Cell phone technology and features all seem to change with the seasons. So if yours is more than a couple of years old, there’s probably a lot you’re missing out on. These are four of CNET’s editors’ favorites.
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Samsung Galaxy S7
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s7/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: Polished design. Awesome camera. Long battery life. MicroSD storage slot and water-resistant (again!).
The bad: Annoyingly reflective. Smudge magnet. Plastic-looking selfies even with no filter. No removable battery, which isn’t surprising, but is still a compromise compared to 2014’s S5.
The cost: $412.35 (refurbished) to $679.99 (new)
The bottom line: The fast, powerful, beautiful Galaxy S7 phone is the all-around phone to beat.
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OnePlus 3T
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/oneplus-3t/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The OnePlus 3T’s battery lasts way longer, takes sharper selfies, and has a 128GB storage option.
The bad: Pricier than the OnePlus 3, the 3T now directly competes with better phones.
The cost: $439.00
The bottom line: This is our new favorite budget Android, but if you have the OnePlus 3, you don’t need to upgrade.
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Google Pixel
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/google-pixel-phone-review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The Google Pixel has a fantastic camera, especially in low light. It’s elegantly designed. Google Assistant takes one of the most natural, human approaches to answering your voice.
The bad: The phone’s display is dim in outdoor sunlight and its camera’s Lens Blur feature is shoddy. It’s splash-resistant rather than dunkable, and it’s pricey compared to previous Google Nexus devices.
The cost: $649.99 to $759.95
The bottom line: If you’re wary of Samsung or looking for a worthy iPhone alternative, the Google Pixel is the high-end Android phone to get.
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Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-iphone-7-plus/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: Dual rear cameras deliver true 2x optical zoom, with a cool bokeh Portrait mode which affects the quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image. Battery lasts longer than last year’s model, and longer than iPhone 7. Water resistant. Fast. Bigger storage options include 256GB model for serious photographers.
The bad: There’s no standard headphone jack: you’ll have to use Lightning, or the included adapter, or go wireless. Design is showing its age, as competing phones squeeze a 5.5-inch screen into smaller, sexier bodies. And it’s really expensive.
The cost: $739 to $769.99
The bottom line: The iPhone 7 Plus is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras ever — and it’s a great phone, too.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Section Editor Jessica Dolcourt, Senior Associate Editor Lynn La, Senior Editor Scott Stein and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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