Marques Brownlee, MKBHD, just released his best smartphone awards videos of 2023.
As 2023 comes to a close, the smartphone market has witnessed a plethora of releases, each boasting unique features, designs, and innovations. Tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipate MKBHD’s annual smartphone awards, where he selects winners in various categories. In this summary, we’ll look into the standout phones that earned an award from the MKBHD Smartphone Awards across different categories.
Best Big Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
In the category of best big smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra claimed the top spot. Despite its understated design, this powerhouse impressed with a 6.8-inch Quad HD display, a 5,000mAh battery, and a formidable camera system, particularly excelling in zoom capabilities.
Runner-Up: The OnePlus Open, a folding phone with an 8-inch square display, also received praise for its innovative design and feature-rich experience.
Best Compact Smartphone: Asus Zenphone 10
Acknowledging the challenge of finding truly small phones with flagship features, MKBHD awarded the Asus Zenphone 10 as the best compact smartphone. With a 5.9-inch display, it struck the perfect balance between portability and functionality, addressing the diminishing availability of genuinely small phones in the market.
Best Camera in a Smartphone: iPhone 15 Pro
In the realm of smartphone cameras, the iPhone 15 Pro secured the top spot. Acknowledging that various phones excel in specific scenarios, MKBHD highlighted the iPhone 15 Pro’s consistency, usability, and unparalleled video recording capabilities. The addition of log recording and external SSD support further solidified its position.
Honorable Mention: The Galaxy S23 Ultra received recognition for its impressive zoom capabilities and overall excellence as a stills camera.
Best Value: Samsung Galaxy A54
Determining the best value among smartphones requires a delicate balance of features and affordability. The Samsung Galaxy A54 emerged as the winner, offering a well-rounded experience without compromising essential features. MKBHD praised its ability to strike a middle ground between premium and budget options.
Honorable Mention: The Moto G Play and Pixel 7A received acknowledgment for their impressive features at budget-friendly prices.
Best Battery: iPhone 15 Plus
For the best overall battery experience, the iPhone 15 Plus claimed victory. Its substantial battery capacity, efficient hardware, and optimized software contributed to an extended battery life. Catering to users who prioritize a worry-free, long-lasting phone experience.
Honorable Mentions: The Asus Rog Phone 7 and Zenphone 10 were recognized for their impressive battery performances, offering extended usage on a single charge.
Best Design: Honor Magic V2
The Honor Magic V2 took home the best design award for its groundbreaking approach to foldable phones. Despite some software considerations, its innovative design, including a foldable display and compact form factor, garnered widespread admiration.
Best Foldable Phone: OnePlus Open
Introducing a new category, MKBHD recognized the OnePlus Open as the best foldable phone of 2023. Praised for its practicality when closed and a seamless transition to an 8-inch folding screen. The OnePlus Open demonstrated the potential of foldable phones.
Runner-Up: The Pixel Fold received an honorable mention for its impressive outside screen and unique approach to foldable design.
Most Improved: Nothing Phone 2
The Nothing Phone 2 earned the title of the most improved phone of 2023. Balancing hardware and software enhancements, along with the introduction of Nothing OS 2.0, contributed to its notable improvement over its predecessor.
Bust of the Year: Solana Saga Crypto Phone
Regrettably, the Solana Saga Crypto Phone was dubbed the Bust of the Year. Citing its lack of practicality and questionable value, MKBHD cautioned against considering this phone, drawing parallels to purchasing a timeshare.
Honorable Mention: Concept phones that were announced but never materialized were collectively acknowledged for their unrealized potential.
Most Valuable Phone (MVP): Pixel 8
Claiming the most prestigious title, the Pixel 8 emerged as the MVP or most valuable phone of 2023. With a significant leap in camera capabilities, display quality, and an array of software features. The Pixel 8 showcased Google’s commitment to delivering an exceptional smartphone experience.
Runner-Up: The Asus Zenphone 10 received recognition as a runner-up for its impressive all-around performance and compact design.
Honorable Mention: The iPhone 15 Pro was acknowledged for its refinement, representing the pinnacle of Apple’s iPhone lineup.
In conclusion, MKBHD’s smartphone awards for 2023 reflect the diverse landscape of the industry, celebrating innovation, value, and overall excellence in smartphone design and functionality. As technology continues to advance, these awards serve as a guide for consumers seeking the best smartphones to meet their unique preferences and needs.
Related:
- How to Vote for the MKBHD Blind Smartphone Camera Test 2023
- Which Pixel Phones Have Won the MKBHD Smartphone Awards?