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Choosing a new smartphone can feel like an Olympic challenge. With big-name competitors like Apple, Samsung, Google and Huawei all fighting for pole position, deciding which model suits your lifestyle isn’t always easy.
The quick verdict
For the best overall iPhone, pick the iPhone 15 Pro Max; for Samsung, the Galaxy S24 Ultra; and for Google, the Pixel 8 Pro. If you are on a budget, the iPhone 13 is still a strong choice thanks to its A15 processor, reliable battery and fantastic camera. Anyone wanting a simple, no-fuss phone could look at the Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen).
Best smartphones at Envirofone at a glance
| Category | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 15 | iPhone 15 Plus |
| Samsung | Galaxy S24 Ultra | Galaxy S24+ | Galaxy Z Flip 5 |
| Pixel 8 Pro | Pixel 8 | Pixel 7 Pro | |
| Budget | iPhone 13 | Pixel 7a | iPhone SE 2022 |
| Best of 2024 | iPhone 15 Pro | Galaxy S24 | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Older and retro | Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) | Samsung Galaxy A3 (2015) | Huawei Honor 9 |
So, to make things simple, we’ve put together an Envirofone-style podium of winners - our 🥇 Gold, 🥈 Silver and 🥉 Bronze picks across different categories. Let the results begin!
Looking to keep your new device safe? Read our Smartphone & Data Protection Guide.
Best Overall iPhone
🥇 Gold: iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple’s most powerful iPhone to date, featuring stunning performance, five advanced cameras and a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED Retina XDR display. It’s big, bold and built for everything.
🥈 Silver: iPhone 15
A superb all-rounder with a sharper 48MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide lens and bright OLED display. Fast, reliable and 5G-ready.
🥉 Bronze: iPhone 15 Plus
A larger screen version of the base model with wide colour, HDR support and a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display - perfect for streaming and photos.
Best Samsung Smartphones
🥇 Gold: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
A powerhouse for gaming, photography, work and entertainment. Its 6.8-inch display with DCI-P3 colour delivers vivid, realistic visuals.
🥈 Silver: Samsung Galaxy S24+
A performance boost over the S23+, offering faster loading, improved charging and a crisp QHD+ display that makes text and detail noticeably sharper.
🥉 Bronze: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
A stylish flip phone with a durable scratch-resistant body, large cover display and brilliant camera system. Built with Samsung Armor Aluminium for long-term durability.
Best Google Smartphones
🥇 Gold: Google Pixel 8 Pro
A leader in Android innovation with powerful AI tools like Magic Editor, Audio Eraser and enhanced zoom. Incredible for photography fans.
🥈 Silver: Google Pixel 8
A compact, practical phone with a 6.2-inch display - ideal for pockets. Great value and still future-proof thanks to Google’s long-term update support.
🥉 Bronze: Google Pixel 7 Pro
Exceptional camera system, strong battery life and a premium feel. The 50MP wide lens and 12MP ultrawide camera capture crisp, detailed photos.
Best Budget-Friendly Smartphones
🥇 Gold: iPhone 13
A few years old but still a beast - powerful A15 processor, reliable battery life and a fantastic camera. Great value for busy, everyday users.
🥈 Silver: Google Pixel 7a
All the essentials of the Pixel 7 series but cheaper. The 6.1-inch size is perfect for portability, and it’s compatible with Google’s newest features.
🥉 Bronze: iPhone SE 2022
Compact, powerful and affordable. The SE strips back the extras and focuses on pure performance - ideal for users who want simplicity.
Best Phones of 2024
🥇 Gold: iPhone 15 Pro
Winner of MKBHD’s “Best Camera” award - the ideal choice for photographers and creators.
🥈 Silver: Samsung Galaxy S24
Crowned “Best Phone of 2023” by reviewers thanks to performance, AI features and display quality.
🥉 Bronze: Google Pixel 8 Pro
A breakthrough device for Google, showcasing top-tier performance and AI-driven enhancements.
Best Older & Retro Smartphones
🥇 Gold: Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen)
A reliable phone with a clear HD display, all-day battery and simple interface - ideal for seniors or users who prefer a no-fuss experience.
🥈 Silver: Samsung Galaxy A3 (2015)
Affordable, durable and designed with a unibody metal frame. An excellent pick for budget shoppers.
🥉 Bronze: Huawei Honor 9
A stylish device with impressive battery life and performance, offering great value despite its age.
Looking for more alternatives? Explore our Top Apple & Samsung Alternatives.
Still exploring your options? Head over to our full range of refurbished devices and find great prices on smartphones across every category.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best iPhone to buy?
Envirofone's gold pick for best overall iPhone is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with stunning performance, advanced cameras and a 6.7-inch display. The iPhone 15 takes silver as a superb all-rounder with a 48MP main camera.
What is the best Samsung phone?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra takes gold as a powerhouse for gaming, photography, work and entertainment, with a 6.8-inch display. The Galaxy S24+ is silver and the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is bronze.
What is the best budget smartphone?
Envirofone's top budget pick is the iPhone 13, which has a powerful A15 processor, reliable battery life and a fantastic camera. The Google Pixel 7a and iPhone SE 2022 take silver and bronze.
Which Google Pixel phone is best?
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the gold pick, with AI tools like Magic Editor and Audio Eraser. The compact Pixel 8 with its 6.2-inch display takes silver, and the Pixel 7 Pro takes bronze.
What is a good simple phone for seniors?
The Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) is Envirofone's gold pick among older phones, with a clear HD display, all-day battery and a simple interface that suits seniors or anyone wanting a no-fuss experience.
