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The 10 best smartphones to buy in the UK

Picture of a smartphone

Choosing the best smartphone for your needs can be difficult. With a near-endless selection of devices, knowing which one works for you can take a lot of time and effort! To make the process of choosing a great smartphone easier, check out the handy buying guide below for all the info you need!

What are smartphones?

A smartphone is a type of mobile phone that uses advanced hardware and consists of a powerful operating system. This allows the device to perform many functions, including phone calls, text messaging, internet browsing, taking videos and photos, and using various smartphone applications.

Why should you buy a good smartphone?

The best smartphone makes life more convenient. Essentially small handheld computers, these devices are deceptively powerful and capable of various computing functions ranging from browsing the web to digital planners to instant messaging to playing video games.

If you want to keep in touch with friends and family, take all kinds of videos and photos, watch videos online, browse social media, manage email, and do countless other functions from the palm of your hand, then look no further than a smartphone.

How to choose the right smartphone in 2024?

Another picture of a smartphone

With so many things to consider, buying the best smartphone can be a daunting prospect. Here are some things to think about to make the process easier:

  • Operating System: Android and iOS are the main two operating systems on smartphones. Each one has its advantages, so think about what appeals to your preferences and requirements. For example, Android is known to be much more customizable and have access to more hardware and software options, while iOS has better security, receives more frequent updates, and can be easily integrated with other iOS devices such as an iPad, Mac or MacBook.
  • Screen Size: Given all the stuff you’re using it for, you should think about how large a screen you want. Devices with bigger screens are more expensive but are better for watching videos and generally improve the user experience. Conversely, smaller screens mean a more compact and lightweight device.
  • Storage Capacity: Smartphones have limited storage so always think about how much space you need for all your data. Measured in gigabytes (GB), the higher the number the more SSD storage space there is for photos, videos, apps, and other files. 32GB is a good starting point and can be more than enough for some, although there are much higher capacities including 64 GB, 128 GB, and even 256 GB. Remember, that an external SD card might be a cheap alternative for extra storage.
  • Camera: The camera function is very important for many consumers, so think about how good of a camera you want. If you take photos and videos then a camera with good focus, low-light performance, noise reduction, and a high megapixel count is recommended. Also, if you like taking selfies make sure there is a front-facing camera! Combine it with a good selfie stick and you are ready to go for great selfies.
  • Battery: The best smartphones typically have a battery life of around 8-16 hours, although these will degrade over time, so a phone with replaceable batteries may be worth consideration. However, iPhones don’t have this function, so bear this in mind.

What is the best kind of smartphone in the UK?

Here are the best-selling smartphone currently available:

  • Android Smartphones: Android smartphones are more varied, with various brands and manufacturers using this operating system. As a result, it is easy to find an Android smartphone for every budget, with an abundance of high-quality and budget-friendly options alike.
  • iOS Smartphones: All iPhones use the iOS operating system, with ten generations of iPhone models available, meaning a good selection of price ranges. Newer models are typically the most expensive smartphones, although they come with some of the best features and security.

Top 10 list of smartphones in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their smartphones. Which smartphone is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of HONOR S8108335 smartphone
HONOR X6b Mobile Phone Unlocked, 6.56-Inch 90Hz Fullview Display,…
  • 128 GB Large Storage CapacityHONOR X6b can keep over Over 27, 000 photos; more than…
  • Google Mobile ServicesThe smooth performance of MagicUI 8.0 is based on Android 14.…
  • Long Battery LifeFeaturing a 5200 mAh battery, HONOR X6b can support up to 26 hours…
BUY NOW
TOP 2
Image of Samsung SM-A155FZKDEUB smartphone
Samsung Galaxy A15 Black 4G 128GB
  • 128 GB internal memory, Android 14.0
  • 16.4 cm (6.5 inch) Super AMOLED display with 1080 x 2340 pixels
  • 50 megapixel main camera
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 3
Image of Xiaomi MZB0HMTEN smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi A3 Midnight Black-Smartphone-3+64GB,MediaTek Helio G36,5000mAh(typ)…
  • MTK Helio G36 Octa core processor, up to 2.2Ghz
  • 5000mAh (typ) high-capacity battery
  • 8MP AI rear dual camera and 5MP selfie camera
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TOP 4
Image of Motorola PAYF0007GB smartphone
Motorola Smartphones Moto g14 (6.5" Full HD+ display, 50MP camera…
  • Advanced 50MP2 camera system. Capture beautifully detailed photos day or night, and…
  • Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos. Immerse yourself in multidimensional sound, listening…
  • Incredibly sharp 6.5" Full HD+ display. Bring movies, shows, games, and video…
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TOP 5
Image of TCL  smartphone
TCL 501 BLACK
  • 3000mAh Battery: Stay connected throughout the day with the 3000mAh battery.
  • 5MP Rear Camera: Capture photos and videos with the 5MP rear camera, suitable for…
  • 32GB Storage & 2GB RAM: Keep your essential apps and files handy with 32GB of…
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TOP 6
Image of Sony Xperia 10 VI smartphone
Sony Xperia 10 VI - 6.1 Inch 21:9 Wide OLED - Three optical focal…
  • Claim an additional 12 months extended warranty.
  • Stress-free long use: Our latest Sony phone features IP65/68 water and dust resistance*1,…
  • Bright display for enhanced viewing: The bright OLED display delivers better visibility…
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TOP 7
Image of Samsung B0CVQ7DDS3 smartphone
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Smartphone 8GB RAM Unlocked Dual-Sim-Free…
  • 128 GB internal memory, Android 14.0
  • 16.8 cm (6.6 inch) Super AMOLED display with 1080 x 2340 pixels
  • 50 megapixel main camera with optical image stabilisation
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TOP 8
Image of OnePlus 5011110198 smartphone
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G 8GB RAM 256GB Storage SIM-Free Smartphone…
  • 5G Compatability may vary with carriers; Check with your service provider for further…
  • {Software} - OxygenOS 14 out of the box; Inspired by nature and comes with extra-useful…
  • {Display} - Dive into a world of bold color and crisp visuals with the 6.67-inch…
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TOP 9
Image of Alcatel 5033XR smartphone
Alcatel 1 (2021) - Smartphone 16GB, 1GB RAM, single Sim, Volcano…
  • Grab your friends and get close for photo booth-style shots. Strike your best poses…
  • Tell your story with Alcatel 1's Instant Collage. Select from four different…
  • Put your best snapshots forward with Alcatel 1's socail-ready camera. Photograph…
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TOP 10
Image of Motorola  smartphone
Motorola E14 Pastel Purple
  • 64GB/128GB6, 8 built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and…
  • Long-lasting 5000mAh battery. Go from morning til night on just a single charge1…
  • AI-powered camera. Take social media-ready snaps with intelligent features that automatically…
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/12/21.