2024-02-18 19:20:15
The smartphone throne is in great demand: Every year Stiftung Warentest checks which manufacturer builds the best cell phone. Apple is once again at the forefront and is achieving a first in the test.
The most important things at a glance
A good camera, a lot of battery, a sharp display and a stylish housing: the demands on modern smartphones are high. Stiftung Warentest regularly tests the latest devices and constantly updates its comparison. For the “test” issue 12/2023, 25 additional cell phones were added.
With the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple moves past Samsung to the top of the Stiftung Warentest best list. The cell phone is the first model ever to achieve the final grade of “very good”. We present the smartphones with the best test results.
Smartphones in the test: This is how Stiftung Warentest tests
The smartphone tests focus on basic functions such as voice quality, network sensitivity, computing power, camera quality, usability, battery life and display quality. The stability of the device is also tested in detail.
The test winners: These are the best cell phones in 2023
Apple and Samsung regularly compete for the best places. This time Apple prevails and wins the test: This iPhone 15 Pro Max is the first smartphone ever to achieve a “very good” overall result (1.5). The competitor is with that Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the grade “good (1.6)” but only just behind.
While nothing changes at the top, many affordable cell phones are being added. This is the award winner Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G for less than 300 euros. It scores “good (2.2)”. This also receives special attention Fairphone 5. The sustainability winner with the rating “good (2.4)” scores with replaceable components.
You can find all the results of the Stiftung Warentest smartphone test in the “test” issue 12/2023.
The new test winner: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The test result: With a grade of “very good (1.5),” the iPhone is in first place. The cell phone can proudly claim to be the first smartphone to receive a “very good” rating. The flagship model also impresses with an excellent display and a powerful camera.
Product details: Apple’s top model impresses with extensive features, high speed thanks to the powerful processor, an outstanding camera and a sharp OLED display with a 6.7-inch diagonal and a resolution of 2,556 x 1,179 pixels. A notable innovation is the introduction of the “USB-C socket”, which eliminates the need for an additional cable and provides a universal connector.
The iPhone’s camera has three lenses, with the main camera offering a resolution of up to 48 megapixels. Battery life reaches an impressive 30 hours and 30 minutes at maximum brightness. The pre-installed operating system is iOS 16, and as usual with Apple devices, you’ll receive regular updates for years to come.
The best smartphone from Samsung: Galaxy S23 Ultra
The test result: With the “test” quality rating “good (1.6)”, the Galaxy S23 Ultra was the best Samsung smartphone in the test when it was examined in March 2023. The top model’s razor-sharp display and powerful camera are particularly impressive.
Product details: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra achieved a “good (1.6)” in the test and is therefore only just behind the iPhone. The flagship is particularly characterized by its high-resolution OLED display with a 6.8-inch diagonal. With a powerful battery and an improved camera, the S23 offers more features compared to its predecessor.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s camera has a 200-megapixel sensor and is equipped with four lenses, including two telephoto lenses and an ultra-wide angle.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a powerful 5,000 milliampere-hour (mAh) battery that lasts at least a day without recharging, even with intensive use. A special feature is the S-Pen, which can be used to control the cell phone.
The price tip: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G
The test result: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is the price tip in the test. The cell phone scores with a very good display, good camera and achieves the overall grade of “good (2.2)”.
Product details: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is recommended as a price-performance tip because it represents a cost-effective alternative. The display and battery received a “very good” rating in tests. The fast loading time of just 45 minutes is particularly impressive.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G impresses with a battery life of 35 hours at maximum brightness. With 5G connectivity and six gigabytes of memory, it offers future-oriented performance. The triple camera on the back includes a main lens, a wide-angle camera and a macro camera, enabling versatile photography. With an average online price of around 270 euros, it also represents an attractive price-performance tip.
The sustainable: Fairphone 5
The test result: The Fairphone positions itself in the middle field with the “test” quality rating of “good (2.4)” and stands out as a sustainable alternative to the usual manufacturers. Its peculiarity lies in the ability to replace many parts yourself, including the battery – a rarity in the smartphone market.
Product details: Sustainability is the focus of the Fairphone 5. Its modular design sets it apart from the test winners. Numerous components can be removed and replaced, with the manufacturer offering the appropriate replacement parts such as batteries, cameras and microphones. The vision is that users without special knowledge and a mini screwdriver can replace individual components instead of throwing away the entire cell phone if it breaks.
The Fairphone 5’s features are in the solid mid-range range with 256 gigabytes of memory, six gigabytes of RAM, a 50-megapixel camera and an eight-core processor. The latest model also has fast 5G radio and NFC. The battery life is 22 hours at maximum brightness.
Our conclusion on the smartphone test
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and that Galaxy S23 Ultra are currently the best cell phones on the market. Other models from the manufacturers are also in the top 10. They offer a lot of luxury, but are also correspondingly expensive.
Frequently asked questions about smartphones
Which smartphone has the best camera?
Stiftung Warentest has not yet rated any camera as “very good”, but this year the iPhone 15 Pro’s camera received this top rating for the first time. In the overall ratings, iPhones and Samsung models in particular lead with ratings from “very good” to “good”.
How much should a good cell phone cost at least and what can you expect?
The equipment in the low price segment has improved significantly in recent years. In particular, storage space and cameras have increased. In addition to the very expensive premium devices from Samsung and Apple, there are also cheap alternatives. From 200 euros you get good equipment. Nowadays you can count on these points for a cheap smartphone:
- Colorful and large displays
- 64 to 128 gigabytes of memory
- Fingerprint sensor
- face recognition
- Quad camera on the back
- Plastic housing
- 5,000 mAh battery and fast charging
You will particularly notice the differences to the more expensive models in the case. Plastic housings are often used in very inexpensive devices. However, developments have also improved in this area.
What should you pay attention to when repairing a smartphone?
The newer smartphone models are almost impossible to open or are often difficult to open yourself. Anyone who still wants to repair their cell phone themselves should note the following points:
- Instructions: To get started, look for detailed instructions with all the important steps and tools.
- Spare Parts: In most cases, the original spare parts are not commercially available. You can only use third-party products. Above all, pay attention to the good quality of these products.
- Work surface: Your work surface should be one thing above all: clean! The electronic components should be protected from dirt and dust at all times. The same applies to water conservation.
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