This story is part of Christmas gift guide 2020, CNET's gift selection with expert advice, reviews, and recommendations on the latest tech gifts for you and your family.
Phone manufacturers are more innovative and developing faster than ever before. The past year has been one of the most interesting for phones. We didn't just see more Devices with flexible screens and Handsets with 5G connectivity, but there has been an influx of phones that have premium specs and affordable price tags. However, some things stay the same - like the fact that Apple and Samsung are still dominating the market. Their newest flagships, the iPhone 12 and Galaxy Note 20 offer powerful processors, fantastic multi-camera setups on the back and 5G.
But while Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy lines are the go-to options for many, other companies like OnePlus and Motorola also sell great phones. The sheer amount of solid competition gives consumers excellent opportunities to choose from a range of prices.
To help you find the best of the best, we've rounded up our favorite phones to buy in 2021. Every phone on this list has been thoroughly examined and tested, from batteries to camera performance. We made a shortcut to the unlocked version of every phone. Unless otherwise noted, these should run on most of the four major US wireless carriers. We regularly update this list to ensure that the best phone is always represented.
For more information, check out our guide to find the best phone for your needs and read our tips on How do I buy a new phone?.
The best smartphone for 2020
Discover the latest news and top reviews for smartphones and wireless carriers from CNET's mobile experts.
