SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 / S8 PLUS
The mostly glass design of the S8 might concern you about durability, but in the couple of months that we’ve been regularly using the phone, it hasn’t been much of an issue. The S8 also has IP68 water resistance, so you don’t need to worry about dropping it in a puddle or getting it wet at the beach.
The S8 comes in two flavors: the standard model and the larger S8 Plus. Deciding between the two basically comes down to whether you want a larger 6.2-inch screen or a more manageable-in-one-hand 5.8-inch display. Everything else (except for price, the Plus model is about $100 more) is the same between the two models.
Samsung’s Galaxy S8 / S8 Plus is the best phone for most people. It’s available across all four US carriers and unlocked. It has the best display on any smartphone right now, a head-turning, premium design, a top-of-the-line camera, reliable battery life, and fast performance. Thanks to Samsung’s popularity and the support of all four carriers, the S8 also has plenty of accessories, from cases to battery packs to wireless chargers, available to it.
Not everything is perfect with the S8 — the placement of the fingerprint scanner is its biggest flaw — but it gets enough right that we’re confident recommending it to everyone.
A SECOND OPTION: APPLE IPHONE 8 / 8 PLUS
If you are in desperate need of a new phone right now, the iPhone 8 is a good choice, but if you’re able to wait, Apple has the far more interesting and more modern iPhone X coming in just a few weeks. It provides a lot of the design and display advantages Samsung offers with the S8, but in Apple’s iOS ecosystem. We’d wait if that’s an option.
If you’re not into the S8’s curvy design or are locked into Apple’s ecosystem, right now, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are the best options for you. Both models have great build quality, sharp, color-accurate screens, and easy-to-use software. The larger 8 Plus not only gives you a bigger screen, but it also offers a dual-camera system that allows for unique photographic tricks. Both versions have incredibly fast performance thanks to a new processor, and the ability to wirelessly charge — a first for any iPhone.
OTHER CONTENDERS
If the Galaxy S8 or iPhone 8 aren’t your style, here are some other options that might work for you. We don’t consider any of them to be the best phone for most people, but depending on your needs, budget, or priorities, they could be a better choice for you.
HTC U11
GOOD STUFF
- Gorgeous design
- Impeccable fit and finish
- Blistering performance
BAD STUFF
- LG’s software design
- Small power button is fiddly
- Cameras are only acceptable
ONE PLUS 5
GOOD STUFF
- Screaming fast
- Cutting-edge spec sheet
- Dash Charge makes up for lack of wireless charging
- Reading Mode
BAD STUFF
- Dual-camera system is a failure
- Unoriginal design
- Not waterproof
- Large screen bezels are so 2016
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