Buying the best phone in 2020 is an expensive investment no matter whether it comes from Samsung, Apple, or Google, so choosing one is no small task. We've seen a mass of new phones over the year, and we're expecting even more in 2021.
We're constantly updating our best phones list for this reason: to make sure you're buying the absolute top smartphone for your needs. The Samsung Galaxy S20 series shook up our rankings, but also consider the iPhone 12 or Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, which we've found powerful phones for different reasons.
Why we have more than one pick: We have a top pick, but not everyone looks for the same smartphone features. Some demand Apple's iMessage and FaceTime, so that means sticking with iOS 14, while others will want infinite customizations and Google Assistant, which is available in Android 11.
Likewise, AT&T plans, Verizon plans, or your cell phone plan of choice may sway your preference; the best AT&T phone may not be available on Verizon, and vice-versa. We've seen more unlocked phones in the US, but not all of them are available for every carrier.
Almost all smartphone prices have crept up to – and above – $1,000 so you'll want to take your decision seriously. We're here to guide you through the top phone picks with all of the expertise we've gained doing phone reviews. We've pointed out certain phones that come in at a lower price, which plays into our ranking: pricier doesn't always mean better, and if some phones come in at great value, we'll list them.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are set to come toward the end of this year, and that may be a good opportunity for you to find a phone deal. We'd expect a variety of retailers to introduce phone deals, but often we find SIM free prices aren't heavily discounted throughout sales periods.
That said, we do expect to see and collate a variety of the best iPhone deals over Black Friday. We'll also be looking out for discounts on a variety of other manufacturers, but Apple is likely where we'll see the best discounts.
The best phone in 2020? It has a large display, yet is easy to handle; packs a camera suite capable of replacing a point-and-shoot; and has enough processor power and battery to get work done while you're on the go. You won't find slow smartphones with anything less than all-day battery life on this ranked phone list.
5G phones are becoming important and more prevalent and foldable phones will one day become a big deal. Plus you should bear in mind this list may change a lot once the new year rolls around. At the end of 2020, we've ranked the brand new Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, as well as the new iPhone 12 range and Google Pixel 5 that also offer next-gen connectivity.
Best phone at a glance:
Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20 Plus
iPhone 12
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
iPhone 12 Pro
OnePlus 8 Pro
iPhone SE 2020
Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
OnePlus 8
Google Pixel 5
Samsung Galaxy S10e
Google Pixel 4a
iPhone 11
iPhone XR
Motorola One 5G
