2.2
REASONS TO BUY
+Excellent camera
+Convenient wireless charging
REASONS TO AVOID
-Dated design
-iPhone X is coming
Here we have the iPhone 8 Plus - probably one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year. Some feel its sheer size does make it tricky to hold, but there's no denying Apple's beautiful 5.5-incher is a winner. If you prefer iOS to Android and don't want to splash out on the iPhone X, this should be your first choice.
Apple has chosen to stick with a similar design to the iPhone 7, swapping the out the all-metal case for a glass back and making it heavier (more premium feeling). There is a glorious new Gold colourway available, and to top it off, the glass casing allows Apple to add wireless charging. The S8 and recent S9 design does make the iPhone 8 feel slightly dated now, however.
It's inside where the iPhone 8 Plus has received the biggest overhaul - now packing Apple's blazing fast A11 Bionic processor. The dual camera has also received a significant upgrade, now a better sensor and smart software powering it. To finish it off, the iPhone 8 Plus comes running iOS 11, Apple's latest and greatest mobile OS.
It is expensive, and may be too large for some, so the standard iPhone 8 with a 4.7-inch display is also worth your consideration.
The best smartphone for music lovers
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 188gDimensions: 158.5 x 74.9 x 8.5mmOS: Android 8.0Screen size: 6-inchesResolution: 1440 x 2880 pixelsCPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835RAM: 4/6GBStorage: 64/128 GB (expandable)Battery: 3930mAhRear camera: 12MP f/1.7Front camera: 8MP f/2.0
REASONS TO BUY
+Great camera
+Amazing sound and software
REASONS TO AVOID
-Only available from HTC
-Fragile design
The HTC U11+ is the most impressive smartphone HTC has made in many years. Taking the best bits from the U11 and combining it with a sexy edge-to-edge display, with a bit of extra innovation thrown in for good measure.
It's again shown the rest of the competition how to make a premium smartphone, and its camera, battery life and performance is right up there too. HTC has really worked on the criticisms of the previous generation devices, and created their best ever flagship smartphone.
It's great to see HTC innovating with the squeezable edges, which make interacting with the device much easier, and the minimal tweaks they've made to stock Android are amazing, making this one of our favourite smartphones in 2018.
A bright blue Honor View 10 phone, showing the aluminium edges and bezel-less display.
The best value smartphone available right now
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 172gDimensions: 157 x 75 x 7mmOS: Android 8.0Screen size: 5.99-inchesResolution: 1080 x 2160 pixelsCPU: Kirin 970RAM: 4/6GBStorage: 64/128GBBattery: 3750mAhRear camera: Dual 20MP + 16MPFront camera: 13MP f/2.0
REASONS TO BUY
+Great price
+Excellent design
REASONS TO AVOID
-So-so software
-Low light photography
If you disregard the price, the Honor View 10 is a good smartphone, it has a solid design, decent camera, and high-end specs (it's essentially the Huawei Mate 10 Pro). But when you take the price into consideration, it becomes the bargain of the century.
There are a lot of neat touches, too, we especially like the single navigation key, and the dual camera is capable of taking some striking images.
The Honor View 10 is 100% solid in every key respect, although, it may lack that little bit of innovation which makes a phone a true Android flagship. Still, we really can't fault it at the price.
Four LG G6 smartphones fanned out showing the different colours available, white, black, and silver.
First of the bezel-less phones, with a great dual camera
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 163gDimensions: 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9mmOS: Android 7.0Screen size: 5.7-inchesResolution: 1440 x 2880 pixelsCPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821RAM: 4GBStorage: 32/64GBBattery: 3300mAhRear camera: Dual 13MPFront camera: 5MP f/2.2
REASONS TO BUY
+Large screen
+Dual camera
REASONS TO AVOID
-Less premium than rivals
-UI
LG has finally made a good-looking, premium smartphone free from gimmicks. There are a lot of features we love here - that wide-angle screen is great, the bezels are tiny, and the dual-camera is really handy. Basically, we really enjoyed using it.
But it’s far from a perfect phone. LG has used a 2016 chipset, so it’s not the most efficient smartphone available, and the skin over Android Nougat isn't the best out there. It also feels less premium than its rivals, with a slightly hollow feel to the rear casing.
Certainly though, LG has done enough to redeem itself from the unfortunately unsuccessful G5 last year. It wasn't the best Android phone released in 2017, but we don’t think you’ll regret buying it, especially if you can pick it up for a decent price.
The front of a white and rose gold iPhone SE. Showing a pink flower wallpaper on screen.
Read also about
How Apple could stun us with new MacBooks this month
What To Do When Your Android Phone Falls In Water
Shopping for Mortgage Rate
Would you prefer, the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 plus?
The best small smartphone
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 113gDimensions: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mmOS: iOS 10Screen size: 4.0-inchesResolution: 640 x 1136 pixelsCPU: Apple A9RAM: 2GBStorage: 32/128GBBattery: 1624mAhRear camera: 12MP f/2.2Front camera: 1.2MP f/2.4
REASONS TO BUY
+It's small!
+Great battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
-Old, boxy design
-Due an update
Notice how all of these smartphones have 5+ inch screens? What if you have small hands? You can't reach all four corners of the screen. It's a problem not many of us face, but the truth is -- some people just prefer smaller phones but don't want to sacrifice high-end specs. The iPhone SE is for you.
With a 4-inch screen and guts which match the iPhone 6S, including the 12MP rear camera, 2GB RAM, Apple Pay, Retina display, and Apple A9 chipset, this thing is a little pocket rocket.
There are a few drawbacks - the design isn't beautifully curvaceous like the iPhone 8 (the SE is based on the iPhone 5), the front-facing camera has fewer megapixels, and the Touch ID fingerprint sensor is older and therefore slower. The best thing about it? Despite its range-topping specs, the iPhone SE is also one of the cheapest smartphones Apple has ever released. What's not to love?
The front and back of the Moto Z2 Force. Showing how thin the phone is and the metal contacts for MotoMod add-ons.
No comments: