reviews for phones 62-100

as midrange phones get better, some flagship (chip) phones struggle to compete. Flagship processor phones in this part of my list are 2023 or earlier make or flagship processor smartphones with compromises made elsewhere.

To see how I evaluate and compare phones, please visit my About page > .

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Protection * TOP Desktop replacement
EDITORIAL: Motorola keeps producing excellent midrange (processor) phones with lovely colors and build, great in-hand feel and non-slip surfaces, top ingress and military standard drop protection, bright screens with Pantene calibrated colors and smooth but powerful OS with all the AI works and DeX equaling desktop replacement functionality. Motorola phones don’t sell in all markets so consider yourself lucky if you can get one locally.
PROs: good Mediatec 8350 E processor with UFS4.0 performance, a 2-day Si/C 6000mAh long life battery with a sub-1hr 90W wired charging (15W wireless), >1500nits bright P-OLED HDR10+ screen, maximum (IP69 + Military standard) element and drop protection, good imaging (50MP OIS main + 10MP OIS tele + 12MP ultrawide, all PDAF) back camera and excellent and very stable OS package that includes a powerful desktop replacement software
CONs: no AF on selfie, no SDmemory, just 3 years of OS updates (updated May 16, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Screen * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: This Poco scores better than the new Poco X7 Ultra because it trades the top chip for last year’s SD 8 Gen 3 but comes with a much bigger (6000mAh vs 5300 on Ultra) battery. The camera setup is downgraded from the Ultra but still delivers competent main and ultrawide shots and videos. This phone is a pleasure to use too for it’s great IP68 build and smooth OS performance.
PROs: fast SD 8 Gen 3 with UFS4.1 performance, a 2-day 6000mAh battery endurance with a sub-1hr 90W wired charging, excellent >1400nits >500ppi AMOLED screen with Dolby Vision, reliable 50MP OIS PDAF main with a 8MP ultrawide, 4 years of OS updates
CONs: no AF on ultrawide or selfie, no SDmemory expansion, no desktop replacement software (added Apr 27, 2025)

* BEST Protection * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Motorola has preserved the spirit of innovation and creativity despite transfers to Google (in 2012) and Lenovo (in 2014). Their phones feature solid build with unusual and fun colors, good ingress protection and solid camera tech. The software is a very clean version of Android with useful but minimal additions such as “karate chop” move to turn on the main camera. This phone features a very interesting aramid fibre back, plastic frame, full IP68 water resistance with military grade drop protection, up to 5 years of OS updates and desktop replacement software bundled inside fast and feature rich OS.
PROs: compact and light 171gr build with fibre back panel, industry best ingress and drop protection, good (50MP main 10MP tele booth with OIS OIS and 13MP ultrawide – all three with PDAF) camera setup, long update support of a great OS with excellent desktop replacement functionality
CONs: could be hard to find, Motorola’s software updates can come with a delay (updated Apr 15, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: The non-Pro Oppo Find X8 version is a little gem – it includes everything the Pro has except the 2nd periscope tele camera. Because of the screen tech and battery size difference, it scores better in performance and marginally worse in battery life (which will still easily give you a full day). In a paradox, the white version’s back panel feels like plastic – great feel and solid surface that is very satisfying to touch – may be the best color option of the series!
PROs: great build and in-hand feel despite it’s considerable width, excellent Dimensity 9400 with UFS4.0 performance, bright >1300nits 460ppi AMOLED with Dolby Vision, very good triple PDAF 50MP camera setup (with OIS for main and tele), up to 5 years of OS updates
CONs: just short of a 2-day endurance from a 5600mAh Si/C battery, no AF on an “okay” selfie, no SDmemory, no desktop replacement feature (updated Apr 21, 2025)

* TOP Photos * TOP video recording * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Xiaomi’s best 2024 phone was one of world’s top camera phones of 2024. Missing are selfie camera auto-focus, the memory expansion slot and any attempt at the desktop replacement feature tho “video out” is supported. Xiaomi did a fantastic job with the main camera that features 4 50MP sensors, all with PDAF functionality and with a Photography Kit accessory available as an extra purchase – this really is a camera-phone.
PROs: more compact then direct (camera centric) competitors, good SD 8 Gen 3 performance, high res (520ppi) LTPO OLED with Dolby Vision, top camera chops (quad 50MP sensor setup with a periscope tele and OIS on all but ultrawide – all lenses have PDAF!), excellent video recording and long OS update support
CONs: a powerful processor with high-res 68B color support screen take a great toll on battery – barely a 1-day performance (updated Apr 16, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance
EDITORIAL: Last year’s Vivo flagship is so good, it just left the Top 30. It features last year’s top Mediatec processor and a slightly bigger battery than Vivo’s top phone, X100 Ultra. The camera here is marginally weaker but amazing battery life, fast charging, excellent performance and the wonderful build that Vivo is known for, make this phone stand out. If only Vivo offered memory expansion, desktop repacement or a longer software update policy…
PROs: good Dimensity 9300 performance, a 2-day excellent 5400mAh (Lithium) battery endurance with very fast (0-100% in 35min) charging, top main and tele (both 50MP OIS PDAF) lenses with a respectable pics from 50MP AF ultrawide
CONs: slippery build, 225gr heavy body, mediocre selfie and lack of SDmemory, desktop replacement or looking OS update support (updated Apr 16, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Selfie * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Oppo took a little more than it’s usual 6 months to come up with a new Reno model. This one is special: almost 5mm narrower (one hand friendlier) then Reno 14 Pro. The huge upgrade sees the same Mediatec processor, same battery (tho without wireless charging), smaller and brighter HDR10+ screen and an improved photography abilities. Reno 15 Pro (in some markets called “Reno 15 Pro Mini”) is easily one of the best midrangers in the world.
PROs: much smaller body then 14 Pro, good Mediatec 8450 with UFS3.1 performance, 36hr endurance from a 6200mAh Si-C diode battery with sub-60min 80W wired charging. very bright >1800nits 450ppi AMOLED screen with HDR10+ chops, IP69 protection. great imaging from 200MP 24mm main + 50MP 85mm telephoto (both with OIS PDAF) + 50MP 16mm AF ultra wide, excellent 50MP 18mm AF selfie, good video recording. 5 years of OS updates
CONs: no wireless charging, no LTPO tech, IP69 (but only to 1.5m) protection, no expandable memory, no computer replacement functionality, slow USBC 2.0 port (added Jan 16, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Battery endurance
EDITORIAL: Just 6 months after it’s predecessor, Z80 Ultra brings better hardware and software making this a very good value battery-camera-phone option. with new version of OS, top raw performance, outstanding battery endurance and and some improvements of the solid camera setup. The beautiful notch-less screen has minimal bezels and ultrasonic fingerprint sensor but no LTPO or HDR10+ tech yet. Just like it’s predecessor, Z80 Ultra is also a great gaming phone.
PROs: unique and quite likable design, great in-hamd feel for a big phone, very good SD 8 Elite Gen 5 with UFS 4.1 performance, 2day endurance from a 7200mAh Si-C battery with sub-50min 90W charging (80W wireless) and good battery longevity protection options, >1700nits bright >430ppi AMOLED screen. IP69 protection, some great shots from a 50MP 35mm OIS PDAF main + 64MP 70mm OIS PDAF periscope telephoto + 50MP 18mm PDAF ultrawide back camera setup, fast USB-C 3.2 port with OTG, additional camera kit
CONs: 230g heavy, throttles and gets hot under heavy load, no HDR10+ or Dolby Vision, poor selfie imaging, inconsistent video recording across lenses, no SDmemory slot, short OS update promise, no video out or desktop replacement functionality (updated Nov 12, 2025)

* TOP Selfie * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: A bigger version of Pixel 10 Pro comes with more screen and battery but same processor, IP protection, front and back cameras and software. Disappointing hardware performance and lack of hardware innovation are somewhat offset by strong AI features, desktop replacement software and Qi2 wireless charging. Pricing is uncompetitive.
PROs: good built, >2200nits bright >480ppi great LTPO OLED screen with HDR10+, IP68, great images from 50MP OIS main + 48MP OIS periscope tele + 48MP ultrawide (all with PDAF) back cameras, excellent imaging from 42MP PDAF selfie, great video recording (but not quite iPhone level). up to 7 years of OS updates, loaded with latest AI and the new desktop replacement feature baked into Android 16
CONs: large and hard to use one hand, disappointing Tensor G5 performance with throttling, barely 12hr 5200mAh Li battery endurance. >60min 45W wired (25W wireless) charging, camera tech from 2024 (except closer focusing tele), no expandable memory slot, the most expensive midrange phone (updated Sep 17, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Protection * TOP Memory expansion
EDITORIAL: Not to be confused with the China-only Realme GT7, this Oppo features great performance from Mediatec new 4nm 9400e chip, incredible battery endurance, great Dolby Vision screen and a solid 4 year-long OS update promise.
PROs: Dimensity 9400e UFS4.0 performance on par with “SD 8 Elite for Galaxy” chip, insanely long almost 3-day Si/I 7000mAh battery endurance with a host of battery health preserving features and sub-60min wired charging (no wireless), excellent >1400nits bright LTPO AMOLED with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision magic and high frequency PWM dimming, IP69 element protection, reliable-if-not-flagship-grade 50MP OIS main + 50MP tele (both with PDAF) + 8MP ultrawide cameras and 4 years of OS updates
CONs: plastic frame and back, processor throttling (only under heavy load), ultrawide and selfie cameras with no AF, lack of memory expansion or desktop replacement functionality (added May 29, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Protection * TOP Memory expansion
EDITORIAL: The first Edge phone of 2025 brings tons of value in exchange for limited longevity and a reliable (but not exceptional) camera setup. Great battery, very good (1220 x 2712 Pixel) screen, top (IP69 with MIL-STD-810H) protection against the elements, SDmemory expansion, desktop replacement feature are all there along with reliable main cam and very good video recording. Like last Fusion, this could be your one hand phone with a narrow body, curved screen, thin plastic frame and just 8mm in thickness.
PROs: 2-day battery life with 45min (0 to 100) fast changing, >1300nit bright HDR10+ screen, industry best ingress and drop protection, good main (50MP PDAF OIS) camera and a decent (13MP AF) ultrawide, SDmemory slot, desktop replacement software included in Motorola’s clean and feature rich Hello UI OS
CONs: Dimensity 7300 chip with UFS2.2 memory and just 3 years of OS updates (added Apr 14, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Battery endurance
EDITORIAL: Vivo focuses on a “battery-screen-cameras” for it’s success, (Oppo) Realme is going for the “processor-battery-screen” approach. I expected the top performance here but didn’t see how amazing phone’s battery could be. Not only does it last longer than competition, GT 7 Pro also charges 50% in just 12 minutes! It’s 120W charging is also smarter this year with various options for preserving battery health. And the charger comes in the box to shows us what’s possible on the battery front. The triple lens main camera produces good photos.
SUPERPOWER: outstanding battery performance
PROs: SD 8 Elite with UFS4.0 performance, outstanding 6500mAh Silicone battery life with sub-1hr 120W charging, a super bright >2000nits 1264p screen with Dolby Vision, IP69 protection, ultrasonic biometrics
CONs: average camera performance, no SDmemory, only 3 years of OS updates, no desktop replacement software (updated Apr 18, 2025)

* TOP Photos * TOP Selfie
EDITORIAL: Oppo’s top phone of 2024 is s still a great package with amazing photography chops and a top build.
PROs: if you can still find it (no pun intended): still fast SD 8 Gen 3 performance with UFS4.0, sub-30min (0-100%) fast charging, a >510 ppi with Dolby Vision screen, 1″ main sensor, excellent photos from the back quad 50MP PDAF setup with OIS on all except ultrawide and front a great selfie (32MP PDAF)
CONs: 221gr heavy, only 1-day battery endurance, inconsistent video quality across lenses (the main lens videos are outstanding) (updated Apr 23, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Another Ultra phone from Poco brings updates but also some downgrades to excellent F7 Ultra. F8 Ultra advantage of being a cheap flagship phone is fading with higher pricing and exposing it to last year’s best phones of the same price. Still, it offers top processor with fastest memory, great endurance and screen (tho non-LTPO) and solid performance main and periscope tele cameras. Bose partnered to create the first 2.1 sound on a phone – standard two channels that add a woofer speaker located in the camera island. It produces excellent sound.
PROs: top SD 8 Elite Gen 5 with UFS4.1 performance, 36hr battery endurance from 6500mAh battery with sub-60min 100W (40W wireless) charging, good sub-420ppi AMOLED with Dolby Vision (tho non-LTPO and with sub-1100nits brightness), IP68 protection. many great pics from 50MP 23mm OIS PDAF main + 50MP 115mm PDAF periscope telephoto + 50MP 18mm ultrawide back cameras, up to 5 years of OS updates, fast USB-C 3.2 port with OTG and Display Out and excellent sound co-designed with Bose
CONs: almost 3mm wider then F7 Ultra, heavier too, poor performance under prolonged maximum load (gets very hot too). mediocre 32MP 21mm selfie, mediocre video recording, no expandable memory, lacking in advanced AI tricks competitors have and no desktop replacement functionality (updated Jan 22, 2026)

* TOP Software
EDITORIAL: (this is a pre-test listing based on reasonable expectations of battery endurance, charging and imagining performance) The Reno line is following this year’s trend of growing smaller – vanilla Reno 14 from just 6 months ago was 74.7mm wide. Other upgrades include a brighter screen and camera sensor upgrades (main to a 200MP and the ultrawide to a 50MP sensor). Already stellar endurance should be helped by battery size increase to 6200mAh. This is a top midrange phone option if you can find it in your market.
PROs: good Mediatec 8450 with UFS 3.1 performance, 36hr endurance from 6200mAh battery with sub-60min 80W charging. great >1500nits bright >450ppi AMOLED screen with HDR10+, IP69 protection (down to 2m for up to 30 min). reliable pics from a 200MP 24mm OIS PDAF main + 50MP 85mm OIS PDAF telephoto + 50MP 16mm AF ultrawide, very good 50MP 18mm AF selfie and up to 5 years of OS updates
CONs: no wireless charging, no LTPO tech, average video recording, no expandable memory that Reno phones used to include, slow USB-C 2.0 port and no desktop replacement feature or Video Out (added Dec 3, 2025)

* TOP Selfie * TOP Video * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Like Samsung, Apple has introduced a slim phone this year. And just like Samsung’s, Apple’s new entry replaces the bigger non-Pro model that wasn’t selling too well. 17 Air is the only iPhone this year to keep the Titanium build and the only one to come with just 2 lenses: one on the front and just one in the back. Other then being 5.6mm thin, 17 Air offers the same screen with anti-reflection coating and the same new “Center Stage” selfie camera as this year’s Pro’s. It’s A19 Pro chip has 1 core less and a noticably slower performance when compared to 17 Pro Max. Night mode photos are painfully slow to take. The still and video imaging is very good but remember: you won’t have access to any meaningful zooming or ultrawide action. At least, Air’s battery life is better then Samsung Edge’s. We wish it more luck then iPhone Plus had.
PROs: strong titanium uni-body, good A19 Pro performance, up to 1TB of storage, sharp 460ppi LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED with Dolby Vision screen, great imaging from a single 48MP OIS PDAF main, excellent new Center Stage 18MP selfie with OIS PDAF, stable iOS with up to 6 years of updates
CONs: short sub-24hr endurance from an old-tech lithium 3150mAh battery, slow >90min 25W wired (20W wireless) charging, screen with just 1000nits brightness, only 1 camera on the back, no SDmemory slot nor desktop replacement feature, slow USB-C 2.0 without Video-Out support, expensive (updated Sep 26, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Software * TOP Desktop replacement
EDITORIAL: Samsung is bringing it’s top 200MP main camera from S25 Ultra to their best foldable. It also added AF to the ultrawide but unfortunately kept the telephoto at just 10MP. The phone is now significantly thinner compared to Z Fold 6 (from 5.6mm to 4.2mm when unfolded) but noticably wider compared to past models (72.8mm vs 68.1mm on Z Fold 6 and 67.1mm on Z Fold 5). Battery tech, endurance and charging remain the same, a disappointing performance from the world’s biggest phone maker.
PROs: excellent build, nice new colors, fast SD 8 Elite with UFS4.0 performance, >1400nits bright 422ppi (368ppi inner) HDR10+ LTPO AMOLED screens, IP48 protection, good photos from 200MP OIS main + 12MP ultrawide cameras (both with PDAF), 7 years of OS updates and DeX – Samsung’s excellent desktop replacement software
CONs: not as one-hand-friendly as it used to be, embarrassing lack of battery tech and performance improvement, 90min 25W slow charging, disappointing telephoto camera performance, no AF on either selfie, no SDmemory slot and Samsung’s persistent effort to lock it’s customers into the phone+wearable echo-system (updated Jul 19, 2025)

* TOP Photos * TOP Selfie * TOP Desktop replacement
EDITORIAL: (this is a pre-test listing based on reasonable expectations of chip performance, battery endurance, charging speed and photo & video performance) Huawei seems to be back with another world’s best camera-phone. The company has adopted a full self-reliance approach in both hardware (Kirin chip, protective glass, camera design) and software (moving it’s OS away from Google dependence) and seems to be back to excellence. With Pura 80 Ultra, Huawei brings a first in the smartphone photography: two different periscope telephoto lenses that share one sensor. We’re waiting for the test results but knowing Huawei’s innovation record, this should be the BEST Photography phone in the World.
PROs: more competitive pricing then Pura 70 Ultra, great build quality, solid (upper-midrange) Kirin 9020 performance, fast 100W charging of the 5700mAh Li battery (80W wireless charging), IP69 element protection, outstanding 50MP 1″ sensor main camera with f/1.6_4.0 OIS PDAF + 83mm and 212mm two lens PDAF OIS 50MP periscope telephoto + 40MP AF ultrawide back camera, 13MP AF ultrawide and stable DeX-like desktop replacement functionality
CONs: lack of Google apps out of the box, future-software-update concerns, wider and heavier (76.1mm, 233gr) body, non-Si 5700mAh 1-day battery and a lack of expandable memory storage (added Jun 4, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Screen * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: This year for the first time, Poco is making a flagship phone. It is a rare and generous upgrade from previous Poco phones, hense the Ultra moniker. To get down to it’s price point, some compromises had to be made.
PROs: relatively narrow well build body with IP69 protection, top SnapDragon 8 Elite with UFS 4.1 performance, super-fast (0 to 100%) 30 min charging, flagship >500ppi >1500nits Dolby Vision display, 4 years of OS updates
CONs: decent but not-so-Ultra grade cameras, lack of expandable storage and computer replacement feature (updated Apr 21, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Selfie * TOP Video recording * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: This round Apple upgraded it’s non-Pro models’ chips to match the Pro level. They are now better then ever. iPhone 16 is a great option for anyone needing great photos and videos from a compact iPhone. The screen is still only 60htz (no one else makes phones with such slow refresh rate any more) but this is a flagship grade phone in every other way.
PROs: fast performance led by A18 chip, up to 6m of water submersion, good photos and excellent videos from a 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide plus a 12MP Selfie – all with PDAF, 6 years of iOS updates
CONs: improved but still barely a day of battery endurance, slow charging, only 60Hz when every other maker offers 120Hz screen refresh rate, no expandable storage or desktop replacement (updated Mar 30, 2025)

* TOP Video recording * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: This China exclusive is still a great camera phone with lovely design, great in-hand feel, beautiful screen, triple 50MP back camera setup and a stable OS.
PROs: flagship build, fast SD 8 Gen 3 with UFS4.0 performance, 1-day 4880mAh Li-P b battery endurance, sub-30min 120W wired charging (50W wireless), excellent pics and videos from a 50MP main + 50MP tele (both OIS PDAF) + 50MP AF ultrawide, 4 years of OS updates and a fast USB-C 3.2 connection with OTG
CONs: only full-day battery endurance, sans-AF selfie, no memory slot or desktop replacement functionality (updated Jul 4, 2025)

* TOP Camera * TOP Selfie * TOP Video * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: A meaningful upgrade from iPhone 14 Pro brought a smaller & lighter body with a same size screen and a bigger battery too! Finally a USB-C port (forced in by EU regulators) brings compatibility with most charging cables out there. A 3nm A17 Pro chip with delivers great smoothness and fluidity (tho lags ~20% behind top SnapDragon and Mediatec chips in raw numbers).
PROs: a great 180gr build, >1800nits 6.1″ Dolby Vision screen, excellent photography and video from both back (48MP OIS main + 12MP OIS tele + 12MP ultrawide) and front (12MP OIS) all with PDAF cameras, 6 years of OS updates, great integration inside Apple ecosystem (for good and bad)
CONs: just a 1-day endurance with >90min slow charging, no SDmemory, no desktop replacement software (updated Apr 21, 2025)

* TOP Selfie * TOP Software * TOP Desktop replacement
EDITORIAL: Samsung’s top of the line contact in 2023 is still a good flagship. Great build, fast SnapDragon 8 Gen 2 performance (iPhone 15 Pro Max level) with more years of One UI updates and regular security patches make it a relevant smartphone while many of it’s peers are being retired. Excellent selfie too.
PROs: still good SD 8 Gen 2 with UFS4.0 (the 128GB version gets UFS3.1) performance, HDR10+ screen with >430ppi resolution, great photos and videos from a 50MP main + 10MP tele (both with OIS PDAF) + 12MP ultrawide, a very competent 12MP PDAF selfie, years of OS and security updates and of course: DeX software
CONs: less-than-a-day 3900mAh battery with >1hr charging and no memory expansion (updated Apr 28, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Screen
EDITORIAL: Asus has added this Zenfone Ultra in 2024 and in 2025 they put away it’s more compact (and more interesting) smaller model. So it looks like they gave up on the “compact phone” idea and are turning towards more crowded and stiffer competition space. This, first Ultra of theirs was a good effort. (It you can still find it)
PROs: good SD 8 Gen 3 performance, great 2-day battery endurance with fast (40 minute to 100%) charging, bright 144Hz refresh rate screen, IP68 water protection.
CONs: 76.8mm & 228gr size, not-so-Ultra-photo and video performance, no expandable storage, no desktop replacement software and just two years of OS updates policy. (updated Apr 2, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Memory expansion
EDITORIAL: This 68mm wide flagship phone is a little marvel of Japanese engineering. It came with the top processor (SD 8 Gen 2), amazing battery life, cameras with Sony Alpha tech, SDmemory expansion, quality front facing speakers, a great 21.5:9 screen proportion that excels at scrolling content and showing movies full-screen, no selfie camera cut out, a camera button and even a tool-less SIM card tray… Sony was out to razzle-dazzle us!
PROs: Sony’s last small flagship, excellent 2-day 5000mAh Li/Po battery endurance with sub-90min 30W charging, always-on 120Hz refresh rate very accurate 800nits punch hole-free 21:9 screen with front facing speakers, excellent pics from Zeiss optics 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide (both dual pixel PDAF OIS) back camera and good selfies from a (non-AF) 12MP, SDmemory slot and headphone jack, tool-less SIM tray
CONs: Sony’s lack of commitment to software development and support, only 2 OS updates (updated May 27, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Selfie * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Excellent build, good performance, 2-day battery life, solid cameras and Apple’s well coordinated ecosystem are keeping this phone very competitive despite the lack of innovation, screen with old technology no other phone maker uses and Apple’s strong effort to make it difficult for anyone to leave their phones
PROs: great build, 2-day battery, >1600nits bright screen with Dolby Vision, reliable photos, first-iPhone-with-USB-C-port title, 6 years of iOS updates and the familiar iOS design
CONs: lack of innovation and pursuit of excellence that Apple used to be known for, expensive accessories and repairs, sub standard 60mHz video refresh rate, meh night videos from the ultrawide, no expandable storage, no desktop replacement software and a slow 2.0 USB-C port (updated May 26, 2025)

* TOP Video recording * TOP Memory expansion
EDITORIAL: The craftmeship and Japanese engineering shine her with great build, narrow 21:9 body that allows easy one-hand use and scrolling down long pages. A no notch, 4k, >640ppi (!) screen provides full-screen viewing of cinema content. Loud front facing speakers. IP68 water and dust resistance. Reliable cameras and great video recording. Dedicated two-step camera button. Tool-less SIM tray with fast SDmemory card option allows for swapping memory cards in seconds. headphone/microphone jack allows for using external microphones for your video footage.
PROs: it’s historical value, great built, excellent one-hand-use design, very hi-res screen with no notch what so ever, very capable photo and video setup, expandable storage and earphone jack.
CONs: only 1-day 5000mAh battery life (due to very high res screen), multiple photo and multiple video recording apps with steep learning curve. OS updates only up to Android 15. (updated Apr 3, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Featuring new and confusingly named Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip and a massive 7400mAh battery, 15R delivers good performance, excellent endurance, very good screen and fluid software that includes OnePlus’ Mind Space – a button driven AI utility. Cameras leave a lot to be desired – there is no zoom lens and the ultrawide is just 8MP with no autofocus. AnTuTu tests put it on par with 2 year old flagship chips.
PROs: great build with OnePlus 15 design, reliable SD 8 Gen 5 with UFS 4.1 performance, 7400mAh Si-C battery with >42hr endurance and sub-60min 80W (no wireless) charging, >2200nits very bright 450ppi non-LTPO screen with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision tech, IP69 protection, reliable pics from a 50MP 23mm main camera, up to 4 years of very stable OxygenOS, dedicated AI button with Mind Space area assisted by Google Gemini
CONs: poor performance from a 8MP 16mm ultra wide (no AF), just okay 32MP 25mm selfie, average video recording, no expandable memory, no desktop replacement functionality, slow old-tech USBC 2.0 port (updated Jan 28, 2025)

* TOP Selfie * TOP Video * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: The vanilla 17 gets a new A19 (3nm) chip along with now minimum 256GB of fast memory. In one of the biggest upgrades to an iPhone, Apple finally put in a 120Hz LTPO OLED screen with advanced anti-glare coating. The resolution and Dolby Vision are the same as on the 17 Pro. Ultrawide camera is upgraded to 48MP and the new 18MP selfie is shared with Pro models too. In a true Apple fashion, battery tech is the same with just 130mAh more power. Taking the upgraded screen into account explains noticably worse battery endurance compared to iPhone 16. As with it’s Pro models, there is a new design with a camera plateau bump and fresh new colors.
PROs: fast A19 performance with a minimum of 256GB storage, sub-90min 30W charging (25W wireless), iPhone 17 Pro level 460ppi LTPO OLED screen with a proper 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision, IP68 protection (to 6m), reliable photos from a 48MP OIS main + 48MP ultrawide (both with PDAF), excellent photos and videos from a new 18MP OIS PDAF Center Stage selfie, great videos front and back, stable and mature iOS with up to 6 years of updates
CONs: sub-24hr endurance from a 3692mAh Lithium battery, no SDmemory slot, no desktop replacement feature, slow USB-C 2.0 port tho there is a DisplayPort support (updated Sep 27, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Selfie * TOP Software
EDITORIAL: Vivo’s V series delivers some of the best midrange phones. While always playing on the battery+screen+imaging formula the V60 brings the first periscope telephoto to a V series phone. It is excellent. The battery endurance remains class leading, a true 2-day performance. Along the 4 Zaiss tuned cameras (3 with AF) you also get a large, bright screen. The Funtouch OS is stable and mature, easy to use and like but the screen has grown in size while dropping to 1080p. Overall, V 60 is a joy to use and it’s main, periscope telephoto and selfie cameras are hard to beat.
PROs: good SnapDragon 7 Gen 4 with UFS 2.2 performance, outstanding endurance of the 6500mAh Si-C battery with sub-1hr 90W wired charging, bright >1300nits AMOLED HDR10+ screen with high frequency PWM, IP69 protection, Zeiss branded 50MP OIS main + 50MP OIS periscope telephoto (both with PDAF) and a great 50MP AF selfie, 4 years of OS updates
CONs: wider and harder to use one hand, only 388ppi screen, 8MP ultrawide with no AF, no SDmemory, no desktop replacement feature or even video out, slow USB-C 2.0 port (added Aug 15, 2025)

* TOP Protection * TOP Memory expansion * TOP Software …
EDITORIAL: The best G series phone is a “light” version of the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion. It comes with a same processor and memory, screen and battery size, selfie and probably the same main camera as well. Downgraded are just charging speed and the ultrawide. Also missing is the desktop replacement feature reserved for Motorola’s flagship Edge series.
PROs: great build and colors, a charger and bumper case included in some markets, good Mediatec 7300 with UFS 2.2 performance, 24+hour endurance from 5200mAh battery, sub90min 30W wired charging (no wireless), 1300+nits P-OLED screen with HDR10+, excellent IP69 with military standard drop protection, reliable photos and videos from 50MP OIS PDAF main + 8MP AF ultrawide, SDmemory slot, excellent OS with AI integration and video mirroring options with 4 years of OS updates
CONs: relatively low PWM screen refresh frequency may cause headaches in sensitive users, no AF on selfie, no desktop replacement software (updated Jul 17, 2025)

* TOP Selfie * TOP Software …
EDITORIAL: Vivo is aiming for the very best with the X Fold 5. The biggest battery on a foldable and excellent brightness on both screens but this Vivo is a bit of a disappointment. While better then rival foldables, the battery will last less then 24 hours. More disappointingly, the back camera performance good but not as good as you’d expect from the world’s best camera-phone company.
PROs: very good SnapDragon 8 Gen 3 with UFS4.1 performance, sub1hour 80W wired (40W wireless) fast charging, a >1600nits bright LTPO AMOLED screens with Dolby Vision, 4 years of OS updates and a very fast USB-C 3.2 port with video out
CONs: 1 year old processor, the 6000mAh Silicone Carbon battery should deliver better battery endurance, Zeiss branded 50MP OIS main + 50MP OIS periscope tele + 50MP ultrawide (all with PDAF) are great on paper but produce only “good” images and videos (with limited dynamic range), no AF on either selfie (but you’ll use the main camera for selfies), no expandable memory, no desktop replacement software and limited market availability (updated Jul 29, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Selfie
EDITORIAL: (this is a pre-test listing based on a reasonable expectation of battery endurance, screen and camera performance) Reno 14 Pro is an iterative update of Reno 13 Pro. Slightly wider, thinner and heavier, it features a new (slightly faster) chip, slightly bigger battery but camera gets 2 major updates: a periscope telephoto and a proper 50MP ultrawide. Reno remains one of the best midrange (chip) phones.
PROs: complete package at a good price, solid Dimensity 8450 with UFS 3.1 performance, excellent 2-day+ endurance from a 6200mAh battery with 80W (50W wireless) fast charging, large bright AMOLED with HDR10+ and 3800+PWM, IP69 (2m for up to 30 min) protection, great pics from 50MP main + 50MP periscope telephoto (both with OIS PDAF) + 50MP AF ultrawide and a 50MP AF selfie
CONs: hard to use one-hand, bland looks, no SDmemory, short OS update policy, no desktop replacement functionality or even video-out (added Jun 21, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Battery endurance * Macro camera
EDITORIAL: Asus’ ROG (Republic of Gamers) phones keep getting better. The 2024 edition refined the already excellent 2023 version and added an improved AeroActive Cooler X Pro. This is an excellent phone with top performance, NTFS storage support, great battery endurance, very bright HDR10 Screen, IP68 protection, gaming triggers, cool mini-LED (85 dot) matrix on the back panel and even decent (if not great) photos from it’s 50MP OIS PDAF main + 13MP ultrawide + 5MP macro lenses.
PROs: top tier SD 8 Elite (UFS4.0) performance, outstanding 2-day battery endurance from the 5800mAh Lithium battery with 45min 65W charging (15W wireless), eye-searing 1900+nits bright 185Hz LTPO AMOLED screen, USB-C ports with Display Port 1.4 and OTG, 3.5mm headphone jack
CONs: 227gr big, lack of expandable storage, very short OS update support, no desktop replacement feature (updated Apr 28, 2025)

* TOP Performance * TOP Battery endurance
EDITORIAL: The Pro version of ROG 9 comes only in black. It offers more mini-LED dots on the back (648 vs 85) then ROG 9 (see listing above) and replaces the macro lens with a proper 32MP OIS PDAF telephoto. It has a 1TB, 24GB RAM version too b but otherwise matches the ROG 9 in physical build, processor, memory, battery, charging, screen, gaming tech and (only 2 year) OS support.
PROs: top performance scores by SD 8 Elite processor with UFS4.0, 2-day endurance from a 5800mAh Li battery and fast 45min (0 to 100%) 65W wired (15W wireless) charging, >1900nits bright LTPO AMOLED with 185Hz refresh rate (!), gaming triggers, 2 USB-C ports (1 with OTG), 3.5mm headphone jack
CONs: heavy at 227gr, lack of expandable storage, very short OS update support, no desktop replacement feature (updated Apr 28, 2025)

* TOP Battery endurance * TOP Selfie
EDITORIAL: Vivo V40 has perfected the midrange formula putting out another excellent phone. For about $500, you will get a battery + screen + pics phone that is a pleasure to use. This is a great phone to consider, if it is sold in your market.
PROs: a easily pocketable (just 7.6 mm thick) body with a thin (plastic) frame and curved sides on both front and back, lag-free performance from SD 7 Gen 3 processor, a 2-day endurance by 5500mAh Si/C battery with 45min (0-100%) 80W charging, excellent >1300nits 450ppi HDR10+ AMOLED screen, IP69 element protection, Zeiss tuned 50MP PDAF OIS main + 50MP AF ultrawide produce reliable photos and very good videos and macro shots, the 50MP AF selfie is excellent for both pics and videos (day or night)
CONs: UFS2.2 and the USB-C2.0 slow things down, no wireless charging, no SDmemory or Desktop replacement feature, only 2 years of OS updates (updated May 27, 2025)

* TOP Selfie
EDITORIAL: Pura 70 Ultra is a China-only camera-phone dream with proven photo (hardware and software) performance. It is considered by many to be the very best camera-phone of the 2024. Processor is a Kirin 9010, with performance on par with (2024) upper-midrange processors, scoring just below Dimensity 8300. Battery endurance is almost a full day. The screen is a solid but MOR: sub-1300nits, 460ppi with no HDR10+. Phone is beautifully crafted (altho 226gr heavy) and feels as premium as any featuring a lovely and grip-friendly fake-leather back. To run Google apps, you will have to get GBox depository and install them from there.
PROs: high-quality build, reliable Kirin 9010 performance, 1-day 5200mAh Li battery endurance with a 100W sub-60min wired charging (80W wireless), IP68 protection, outstanding photo performance from a 1″ 50MP variable f/1.6-4.0 aperture OIS PDAF retractable main + 50MP PDAF telephoto + 40MP AF ultrawide camera and 13MP AF selfie cameras, Huawei’s good desktop replacement feature and bring the very first Pura branded top phone
CONs: very limited software update future and support, battery life that could have been better for a phone this price and size, mediocre video recording quality and the lack of expandable memory (updated Jun 3, 2025)

* TOP Selfie * TOP Video recording * TOP Software

* TOP Software * TOP Desktop replacement
EDITORIAL: (this is a pre-test listing based on reasonable expectations of battery endurance, charging and imaging performance) 15 months after the first tri-fold (Huawei’s Mate XT) release here comes Samsung’s answer. It has a lower price, better processor, 120Hz LTPO AMOLED screens, IP48 (immersible) water resistance, better software with much longer support too. It folds to completely hide the large 10″ main screen and includes DeX functionality, still considered best-in-industry. This is an excellent first attempt at a tri-fold by Samsung but battery life, charging, main screen brightness and resolution as well as average camera performance offer lots of room for improvement.
PROs: great build, fast SD 8 Elite performance, IP48 protection. >1300 nits 430ppi cover LTPO AMOLED screen, reliable photography from 200MP 24mm OIS main + 10MP 67mm tele + 12MP 13mm ultrawide (all with PDAF) camera setup. up to 7 years of updates and (wireless) DeX computer replacement functionality
CONs: >300g heavy, sub-12hr endurance (sub-24hr on smaller screen) from a 5600mAh Lithium battery with sub-90min 45W (15W wireless) charging. sub-1300nits sub-270ppi inner screen with no stylus support, average selfie and video recording performance. no SDmemory, no Video Out USB-C port (added Dec 7, 2025)