Mobility

Photos: Best smartphones of 2018 for tech experts

By · September 14, 2018, 10:55 AM PST

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  • 1. Samsung Galaxy Note 9

    Looking to get a new smartphone? Here are 12 devices with the best features out now.

    Samsung's latest smartphone, the Galaxy Note 9, is already a huge hit with consumers. With its Bluetooth enabled S Pen, increased internal storage and RAM, better dual rear cameras, an impressive 4,000 mAh battery, and more, the Note 9 is incredibly powerful.

    The Note 9's quick, efficient, and functional design makes it an ideal smartphone for business pros. Get yours here.

    Image: Samsung

  • 2. Huawei P20 Pro

    The biggest draw to the Huawei P20 Pro is its triple camera design, with a low light mode that beats out the rest. The P20 Pro also has a 4,000 mAh battery, which is great for traveling business pros, and a large 6.1-inch OLED display.

    US customers will have to get one off eBay, but it'll be worth it.

    Image: Josh Miller/CNET

  • 3. Apple iPhone XS

    Available in a button-less 5.8-inch or 6.5-inch OLED screen, the iPhone XS features Apple's A12 chip with its Neural Engine for machine learning.

    You can get this pricey gadget from the Apple store online or through supported service providers.

    Image: James Martin/CNET

  • 4. Samsung Galaxy S9

    Samsung's Galaxy S9 is a beloved addition to the Samsung family. With 6GB of RAM, rear dual aperture camera, improved Bixby assistant, wireless and fast charging, IP68 dust and water resistance, the Samsung Galaxy S9 is a great smartphone investment. Even better, it's fairly reasonably priced, compared to the $1,000+ price tag of the iPhone X, and it still has a classic 3.5 mm headphone jack.

    Order one here!

    Image: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet

  • 5. OnePlus 6

    If you're looking for a phone similar to the Samsung Galaxy S9, but a little cheaper, OnePlus 6 is your guy. Made of all glass, the OnePlus 6 has an ultra sleek design that is very attractive to customers. OnePlus 6 has amazing radio support for GSM networks, quick charge capability, and more. Users can even enable an all touch interface on the phone, similar to the iPhone X.

    Purchase this affordable device here.

    Image: OnePlus

  • 6. Google Pixel 3

    The Google Pixel 3 is the one of the best options for Android-lovers, operating a pure version of Google's mobile software. The phone takes a pretty fantastic photo as well, with an artificial intelligence-powered camera. The camera has autofocus, optical and electronic image stabilization, and is able to shoot low aperture portrait mode photos. The Pixel 3 and 3 XL also has AR stickers that can be integrated with photo and video. Some of the most exciting features with the camera, however, include top shot, super res zoom, night sight, and group selfie.

    Pre-order the Pixel 3 here.

    Image: CNET

  • 7. LG G7 ThinQ

    The LG G7 ThinQ has almost everything a smartphone user would want: 3.5mm headphone jack, dual camera (one is widescreen), wireless charging, IP68 rating, microSD expansion card, and a screen that covers almost the entire front of the device. An extremely underrated device, the LG G7 ThinQ is a smart purchase.

    Grab one here!

    Image: Juan Garzon / CNET

  • 8. Motorola Moto G6

    The master of all budget phones, the Motorola Moto G6 is quite impressive for $250. Featuring dual rear cameras, a 1080p HD screen, and a Gorilla Glass 3 body, the Motorola Moto G6 is a great option for business pros who aren't trying to break the bank.

    Get the device here.

    Image: John Miller/CNET

  • 9. Samsung Galaxy Note 8

    The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 isn't quite as good as the Note 9, but definitely still deserves to make the list. The Galaxy Note 8 doesn't have dual mechanical aperture, but it does still use the S Pen, making it a good, cheaper option for business pros.

    Check it out here.

    Image: Sarah Tew/CNET

  • 10. LG V30

    Another great smartphone option, the LG V30 has all the basics one would need. With a good camera, fast processor, large OLED screen, awesome battery life, traditional headphone jack, waterproofing, wireless charging, and more, the LG V30 checks most boxes. However, the phone's design makes it a little hard to hold, and the camera has a slow autofocus function, according to CNET. At the end of the day, this phone is great if you aren't too camera-crazy.

    Look at the specs here.

    Image: Josh Miller/CNET

  • 11. Huawei Mate 10 Pro

    These last two are a couple more affordable options from Huawei. The first is the Mate 10 Pro, which has an incredible battery life. With 4,000 mAh of battery and a 20MP intelligent back camera, this phone packs quite a punch, and it's only $550 on Amazon right now.

    Order it here.

    Image: CNET

  • 12. Honor View 10

    The second affordable option is the Honor 10. Offering the same quick speeds and fun colors as the Huawei P20 Pro, but is about half the price at $429. The camera isn't as great as the more expensive model, but its slick design makes it look just as fancy.

    Get the phone here.

    Also see

    Image: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

1. Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Looking to get a new smartphone? Here are 12 devices with the best features out now.

Samsung's latest smartphone, the Galaxy Note 9, is already a huge hit with consumers. With its Bluetooth enabled S Pen, increased internal storage and RAM, better dual rear cameras, an impressive 4,000 mAh battery, and more, the Note 9 is incredibly powerful.

The Note 9's quick, efficient, and functional design makes it an ideal smartphone for business pros. Get yours here.

Image: Samsung

Related Topics:
Mobility Tech & Work Security Hardware Software Apple Android

By Macy Bayern

Macy Bayern is a former Associate Staff Writer for TechRepublic. She is a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin's Liberal Arts Honors Program.

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