13 Best Mobile Phones in the UK Compared for 2023

The best mobile phones in the UK boast a fast processor, capable of multitasking with ease, plus long battery life and seamless operating systems. With add-ons like superior camera performance, a large display, WiFi support, and ample storage, there’s nothing the best UK mobile phones can’t do.

However, choosing a smartphone is one of the toughest tasks out there, given the number of brands in the market. To help, we’ve done the hard yards and reviewed the best phones in the UK based on stringent criteria like pricing, battery life, processor performance, UI, camera quality, and storage capacities. Read on to learn why the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Galaxy S23 Ultra earn the top spot on our list.

Best Phones in the UK Ranked

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is a top-notch choice when it comes to the best phones in the UK. With exclusive features such as a dynamic island, a fast processor, and unmatched camera quality, there’s nothing more you can ask for. However, the choice wasn’t easy. Here are the best UK mobile phones to buy:

  1. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max — The best overall mobile phone in the UK for its unique Dynamic Island, industry-leading camera quality, and long battery life.
  2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra — Easily the best Android flagship phone right now, with 100x zoom and an S Pen for increased functionality.
  3. Google Pixel 7 — A flagship yet budget phone from Google that comes with insane photo editing capabilities such as the Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur.
  4. ASUS ROG 6D — Best gaming phone with a 165Hz refresh rate and a top-of-the-line cooling mechanism. It’s also a battery king for its 6000mAh battery life.
  5. Apple iPhone 13 — An ideal choice for iPhone enthusiasts who don’t have the budget for the new iPhone 14 lineup. It boasts a powerful processor and a large screen size.
  6. Xiaomi 13 — A perfect choice in the mid-range Android segment. The phone comes with a dynamic refresh rate and IP68 rating, meaning it’s dust and waterproof.
  7. OnePlus 11 — One of the largest and brightest displays at its price point, this device has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 1440p resolution.
  8. Samsung Galaxy S22 — A reliable mobile for young teens and senior citizens with a high refresh rate, a special mode for night photography, and decent battery performance.
  9. Realme GT 2 Pro — An environment-friendly device with a 35.5% lesser carbon footprint. Also offers a massive 5000mAh battery and an intuitive paper-like back.
  10. Apple iPhone 13 Mini — The best budget iPhone to buy for a compact yet powerful device with Apple’s native camera features and A15 Bionic chip.
  11. Google Pixel 6a — An affordable phone with all of Google’s proprietary editing features plus an impressive 4410mAh battery especially considering the price.
  12. Motorola Moto G53 — The cheapest phone to buy but still impresses with its 6.5-inch display and 5000mAh battery.
  13. Nothing Phone (1) — A unique entrant in the Android market as it has a one-of-a-kind Glyph interface and customizable lighting.

Top 10 Mobile Phones Reviewed

Getting a new smartphone is always an exciting experience. Here’s a detailed discussion of everything you need to know to make an informed purchase — including each one’s best features, pros, cons, and pricing.

1. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max — Overall, the Best Mobile Phone in the UK

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is at the top of our list with its solid all-around performance and innovative features. Certainly, the thing that stands out the most is its “Dynamic Island,” which replaces the conventional camera notch with a pill-shaped one.

This “Dynamic Island” changes shape to display notifications, and it lets you do several things like change the song playing on the Spotify app, manage calls, and see your AirPods connection and battery status, all without having to scroll down the entire notifications bar from the top.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | Best mobile phone in the UK

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear Camera Front Camera Battery life
£1,139 iOS 26 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm 6.7-inch A16 Bionic chip 128GB 48 MP +12MP + 12MP 12 MP 4352mAH

The camera experience is also unmatchable with the steadiness of a new “Action Mode.” It makes the shakiness of a recording disappear and, coupled with its “Cinematic Mode,” offers film-like clarity in 4K Dolby Vision — a video format that provides high-end color vibrance and clarity. Plus, with a 48MP main camera, the 14 Pro Max gives up to 4x greater resolution compared to previous models.

Note that the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is a notably large handset of 6.7 inches — compared to the previous model, which is 6.1 inches big. This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s great for watching movies or handling spreadsheets on your mobile.

With an all-day battery life that gives you up to 29 hours of video playback, the 14 Pro Max has an always-on display that lets you see the weather, calendar, and other notifications anytime you want.

The A16 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU also makes this flagship model one of the fastest phones in the market. The A16 Bionic is the latest iOS processor that’s faster and more energy-efficient than the previous models.

One important and rather praiseworthy feature of this phone is its safety features like Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection, which notify your selected contacts in case of a car crash. And not to forget, it’s also water resistant and has a tough ceramic shield which is far more durable than traditional glass models.

Overall, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is hands down, one of the best phones around and justifies its premium price with its high-quality camera, stellar display, and long battery life.

Pros

  • A powerful 48MP camera
  • Impressive 120 Hz display
  • Always-on display to see time, notifications, and more
  • A highly functional “Dynamic Island” instead of the standard iPhone notch

Cons

  • Bulky, not for everybody
  • Slow charging

2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra — Best Samsung Mobile Phone with 100x Zoom

The Samsung S23 Ultra combines the best features of the Samsung S and Note series. The multi-functional S pen that comes with the handset allows you to write or highlight information from photos or even videos and lets you save them straight to your calendar.

The environmental consciousness in the selection of materials used in this phone is also commendable. From recycled glass and PET film to recycled paper boxes, this is one of the most eco-conscious phones today. But that doesn’t, in any way, limit the outstanding performance of this phone.

With fast processors for better multi-tasking and improved battery life, it’s a top choice for many looking for their next phone. Plus, it has advanced camera sensors designed to accommodate low light and reduce noise, and the 50MP cameras are also equipped to tone down the flare for clearer, more detailed pictures.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Best Samsung phone

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
£1,399 Android 13 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm 6.8-inch Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, Octa-Core 512GB 50MP 12MP 5000mAh

Speaking of the phone’s cameras, it’s impossible not to mention the highly acclaimed 100x zoom functionality. Various users have tested it in real-time, and the results speak for themselves — you can point the camera to the sky and zoom in until it feels like you’re just a few miles away from the moon — literally.

Beyond all this, the phone has a unique rectangular brick build that gives it a premium feel and distinguishes it from other Android flagship phones in the market. It has a 6.8-inch screen size which is even larger than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, making it suitable for larger hands and, well, deeper pockets.

As a bonus, this device has an intelligent 5000 mAH battery that saves power. Then there’s also a dynamic AMOLED that is thinner and provides a higher resolution display than LCD screens. We also love the high refresh rate of 120Hz, which offers smooth performance and makes it an excellent choice for gaming or watching movies.

Like AirDrop for iPhone, this Samsung model allows multi-connectivity across all Galaxy devices for sharing images easily, and you can also customize your phone’s interface to even the tiniest of details through its One UI.

Overall, the premium build quality, crisp display, and powerful camera of the Samsung S23 Ultra make it the iPhone 14 Pro Max equivalent in the Android segment. This phone is set to expand Samsung’s dominant presence in the global smartphone market.

Pros

  • Precise color accuracy
  • Unique build and solid battery life
  • The best Samsung phone by a stretch
  • High-quality camera with 100x zoom

Cons

  • Outside the budget of an average user

3. Google Pixel 7 — Best Value Mobile Phone for Editing Pictures

The Google Pixel 7 comes packed with classic Google phone features but is even more refined this time. If you’re someone who travels frequently, you’ll love its translation features that provide real-time translation of a face-to-face conversation between, say, you and a foreign shopkeeper. Also, you can scan menus or other documents that are in a foreign language, and it’ll translate them for you.

Powered by the new Google-made Tensor G2 and Titan M2 chips, this phone provides multiple layers of reliable safety to safeguard your personal data. Additionally, this chip significantly contributes to its mind-blowing photo and video quality.

Google Pixel 7 | Best phone for editing pictures

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
£484 Android 195.5 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm 6.3-inch Google Tensor G2 128GB 50MP + 12MP 10.8MP 4355mAh

It has a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens, and it offers a magnificent 8x digital zoom. The new “Photo Unblur” is also quite fascinating. It relies on artificial intelligence to scan your clicked pictures and applies filters on them to deliver sharp images in vivid colors that reveal their real tone.

The Cinematic Mode also brings a dramatic quality to your images, and the Magic Eraser is a real picture-saver that clears all the unnecessary clutter within a few taps — you can “erase” elements from an image, like people in the background of the image’s main object or move your object around the frame too. Not to mention, the phone has a perfectly fine night mode as well.

The Pixel 7 comes with an adaptive refresh rate of 90Hz — higher than that of the iPhone 14, but lower than the Samsung S23 — and an OLED display panel of 6.3 inches. With the highest-possible peak brightness, the Pixel 7 promises a bright display, even in direct sunlight.

Just like the Samsung S23 Ultra, the Pixel 7, too, is made with recycled materials, and you can tell the distinctive Google Pixel 6 design has been carried forward, though a little more polished this time.

Pros

  • Real-time translation
  • Improved fingerprint sensor
  • Neat and minimalistic design
  • Environment-conscious selection of materials
  • “Photo Unblur” and “Magic Eraser” for photo editing control

Cons

  • No microSD card slot
  • The grip is a little slippery

4. ASUS ROG 6D — Best Gaming Phone with 6000mAh Battery

The ASUS ROG 6D is the best gaming phone for many reasons. The top one is that its Dimensity 9,000+ processor is even stronger than the Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 (one of the most powerful processors used in most flagship models), thereby providing smooth gaming sessions.

Plus, along with the manufacturer-owned ROG UI, this phone’s interface also makes use of Android 12, bringing the latest technology to the device to make it easy to navigate your way around the phone.

It also has an exclusive app for gamers known as “Armoury Crate” that allows you to adjust the settings for the phone’s gaming mode and launch games directly from this app.

And along with supporting 5G, the phone also features Wi-Fi 6E enabling lightning-quick and smooth performance — connect your gaming headset and immerse yourself in an unbeatable mobile gaming experience.

ASUS ROG 6D | Best gaming phone

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
£1,299 Android 12 173 x 77 x 10.4 mm 6.7-inch MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ (4nm) 512GB 50MP + 13MP + 5MP 12MP 6000 mAh

An impressive battery of 6000mAh can easily stand prolonged gaming hours. In fact, it’s the best battery life of all our top picks. Also, there’s a “Steady Charging” feature in the battery settings that slows down the rapid charging to protect the battery, ensuring durability.

A high refresh rate of 165 Hz means scrolling and zooming are incredibly smooth for games needing up to 90fps. Note that some of the most demanding games, like Real Racing 3, can run perfectly on even 60fps.

With an AMOLED screen at 2448 x 1080 pixels, the colors appear strong and luminous enough for use in bright surroundings. Despite being a gaming phone, the ROG 6D also features a decent camera quality with a powerful sensor.

All in all, while there’s no doubt that the ASUS ROG 6D Ultimate is a stellar gaming phone, it’s an overall high-performance device suitable for anyone thanks to its cooling technology, smooth touch, and high battery life.

Pros

  • Powerful processor
  • Exclusive ‘Armoury Crate’ app for gamers
  • From a reputable brand famous for the best gaming PCs
  • Best mobile phone battery life
  • High refresh rate

Cons

  • Smaller accessory ecosystem than older models

5. Apple iPhone 13 — Premium iPhone with Powerful Processor and a Large Screen

The iPhone 13 is an ideal choice if you’re looking to enter the Apple ecosystem on a budget. The powerful 5G-ready A15 Bionic chip makes it a compelling choice among other competitors in the same price range.

It has a 12MP “TrueDepth” front camera. As the name suggests, this adds depth to your portrait images, plus, there’s a “Cinematic” mode, too, that’s capable of changing subjects as the frame changes, along with providing a real-time and accurate bokeh effect — the technique that blurs backgrounds in portrait images.

It delivers bright colors and ample details in standard mode, even when you zoom in. However, some have reported a slight fish-eye effect (stretching and distortion of the edges of the pictures) on the ultra-wide shots, which is passable considering the overall great quality of ultra-wide pictures.

Apple iPhone 13 | Premium Apple phone

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
£699 iOS 15 146.70 x 71.50 x 7.65 mm 6.1-inch Apple A15 Bionic 128GB 12MP + 12MP 12MP 3240 mAh

The model is also water-resistant and comes in six colors with a color-matched aluminum frame. Brownie points for both sides of the phone being protected by Ceramic Shield glass, one of the toughest materials around.

While a 60Hz refresh rate isn’t as high as other phones in the same price range, like the Xiaomi 13, it won’t bother you at all if you’re a moderate user who won’t be playing demanding games, for example.

With a 6.1-inch display size, the Super Retina OLED panel — considered a little bit more premium than a typical OLED screen — delivers stunning display quality of 460 pixels per inch. Plus, the phone comes with long-lasting battery life — up to 19 hours of video playback on a single charge.

Concluding, the iPhone 13 is suitable for those who demand Apple benefits on a budget with its stellar camera, long-lasting battery, and of course, the A15 Bionic chip.

Pros

  • Water-resistant
  • Best mobile phone for business
  • Stunning display quality
  • “TrueDepth” feature in the front camera
  • An intelligent “Cinematic” mode
  • Cheapest entry to Apple’s high-end products

Cons

  • Below-average refresh rate
  • The charger isn’t bundled

6. Xiaomi 13 — Best Mid-Range Mobile Phone in the UK

The Xiaomi 13 is a compact mid-range phone with a gorgeous build. With a flat display, its cameras are placed in a square array, and the angular design makes it comfortable to hold and carry around.

It has a 2.5D glass back (the rear panel of the device is curved at the edges, creating a smooth transition between the edges of the device and the flat back panel) complimented by an aluminum alloy chassis giving it a stunning sheen finish.

The 6.36 inches AMOLED display also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ video format, which balances brightness and contrast to replicate real life. This, combined with its FHD+ panel, offers excellent clarity and color accuracy even in bright sunlight. Simply put, this is perhaps the best display you’ll get in a mid-range phone.

Xiaomi 13 | Best mid-range mobile phone

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
£749 Android 13, MIUI 14 152.8 x 71.5 x 8.0 mm 6.36-inch Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 256GB 50MP 32MP 4,500mAh

What’s more, the device comes with a dynamic refresh rate, which you can voluntarily set to either 60Hz or 120 Hz, depending on the apps in use. It has a dedicated Game Space, and the touch-sampling rate can go up to 240Hz — lower than the ROG 6D Ultimate but still pretty impressive for the price.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip processor is powerful enough to allow smooth multitasking and carrying out heavy-duty tasks through the phone. With an IP68 rating, the phone can also go multiple feet deep in water and would still work well.

With a 50MP main lens and 3.2x optical zoom, the Xiaomi 13 offers impressive camera performance. Leica image processing also allows you to choose between vibrant and authentic finishes, especially noticeable at night time.

The bokeh effect and wide-angle camera, while not bad, aren’t as good as iPhone 13 available in the same range. Some have reported that the shadows lose their depth, and the colors can be a little bland, but given the 120-degree field of view, we can give it a little liberty.

Beyond this, it provides almost an all-day battery life at 4500 mAh and options for both wireless and reverse wireless charging.

Pros

  • A rich AMOLED display
  • Tuneable dynamic refresh rate
  • Dust and waterproof with an IP68 rating
  • Accurate color delivery with “Leica Authentic” mode

Cons

  • The front camera could be better

7. OnePlus 11 — Perfect 6.7-inch AMOLED Display with 1440p Resolution

The OnePlus 11 is a fast, smooth performer that delivers great value for its price. With its 5G capabilities and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, it’s a power-packed option in the mid-range category with just one major shortcoming — lack of wireless charging.

That said, the most attractive feature of this phone is its third-generation LPTO technology which reduces the refresh rate to 1Hz when the always-on display is in use — this saves a lot of battery. In other cases, the device boasts a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

OnePlus 11

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
‎£699 Android 13 ‎163 x 74 x 8 mm 6.7-inch Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor 128GB ‎48MP 8MP 5,000mAh

The OnePlus 11 has a gigantic 6.7-inch panel — just like the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Also, it has a 2K Super Fluid AMOLED display with a 1440p resolution. The Super Fluid AMOLED display offers higher refresh rates and color accuracy. While there are higher resolutions available in the market, this resolution is more than bright enough for daily use.

Thanks to a 5000mAh battery, you can also easily get through the day with a lot of photo-taking or video-conferencing. Plus, the speed of charging is phenomenal, from flat to 100% takes just 25 minutes.

What’s more, there’s a spectral imaging sensor embedded right next to the flash that helps the system set a more accurate white balance. The camera holds onto the details well, and the portrait mode looks great when used in good lighting.

Being IP64 rated, the device is also sealed against dust and can withstand a sudden splash of water. However, note that it can’t handle being submerged in water, which most devices in this price range, like Xiaomi 11 and Google Pixel 7, can.

To sum up, OnePlus 11 is the perfect fit for users seeking a huge screen with smooth performance and a slightly different build than regular Android flagship phones.

Pros

  • High Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
  • A reliable 5000mAh battery life
  • Comes with fast charging
  • AMOLED display with a 1440p resolution

Cons

  • Lack of wireless charging
  • A little bulky

8. Samsung Galaxy S22 — Reliable Samsung Phone with a Special Night Photography Mode

The Samsung S22 is one of the best mid-range phones with its high-end features and pocket-friendliness. You’ll get a smooth gaming and scrolling experience with its 5G capabilities.

Placing itself competitively in the market, the Galaxy 22 offers a 120Hz refresh rate which is considerably higher than Google Pixel 7 and iPhone 14. As a way to prolong its battery life, the phone is scalable to as low as 48Hz when it’s not in use.

Samsung Galaxy S22

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
£463 Android 11 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm 6.1-inch Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 128GB 50MP + 10MP + 12MP 10MP 3,700 mAh

The phone delivers brilliant outdoor visibility, thanks to its 120Hz Infinity-O display built with dynamic AMOLED 2X with “Vision Booster” technology. Whether it’s broad daylight or nighttime, you can rest assured that this phone’s display will be bright and clear.

We love the auto frame rate that matches the frames-per-second speed of your device to the surrounding, producing stellar video quality. Also, its “Night Solution” helps in delivering high-quality, vivid footage by clearing up the noise in each frame.

This phone also has a 23% larger camera sensor as compared to its previous models letting in more light to improve camera performance in low lights. For sharper, more detailed shots when you zoom in, the phone has a 3x optical zoom feature instead of the old hybrid zoom.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S22, which comes from arguably the best mobile phone provider, stands strong as a contender for best phones in the mid-range with its camera capabilities, stellar display quality, and high refresh rate.

Pros

  • Stellar phone camera quality
  • Intuitive OneUI 4.0
  • Best price mobile phone
  • Classy and bright display
  • 3x optical zoom

Cons

  • Average battery life

9. Realme GT 2 Pro — Environment-Friendly Phone with Impressive 5000mAh Battery

The Realme GT 2 Pro is the most premium flagship product of the GT series. It has several innovative features, like the device’s back, made with the industry’s first bio-based polymer that leaves 35.5% less carbon footprint and gives a paper-like feel to the holder.

Although this might feel not-so-premium to some users, it does have its upside. For one, scratches would be less visible, and of course, it provides a better grip than shiny plastic or glass.

realme GT 2 Pro

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
£612 Android 12 163.2 x 74.7 x 8.18 mm 6.7-inch Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 256 GB 50MP + 50MP 32MP 5,000mAh

Beyond this, the Realme GT 2 Pro replicates the OnePlus 11 in terms of display. Both of them have an LTPO2 AMOLED panel and a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) between 1Hz and 120Hz. Other notable features include HDR10+ support that delivers accurate colors and adds impressive details to both bright and dark areas of an image.

The device allows antenna switching among the 12 antennas around its body to select the most optimum antenna, giving up to 200% stronger and 20% more stable signals.

With the powerful 65W SuperDart, the Realme GT2 Pro takes a little over just 30 minutes to get fully charged from zero. Sure, it’s a little disappointing that there’s no wireless charging option available.

However, along with a micro-lens camera that allows 40x magnification and 720p video support, this is the world’s first smartphone to feature a fish-eye mode, addressing one of the most common issues of night photography.

Ultimately, the Realme GT2 Pro makes a lucrative offer with its fast charging, long battery life, and innovative paper-like back at a reasonable price.

Pros

  • Innovative bio-based polymer back
  • Provides stable signals
  • Hyper-magnification capabilities
  • World’s first fish-eye camera

Cons

  • No wireless charging
  • Lacks photo camera

10. Apple iPhone 13 Mini — Best Budget iPhone with a Robust A15 Bionic Chip

The Apple iPhone 13 Mini is the economical iOS option for fans of small-sized mobile phones. Despite having a lot of other choices in the iPhone segment, this model still remains popular for many reasons.

The 5.4-inch handset is ultra-light at just 140 grams, making it perfect for one-hand use. It’s IP68 certified against dust and water, meaning you can submerge the device 6 meters deep in water for about 30 minutes, and it would still work perfectly fine.

Apple iPhone 13 mini

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
‎£599 iOS 15 131.5 x64.2 x 7.65 mm 5.4 Inches A15 Bionic chip 128GB 12MP + 12MP 12MP 2438mAh Li-Ion

Although the limited refresh rate of 60Hz looks low against the newer Android models, we must give credit to the Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR support for its high-resolution and almost infinite-level contrast — it gives the phone an almost mini high-end TV quality.

The “Cinematic” mode also remains one of the more powerful features of the iPhone, even more so with the “TrueDepth” front camera that automatically analyzes depth and creates better focus videos.

The device is powered by the A15 Bionic chip and renders a premium performance with almost no heating. Note that the latest iOS models today have the A16 chip. However, the performance difference between the two isn’t drastic.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • The cheapest iPhone to buy
  • An uncompromising display
  • Waterproof with an IP68 rating

Cons

  • Inconvenient notch

11. Google Pixel 6a — Best Mobile Phone Under £300

The Google Pixel 6a is hands down the best phone under £300 in the market. Being the predecessor of Google Pixel 7, it, too, has Face Unblur, Magic Eraser, and Real Tone for clear, sharp, color-accurate, and neat pictures that you can edit in whatever way you wish.

It also features an intelligently adaptive battery life of over 24 hours. Intelligent because the phone analyzes behavior to track your favorite apps and doesn’t waste power on the ones that you rarely use.

Google Pixel 6a

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
£299 Android 12 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.8 mm 6.1-inch Google Tensor 128GB 12MP + 12MP 8MP 4,410mAh

That said, testing revealed that under heavy use, it’ll hardly last 12 hours. But with light to moderate use, it can easily last an entire day. And, of course, it would’ve been great to have a wireless charging option, but at this price point, you can hardly complain about it.

With its live translation feature, the Pixel 6a also allows you to translate as many as 13 languages on live chat. What’s more, you can also translate face-to-face communications and read signs in different languages through the camera.

The custom-made Google Tensor processor brings superb responsiveness and speed, so this handset can run several apps without lagging or slowing down. While you might notice a little heating after prolonged gaming sessions, it doesn’t ever get to a concerning level.

Pros

  • Premium design
  • Intelligent adaptive battery
  • Best budget mobile phone
  • Extended firmware update support
  • Superb voice typing

Cons

  • Lacks headphone jack
  • The charger doesn’t come in the box

12. Motorola Moto G53 — Best Mobile Phone Under £200

The Motorola Moto G53 is an excellent choice if you’re not excited about spending a fortune on a mobile phone right now. It’s one of the best cheap phones, and with its humble price of £149.99, it performs fairly above par, thanks to its fluid display that provides better responsiveness and a smoother multimedia experience. The superior audio quality of Dolby Atmos speakers also enhances the surround sound of your home theatre or room.

Motorolo moto G53

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
£169 Android 13 169 x 84 x 44 mm 6.5-inch Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ processor 128GB 50MP + 2MP 16MP 5,000mAh

With its 5G capabilities, you can expect exceptional speed and quick downloads. This, combined with its high refresh rate, sets you up for a smooth, lag-free gaming experience.

The phone has a plastic back and frame, making it incredibly light and easy to hold despite its gigantic 6.5-inch panel. We couldn’t find any official IP rating for the device, but it promises to be water-resistant, so it should be able to survive a little rain or a splash of water.

The 50MP sensor has an f/1.8 aperture and captures clear, high-contrast images. The image quality is very sharp in both daylight and nighttime, and while the pictures could be better illuminated in low light, it certainly over-delivers for its price. It’s also the best mobile phone for the elderly for its simple yet feature-rich nature.

Pros

  • Best cheap mobile phone
  • Easy to hold and carry
  • High-contrast images
  • Reverse charging feature
  • Best basic mobile phone

Cons

  • Low-light photography could be better
  • No optical zoom or ultra-wide camera

13. Nothing Phone (1) — Unique Phone with Customizable Lighting at the Back

The Nothing Phone (1) disrupted the market when it first entered with its attention-grabbing unique design, refreshing Glyph Interface, and of course, solid performance. A fresh device, a new operating system, and a lot of sass made Nothing (1) the talk of the town.

If you look at the back of this phone, you’ll notice that all the innards are visible and for a purpose. Channeling the Glyph interface, an array of over 900 LEDs light up in unique patterns to indicate who’s calling, charging status, app notifications, and more.

Nothing Phone (1)

Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear camera Front camera Battery life
£379 Android 13 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm 6.55-inch Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ processor 128GB 50MP + 50MP 16MP 4,500mAh

With dual-side Gorilla glass, this phone is a terrific combination of both design and toughness. It has advanced vibration motors that make touch responses feel life-like. What’s more, its symmetrical bezels and aluminum frame add lightness, elegance, and durability.

The device has two rear cameras, 50MP each, which isn’t the norm as we rarely find dual cameras with the same megapixels on both. With built-in studio lighting that provides additional illumination for photography and videography, it’s perfectly capable of shooting videos with exceptional stability.

Aside from what we’ve talked about, this Nothing Phone (1) is also sustainable as it’s made with 100% recycled aluminum and with over 50% of plastic components coming from bio-based and recycled sources.

Pros

  • Extraordinary build
  • Dual-side Gorilla glass
  • Unique interface
  • Multiple LED and blinking light support
  • Stereo speakers

Cons

  • No AMOLED display

Best Mobile Phone Comparison Table

Here’s a crisp table highlighting the key differences between the products so that you can easily single out the best mobile phone on the market for your needs and budget:

Mobile Phones Price OS Dimensions Screen size Processor Storage Rear Camera Front Camera Battery life
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max £1,139 iOS 16 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm 6.7-inch A16 Bionic chip 128GB 48MP + 12MP + 12MP 12MP 4352mAH
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra £1,399 Android 13 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm 6.8-inch Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, Octa-Core 512 GB 50MP 12MP 5000mAh
Google Pixel 7 £484 Android 195.5 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm 6.3-inch Google Tensor G2 128GB 50MP + 12MP 10.8MP 4355mAh
ASUS ROG 6D £1,299 Android 12 173 x 77 x 10.4 mm 6.7-inch MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ (4nm) 512GB 50MP + 13MP + 5MP 12MP 6000 mAh
Apple iPhone 13 £699 iOS 15 146.70 x 71.50 x 7.65 mm 6.1-inch Apple A15 Bionic 128GB 12MP + 12MP 12MP 3240 mAh
Xiaomi 13 £749 Android 13, MIUI 14 152.8 x 71.5 x 8.0 mm 6.36-inch Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 256GB 50MP 32MP 4,500mAh
OnePlus 11 ‎£699 Android 13 ‎163 x 74 x 8 mm 6.7-inch Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor 128GB ‎48MP 8MP 5,000mAh
Samsung Galaxy S22 £463 Android 11 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm 6.1-inch Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 128GB 50MP + 10MP + 12MP 10MP 3,700 mAh
Realme GT 2 Pro £612 Android 12 163.2 x 74.7 x 8.18 mm 6.7-inch Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 256 GB 50MP + 50MP 32MP 5,000mAh
Apple iPhone 13 Mini £599 iOS 15 131.5 x64.2 x 7.65 mm 5.4 Inches A15 Bionic chip 128GB 12MP + 12MP 12MP 2438mAh Li-Ion
Google Pixel 6a £299 Android 12 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.8 mm 6.1-inch Google Tensor 128GB 12MP + 12MP 8MP 4,410mAh
Motorola Moto G53 £169 Android 13 169 x 84 x 44 mm 6.5-inch Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ processor 128GB 50MP + 2MP 16MP 5,000mAh
Nothing Phone (1) £379 Android 13 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm 6.55-inch Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ processor 128GB 50MP + 50MP 16MP 4,500mAh

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Mobile Phone for You

Choosing a smartphone is one of the most confusing tasks out there. Here are some useful tips that should get you on the right track to purchasing the best smartphone for your needs:

Operating Systems 

Android and iOS are the two most widely utilized smartphone operating systems worldwide. Both devices provide a huge selection of apps and games and are simple.

iOS is well-known for its simple user interface, stylish design, and enhanced security features. Android, on the other hand, offers a variety of devices and more customization possibilities.

Processor 

Processing power differs from smartphone to smartphone depending on several factors, including the bloatware, user interface, and Operating System version.

For serious users who routinely play demanding games, use apps in split screen mode, and edit videos, photographs, and stream videos, smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 or Snapdragon 820/821 should support seamless multitasking. Mobile devices using MediaTek CPUs will suit light users who don’t use their phones for heavy-duty tasks.

Storage 

If you like snapping pictures with your phone or recording long lectures, pick one with plenty of storage space. 32GB is our minimum recommendation, but 64GB is preferable. A lot depends on how you use your phone. You can easily expand your storage capacity if your device has a MicroSD card slot. However, Apple never adds MicroSD card slots, so this feature is only available on some Android devices.

Durability 

A phone with a long-lasting build, such as a Gorilla Glass or metal frame, can help protect it from harm caused by accidental drops. These plastic and metal-constructed handsets can withstand drops of 2-3 feet.

However, glass-based handsets will shatter. If you purchase a phone primarily made of glass and have butterfingers, buy a protective case. Get a phone that can withstand some water as well.

Battery Life 

If your phone has a long battery life, you can use it for an extended period without recharging it. Screen size, battery size, and the chip used can influence a phone’s battery life. If you use your smartphone frequently and work on apps, play games, or stream movies, choose a smartphone with a battery capacity of at least 3500mAh.

Pricing 

The best thing to do is to set a budget and then look for the best specifications within that price range. If you’re an Apple user, you’re probably already aware of their high costs as compared to Android phones.

However, a less expensive iPhone 13 Mini would be the ideal affordable phone for the iOS operating system. Another relatively expensive brand with a variety of devices is Samsung. You’ll find brands like Google Pixel, Nokia, Honor, and Motorola on the affordable price scale.

Screen Size and Display

When purchasing a new phone, the screen size and display quality are also critical. Choose a smartphone with enough brightness that can be easily readable in sunlight. You must also consider the device’s resolution and pixel density.

If you stream videos, edit photographs or films, or download and view movies, a display between the sizes of 5.5 and 6 inches with OHD or full-HD resolution should suit you.

However, you should choose a phone with a screen around the 4-inch if you want to effortlessly put a light phone in your jeans pockets and be able to use it with just one hand.

Which Mobiles Support 5G and WiFi 6?

In the fast-evolving world of mobile technology, an increasing number of devices are now equipped with 5G and WiFi 6 compatibility, establishing new standards for connectivity and data transfer. These cutting-edge technologies provide you with lightning-fast download and upload rates, flawless streaming of high-definition content, and much lower latency.

Renowned smartphone manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Sony have introduced models that embrace these transformative technologies. That being said, let’s look into some models that support 5G and WiFi 6:

  • Xiaomi 11T Pro and Xiaomi 12
  • iPhone 12 series
  • Sony Xperia 1 III and more recent models
  • OPPO Find X3 Pro
  • Realme GT 2 Pro
  • Samsung Galaxy S22+ and newer models
  • OnePlus Nord 2 and OnePlus 9
  • Motorola Edge 30 Pro
  • The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
  • Google Pixel 6 Pro

These are just some of the devices that support the new standard – the list is very long. WiFi 6 is still in its early stages. For now, if you want a WiFi 6 phone, you must be willing to shell out a significant amount for a high-end smartphone. With these devices, you can enjoy a future-ready mobile experience with lightning-fast speeds and enhanced network performance.

What’s the Difference Between a Contract Plan and a SIM-Only Deal?

Choosing between a sim-only and a contract plan can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you’re new to mobile phones and their plans. To make it easier for you, here’s a breakdown of the differences between the two:

SIM-Only Deal

A sim-only plan is a mobile phone plan that offers a sim card with minutes, texts, and data but not a new phone.

You buy a SIM card separately and put it in any unlocked, compatible device, be it a smartphone, tablet, or mobile hotspot. Some SIM-only offers operate on a month-to-month rolling contract, allowing you to change or terminate your contract anytime. It’s an excellent option if you don’t want to sign a long-term contract. However, you must buy a different device or use an already-existing unlocked smartphone.

Pros

  • Very affordable, with deals starting from £5 a month
  • Flexible – not tied to a long-term contract
  • Simple and straightforward

Cons

  • You need to have your own handset

Contract Plan 

A contract plan includes a brand-new phone, minutes, messages, and data allowances and requires customers to sign a long-term contract with the provider.

However, early contract termination can result in penalties, and the overall cost may be higher than in SIM-only deals. A contract plan typically involves signing a long-term agreement with a mobile network operator, usually for 12, 18, or 24 months.

Pros

  • You get a new phone paid for throughout the contract
  • You can choose from a variety of plans that best suits your needs
  • Some providers may offer additional bonuses or benefits, such as cost-free streaming services

Cons

  • Less flexibility – you’re usually tied to a 12-month or 24-month contract

Conclusion – What’s the Best Mobile Phone in the UK in 2023?

Our list of the best mobile phones in the UK is the ultimate holy grail for anyone looking for a brand-new smartphone. From budget performance-driven mobile phones to premium phones with a focus on camera and gaming, we’ve got everything you’d need.

However, you don’t need to look beyond the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max. With a premium Dynamic Island feature, capped by an A16 Bionic chip processor for seamless app transitions, and a camera-driven performance, it’s the best you can get right now.

UK Phone FAQs

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Krishi Chowdhary

Krishi is an experienced B2B and B2C content writer who reviews and compares different software to help both individuals and businesses find the right programs for their needs. Krishi's specialized writing educational material on customer relationship management (CRM) software and project management tools, but he also covers many other software topics for Techopedia, including antivirus programs.