As we approach the start of the 2023 edition of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, we're back for our usual Sunday roundup to take stock of what's recently arrived at the top end of the Android market, as well as the hottest names of the near future.
In this first phase of the year, the device that has attracted the public's attention the most has been the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but there is certainly no shortage of meat on the fire: here are the best flagships on the market and coming soon!
Market Pick: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
From what we learn from the ranking of the Amazon Bestseller smartphone, currently the high-end of the Android market crowns the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. More precisely, Italian users of the popular e-commerce portal are banking on the 12/512GB variant, offered at 1.659 € with 25W charger included.
The device doesn't need much introduction, as it's Samsung's latest flagship, a smartphone that doesn't compromise on anything: from the excellent photographic department to the performance that is finally at the top of its category in every way – yes, we also have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2! – right up to the good battery life.
There are guaranteed software updates for 4 years, as well as features like support for the S Pen and DeX mode for use with an external monitor.
The connectivity department is complete with Wi-Fi 6E and 5G, while for the front an excellent AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution and refresh rate up to 120Hz was chosen.
We talked about it in more depth in our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review but even this device could give way to some criticism, especially for the more demanding: some things that may turn up their noses are, for example, the absence of the charger from the retail sales package (but fortunately present on Amazon), the non-expandable internal memory and the fact that the charging reaches 45W (good, but not at the top of the market).
The Galaxy S23 Ultra represents a complete device on several fronts. The main issue for many will be the price, which however is in line with the rest of the Premium proposals on the Android market.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
One of the brands in the best shape recently was Google, which in 2022 was keen to demonstrate how it is possible to launch a top-of-the-range device without reaching excessively high figures.
Of course, the cost of 844,39 € on Amazon (12/128GB) it remains for a few, but it is practically half the price of other flagships.
This is how Google's proposal has become one of the most attractive: the quality/price ratio is particularly high, also considering the excellent performance of the proprietary Google Tensor G2 processor, as well as the exclusive features dedicated to the Pixel range. This is not the only thing that convinces, also considering the fact that there is, for example, an excellent OLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz.
Other strong points lie in a connectivity department complete with 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, as well as in a photographic department that also manages to offer a good digital zoom up to 30x (which has minimal deterioration also thanks to the AI). If you are interested in the model, you can learn more about it through our review of the Google Pixel 7 Pro, where you can also find details on its main limitations. In this regard, the charging only at 30W, the Dual SIM that can only be done via eSIM and the cooling system that is not exactly top notch stand out. Therefore, it is not a flagship for everyone, but the price has made and will continue to make the difference.
Vivo X80 Pro
In a segment that targets particularly demanding users, namely the top of the range Premium Android models, it is not easy to establish oneself and generate interest among the big names that have had their feet firmly planted in Europe for years.
The road for vivo may seem uphill, especially considering that the flagship vivo X80 Pro is being offered at 1.299 € on Amazon through resellers (12/256GB: at the time of writing a discount coupon of 280 euros can be applied).
However, those who are able to overcome the initial skepticism will find a smartphone that can surprise from several points of view, starting with the excellent cinematic mode.
If you're interested in learning more about it, you might want to check out the vivo X80 Pro review, but to summarize, among the other main strengths there is the presence of 80W fast charging, as well as a battery life supported by a 4.700 mAh battery. The processor chosen by vivo is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, as well as a connectivity department that includes Wi-Fi 6E and 5G. This is not to mention the excellent AMOLED LTPO screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz. In short, going beyond the cost that is not exactly for everyone (and a software with a translation that is not always impeccable), the vivo X80 Pro can certainly appeal to a certain type of user.
OnePlus 11 5G
Another recently released top of the range smartphone that should not be underestimated is the OnePlus 11 5G, sold at 919 € on Amazon (16/256GB). This is a complete and solid top of the range model from many points of view, from the good performance guaranteed by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, to a management approach that allows the smartphone to never heat up too much as well as obtaining enviable autonomy, supported by the 5.000 mAh battery.
There is also a 100W fast charging, as well as a good Hasselblad camera department and an excellent Super Fluid AMOLED LTPO display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and QHD+ resolution. You can learn more about it in our OnePlus 11 5G review.
There are then 4 years of guaranteed software updates, but there are some details that might turn some people's noses up.
Performance is in fact somewhat limited by the conservative approach in extreme situations, while the absence of wireless charging could represent a significant shortcoming depending on your habits.
The maximum zoom is also not entirely convincing, in addition to the impossibility of expanding the internal storage.
It may not be the blind choice that longtime OnePlus fans would have liked to make, but the OnePlus 11 5G is capable of rivaling most flagships currently available on the market.
Best Android Foldable Smartphones in February 2023
Finally, the foldable smartphone market is “animating” in an interesting way in 2023. If until now it was Samsung devices that were holding the stage (to learn more about the current generation you can rely, as always, on our review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 and the review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4), now we are starting to glimpse serious competition for the South Korean brand also in Europe.
In fact, the review of the OPPO Find N2 Flip was recently published on these pages, which proved to be a valid alternative for those who prefer to fold their smartphone vertically.
But other exponents will soon arrive on the market, considering that at the MWC there will be the announcement of Honor Magic Vs, already seen abroad and with a design that is more reminiscent of the “Fold” models with a vertical fold.
The latest rumors are starting to focus on the future Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5, as well as a new Motorola RAZR, a Google Pixel Fold, a Vivo X Fold 2, and possible new products in the same segment from OnePlus.
The new Android flagships: from Xiaomi 13 to Realme GT3
The market, as we have seen, is full of alternatives and here we have limited ourselves to the main devices.
Let us recall, however, that recently there was the announcement of RedMagic 8 Pro and the reveal of vivo X90 Pro.
Let's not forget the other models in the Samsung Galaxy S23 range, since there isn't just the Ultra variant.
In short, there is no shortage of choice and juicy news is also coming from the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona: starting today, with theXiaomi February Event which will start at 16:00 on February 26, 2023.
What will we see? Fans are waiting for the Global launch of the Xiaomi 13 series, but the new MIUI 14 software customization features should not be underestimated.
The Honor event will start at 13:30 PM on February 27, 2023, where we are expected to see the Honor Magic5 Series and the foldable Honor Magic Vs.
At 16:00 PM on February 28, 2023, it will be Realme's turn, which has a smartphone with 240W charging in store, namely the Realme GT3.
In short, we will soon see some great things, also considering the presence of other brands that are starting to warm up their engines: just think about the fact that OnePlus should present an interesting concept and, in case you are wondering, yes: our Alessio Ferraiuolo is already in Barcelona and we have launched the MWC 2023 page of Everyeye, which will allow you to follow all the announcements from the fair with us!
