Every few years, maybe even longer, you might look at your smartphone and realize it’s time for an upgrade. Maybe it seems outdated and doesn’t work with the latest OS updates. Perhaps the screen is cracked, you want something bigger, or you are ready for something more premium. Conversely, you might also be looking for an entry-level phone for your elderly parent or newly minted teen.

Smartphones are typically offered in a “good, better, best” line-up with feature sets, processing power, durability, build, and price all factoring into the classification. Last year, I covered some great smartphone options to consider that were good, better, and best. Many of these phones are still great devices and can be found for a steal. But they have also been replaced with newer models to consider instead.

Best Budget Phones

First, let’s start with the budget category. These are phones you’ll want for someone who will be using them for basic activities, like an elderly parent or grandparent who just needs to be reachable by audio call, see photos and text messages, maybe listen to some music or play fun app games now and then. These are also great as first devices for tweens and teens, a test before investing in something more expensive once they’re ready and have proven their maturity.

iPhone SE

If you are really adamant about getting into the Apple iPhone world, you can pick up the iPhone SE for starting from $579, which is a budget option by iPhone standards. It’s an older model from 2022 but it still comes with the Apple A15 Bionic chip and a decent battery along with a water-resistant design (though not as water resistant as other models). The cameras are reasonable, too, and you’ll still get Apple features like Touch ID (but not Face ID). It has a much smaller screen at just 4.7 inches, so this won’t be for those who have sight issues: they might prefer something with a larger screen. Note that this phone also sports the old Lightning charger. It’s not as durable as others as well and isn’t compatible with MagSafe wireless chargers and cases. You can also only get up to 256GB storage. If you have a bit more money to spare, consider getting the previous generation iPhone 14, which starts at $999 and is a step-up in many ways, making it worth the extra dough.

Who it’s for? Those who only need a very basic, small-sized phone , like a tween getting their first phone or an elderly grandparent who is OK with the smaller screen size.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

I named the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G on this list last year, and it’s worthy of a return again this year. The phone, which sells for just $450, has a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen with enhanced Vision Booster, 120Hz refresh rate for keeping up with multitasking and gaming, and decent cameras, including a 50MP main camera, 32MP front camera, 12MP ultra-wide, and even a 5MP Macro camera.

Who it’s for? Considering the price and premium feature set, this is a great phone for a student or a worker to use as a personal device alongside a business phone.

OnePlus Nord N30 5G

Last year, I mentioned the OnePlus Nord N205G as a decent budget option, and that phone has since been replaced by the OnePlus Nord N30 5G. Offered at an even cheaper price of $330 (currently on sale from the regular price of $380), this phone is a steal. Despite the low price tag, it comes with features like 8GB RAM, ultra-fast SUPERVOOC charging, a 108MP main camera, 6.72-inch LCD with 120Hz refresh rate (no AMOLED screen), and more. While it taps out at 128GB storage and won’t be as bright as other premium phones, it will do the trick in a pinch.

Who it’s for? Someone on a really tight budget who isn’t tied to the Apple or Samsung family of devices and needs something that will last all day and beyond.

Best Midrange Phones

Midrange phones are the Goldilocks option. They aren’t the top-line model in the respective brand’s new line-up, but they are among the latest on offer. They support the latest OS, have premium features, but there are some trade-offs for the sake of price.

iPhone 15

Apple always introduces its new phone series in threes with a good, better, best option. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are the former two, differing mainly in screen size. Despite the cheaper price (which is still relatively expensive by mid-range phone standards), you get features like the Dynamic Island bubble that provides instant alerts, a Ceramic Shield front and tough back glass material with colour infused within it, 48MP main camera, all-day battery life, A16 Bionic chip, and finally, USB-C charging plus MagSafe for wireless charging. The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch display and starts at $1,129 while the iPhone 15 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch display and starts at $1,279. Choose from a wide range of colours to showcase your personal style.

Who it’s for? The iPhone user who wants the latest features and design, and a phone they can hang onto for a while, but doesn’t want to spend an arm and a leg.

Google Pixel 7a

Yes, the Google Pixel 7a was released a year ago. But since Google did not release an “a” version of its new 8 line-up, it remains the best mid-range option. Despite the low price tag of just $600 (currently $400 on sale at the time of this writing), it lives up to some of the more advanced phones on the market that cost twice as much. You’ll get a brilliant 6.1-inch screen, fun colours, and a solid camera with Google favourite editing features, like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur as well as other features like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom. You won’t get the latest Google chip, but the Tensor G2 is still a powerful option. You also won’t get the latest Google AI features for enjoying things like Circle to Search. For that, along with improved cameras and a more powerful processor, you can step-up to the Google Pixel 8, which is $950 ($750 on sale).

Who it’s for? Someone who doesn’t need advanced AI features but wants a solid phone that offers great value for dollar.

Samsung Galaxy S24

Like Apple, Samsung releases three versions of its new phones, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the entry option that’s still a pretty premium device with step-down features and a lower price tag. There’s also the S24+ with a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the 6.2-inch display in the Galaxy S24: both have a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor. You get fun colours, Galaxy AI features across the device, used for everything from translations to search and editing and even creating images. With an impressive 2,600 nits brightness and adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate, it’s a powerhouse of a phone. Choose up to 512GB storage and 8GB RAM (it steps up to 12GB with the Galaxy S24+) and fabulous cameras. The battery is only 4,000mAh (4,900mAh for the Galaxy S24+) so keep this in mind if you need a phone that will last as long as possible between charges. The Samsung Galaxy S24 starts at $1,180, the Galaxy S24+ at $1,400. This might seem expensive for a mid-range phone, but like with Apple, Samsung phones generally cost more because of their premium features and design. Plus, with seven years of software and security updates, you’ll be able to hold onto this phone for a while to come.

Who it’s for? A Samsung Galaxy phone owner upgrading who wants something decent they can use for years to come and get good trade-in value for once they are ready to upgrade again.

Nothing Phone (2a)

The name might sound like it’s no big deal, but the Nothing Phone (2a) is a solid entry into the mid-market phone category. A step-up from the previous generation Nothing Phone (2), it has a powerful Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED screen, 50MP dual rear camera, up to 16GB RAM (with RAM Booster technology), and a 5,000mAh battery that affords up to two days per charge. The stand-out, however, is the Glyph interface on the back that’s designed to encourage you to put your phone down. The light and sound patterns provide key information so you don’t have to constantly look at the screen. You won’t get as many light strips as with the Nothing Phone (2) since this is a mid-market version. But it’s still a unique design. With peak brightness of 1,300 nits and a refresh rate up to 120Hz (adaptable down to 30Hz as needed to conserve battery life), it comes with Android 14, three years of software updates and four years of security updates. It starts at the equivalent of about $485 in Canada. It’s not available here yet and only available via the developer program in the U.S. so far but stay tuned.

Who it’s for? Someone looking for stand-out, cutting edge design and something different from the usual.

OnePlus 12R

A midrange phone for a budget price, you can get the OnePlus 12R for starting at $670. It’s similar in look, feel, and feature set to the premium OnePlus 12 noted below but with a step-down Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, 5,500mAh battery, and support for 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging (but no wireless charging support). The biggest difference beyond the processor and the slightly smaller screen is that you get less RAM at 12GB max (the OnePlus 12 has a 16GB RAM option), and there’s a big step down in the cameras, which are lower resolution so your photos won’t be as crisp and detailed. The phone is also not as durable with only an IP54 versus IP65 rating.

Who it’s for? Someone who isn’t looking for premium-quality photos but values battery life and fast charging, can make do without wireless charging, and wants simplicity and value above all else.

Motorola razr 2023

The Motorola razr makes this list because it’s one of the most affordable, if not the most affordable, foldable phones on the market right now. Available for an MSRP of $1,000, it runs on Moto Unplugged software, has a 6.9-inch pOLED display with an up to 144Hz refresh rate, and a back made of premium vegan leather. With Dolby Atmos and Spatial Sound by Moto support, you can enjoy music, videos, and more. The battery is smaller than other premium phones at just 4,200mAh, but the phone supports 30W TurboPower charging. Reviews are mixed but if you want to get in on the foldable phone market but don’t have $2K to spare, this is a good mid-range option to consider.

Who it’s for? Someone who wants to test the waters in foldable phones but doesn’t want to commit to an ultra-high price tag off the bat.

Best Premium Phones

If you want the best of the best, look to the top-line model from your favourite brand, or a brand you are willing to try out. You’ll have to save up more for one of these or opt to pay month-to-month with your bill. You might also be able to trade-in your old phone for a discount towards one of them. Whatever the case, you’ll get all the best feature and functions with one of these phones.

iPhone 15 Pro Max

The top-line model in Apple’s new line-up is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which, for the first time, boasts a titanium finish that affords better durability as well as reduced weight. It doesn’t come cheap: it starts at $1,449 for the entry model, but if you’re opting for this phone, you’ll likely want to step up in specs, which can inch closer to just under $2,000 with taxes. Along with the A17 Pro processor, you get fabulous cameras, and a new side Action button that can instantly call up your favourite feature, whether it be the flashlight, camera shutter, translate, or another shortcut. You’ll get all-day battery, MagSafe wireless charging, and can make use of all the latest iOS 17 features.

Who it’s for? The iPhone user who loves the prestige of having the best of the best the brand has to offer.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

One of the more affordable premium phone options, the Google Pixel 8 Pro won’t disappoint. Available starting from $1,349 ($1,099 on sale), it makes use of all the Google AI goodies, and even has a neat temperature sensor on the back for measuring the temperature of everything from a pot of boiling water to a baby bottle by just placing it near the item. (Google is awaiting FDA clearance to use it as a forehead thermometer, but it would likely be some time before we see this as an approved Health Canada feature). Available in fun colours as well, it has a 6.7-inch Super Actua display, upgraded cameras that take stunning photos in all types of scenarios, and is made with a polished aluminum frame and matte back glass so it exudes elegance. For a phone that has tons of premium features, looks expensive, but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is one of the best you can buy.

Who it’s for? Someone interested in AI features and a premium device for a reasonable price and isn’t tied to iPhone or Samsung Galaxy.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The top-line model in the new Samsung line is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which has all the bells and whistles you could possibly want in a phone with step-up specs as well. Along with a larger 6.8-inch screen, you also get drastically improved rear cameras, a slightly larger battery, the option for up to 1TB storage, and of course, all the same Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist, and Photo Assist. The screen is also higher resolution and you get 12GB versus 8GB RAM. It’s the same processor as the Galaxy S24 but the phone itself is more durable, made with a titanium frame versus armor aluminum and with Corning Gorilla Armor versus Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It’s also available in a few different color options. Pricing starts at $1,800, however, so you’ll have to save up at least $2,000, even more if you want the 1TB/12GB RAM variant.

Who it’s for? A Samsung Galaxy phone owner upgrading and wanting the best of the best, with AI features, plenty of storage, and fast processing speeds, and who is willing to pay for it.

OnePlus 12

One of the newest entries on the market in Canada is the OnePlus 12, which offers incredible value for what you get. In fact, with the Google Pixel 8 Pro a close second, I noted after reviewing this phone that, if I were considering switching from iPhone, this would be the device I’d get. Starting at $1,070, it’s decently priced given the sleek design and impressive feature set. Choose either 256GB storage and 12GB RAM or 512GB storage and 16GB RAM, the latter of which is just $130 more. OnePlus also offers up to $240 off when you trade in any device in any condition. Available in two finishes (go with the stunning Flowy Emerald), it’s powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, has a lovely curved ProXDR 6.8-inch display with an incredible 4,500 nits peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate, fabulous cameras, and a neat Aqua Touch feature that allows you to still manipulate the touch screen even with water droplets on it or sweaty fingers. With SUPERVOOC charging, the phone can go from almost dead to full in just 30 minutes. It also supports 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging, charging faster than most wired chargers.

Who it’s for? The busy individual looking for a phone that can keep up with their day, looks elegant, and doesn’t break the bank.

Bottom Line

After exploring these options, you’re sure to find the perfect phone to meet your needs. The next step is to contact carriers or check retailers and price out the devices. Consider all the ways you can save, including trading in an old phone or paying month-to-month on a tab or via installments. You can also work with your carrier to renegotiate your plan, shaving money off the monthly service fees that you can put towards a snazzy new device.

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