The best smartphones of 2020

Now more than ever, mobile phones are an essential part of our everyday life, so if you’re thinking of upgrading, this is the perfect time to research the best models on the market. Here are our top five picks for big and small budgets. 

Samsung Galaxy S20

The latest in Samsung’s flagship line has just landed, and it’s one impressive machine. Rather than the usual numerical step up from the S10 model, the brand have doubled the number, and it’s a fitting choice given that the release is leaping above its android counterparts to compete with laptop specs. The new device is also offered in a larger size, the Galaxy S10 Plus, but you won’t be disappointed with either iteration. An incredible screen – with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth and seamless gameplay – and an upgraded camera with 108MP and 100x zoom are among some of the phone’s best features.

iPhone 11 Pro

As ever, Apple’s most powerful phone will cost you a pretty penny, but this upgrade from the iPhone 11 has the quality to match the price-tag. It’s a high-end device featuring triple rear cameras with an ultra-wide lens, night mode and better video capture. Other highlights are a super-fast A13 Bionic processor and an ultra-bright display. This model is also easier to use with one hand, though if you do want to go larger, the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a larger battery life despite the increased size. Again, this is great for games too, from the popular Facebook ones to Mr Ringo online games.

OnePlus 8 Pro

The OnePlus Pro is a solid alternative option for Android lovers, boasting the same refresh rate as the Samsung S20 but for a much prettier price. What’s more, if you set the rate lower you can get more than 11 hours of battery life – far more impressive than a lot of top market competitors. This new model is the first in the range to offer wireless charging, and although the camera does not match up with the best specs on paper, the four rear lenses have proven to yield great results when it comes to performance.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus

If you are all about the visuals, The Galaxy Note 10 will undoubtedly give you the best display. The 6.8-inch OLED screen will offer the best viewing experience, and what’s more, the battery life is great despite these gargantuan proportions. You have to be willing to spend a little more for this device, so if you want a stylus phone that won’t break the bank, it’s probably worth waiting for the release of the Galaxy Note 10 Lite.

iPhone SE

Those with a smaller budget need not fear, for there are also some increasingly strong options when it comes to economy models. Perhaps the most surprising of these is Apple’s offering, the iPhone SE. Though the company are notorious for their expensive handsets, this new model is almost unbelievably affordable. Coming in at a similar price to the Samsung S10e, another solid choice, the stripped-back phone still offers some of the specs form the iPhone 10 series but within a more compact device. 

The editorial unit