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Apple recently announced the new 2017 iPhone lineup, but even its best can’t knock off Samsung’s latest Galaxy Note. We will see some more movement in this best 10 list when the Huawei Mate 10 and next Google Pixel phones are announced in the next month or two.
We have hands-on experience with all of these phones, except for the new iPhones. The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are incremental updates, really 7s models, but the iPhone X is new and we based our pick on the hands-on experiences posted by various press outlets after the launch event.
1. Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Jason Cipriani/ZDNet
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was at the top of my list at the end of 2016, before the recall forced its removal. The Galaxy Note 8 regains the top spot as it is clearly the most advanced smartphone currently on the market.
CNET: Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Phone review
Samsung’s Infinity Display earned the highest rating ever from DisplayMate and is 0.1 inch bigger than the S8 Plus. There is 6GB of RAM, the fastest Qualcomm mobile processor, advanced S Pen functionality, dual rear cameras with OIS, the ability to add inexpensive microSD cards, new Bixby assitant and a hardware button dedicated to its use, improved front facing camera, Samsung Pay payment technology, wireless and fast charging, IP68 dust and water resistance, a USB Type-C standard port, and traditional 3.5mm headset jack. There is nothing missing from the Galaxy Note 8 and it deserves the top spot.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is available now at a price ranging from $930 to $960. There are some launch specials from Samsung and carriers, including a Gear 360 camera or microSD card and fast wireless charger.
I spent a couple weeks with an evaluation device and my own Note 8 arrived last week.
Check out Jason Cipriani’s full Galaxy Note 8 review with a 9/10 rating. Jason is more conservative with his ratings than I am so a 9 from Jason is outstanding.
2. Apple iPhone X
The Apple iPhone X was just announced, but it won’t be available until November. It is the highest price mass market phone to launch with a starting price of $999 for 64GB and $1,149 for 256GB.