BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
What works well, what could be better, and the details worth checking.
685 smartphones
Strengths: The 6.67-inch OLED runs at 120 Hz, giving you deep blacks and smooth scrolling. Its 1220×2712 resolution keeps text, photos and video clear.
Limitations: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is primarily aimed at everyday use. Messages, video and navigation are within its comfort zone, but demanding games need lower graphics settings.
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Strengths: Honor X5c Plus gives you a 50 MP camera and 128 GB for photos and apps. Its 5,260 mAh battery, large 90 Hz screen and headphone jack suit basic daily tasks.
Limitations: The Plus name does not bring a powerful chip: you still get Helio G81 and just 4 GB of physical RAM. Charging is limited to a slow 15 W and the display to HD+ resolution.
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Strengths: Honor X5c covers calls, messaging and videos with a large 90 Hz display and a 5,260 mAh battery. Smoother scrolling is welcome at this level.
Limitations: Helio G81 and 4 GB of physical RAM leave limited headroom for demanding games or multitasking. The HD+ screen is not especially sharp, and 15 W charging needs patience.
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Strengths: Huawei nova 14i suits anyone wanting a big screen and battery: it offers a 6.95-inch Full HD+ display and 7,000 mAh capacity. That screen gives reading and videos plenty of room.
Limitations: At almost 80 mm wide and 216 g, the body is awkward to use one-handed. Charging at 22.5 W is modest for such a large battery, and Snapdragon 680 is an entry-level chip.
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Strengths: Honor X9d stands out with an 8,300 mAh battery at around 193 g. You also get 66 W charging, a sharp 120 Hz AMOLED and stereo speakers.
Limitations: Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is not designed for maximum graphics in the toughest games. The 5 MP ultrawide is basic, and there is no dedicated telephoto.
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Strengths: Honor X7d 5G combines a 6,500 mAh battery, 35 W charging and 5G connectivity. The 120 Hz screen makes feeds smoother to scroll, and stereo speakers help when watching videos.
Limitations: HD+ resolution limits text sharpness on the large 6.77-inch screen. There is no ultrawide camera or optical stabilisation, and the selfie camera is only 5 MP.
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Strengths: A telephoto camera with OIS The 50MP camera with a 115mm-equivalent focal length suits portraits and tighter shots from a distance.
Limitations: Selfie video is limited to 4K30 The front camera records 4K, but not at 60fps. If you film while moving, you have to choose between higher resolution and smoother Full HD footage.
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Strengths: A sharp 120Hz AMOLED screen The 6.83″ display at 2772 × 1280 works well for reading, photos and video.
Limitations: No wireless charging Despite fast wired charging, the phone cannot charge on a wireless stand.
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Strengths: nova 14 Pro gives portrait fans a 3× telephoto with OIS and two front cameras for different framing. The main camera has a variable aperture.
Limitations: The global version is limited to 4G and lacks preinstalled Google services, so check compatibility with your essential apps. There is no wireless charging.
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Strengths: Huawei nova 14 combines a slim 7.18 mm body, a 120 Hz OLED display and a 5,500 mAh battery with 100 W charging. The 12 MP telephoto offers 3× optical zoom and OIS for portraits.
Limitations: The global nova 14 lacks 5G and preinstalled Google services, so check your usual apps before buying. Kirin 8000 trails modern gaming chips.
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Strengths: 5G connectivity The 5G modem adds mobile connectivity options beyond LTE-only phones. The benefit depends on compatible coverage, a suitable plan and support from the operator.
Limitations: Limited screen sharpness A resolution of 720 × 1600 across 6.9″ means lower pixel density than Full HD alternatives. Small text and fine lines can look less crisp.
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Strengths: Cubot X100 pairs a 5100 mAh battery with familiar Android software. The 8/256 GB configuration provides room for everyday apps and photos.
Limitations: The MediaTek Dimensity 7025 is a sensible fit for everyday apps, but demanding games may need lower graphics settings.
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Strengths: At 168 g and 72 mm wide, the phone is easy to carry every day. Its 6.1-inch screen avoids an oversized body, while the 5000 mAh battery provides a useful capacity reserve.
Limitations: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is a sensible fit for everyday apps, but demanding games may need lower graphics settings.
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Strengths: The 4G Honor 400 Smart has a 6,500 mAh battery and a large 120 Hz screen. Stereo speakers suit video, and NFC enables contactless payment where supported by your bank.
Limitations: Despite the 400-series name, this is a basic Snapdragon 685 phone without 5G. The display is only HD+, and the camera lacks optical stabilisation and an ultrawide lens.
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Strengths: A large screen in a thin body iPhone Air is 5.64 mm thick and weighs 165 g while keeping a 6.5-inch display.
Limitations: One rear camera limits your options There is no separate ultrawide or telephoto camera.
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Strengths: Smooth ProMotion scrolling The display supports up to 120 Hz.
Limitations: Size is part of everyday use With a 6.9-inch screen and a weight of 231 g, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is noticeable in a hand or pocket.
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Strengths: Smooth ProMotion scrolling The display supports up to 120 Hz.
Limitations: Size is part of everyday use With a 6.3-inch screen and a weight of 204 g, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro is noticeable in a hand or pocket.
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Strengths: Honor Play10 suits calls, messaging and simpler apps. Lightweight Android Go places fewer demands on the hardware, and the 5,000 mAh battery offers useful capacity.
Limitations: The 3/64 GB version leaves little room for multitasking and large files. Its display is only HD+, while the 13 MP rear and 5 MP front cameras are basic.
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Strengths: Display: a compelling reason to choose the newer generation Scrolling feeds, switching apps and watching animations are precisely where an adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz…
Limitations: Zoom: a dedicated camera would still help The 2× setting uses the central area of the main camera sensor. There is no separate telephoto camera.
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Strengths: The large 6.88-inch screen is handy for maps, messages and video. A 120 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smoother, and stereo speakers let you watch clips without headphones.
Limitations: Screen resolution is only 720×1640. Small text and photos look less crisp on this large panel than on Full HD+.
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Strengths: The large 6.88-inch screen is handy for maps, messages and video. A 120 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smoother, and stereo speakers let you watch clips without headphones.
Limitations: Screen resolution is only 720×1640. Small text and photos look less crisp on this large panel than on Full HD+.
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Strengths: The 6.36-inch OLED runs at 120 Hz, giving you deep blacks and smooth scrolling. Its 1220×2670 resolution keeps text, photos and video clear.
Limitations: The MediaTek Dimensity 7400 is primarily aimed at everyday use. Messages, video and navigation are within its comfort zone, but demanding games need lower graphics settings.
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Strengths: A more manageable large phone At 190 g and 7.4 mm, the body is more appealing than the heavier S24 FE. That helps with reading and video calls.
Limitations: Not the S25+ processor Exynos 2400 differs from Snapdragon 8 Elite in the more expensive Plus. Similar styling does not mean an identical platform.
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Strengths: Generous battery capacity The 6000mAh battery provides a useful foundation for daily calls, navigation and video.
Limitations: Limited screen sharpness A resolution of 720 × 1600 across 6.9″ means lower pixel density than Full HD alternatives. Small text and fine lines can look less crisp.
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