New Year’s Eve is almost here so we’re taking a closer look Planet robot Again over the past twelve months. What are the best high-end smartphones of 2023? We’ve listed it for you!

The best high-end smartphones of 2023

You may not need a premium smartphone, because nowadays you can also get a cheaper one. But because of super-fast chips, good cameras and beautiful materials, they capture the imagination.

The good news is: If you wait a while, these phones will automatically become cheaper. That’s why the best high-end smartphones of 2023 will still be so interesting in 2024. Here, in no particular order, are our picks.

1. Asus Zenfone 10

It doesn’t happen very often, but almost all the rumors about the Asus Zenfone 10 have turned out to be untrue. The screen size remains only 5.9 inches, making this the smallest smartphone in its category. We were happy about that, because there are already enough large devices. Unfortunately, rumors of a larger battery and a new 200MP main camera were also false.

The only real point of criticism in our review of the Asus Zenfone 10 is the lack of innovation. This device is very similar to the Zenfone 9, but with an (even) faster chip. This isn’t a big deal, because the combination of powerful hardware, a compact display, and excellent battery life remains very attractive. You also now get four years of security updates; Twice longer than its predecessor.

We think the recommended retail price of €799 is reasonable. You can now also get the Zenfone 10 for cheaper.

2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Even though Samsung has made the Galaxy S23 series much more expensive, we can’t ignore the S23 Ultra. The beautiful display, excellent image quality and excellent cameras definitely make it one of the best high-end smartphones of 2023. The telephoto lens with which you can zoom 10x is still very special. The same goes for the built-in S Pen, which you can use to draw sketches.

Furthermore, the device is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip instead of a slower processor from Samsung itself. The Galaxy S22 Ultra certainly wasn’t sluggish, but its successor offers much better performance. The difference is especially important in games. The new chip is also more economical. This means the battery lasts for longer hours, as you can read in our Galaxy S23 Ultra review.

The recommended retail price for this phone was particularly high at €1,399. Fortunately, Samsung smartphone prices usually drop very quickly. You can now buy it hundreds of euros cheaper. And in 2024, when the Galaxy S24 Ultra launches, it may become cheaper.

3. OnePlus unlocked

There have been rumors about a foldable smartphone from OnePlus for years. This year it finally came out and the OnePlus Open certainly did not disappoint. Naturally, it is powered by a very fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, the design turns out to be very robust and it has a relatively large battery.

The device is also slightly thinner and lighter than the similar Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. We also think screens are better. The screen on the outside has a wider aspect ratio and is therefore more usable. The brightness is no less than 2800 lumens, so reading in the sun is not a problem at all. The crease in the inner display turns out to be barely visible.

Obviously, the high opening price is its main disadvantage. OnePlus has put the device on the market for 1,799 euros. This has not changed at the time of writing. This is more expensive than the OnePlus 11, the “regular” flagship of the Chinese manufacturer. However, if money is no object, we highly recommend the device. You can of course read more information in our OnePlus Open review.

4. Google Pixel 8 (Pro)

Our jaws hit the floor when it was announced that Google would be refreshing the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro for seven years. This instantly gives the search giant the best update policy of all major smartphone manufacturers.

In our Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro review, we wrote more positive words about these devices. The design is more modern and the displays can be brighter than their predecessors. Google has also improved the cameras, with a big focus on artificial intelligence. It’s now easier to erase objects in the photo or replace the entire sky with a more beautiful one.

You don’t have to buy smartphones to get performance. Sure, they feel fast, but they’re simply not as fast as most competitors. Google’s Tensor G3 chip can’t match Qualcomm’s Snapdragons. Battery life, although more than adequate, is not among the best on the market.

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are more expensive than the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, with a suggested retail price of €799 and €1,099. Below you will find the best prices at the moment.

5. No phone (2)

While the first Nothing Phone was clearly mid-range, its successor is one of the best high-end smartphones of 2023. The 6.7-inch OLED display is excellent, and the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, despite being a bit older, delivers excellent performance. The Nothing Phone (2) received a well-deserved 8 points in our review.

Nothing depends mainly on its unique design. The device can be seen through the transparent back, which also has plenty of LED lights attached to it. Lights up when a phone call is received or a notification arrives. The cameras may not excel, but they take good photos. Battery life is also good.

Obviously, the jump to the high-end segment had serious consequences on the price. That came to 699 euros. However, this is still a relatively reasonable price for a smartphone in this category. Moreover, you can now buy it at a much cheaper price.

What is your favorite?

Those were our favorite! Do you disagree with one of our choices? Or are we just skipping your favorites? Please let us know in the comments below this article. In the meantime, we look ahead to 2024. Of course, soon you’ll be able to read our predictions Planet robot.

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