Ever feel like you know everything there is to know about smartphones? With new models dropping every season, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype and think you’ve seen it all. But what if we told you that even the most seasoned phone reviewers, with nearly five decades of combined experience, are still discovering incredible “tricks” and capabilities packed into today’s top devices?
Seriously, the competition among the best phones is stiffer than ever, with phone makers pushing boundaries in performance, camera tech, and battery life. It’s not just about flashy designs anymore; it’s about the deep-seated innovations that make your daily life smoother, more fun, and genuinely easier. From intelligent AI that anticipates your needs to batteries that seemingly never quit, there are hidden gems everywhere.
So, buckle up! We’re about to take a whirlwind tour through some of the absolute best phones out there right now, uncovering 10 game-changing features you might not even realize exist. Get ready to have your mind blown and maybe even find your next favorite device, because these aren’t just phones – they’re pockets full of futuristic magic.
1. **iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Untouchable Performance & Never-Ending Battery Life**Move over, contenders, because the iPhone 17 Pro Max has officially taken the crown for best overall phone! Apple has truly outdone itself, giving this model its biggest hardware and software makeovers to date, complete with an attractive looking two-toned design and the highly anticipated iOS 26 update. If you’re chasing that elusive best-in-class experience, look no further, especially with its obscenely long battery life.
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the A19 Pro chipset, which “turns out to be faster in some regard” compared to its rivals. But here’s a real “trick”: Apple has included a vapor chamber inside, ensuring that the phone “runs at top performance while remaining cool.” We even saw it transcode a video in “half as long as it did on the Galaxy S25 Ultra,” proving this device is a true speed demon.
The camera system is nothing short of a photography “magic trick.” Apple ditched the previous 12MP 5x optical zoom camera for an “upgraded telephoto camera” – a 48P telephoto with 4x optical that can achieve ‘optical-quality’ at 8x zoom. And for all you selfie lovers, there’s a “new 18MP Center Stage camera” that makes shooting self-portraits a lot more convenient. But where it truly shines is its “low light performance,” which still proves “untouchable,” capturing photos that are “brighter, sharper, and more detailed than all the other flagships.”
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping feature of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is its battery life. This phone isn’t just good; it’s legendary. “The battery on the iPhone 17 Pro Max lasts nearly 18 hours on our battery test,” which is a whopping “nearly 10 hours better than the average smartphone.” This unprecedented endurance means “you won’t need to charge your phone up during the day.” And if you do, Apple has also “increase[d] the wired charging speed of the iPhone 17 Pro Max to 35W.”
2. **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Your Personal AI Assistant, Built Right In!**While the iPhone 17 Pro Max might be the new overall champ, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remains an absolute beast, particularly when it comes to camera capabilities and, more importantly, its mind-bending AI. Samsung has put all its energy into “building out its Galaxy AI features to excellent effect,” effectively taking “mobile AI… to the next level with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.”
Get ready for some serious multitasking magic with the “cross app actions” trick. This allows you to “give one command that triggers multiple actions, like looking up the date of an event, adding it to your calendar and texting the info to a friend.” It’s like having a super-efficient personal assistant at your fingertips! Plus, you’ll find “other AI favorites like Circle to Search gain new powers,” making finding what you need easier than ever.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra also boasts a clever “Personal Data Engine on board” which is a smart trick, as it “learns your preferences, interests and activities.” This feeds a “new Now Brief screen with relevant information about upcoming appointments, weather forecasts or more.” While it’s still learning, “the promise is that it’s going to learn more about you over time and adjust its recommendations accordingly,” making your phone truly intuitive.
Let’s not overlook its photographic prowess. The “biggest hardware change to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera setup involves an upgraded ultrawide sensor — it’s now 50MP for more detailed shots and sharper macros.” Coupled with “upgrades to the ProVisual Engine that processes photos,” this phone “excels at zooms, selfies and low-light shots.” Our expert testing even concluded that this is “the best camera phone you can buy right now.”
3. **Google Pixel 9a: Budget Phone, Flagship Brains: A Smart Save!**Who says you need to break the bank for a top-tier smartphone experience? The Google Pixel 9a is here to shatter that myth, defiantly keeping its price “at the same $499” as its predecessor. This makes it an incredible “best cheap phone contender” and a welcome relief, especially compared to pricier alternatives. It’s “upgraded in every way,” offering undeniable value that will make your wallet incredibly happy.
One of the Pixel 9a’s most surprising “tricks” is its “Tensor G4 chip,” which “effectively matches the feature set found on Pixel 9 flagships.” This means you’re getting some seriously smart AI, including “Pixel Studio and Add Me photo-editing features stealing the show.” But don’t sleep on the fantastic “call management features” like “Call Screen,” where Google Assistant can actually take phone calls on your behalf, complete with contextual responses you can choose.
The camera system on the Pixel 9a is another standout “trick” for its price point. It features a “48MP main camera that pairs with a 13MP ultrawide,” with the main camera boasting a “wider f/1.7 aperture that allows it to better capture photos under low light.” More excitingly, it “finally gets a proper macro mode — along with a new astrophotography mode,” allowing you to capture stunning close-ups and starry skies without a hefty investment.
This budget-friendly champion also boasts impressive longevity, not just in terms of updates, but battery life too. “The Pixel 9a was able to surf the web for 13 hours and 8 minutes,” which is a significant jump of “more than 2 hours over its predecessor.” To top it all off, Google “provides the same seven years of software and security updates as the pricier Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL models,” ensuring this phone will last you for ages.
4. **Google Pixel 10 Pro: Unlocking Photo & Life Organization with Google’s Deep AI**When it comes to artificial intelligence, Google has been an old hand, pioneering AI in phones since the Pixel 6. Now, with the Pixel 10 Pro powered by the Tensor G5, it’s clear where all that experience culminates. According to our experts, who conducted an “AI phone face-off,” Google actually “has the most capable AI of them all,” making this phone a true master of smart, proactive “tricks.”
Prepare to have your mind blown by the photo magic tucked inside! The “Ask Photos feature lets you edit your photos using prompts rather than using individual editing tools.” This means “the AI will still be able to handle all the editing for you,” whether you use text or speech. Plus, you’ll find “upgrades to Best Take, which works automatically, and Add Me, which offers support for larger groups and pets,” making creative editing accessible to everyone. These are incredible creative “tricks” that simplify complex tasks.
The camera itself, even with “modest” hardware improvements, offers another surprising “trick”: the “100x ProRes Zoom feature.” This isn’t just about optical zoom; it brilliantly “mixes optical and digital zoom with generative AI to take surprisingly clear shots of stuff in the far distance.” It completely transforms how you can capture distant scenes, turning previously impossible photos into stunning realities.
Another truly clever organizational “trick” is the “Magic Cue assistant.” This feature “helps surface important information in Google apps when it thinks you need it most — like tracking information, travel plans and more.” While Google admits “it does need a little bit of polishing,” it offers a fascinating glimpse into truly proactive and intelligent assistance that could redefine how your phone helps manage your life.
5. **OnePlus 13: The Endurance Champion with Flagship Power for Less!**Before the arrival of the latest Galaxy S25 models, the OnePlus 13 was *the* Android choice for many, and it still holds its own as a “top alternative” due to its incredible overall value. It brilliantly combines “strong performance to a long-lasting battery,” and its “camera performance, long the Achilles heel of OnePlus phones, measures up well to top camera phones.” It’s a total package, delivering a flagship experience for less.
Get ready for a battery “trick” that’s genuinely hard to beat! The OnePlus 13, featuring a massive “6,000 mAh battery” and the efficient power management features found in the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, delivered “the second-best result we’ve ever seen in our phone battery test.” It lasted an astounding “19 hours and 45 minutes,” which is “nearly 10 hours better than the average smartphone.” That’s multi-day battery life for real-world use!
And when this endurance champion finally does need a juice-up, the OnePlus 13 has another speed “trick” up its sleeve. “Thanks to 80W charging speeds in the U.S. (It’s 100W elsewhere.),” you can get “the OnePlus 13 to a 92% charge in half-an-hour” after draining its battery. Say goodbye to long charging waits and hello to instant power, keeping you connected and on the go.
The camera system, a result of “teaming up with lens specialist Hasselblad,” is another impressive “trick” that has paid off big time for OnePlus. Our testing produced “photos that were very bright and colorful,” and the phone “clearly has a knack for portrait shots, especially if your subject wears glasses.” Combine this with the “top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset” for overall strong performance and useful “AI photo-editing tool” and “Intelligent Search tool,” and you have a truly top-tier Android experience.
Okay, so we’ve already gawked at some seriously next-level tech, from iPhones that practically never quit to Galaxies that are basically your new AI BFF. But guess what? We’re only halfway through our list of mind-blowing smartphone tricks! If you thought you’d seen all the innovation, prepare to have your socks knocked off again, because these next five devices are bringing their own unique flavors of awesome to the table. Seriously, your pocket is about to get a major upgrade with these clever contraptions.
Get ready to dive into more game-changing features that are about to make your daily scroll, snap, and chat infinitely cooler. Whether you’re a photography fanatic, a budget-conscious tech-lover, or someone who just craves something totally different, there’s a trick waiting for you here. Let’s keep this party going and uncover what else these smartphone superstars have hidden up their digital sleeves!
6. **Google Pixel 10: Zoom Photography for Less – Hello, Distant Wonders!**Alright, photography enthusiasts, gather ’round! While its Pro sibling might hog some of the AI limelight, the Google Pixel 10 is here to prove that you don’t need to empty your savings account to get seriously impressive camera capabilities, especially when it comes to zooming. This phone is setting a new benchmark for what a $799-priced device can achieve in the photography department, making those far-off subjects feel surprisingly close.
Think about it: how many times have you been at a concert, a sporting event, or even just trying to capture a shy squirrel in your backyard, only for your phone to give you a blurry, pixelated mess? The Pixel 10, following Google’s deep dive into AI-enhanced photography, leans into its smarts to deliver “zoom photography for less.” This isn’t just about optical lenses; it’s about intelligent processing that refines and sharpens distant shots, making them surprisingly clear and shareable.
This means you can capture details you never thought possible without lugging around a bulky camera. Google’s AI magic, a hallmark of the Pixel series, works in the background to ensure that even when you’re punching in on a distant scene, the resulting image retains as much quality and clarity as possible. It’s like having a little photo editor built right into your lens, constantly optimizing for the best possible outcome.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good value? The Pixel 10 isn’t just about making great photos accessible; it’s about making high-end features feel attainable. By delivering such compelling zoom photography capabilities at its price point, it truly “sets the bar for all $799-priced phones,” proving that cutting-edge isn’t always synonymous with eye-watering cost. It’s a total win for your wallet and your Instagram feed!
7. **Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Best Alternative Value – Stand Out from the Crowd!**Tired of seeing the same old phones everywhere you look? Well, prepare for a breath of fresh air because the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is here to offer a seriously cool “alternative value” experience that will make you do a double-take. This isn’t just another smartphone; it’s a statement, designed for those who appreciate something a little different and incredibly effective.
While our in-depth context might keep some of its specific “tricks” under wraps, the very designation of “Best alternative value” tells you everything you need to know. It’s all about getting incredible bang for your buck, but with a unique twist that sets it apart from the sea of mainstream devices. Think distinctive aesthetics, a user experience that feels fresh, and features that prioritize smart functionality without unnecessary frills.
This phone is for the trendsetters, the early adopters, and anyone who wants a device that sparks conversation rather than just blending in. It challenges the norm, offering a compelling package that doesn’t compromise on what truly matters to users looking for a distinct mobile experience. It’s proof that innovation doesn’t always follow the most beaten path, and sometimes the best choice is the one that dares to be different.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a phone that delivers stellar value while also showcasing a bold, individualistic flair, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is your go-to. It’s a fantastic option for anyone seeking a device that’s both smart and stylish, without feeling like every other phone on the market. Get ready to show off your individuality with a phone that truly stands out from the crowd!
8. **iPhone 17: Best iPhone Value – All the Goodies, Less of the Gulp!**Hold up, iPhone lovers! While the Pro Max might be stealing headlines with its top-tier specs, don’t sleep on the base model iPhone 17. This isn’t just any iPhone; it’s the “best iPhone value” you can get your hands on, packing some seriously significant upgrades that make it feel anything but “basic.” Apple has truly gone all out, giving this phone its “biggest upgrades in years” to ensure you get premium features without the premium price tag.
First off, let’s talk about that display! The iPhone 17 now boasts a “120Hz refresh rate,” meaning your scrolling, gaming, and app navigation will be buttery smooth and incredibly responsive. Say goodbye to any choppiness and hello to a truly fluid visual experience that makes everything feel faster and more immersive. It’s a game-changer that puts it on par with much pricier flagships, proving that high refresh rates are no longer just for the ‘Pro’ models.
And for all your photo hoarding, app downloading, and video saving needs, the iPhone 17 now comes with “double the storage capacity” compared to previous base models. This means more room for your memories, more space for your favorite games, and less worrying about hitting that dreaded ‘storage full’ notification. It’s a practical “trick” that makes a huge difference in your daily phone usage, giving you the freedom to keep more of what you love.
But here’s the real kicker: this “best iPhone value” also “matches the Apple Intelligence features of the more expensive iPhone 17 Pro Max.” That’s right, you’re getting the cutting-edge AI smarts that Apple has been hyping, all wrapped up in a more affordable package. It means you don’t have to break the bank to experience Apple’s latest advancements in smart assistance and seamless user experience. Who knew being budget-savvy could be so smart?
9. **Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Best Foldable – Seriously, It Bends!**Get ready to literally flip out because the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is here to revolutionize how you think about smartphones! Crowned the “Best foldable,” this device isn’t just a phone; it’s a fashion statement, a conversation starter, and a true feat of engineering. If you’ve been curious about the foldable revolution, this is your golden ticket to a future that quite literally folds into your pocket.
What makes it so special? Well, besides the obvious fact that “it bends,” the Galaxy Z Flip 7 embodies “unique designs” that blend nostalgia with futuristic tech. Remember those cool flip phones from back in the day? This is that, but reimagined with a stunning, full-sized smartphone screen that folds down into a compact, pocketable square. It’s perfect for slipping into smaller bags or pockets, making it incredibly convenient and stylish.
And just because it’s a foldable doesn’t mean it skimps on the smarts. Oh no, this baby is packed with “great AI capabilities,” just like its Galaxy S25 siblings. Samsung has ensured that the intelligent features that make daily life easier – from enhanced photography to smart organizational tools – are all present and accounted for. It’s the best of both worlds: groundbreaking design paired with cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
Samsung really got the ball rolling with its new foldable phones, and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 clearly landed on our list for a reason. It offers a fresh, innovative take on smartphone design while still delivering on performance and smart features. If you’re ready to embrace a phone that literally transforms, this “Best foldable” is calling your name. Prepare for endless compliments and maybe a few dropped jaws!
10. **Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Best Thin Phone – Sleek, Smart, and Super Stylish!**Alright, for all you minimalists and style mavens out there, prepare to swoon over the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. If you’re someone who appreciates a phone that feels impossibly light and disappears into your hand or pocket, then you’ve just found your new obsession. This beauty isn’t just a phone; it’s a “Best thin phone,” redefining elegance and ergonomic comfort in the smartphone world.
The moment you pick up the Galaxy S25 Edge, you’ll immediately notice its incredibly sleek profile and “unique designs.” Samsung has truly mastered the art of making a device feel substantial yet feather-light, ensuring it’s not just a powerhouse of technology but also a joy to hold. It’s the kind of phone that complements your look, adding a touch of sophisticated tech to your everyday style without any bulk.
But don’t let its svelte figure fool you into thinking it’s lacking in smarts. Oh no, the Galaxy S25 Edge is brimming with “great AI capabilities,” a common thread across Samsung’s latest S25 models. This means you’re getting all those intelligent features that make your phone proactively helpful, from enhancing your photos to streamlining your daily tasks, all powered by Samsung’s cutting-edge AI.
It’s exciting to know that “those Galaxy AI features are available on all of the S25 models,” so opting for the “cheaper Samsung Galaxy S25” in its sleek Edge form doesn’t mean compromising on smart functionality. You get to enjoy the best of Samsung’s AI innovations while rocking a phone that’s effortlessly chic and comfortable. It’s the perfect blend of form and function for anyone who loves their tech to be as stylish as they are.
Wow, what a ride! From unbreakable batteries to personal AI assistants, and from phones that fold to devices that practically organize your life for you – the smartphone world is bursting with incredible “tricks” you might never have guessed existed. We’ve journeyed through a landscape of innovation, proving that these aren’t just gadgets, but powerful extensions of ourselves, constantly evolving to make our lives smoother, more connected, and undeniably cooler. So go ahead, explore these hidden gems, because your next favorite phone trick is just waiting to be discovered!
