The best phone 2021 – CNET [CNET]

The phone world is one of the most fierce battlegrounds in tech, with giants like Apple and Samsung constantly trying to outdo each other with the latest, greatest tech. Their newest flagships, the iPhone 12 and Galaxy S21, respectively, offer fantastic rear multicamera setups, powerful processors and, of course, 5G. But they’re not the only brands to consider, with other rivals like OnePlus, Motorola and of course Google’s Pixel line all offering great specs at a range of prices. 

The sheer amount of solid competition gives us great options to choose from at a range of prices. Opting for a more affordable handset doesn’t mean compromising on usability, with even budget handsets offering big, vibrant displays and multiple rear cameras. We’re even starting to see 5G connectivity on much lower-end handsets.

To help you figure out the best of the best, we gathered our favorite phones to buy in 2021. Every phone on this list has been thoroughly reviewed and tested, from their camera performance to batteries. We’ve linked to the unlocked version of each phone, and they should run on most of the big four US wireless carriers, unless specified otherwise. We update this list regularly to ensure the best phone is always represented.

And for more info, read our guide to help find the best phone for your needs and take a look at our tips on how to buy a new cell phone. 

Solid Samsung at a lower price

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Samsung’s Galaxy S20 series had some great specs, but their high prices meant they were out of reach for many. Not so with the S20 FE, which is stuffed with great hardware but comes with a much more reasonable price — and earned itself a coveted CNET Editors’ Choice award in the process. We loved the Galaxy S20’s vibrant screen, its powerful processor, decent camera quality and 5G connectivity but especially liked its $650 price. 

Read more.

 

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