Photos: The best smartphones for tech experts in 2019

2. Samsung Galaxy Note 10

The Galaxy Note 10 is Samsung's latest flagship phone. With a 6.3" screen, a 3,500mAh battery, and 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, this phone packs quite the punch. For business users, one the most exciting features include the S Pen "Air Actions" optimizations, which allow users to gesture tasks in the air, which responds on the phone. The Samsung DeX also allows the Note 10 to connect to a PC or Mac with just a USB cord, which is perfect for traveling business pros.

Check it out here.

SEE: Smartphones and Mobile Tech (TechRepublic Flipboard magazine)

Image: Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

3. iPhone XR

The iPhone XR is Apple's less expensive version of the XS--great for Apple lovers who want an Apple device but don't need advanced functionality. This version has a 6.1" LCD display with Liquid Retina Display, but has the same 12-MP wide camera as the iPhone X.

Grab one here.

SEE: Smartphones and Mobile Tech (TechRepublic Flipboard magazine)

Image: ZDNet

4. Samsung Galaxy S9

The S9 has a 5.8" display, with tiny bezels and an 8-Mp front camera. Unlike the iPhone, the Galaxy S9 has both Face ID and fingerprint scanning, making it easier for users to unlock their phones. Techies would especially be excited about the display being notchless--a pet peeve for many users.

Order one here.

SEE: BYOD (bring-your-own-device) policy template download(Tech Pro Research)

Image: Josh Miller/CNET

5. Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL

The Google Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL are the latest Android phones on the market, announced at Google's October 2019 event. The 5.7" Pixel 4 and 6.3" Pixel 4 XL are almost identical, barring their physical size and battery size. Both phones are equipped with 12MP Dual-Pixel and 16MP Telephoto cameras. The most exciting features of both include face unlock and motion sense with Project Soli, a radar platform that allows users to control with phone with hand gestures instead of touch. The screens both feature up to 90Hz OLED, with Full HD+ Smooth Display, and Ambient EQ. 

Preorder one here.

SEE: Smartphones and Mobile Tech (TechRepublic Flipboard magazine)

Image: CNET

6. Google Pixel 3A

The Pixel 3A, the affordable Google Pixel model, is finally here. Starting at $399, the Pixel 3A look almost identical to the regular Pixel 3, with the same rear camera and aesthetic. However, the less expensive model does come with some downgrades in hardware. This device has a Snapdragon 670 chipset, is not water resistant, and doesn't have the second wide-angle front-facing camera like the more expensive version does. For techies wanting the look of a Pixel 3 without the hefty price, then the Pixel 3A is the way to go.

Buy one here.

SEE: Smartphones and Mobile Tech (TechRepublic Flipboard magazine)

Image: Angela Lang/CNET

7. OnePlus 7 Pro

Despite being the company's most expensive model, the OnePlus 7 Pro packs a punch. Starting at $699, the OnePlus 7 Pro features a notchless display, with a pop-up selfie camera. The curved edges and 6.677-inch screen make for a sleek, clean design that makes the price tag seem like less of a blow. Under the screen, the phone contains a Snapdragon 855 chipset, 4,000mAh battery, up to 256GB storage, and up to 12GB of RAM.

Buy one here.

SEE: Smartphones and Mobile Tech (TechRepublic Flipboard magazine)

Image: ZDNet

8. Huawei P30 Pro

Huawei phones aren't available in the US, but foreign techies should consider this model. The Huawei P30 Pro is probably most appealing to professionals because of its impressive quad-camera system. The vibrant 6.47-inch screen curves on the sides to blend into the back, which comes in a variety of colors including black, Pearl White, Aurora, Amber Sunrise, and Breathing Crystal.

Get yours here.

SEE: Smartphones and Mobile Tech (TechRepublic Flipboard magazine)

Image: Huawei

9. Moto G7

Motorola's Moto G7 may be the best of all the more inexpensive smartphone options. Starting at only $299.99, the Moto G7 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 octa-core processor, 12MP camera with 5MP depth sensor, 8MP front camera, and P2i water repellent coating. It's simple, but effective, with a 3,000 mAh battery and Android 9.0 Pie operating system.

Order one here.

SEE: Smartphones and Mobile Tech (TechRepublic Flipboard magazine)

Image: Angela Lang/CNET

10. Huawei Mate 20 Pro

The Huawei Mate 20 is great option for international users who don't mind spending a pretty penny. This device has an in-screen fingerprint scanner, triple cameras, and supports HDR10. The front camera is 24MP, making for some high-quality selfies and easy 3D Face Unlock. With fast charging and great battery life, this phone is great for a techie doing work on the go.

Purchase one here.

Image: Sandra Vogel/ZDNet

11. Galaxy S10, S10 Plus

Samsung's latest flagship devices are the Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus. The S10 has a 6.1-inch display, three rear cameras, and one front facing camera. The S10 Plus is only slightly bigger, with a 6.4-inch screen, as well as a higher-capacity battery. The Plus also features a second 8-megapixel front-facing camera, totaling five cameras total. The phones have a tiny hole cut out for the camera lens, which is more attractive to many than the huge notches in Apple's latest smartphones. The phones start at $900.

Pre-order here.

Image: Sara Tew/CNET

12. Galaxy S10E

Comparable to the iPhone XR, the Galaxy S10E is the less expensive version of Samsung's latest flagship phone. A little smaller than the S10, the S10E has a 5.8-inch display and a smaller-capacity 3,100-mAh battery. The phone has only three cameras total--one forward-facing and two rear--and starts at $750.

Pre-order here.

Also see

• 5G smartphones: A cheat sheet (TechRepublic)
• IT pro's guide to the evolution and impact of 5G technology (TechRepublic download)
• The 10 best smartphones of 2018 (ZDNet)
• Best mobile VPN services for 2018 (CNET)
• The 10 most important iPhone apps of all time (Download.com)
• Smartphones and mobile tech: More must-read coverage (TechRepublic on Flipboard)

Image: Sara Tew/CNET