In the video uploaded on December 19, 2023, Marques Brownlee, the popular tech YouTuber, announces his picks for the best smartphones of 2023 across various categories. The video delves deeper into the reasons behind his choices, providing valuable insights for viewers looking to upgrade their phones.
Best Big Phone:
- Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – Praised for its massive, high-resolution display, powerful processor, long battery life, and impressive camera system, especially the zoom capabilities.
- Runner-up: OnePlus 11 Pro – Scores high marks for its large unfolded display and powerful hardware.
- Honorable mentions: Asus ROG Phone 7 (gaming-focused powerhouse) and Oppo Find X6 Pro (stunning design and top-notch specs)
Best Compact Phone:
- Winner: Asus Zenphone 10 – Takes the crown for its perfect blend of a pocketable size, smooth performance, excellent cameras, and long battery life.
- Honorable mention: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 – Technically not small, but its foldable design makes it ultra-portable when closed.
Best Camera:
- Winner: iPhone 15 Pro – Clinches the title for its consistently great photo and video quality across various lighting conditions and shooting scenarios.
- Honorable mentions: Google Pixel 8 Pro (computational photography prowess) and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (versatile camera system with impressive zoom).
Most Improved:
- Winner: Nothing Phone 2 – Earns recognition for its significant software advancements with Nothing OS 2.0 and 2.5 updates, offering a smoother user experience and exciting new features.
Bust of the Year:
- Winner: Solana Saga crypto phone – Disappoints with lackluster performance despite decent build quality. The high price tag and association with the struggling Solana cryptocurrency contribute to its negative reception.
MVP (Most Valuable Phone):
- Winner: Google Pixel 8 – Crowned the MVP for its well-rounded package, including a fantastic camera, a significantly improved 120Hz display, the same powerful processor as the Pixel 8 Pro, and exceptional battery life, all at a more affordable price point compared to its Pro counterpart.
- Runner-up: Asus Zenphone 10 – Impresses with its flagship-level performance in a compact form factor.
- Honorable mentions: iPhone 15 Pro (refined design and USB-C adoption), Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (consistent performer with no major drawbacks), and OnePlus 11 Pro (powerful hardware and large foldable display).
Additional Notes:
- Marques Brownlee highlights other noteworthy phones that didn’t win awards but deserve recognition, such as the iPhone 15 Pro for its refined design and long-awaited USB-C port, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra for its overall consistency and lack of major flaws.
- The video encourages viewers to share their own picks for the awards in the comments section, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
