TechRadar editors spotlighted the nine smartphones that generated the loudest buzz for 2023, presenting a lineup that blends heavy expectations with real talk about hardware innovation. The preview stressed devices likely to push camera tech, processing power, and design ethos to new heights, and it aimed to guide readers through what mattered most in a fast-moving market.
The opening salvo crowned Samsung as the standout force in early 2023, with the Galaxy S23 family taking the top spot. The coverage highlighted a remarkable leap in imaging, pegging a 200‑megapixel camera as a centerpiece, paired with Snapdragon processors that would ship across regions. This marked a decisive break with Exynos, signaling Samsung’s shift toward uniform global performance across flagships. The assessment suggested this combination could redefine flagship expectations for speed, efficiency, and photo quality in a post‑Exynos era.
Close on the heels was Google’s Pixel 8, anticipated to showcase Google’s third‑generation Tensor chip architecture, a bold step in on‑device AI, and substantial memory upgrades such as 12 GB of RAM. The potential for improved computational photography and smarter software features was a recurring theme, with analysts predicting meaningful enhancements to imaging versatility and overall fluidity in daily use.
The third position went to another Google device, the Pixel Fold, with anticipation centered on refreshed clamshell design ideas that could distinguish it from competitors. The tech press projected a release window early in the year, possibly within the first quarter or, at the latest, the first half. The hope was for innovative constraints and clever engineering that would broaden the appeal of foldables moving beyond novelty toward practical everyday use.
Rounding out TechRadar’s list were notable titles across several makers: the iPhone 15 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Sony Xperia IV, Xiaomi 13 Pro, OnePlus 11, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. Each model was discussed in terms of what it could contribute to the year’s mobile landscape, from camera systems and display technology to user experience and software ecosystems. Readers were encouraged to weigh these devices not only by specs but by how they would fit real‑world scenarios—multitasking, travel, photography, and gaming—where the best phones earn their keep.