10 Best Smartphones 2016
2016 is coming to an end, and it's been a
vintage year for phones. If you're getting ready to upgrade your phone, now is
probably the time to do it.
Samsung's fantastic Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are strong options, but both the LG G5 and stunning HTC 10 are also worth a look if it's an Android
phone you're after. iOS fan? The superb iPhone SE is certainly a good choice. But the iPhone
7 is let down by poor battery, so it doesn't feature here.
Oh, and let's not the SamsungGalaxy Note 7. A fantastic phone, let down by a dodgy battery that seems to be
exploding. Ah, that's a bit of a problem. We've removed it from this list as
it's no longer available to buy.
If you really can't wait,
however, there are still many great phones to choose from.
BEST
SMARTPHONE BUYING GUIDE
Not sure where to
start in your quest for a new phone? Whether you're seasoned buyer or are
looking to buy your first smartphone, here are a few pointers to help you get
started.
HOW
MUCH SHOULD YOU SPEND ON A NEW SMARTPHONE?
While flagships
seem to be getting more expensive by the year, laying your hands on a good
smartphone is actually cheaper than ever. By all means splash the cash on a
show-stopper like the iPhone 6S or LG G4 if you want to, but bear in mind that
some crackers like the the 4G-enabled Motorola Moto E (2015) cost a fraction of
the price and are brilliant phones in their own right.
It's also worth
considering last year's top phones. The LG G4 and S6 now available for much
less and are better than many new mid-range phones.
WHAT
SIZE SMARTPHONE SHOULD YOU BUY?
Large-screened mobiles are very much in demand these
days, with even Apple embracing phablet fever. Phones measuring in at 5.5
inches and above can be considered as such, and are usually blessed with
excellent displays that are great for watching videos and playing games on.
Anything between 4.5 and 5.1 inches is more practical
for fingers and pockets, while still good for browsing the web, gaming and
more. 4-inch smartphones, meanwhile, are ideal for children and users who
aren’t fussed about games and videos. If you're unsure what's best for then a
5-inch is a good size for most people.
OTHER THINGS TO
CONSIDER
You might consider extra features to be like the
sprinkles on top of a cake, but they’re far more important than that. Things
like microSD card slots, NFC, fingerprint scanners and water-resistance can
dramatically affect the overall user experience of a smartphone.
Of all those, fingerprint scanners and NFC are quickly
becoming must-have features. Not only does the former add extra security to
your phone, the two combined open up the potential for contactless payments.
Believe us when we say paying with your phone using your fingerprint is very
cool.
ANDROID
VS IPHONE VS WINDOWS: WHICH IS BEST?
The smartphone world is notoriously divisive, with
Apple-worshipping ‘fanboys’ on one end of the spectrum and Android-obsessed
‘phandroids’ on the other. The smaller Windows Phone OS has similarly militant
supporters who don’t yet have a collective name, and you should ignore all of
them.
We’ve explained the main advantages and disadvantages
of each of the three main mobile operating systems below.
BUY AN ANDROID
SMARTPHONE IF YOU WANT A WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS
The Android operating system offers a better balance
of variety and affordability than its rivals, due to the sheer diversity of
Android smartphone manufacturers. There's a phone to suit any desire or budget
and even the flagship ones are often much cheaper than iPhone rivals.
In Google Play, Android has the largest selection of
apps and games too, but there’s a lot of rubbish mixed in with the good stuff.
Overall, it’s a great operating system and it’s certainly the best option if
you’d rather not spend big money on a shiny new smartphone.
10 / 10
LG G5
GREAT IN SO MANY AREAS, BUT THE LG G5'S MODULAR
SYSTEM MISSES THE MARK
Key features:
·
5.3-inch, quad-HD resolution LCD screen
·
16-megapixel, f/1.8 rear camera w/ a wider
angle lens too
·
Fingerprint
scanner on the back
·
Snapdragon
820 processor, 4GB RAM
LG has really tried to stand-out from the pack with
the G5. It's new modular design means you can
pull off the bottom and swap out the battery, but you'll also be able to add
extra bits to the phone. The initial two are a DAC for improving the audio and
a grip that gives you physical camera controls and an extra hit of battery.
This system does damage the clean look of the phone and while LG claims it's
metal, it doesn't feel as sturdy as the HTC 10.
On the inside though, it's a better story. The
Snapdragon 820 CPU and 4GB RAM takes care of everything you throw at it, while
the 32GB storage is assisted by a Micro SD card. Android 6.0.1 is onboard but
it has LG's UX 5.0 on top. It's a little bit heavy, but it's an improvement
over last year.
The two cameras on the back, yep two, are fantastic.
One is a regular 16MP lens with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS, while the other is
an 8MP wide-angle lens that's great for landscape shots. The battery should get
you through the day and there's USB-C fast charging too.
At time of review the LG G5 was available
for £529.
9 / 10
IPHONE SE
A
POCKET POWERHOUSE
Key features:
·
4-inch
display
·
12
megapixel, rear camera
·
TouchID
and Apple Pay
·
A9 CPU and 2GB RAM, 16 or 32GB internal
storage
If you want a smaller phone, the iPhone SE is the perfect choice. It packs most of
the goodies from the iPhone 6S, but in a shell that can be used easily in one
hand. The same 12MP camera sits on the back, while the same A9 CPU and 2GB RAM
power the device. This makes it superfast and a pleasure to use.
Touch ID and Apple Pay are here too, as is the
fetching Rose Gold colour scheme. 3D Touch, though, doesn't make the cut. The
smaller display can't match the competition for resolution, but it's still
sharp, colourful and pixels are tough to spot.
We do wish the 16GB internal storage option wasn't
here, but at least there's the 64GB version.
At time of review the iPhone SE was
available for £359.
8 / 10
MOTO G4 2016
SERIOUSLY
AFFORDABLE PHONE THAT PACKS THE SPECS
Key features:
·
5.5-inch
1080p display
·
13-megapixel
camera
·
microSD
card slot
·
Android
6.0.1
The Lenovo owned Motorola has done it again. The
original Moto G kicked off the start of truly great budget phones, and the
latest iteration – the Moto G4 – takes it to another level. For £169, you
get a great 1080p 5.5-inch display and plenty of power from the Snapdragon 617
CPU and 2GB RAM. For the price, there isn't much that competes.
There's 16GB storage as standard, though a 32GB option
is available, and this can be expanded through microSD. On the back you'll find
a very impressive 13MP camera and a 5MP version on the front for selfies. The
actual camera app has been given a vast improvement too, with a nice set of
manual features and a sleek look. Actually, software on the whole is fantastic
here; probably because it's just stock Android 6.0.1 with a couple of Moto
tweaks. The 3,000 mAh battery is hefty and will get you through a whole day.
At time of review the Moto G4 was
available for £169.
7 / 10
IPHONE 6S
A
SURPRISINGLY GOOD UPGRADE FROM THE IPHONE 6
Key Features:
·
4.7-inch,
326ppi LCD screen
·
1.8GHz, Apple A9 processor with 2GB RAM
·
12-megapixel rear camera, 5-megapixel
front camera
·
3D
Touch pressure sensitive screen
The most recent iPhones were 'S' phones, which means
they share the same basic design as the previous version but add a bunch of new
features. For the iPhone 6S, those features include higher resolution cameras
and a neat new pressure sensitive screen technology dubbed 3D Touch.
3D Touch is the outstanding new feature of the iPhone 6S. It allows you to activate all sorts of
features by pressing a little harder on the screen, and it can detect several
levels of pressure. For example, press on a link and you can preview it without
leaving the app you're in; press a little harder and it will open it in Safari
– Apple calls this Peek and Pop.
There are numerous small, useful uses for this – a '3D
Touch' on the Camera app icon, for example, gives you the option to take a
selfie straight away, so you don't have to select the mode in the app. It's a
great way to get to what you need a little faster.
Apple's also improved the cameras. The main camera is
up to 12-megapixels (from 8-megapixels) and has improved contrast performance.
It also shoots 4K video, though it lacks optical image stabilisation – a useful
feature that improves photo quality in low light. The front camera is improved,
too, and adds a clever feature that uses the screen as a flash when taking
selfies.
It's another excellent phone overall, though we'd like
to see wireless charging in the next iPhones Apple launches.
At time of review the iPhone 6S was available for
£650.
6 / 10
SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 EDGE
SAMSUNG
HAS JUST MADE THE BEST-LOOKING PHONE EVER
Key features
·
5.5-inch quad-HD display
·
Exynos 8890 CPU, 4GB RAM
·
microSD
slot, IP68 for water resistance, 32GB internal storage
The S6 Edge from last year was a bold release for Samsung, signalling a new design
direction for the company. The Galaxy S7 Edge though, refines on that formula and it
works so well.
That gorgeous quad-HD panel might be the same as
before, but it's larger here (5.5-inch as opposed to 5.1-inch) and it helps the
phone fit nicely into your palm. The curved edges look beautiful, and the
slight curve to the back is in an inspired design choice pinched from the Note
5.
Looks aside, the Galaxy S7 Edge performs as you'd
expect from a Samsung flaghip. The Exynos 8890 CPU and 4GB RAM is a combination
that chews through everything from day to day to intensive gaming. There's an
ever so slight lag in TouchWiz (that's Samsung's Android skin) but it's far
from a dealbreaker.
On the back there's a 12 megapixel camera with Dual
Pixels for faster autofocus and imporved low-light performance. Snaps aren't a
whole lot better than the S6, but they are still fantastic. Crisp, clear and
bright. The 5MP selfie shooter has a nice wide angle lens too, so you can cram
more faces in.
The battery lasts all day, it's IP68 water resistant
and the microSD has returned. An all round winner.
At time of review the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge was
available for £639
5 / 10
HTC
10
IT MIGHT NOT BE A
PERFECT 10, BUT IT'S MIGHTILY CLOSE
Key features:
·
5.2-inch quad-HD display
·
Snapdragon 820 CPU, 4GB RAM
·
microSD
slot, 32GB internal storage, BoomSound audio
With the HTC 10, the
Taiwanese company is well and truly back. After the disappointing One M9 and
One A9, the HTC 10 is a stunning phone that not only looks fantastic with a
bold design, but it also performs like a champion.
The Snapdragon 820 CPU and 4GB takes care of all the
intensive tasks, while the quad-HD 5.2-inch display is crisp, sharp and super
bright. HTC has done a great job at ensuring Android isn't ruined by bloatware
by removing a load of duplicate apps. It has some nifty new addition too, like
a clever way of locking out access to certain apps.
While HTC claims you'll get multiples days of battery
life we only managed one, but it did easily make it from morning until bedtime.
One of the biggest issues with the One M9 was its poor camera, and it has
mostly been sorted here. The 12MP UltraPixel sensor takes great and very
detailed photos, while the selfie shooter is the best on the market. It does
sometimes overexpose shots, but it's still a good camera.
At time of review the HTC 10 was available for
£569.99.
4 / 10
GOOGLE
PIXEL XL
A GREAT PHONE, BUT
IT'S EXPENSIVE
Key features:
·
5.5-inch quad-HD display
·
Snapdragon 821, 4GB RAM
·
Google Assistant
Google has ditched the Nexus brand, and it's all about
Pixel now. It's a flagship phone, with a price to match, but is it any good?
In a word, yes. It's up there with the Samsung Galaxy
S7 as the best Android phone, thanks to a stunning 12-megapixel camera and
crisp 5.5-inch quad-HD display.
There's a fast Snapdragon 821 CPU keeping things
ticking over, 4GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage plus Google's new Assistant.
This is an AI, like Siri, that searches the web for handy information.
We wish it was water-resistant, and the design is a
tad boring, but really it's a great phone.
At time of review the Samsung Galaxy S7 was available for £899 / $1,099.
At time of review the Samsung Galaxy S7 was available for £899 / $1,099.
3 / 10
ONEPLUS
3
A GREAT PHONE AT A
GREAT PHONE
Key features:
·
5.5-inch 1080p display
·
Snapdragon 820, 6GB RAM
·
64GB storage
The best 'budget' phone right now is the OnePlus 3,
finally bringing the brand's promise of a flagship phone at an affordable
price. It has pretty much everything you need, and in a good looking body.
Powered by the Snapdragon 820, and 6GB RAM, this thing
is fast. Apps open up smoothly and the Oxygen OS is well optimised. The
16-megapixel camera too is impressive; with accurate colours and a nice depth
of field. It shoots 4K video too, another bonus.
The 3,000 mAh battery measures up against the rivals,
but doesn't outperform them, while the USB-C Dash charging is super quick.
You'll have to use the included charger though.
We'd have liked to see a quad-HD screen, but the
5.5-inch 1080p version does the job. If the colours are a bit overcooked.
Still, for £329 this is a fantastic phones.
2 / 10
SAMSUNG
GALAXY S7
A FEW SIMPLE
TWEAKS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE WITH THE SAMSUNG GALAXY S7
Key features:
·
5.1-inch quad-HD display
·
Exynos 8890 CPU, 4GB RAM
·
microSD
slot, IP68 for water resistance, 32GB internal storage
We rarely give a phone full-marks here at TrustedReviews, but the Samsung Galaxy S7 deserves that accolade. The Korean company
has taken the S6 and improved just about everything. The Exynos 8890 processor
is ridiculouly fast and there's 4GB RAM for silky smooth multitasking, while
the battery has had a much needed bump from 2,600 mAh to 3,000 mAh meaning
it'll easily get you through the day.
The camera has been spruced up too. It's now a 12MP
sensor (down from 16MP) but the pixels are bigger and the aperture has been
widened to f/1.7 to let more light in. The result? Super detailed photos that
don't get ruined by low-light surroundings.
It's a lovely looking phone and the addition of the
slightly curved back makes it easier to pick up of a table and just generally
hold for longer periods of time. Gorilla Glass 4 covers both the front and
back, but it feels durable. It's IP68 rated for water-resistance too, so you
can dunk it in 1m of water for 30 mins. Or y'know, take it in the bath.
TouchWiz has been toned down to the point where it
isn't such a chore, though there is still a lot of preinstalled software that
can't be deleted.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 is a fantastic phone, probably
the best out there.
At time of review the Samsung Galaxy S7 was available
for £569.
1 / 10
NEXUS
6P
THE ULTIMATE ANDROID
PHONE
Key Features:
·
5.7-inch,
Quad HD AMOLED screen
·
Snapdragon
810 processor and 3GB RAM
·
32, 64
and 128GB versions, 3,450mAh
The Nexus 6P doesn't have a microSD slot – it's just
about the only complaint we can think of about this phone, and it's hardly
alone in omitting that feature. In every other respect, the Nexus 6P is one of
the best Android phones ever made. One of the smartphones ever, actually.
The fact this is a Nexus phone helps. It doesn't have
any annoying extra stuff you don't want or need and you'll get Android updates
when they're available, not six months later. But this is first time Google has
combined that with a desirable high-end phone that can match the iPhone and
Samsung Galaxy phones.
It's large at 5.7-inches, but the screen is brilliant
and battery life is very good. Vitally, it has a decent camera – its
12-megapixel effort isn't quite as good as Samsung's and Apple's cameras, but
it's damn close. Low light photos look great and it captures plenty of detail.
If you want the best Android experience possible, this
is the phone to buy.
At time of review the Nexus 6P was
available for £499.
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