Choosing a new phone can be a daunting task, with so many options available on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance device with all the latest features or a more budget-friendly option, finding the perfect phone to suit your needs can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate phone buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to the best phones to buy in 2021, there are a few standout models that consistently top the charts. These phones not only offer impressive performance and cutting-edge features, but they also provide excellent value for money. From flagship devices from well-known brands to up-and-coming options that offer a unique experience, there is something for everyone on our list.
One of the top contenders in the smartphone market is the iPhone 12 Pro Max. With its stunning design, powerful processor, and advanced camera system, it’s no wonder this phone is regarded as one of the best options available. For Android enthusiasts, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a top pick, offering an incredibly smooth user experience and an impressive camera setup.
“The Google Pixel 5 deserves a spot on the list for its exceptional camera capabilities and clean interface. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 9 Pro appeals to gamers and tech enthusiasts with its fast performance and high-refresh-rate display.”
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry, as there are plenty of affordable options to choose from as well. The Google Pixel 4a is often hailed as one of the best budget phones thanks to its solid camera performance and clean Android experience. For those who prefer a larger display, the Moto G Power offers a great battery life and a large screen at an affordable price.
With so many great options available, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you prioritize a stunning camera, fast performance, or a long-lasting battery, there is a phone on this list that will suit your needs perfectly. So, take your time, do your research, and pick the phone that will elevate your mobile experience in 2021.
iPhone 12 Pro Max
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the flagship smartphone from Apple in 2021. It offers a combination of powerful hardware, advanced camera capabilities, and a stunning display.
Key features of the iPhone 12 Pro Max include:
- Design: The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a sleek and sophisticated design with a stainless steel frame and a glass back. It is available in four different finishes: Graphite, Silver, Gold, and Pacific Blue.
- Display: The device comes with a Super Retina XDR display that measures 6.7 inches diagonally. It offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and HDR support for a great viewing experience.
- Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, which is the fastest processor in any smartphone. It delivers impressive performance and enables smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Camera: The phone features a triple-camera system with a 12-megapixel wide lens, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. It offers advanced photography features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Dolby Vision HDR recording.
- Battery life: The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a long-lasting battery that can easily last a full day on a single charge. It supports fast charging and wireless charging.
- 5G connectivity: The device is 5G-ready, allowing for faster download and streaming speeds.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a top choice for those who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone with an excellent camera and a large display. It is perfect for photography enthusiasts, gamers, and anyone who values high-performance and premium design.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the best phones to buy in 2021. It is packed with powerful features and offers an exceptional user experience. Here are some key highlights of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:
- Display: The phone boasts a stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels. The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive viewing experience.
- Camera: The Galaxy S21 Ultra comes with a quad-camera setup, including a 108MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses. The camera system offers impressive zoom capabilities and produces high-quality images in various lighting conditions.
- Performance: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor (or Exynos 2100, depending on the region), the S21 Ultra delivers exceptional performance. It is equipped with up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring lag-free multitasking and smooth app performance.
- Battery: The phone houses a large 5,000mAh battery that provides all-day battery life. It supports fast charging, both wired and wireless, allowing you to quickly recharge your device.
- Design: With its sleek and elegant design, the Galaxy S21 Ultra features a glass back and an aluminum frame. It is available in various color options, including Phantom Black and Phantom Silver.
- Storage: The S21 Ultra comes with options for 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of internal storage, providing ample space for all your photos, videos, and apps.
- 5G Connectivity: The phone supports 5G connectivity, offering fast download and browsing speeds.
- Additional Features: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra also includes features like an in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, and support for the S Pen (sold separately).
If you are looking for a premium smartphone with top-of-the-line features, excellent camera capabilities, and a stunning display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is definitely worth considering.
Google Pixel 5
The Google Pixel 5 is one of the best phones to buy in 2021. With its impressive camera capabilities and powerful performance, it offers a great user experience.
Key features of the Google Pixel 5 include:
- Display: The Pixel 5 features a 6.0-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Camera: The Pixel 5 boasts a 12.2 MP dual-pixel main camera and a 16 MP ultra-wide camera. It captures stunning photos with excellent dynamic range and low-light performance.
- Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 765G processor and 8 GB of RAM, the Pixel 5 delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Battery: With a 4080 mAh battery, the Pixel 5 offers all-day battery life. It also supports fast charging and wireless charging.
- Software: The Pixel 5 runs on Android 11, with access to the latest features and updates from Google.
- Water and dust resistance: The Pixel 5 is IP68-rated, making it resistant to water and dust.
- Connectivity: It supports 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and streaming speeds.
- Storage options: The Pixel 5 comes with 128 GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 5 is a top choice for those looking for an excellent camera phone with fast performance and a great user experience. It offers all the features one would expect from a flagship device at a competitive price point.
OnePlus 9 Pro
The OnePlus 9 Pro is one of the top picks for the best phones to buy in 2021. With its sleek design and powerful performance, it offers a premium experience for smartphone users.
The OnePlus 9 Pro features a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive viewing experience. The display is vibrant and sharp, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, the OnePlus 9 Pro delivers fast and seamless performance. Whether you’re multitasking, playing demanding games, or running intensive apps, this phone can handle it all with ease.
One of the standout features of the OnePlus 9 Pro is its camera system. It sports a quad-camera setup co-developed with Hasselblad, a renowned camera brand. This setup includes a 48MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, an 8MP telephoto camera, and a 2MP monochrome sensor. The result is stunning and detailed photos in various lighting conditions.
In terms of battery life, the OnePlus 9 Pro packs a 4,500mAh battery with Warp Charge 65T fast charging technology. This means you can quickly recharge your phone and get back to using it in no time.
Other notable features of the OnePlus 9 Pro include 5G connectivity, an under-display fingerprint sensor, and a premium build quality. It runs on OxygenOS, which offers a clean and smooth user experience.
In conclusion, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a flagship phone that offers top-of-the-line features and performance. If you’re looking for a high-end smartphone that doesn’t compromise on quality, this is definitely a device worth considering.
Xiaomi Mi 11
Xiaomi Mi 11 is one of the top smartphones to consider in 2021. The Mi 11 is packed with powerful features and offers a great user experience.
Key Features:
- Display: The Xiaomi Mi 11 features a 6.81-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels. The display supports HDR10+ and has a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and vibrant visuals.
- Processor: It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which offers excellent performance and improved energy efficiency. This makes the Mi 11 suitable for multitasking, gaming, and more.
- Camera: The Mi 11 boasts a triple camera setup, including a 108MP wide-angle lens, a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5MP macro lens. It also has a 20MP front-facing camera for stunning selfies.
- Battery: With a 4,600mAh battery, the Mi 11 offers long-lasting battery life. It also supports fast charging, both wired and wireless, ensuring that you can quickly charge your phone when needed.
- Software: The Mi 11 runs on Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 based on Android 11, offering a smooth and intuitive user interface. It also comes with various software optimizations and features to enhance the overall user experience.
- Storage: The Mi 11 comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, providing ample space for your apps, photos, and files.
Pros:
- Powerful performance with Snapdragon 888 processor
- Stunning AMOLED display with HDR10+ support
- High-resolution camera setup for excellent photography
- Long-lasting battery life with fast charging support
- User-friendly MIUI 12 interface
Cons:
- No expandable storage
- No official IP rating for water and dust resistance
Overall, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is a top contender in the smartphone market, offering a powerful performance, impressive camera capabilities, and a beautiful display. It is a great choice for those looking for a high-end smartphone with a competitive price.
Motorola Edge+
The Motorola Edge+ is a flagship smartphone from Motorola that offers a range of impressive features. Here are some key details about this phone:
- Display: The Motorola Edge+ features a large 6.7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The display has curved edges and a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive experience.
- Performance: Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset and 12GB of RAM, the Edge+ delivers top-notch performance. It can handle demanding tasks and run multiple apps simultaneously without any lag.
- Camera: The phone boasts a triple camera setup on the rear, including a 108-megapixel primary sensor, a 16-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens. It also has a 25-megapixel front-facing camera for high-quality selfies.
- Battery: With a massive 5000mAh battery, the Motorola Edge+ offers excellent battery life. It also supports fast charging, including both wired and wireless charging options.
- Software: The Edge+ runs on near-stock Android 10, providing a clean and smooth user interface. Motorola also promises two years of software updates, ensuring you stay up to date with the latest features and security patches.
- Connectivity: The phone supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast internet speeds. It also has other standard connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC.
In conclusion, the Motorola Edge+ is a powerful smartphone that offers a stunning display, excellent performance, and a versatile camera setup. If you’re looking for a flagship phone with great battery life and 5G capabilities, the Motorola Edge+ is worth considering.
LG Wing
The LG Wing is a unique and innovative smartphone that offers a dual-screen experience unlike any other. Its standout feature is the swiveling main display, which can rotate 90 degrees horizontally to reveal a smaller secondary screen beneath. This design allows users to multitask and use two apps simultaneously, making it perfect for productivity and entertainment.
The main display measures 6.8 inches and has a Full HD+ resolution, providing sharp and vibrant visuals. The secondary screen, also known as the “Grip”, measures 3.9 inches and works in conjunction with the main display to offer different usage modes. Users can take advantage of the “Swivel Mode” to watch videos while still having access to notifications, or use the “Gimbal Mode” for a more stable and immersive video recording experience.
In terms of performance, the LG Wing is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset, which ensures smooth and efficient performance for everyday tasks. It comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, offering plenty of space for apps, media, and files. The phone also has a triple camera setup, consisting of a 64MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP ultra-wide Big Pixel camera, allowing users to capture stunning photos and videos.
Other notable features of the LG Wing include 5G connectivity, a 4000mAh battery that provides all-day usage, and stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience. It runs on LG’s custom skin on top of Android, which adds various software features and enhancements to improve the overall user experience.
Overall, the LG Wing is a truly unique and innovative smartphone that offers a refreshing take on multitasking and productivity. Its swiveling design and dual-screen functionality make it stand out from the crowd, and its powerful hardware ensures a smooth and enjoyable user experience. If you’re looking for a phone that combines style, functionality, and innovation, the LG Wing is definitely worth considering.
Sony Xperia 1 III
The Sony Xperia 1 III is a flagship smartphone that offers advanced features and high-quality performance. It is part of Sony’s Xperia series, known for its cutting-edge technology and sleek design.
The Xperia 1 III features a stunning 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display, providing a vibrant and immersive visual experience. The display also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and gaming. The phone is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, delivering fast and efficient performance.
One standout feature of the Xperia 1 III is its camera system. It boasts a triple-camera setup, including a 12-megapixel wide lens, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. The camera system is developed in collaboration with Sony’s Alpha camera division, resulting in exceptional image quality and advanced photography capabilities.
Another notable feature of the Xperia 1 III is its audio performance. It supports Hi-Res Audio and features stereo speakers tuned by Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology, providing an immersive sound experience. The phone also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in modern smartphones.
The Xperia 1 III has a premium build quality, with a glass front and back and a metal frame. It is also IP65/68 water and dust resistant, ensuring durability and protection against the elements. The phone runs on Android 11, with Sony’s Xperia UI adding additional features and customization options.
Other features of the Xperia 1 III include a large 4,500mAh battery with fast charging support, 5G connectivity, and a range of storage options. It also supports expandable storage via a microSD card slot.
In conclusion, the Sony Xperia 1 III is a top-of-the-line smartphone that offers an exceptional display, powerful performance, advanced camera capabilities, and immersive audio. It is a great choice for those who prioritize multimedia consumption and photography on their smartphones.
Questions and answers
What are the top 10 phones to buy in 2021?
The top 10 phones to buy in 2021 are the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Google Pixel 5, OnePlus 9 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, iPhone 12 Mini, Samsung Galaxy S21, Google Pixel 4a, and OnePlus 8T.
Which phone has the best camera in 2021?
The phone with the best camera in 2021 is the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It features a triple-camera system with a 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens, which captures stunning photos with excellent low-light performance and impressive zoom capabilities.
What is the best budget phone to buy in 2021?
The best budget phone to buy in 2021 is the Google Pixel 4a. It offers a great camera, clean software experience, and solid performance at an affordable price. It’s perfect for those who want a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
Are there any phones with long battery life?
Yes, there are several phones with long battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, OnePlus 9 Pro, and Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra all have large battery capacities that can easily last a full day of heavy usage. These phones are great for users who need a phone that can handle long hours of usage without constantly needing to be charged.
Which phone is best for gaming?
The OnePlus 9 Pro is considered one of the best phones for gaming in 2021. It has a powerful Snapdragon 888 processor, a high-refresh-rate display, and a large amount of RAM, ensuring smooth gameplay and fast loading times. Additionally, it has a cooling system to prevent the phone from overheating during extended gaming sessions.
What is the best phone for watching movies?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the best phone for watching movies in 2021. It has a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, HDR10+ support, and excellent color accuracy. The phone’s stereo speakers also provide immersive audio, making it a great choice for multimedia consumption.
Which phone has the best 5G capabilities?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is considered to have the best 5G capabilities among phones in 2021. It supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G, providing faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. Additionally, it has advanced antenna technology for better signal reception, ensuring a reliable 5G connection.