Best smartphone 2015 - buying guide & top mobile phone picks
If you've been confused by the sheer number of smartphones available and can't work out which one you should buy, then you've come to the right place. After testing hundreds of mobile phones, we've sifted through all our reviews to bring you the definitive list of what's commonly available and which ones are the best value for money.
If you're not quite sure about which smartphone is right for you, be sure to check out our handy buying guide on page two to help you narrow down your choice. We explain everything from which operating system you should go for to screen quality, battery life and performance, and how much storage you'll need. We also explain whether you need 4G and the best ways to buy your new handset.
New Entry: Sony Xperia Z5
It may have only been a few months since the Xperia Z3+, but the Z5 blows it clean out of the water. For starters, it has the most colour accurate LCD display I've ever seen, delivering bright, punchy colours that outshine almost every other smartphone display I've tested. Sony's also improved the camera this time round, adding a 23-megapixel sensor with the world's fastest autofocus to boot. If that wasn't enough, it's one of the fastest Android phones around, too, with blistering web browsing speeds and exceptional gaming performance.
Topping it all off is Sony's brand-new chassis, which has a gorgeous frosted glass finish that dramatically improves the phone's grip and comfort, and a handy fingerprint sensor built straight into the power button, making it easier than ever before to keep your phone secure.
Price when reviewed: £549 SIM free. For the latest prices, see our full Sony Xperia Z5 review
Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 Screen Size: 5.2in, Screen resolution: 1,920x1,080, Rear camera: 23 megapixels, Storage: 32GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G, Size: 146x72x7.3mm, Weight: 154g, Operating system: Android 5.1.1
New Entry: Sony Xperia Z5 Compact
If the Z5 is just a little bit too big for your pocket, the Z5 Compact is the phone for you. While its screen only has a 720p resolution rather than Full HD, the Z5 Compact is just as fast as its big brother and has exactly the same camera sensor, making it excellent value for a miniature flagship smartphone. It's also got a fantastic display and a beautiful design, borrowing the same frosted glass finish as the Z5.
Price when reviewed: £429 SIM free. For the latest prices, see our full Sony Xperia Z5 Compact review
Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 Screen Size: 4.6in, Screen resolution: 1,280x720, Rear camera: 23 megapixels, Storage: 32GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G, Size: 127x65x8.9mm, Weight: 138g, Operating system: Android 5.1.1
1. Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
It's eye-wateringly expensive, but the Galaxy S6 Edge really is one of the most desirable phones on the planet right now. Its curved edges look stunning, and it's got plenty of power behind it, too, thanks to Samsung's octa-core Exynos 7420 chip. Its 2,560x1,440 Super AMOLED display is equally stunning, producing rich, vibrant colours and ultra-deep blacks. Its 16-megapixel camera is also fantastic. If you want a smartphone that will truly wow your friends and family, the Galaxy S6 Edge is the phone to buy.
Price when reviewed: £760 SIM free. For the latest prices, see our full Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge review
Processor: Quad-core 2.1GHz and quad-core 1.5GHz Samsung Exynos 7420 Screen Size: 5.1in, Screen resolution: 2,560x1,440, Rear camera: 16 megapixels, Storage: 64GB / 128GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G, Size: 142x70x7.0mm, Weight: 132g, Operating system: Android 5.0.2
2. Apple iPhone 6
It took Apple a while, but it finally increased screen size with the iPhone 6 range. Now with a 4.7in display, a fast processor, improved battery life and iOS 8.1, the iPhone 6 is an improvement in every way on the iPhone 5S. We also think that it strikes the perfect balance between screen size and physical size, making it the best iPhone for most people.
Price when reviewed: £619 SIM free. For the latest prices, see our full iPhone 6 review
Processor: Dual-core 1.4GHz Apple A8, Screen Size: 4.7in, Screen resolution: 1,334x750, Rear camera: 8 megapixels, Storage: 16GB / 64GB / 128GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G, Size: 138x67x6.9mm, Weight: 129g, Operating system: iOS 8
3. Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen, 2015)
The 2nd Gen Moto G was an exceptional smartphone, but the latest version of Motorola's monumental handset is even better. While it's not quite as good value as its predecessor, the 3rd Gen Moto G is by far one of the most comfortable and attractive budget smartphones around. Its large 5in HD screen looks great, it has a fantastic 13-megapixel camera, and its battery life is best in class. It also comes with 4G support and a microSD card slot, making it even more versatile than ever.
Price when reviewed: £159 SIM-free. For the latest prices, see our full Moto G 3rd Gen 2015 review
Processor: Quad-core 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, Screen Size: 5in, Screen resolution: 1,280x720, Rear camera: 13 megapixels, Storage: 8GB / 16GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G, Size: 142x72x6.1mm, Weight: 155g, Operating system: Android 5.1.1
Best of the rest...
4. LG G4
When every other top end smartphone is made of metal, the G4's leather rear really helps it stand out from the crowd. It's also the first smartphone to have a colour spectrum sensor built into its rear camera, allowing it to produce more realistic images. It's not as fast as the S6, but its IPS Quantum display superb, and its battery life is pretty decent too. It's also one of the cheapest flagship phones available today, making it a great choice for those who don't want to shell out for the S6 Edge or iPhone 6.
Price when reviewed: £530 SIM free. For the latest prices, see our full LG G4 review
Processor: Hexa-core 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 Screen Size: 5.5in, Screen resolution: 2,560x1,440, Rear camera: 16 megapixels, Storage: 32GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G, Size: 149x75x8.9mm, Weight: 155g, Operating system: Android 5.1
5. Apple iPhone 6 Plus
When Apple decided to do big, it went really big, with this huge 5.5in handset. Provided the size doesn't put you off, the high-quality screen, long battery life, brilliant OS and excellent camera make this the best (and most expensive) iPhone that you can buy.
Price when reviewed: £619 SIM-free. For the latest prices, see our full iPhone 6 Plus review
Processor: Dual-core 1.4GHz Apple A8, Screen Size: 5.5in, Screen resolution: 1,920x1,080, Rear camera: 8 megapixels, Storage: 16GB / 64GB / 128GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G, Size: 158x78x7.1mm, Weight: 172g, Operating system: iOS 8
6. Motorola Moto X Play
The Moto X Play may not be Motorola's flagship smartphone any more, but this mid-range monster is extremely good value. With a battery life to rival the Samsung Galaxy S6, this smartphone has more than enough stamina to keep you going all day, and its octa-core processor Snapdragon 615 has plenty of speed, too. Its 21-megapixel camera is also excellent, providing plenty of detail with bright, rich colours.
Price when reviewed: £270 SIM free. For the latest prices, see our full Motorola Moto X Play review
Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, Screen Size: 5.5in, Screen resolution: 1,920x1,080 Rear camera: 21 megapixels, Storage: 16GB /32GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G, Size: 148x75x8.9mm, Weight: 169g, Operating system: Android 5.1.1
7. OnePlus 2
The OnePlus 2 is only available by invite-only at the moment, but if you do manage to get hold of one (or know someone who does), this is one of the best value smartphones ever made. It has flagship specs for half the price of its competitors, and its Oxygen OS (based off Android 5.1) gives you much greater control over the appearance of your smartphone as well as more in-depth privacy settings compared to Google's stock operating system. While its 5.5in Full HD screen and 13-megapixel camera aren't a massive upgrade from the original OnePlus One, this is still an incredible bargain if you can track one down.
Price when reviewed: £289 SIM free. For the latest prices, see our full OnePlus 2 review
Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, Screen Size: 5.5in, Screen resolution: 1,920x1,080 Rear camera: 13 megapixels, Storage: 32GB / 64GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G, Size: 152x75x9.9mm, Weight: 175g, Operating system: Android 5.1 / Oxygen OS
8. Vodafone Smart Ultra 6
The super-sized Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 is something of a budget miracle. Better value than the Moto G, this £125 handset has a 5.5in Full HD display, 13-megapixel camera and a super-fast Snapdragon 615 processor. It's tied to Vodafone, of course, but you won't find a better value smartphone for less.
Price when reviewed: £125 PAYG. For the latest prices, see our full Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 review
Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, Screen Size: 5.5in, Screen resolution: 1,920x1,080 Rear camera: 13 megapixels, Storage: 16GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G, Size: 154x77x8.4mm, Weight: 159g, Operating system: Android 5.0.2
9. Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Samsung started the phablet market with its original Note and the Note 4 is the best model yet. A huge screen with a high resolution, plenty of power, tons of battery life and a stylus all combine to make this one of the best phablets you can buy.
Price when reviewed: £600 SIM free. For the latest prices, see our full Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review
Processor: Quad-core 2.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805, Screen Size: 5.7in, Screen resolution: 2,560x1,440, Rear camera: 16 megapixels, Storage: 32GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G, Size: 153x78x8.5mm, Weight: 176g, Operating system: Android 4.4.4
10. Motorola Moto E (2nd Gen, 2015)
If you're looking for extremely low-cost Android phone that you can buy outright, the 2015 edition of the Motorola Moto E should be top of your list. Available for just £109, it's extremely good value. Its 960x540 screen is a little low-res, but its quality is very good. Performance is also respectable, and its battery life of 13h 30m in our video playback test is also extremely good for a budget handset. It even runs the latest version of Android, Lollipop.
Price when reviewed: £109 SIM-free. For the latest prices, see our full Motorola Moto E (2015) review
Processor: Quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410,Screen Size: 4.5in, Screen resolution: 960x540, Rear camera: 5 megapixels, Storage: 8GB, Wireless data: 3G, 4G,Size: 130x67x12.3mm, Weight: 145g, Operating system: Android 5.0.2
11. Microsoft Lumia 640
The Microsoft Lumia 640 is the perfect Windows phone if you don't want to fork out for the Lumia 930: it's much cheaper than Nokia's flagship handset, but it still comes with the latest version of Windows Phone 8.1 operating system (which is due to be upgraded for free to Windows 10 Mobile later this year) and the same funky colours. It also has a great 720p screen and excellent battery life, making this phone a great choice for anyone on a tight budget.