It has been a busy year for smartphones with us seeing more form factors than usual but also seeing the mid-tier market showing you don’t have to spend a lot to get a pleasant mobile experience. Here are some suggestions either for yourself or something you think needs to get upgraded.
Pixel 5/Pixel 4a/Pixel 4a 5G
This year Google didn’t release another flagship phone and went more mid-tier. Make no mistake though, the software chops of Google is always top notch and with even with their mid-tier hardware specs, they have created a great phone in the Google Pixel 5. And if that wasn’t it, they line for 2020 in the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G makes for plenty of options based on what your needs or, or what is important to you. All of their phones come with the same great camera, and that software that makes the experience amazing. You can’t go wrong with any of the line up this year!
Buy It Here:
Pixel 5 – Amazon or Best Buy | Pixel 4a – Amazon or Best Buy | Pixel 4a 5G – Amazon or Best Buy
Price: Starting at 699.99
iPhone 12 Pro
The best smartphone yet from Apple comes in the iPhone 12 Pro. Featuring a vibrant 6.1” Super Retina XDR display and what they are calling Ceramic Shield which is more durable than metal while its border is surrounded with stainless steel. It has everything from 5G to an impressive triple camera system that even allows for HDR Dolby Vision recording. While I find this to be the perfect size there is the 6.7” Pro Max if you need something bigger or the iPhone 12 if you don’t need all the premium specs but does save you $300.
Buy It Here: Apple
Price: Starting at $999.99
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
Quite possibly one of the most expensive ever and on this list comes from Samsung. It takes the 2-in-1 experience to another level. It can be used as a smartphone with its 6.2” front display or you can go even bigger with its 7.6” AMOLED 2x display. All this screen real estate allows you to do multitasking like watch YouTube one side and perhaps watch your favorite Twitch stream on the other side. You can have up to three apps running at once if you so dare. It is a work of art and once picked up its hard to put down. I would advise looking for discounts possibly by some trade-in deals to shave that hefty price down a bit (that is what I did).
Buy It Here: Amazon or Best Buy
Price: $1,999.99
TCL 10 Pro
One of the sleekest phones on the list is the 10 Pro by TCL. It has a Dual 3D glass finish giving it an elegant clean look. Its back panel is free of fingerprints which can be appreciated. It does have mid-tier specs, but it can handle its own playing some of the latest mobile games or even taking in various content on its 6.47” FHD+ AMOLED display. One of its best features is NXTVISION. It is a visual enhancement by TCL giving you more vibrant colors and details for your media consumption and picture taking. There is even an IR blaster if you want to use your phone as a remote control.
Buy It Here: Amazon or Best Buy
Price: $449.99
OnePlus 8 Pro
This phone checks all the boxes of what you want in a smartphone. A beefy hardware spec list ranging from the latest processors, storage and RAM capability, wireless charging, and a silky smooth 120Hz display. Nothing quite feels like it while scrolling thru apps or watching content on it. OnePlus’ UI is super friendly and customizable to suit your liking. Best of all the 8 Pro is available on carriers or unlocked and provides 5G capabilities.
Alternate option is the OnePlus 8T which features most of the same specs sans wireless charging but does have a flat display if curved glass isn’t too your liking.
Buy It Here: Best Buy
Price: $799.99
LG Wing
Possibly the most unorthodox looking smartphone is the LG Wing. It has not one but two displays which can be utilized by swiveling out the main screen. This gives you dual display capabilities that can be heavily used in multitasking. Watch Netflix on the main screen while scrolling Twitter on the 2nd screen. Or perhaps game on one while having a map to guide you on the other. Its camera system is also interesting as it can be used as a tripod of sorts that even features an on-display gimbal. If you are looking for something different this year the Wing has you covered.
Buy It Here: LG
Price: $999.99
Nokia 5.3
The least expensive on the list comes from Nokia with the 5.3. It has a flat design, circular camera cutout and even features a headphone jack. The 5.3 can be considered in the lower to mid-tier range but it does have a 4,000mah battery, 6.5” display and can play some mobile games such as Call of Duty Mobile. There is even a fingerprint sensor, or you can go the way of face unlock.
Buy It Here: Amazon or Best Buy
Price: Starting at $169.99
