The 20 best smartphones in the world

Samsung S10 Smartphone

The best smartphones don't have to be the most expensive.
Value plays a huge role in this list.
In fact, the top three phones in this list aren't the top flagship models everyone expects from Apple or Samsung.

It would be much easier to rank these smartphones based purely on specs and number of features, but that would mean the most expensive smartphones would always rank in the top three, and they're not the first phones I'd usually recommend.

One of the biggest factors for me when ranking and recommending a phone is its value in relation to its specs and features. That typically leads me to recommend phones that may have fewer features or a less sleek design than the ultra-premium models that demand four figures.

Indeed, just because a phone has everything and the kitchen sink doesn't mean you have to buy it — it's just an option for those who might have a larger budget. The same logic applies to pretty much anything you can buy. Do you pick the most expensive model of everything you buy? If you don't, the top three will suit you well.

If you do, then you probably don't need to read this list.

Check out our list of the top 20 smartphones you can buy right now:

20. BlackBerry Key2

The BlackBerry Key2 is arguably the most unique smartphone on this list because of its physical keyboard. The trade-off here is you sacrifice some screen space to make way for the keyboard. That might appeal to some BlackBerry enthusiasts, but not so much to regular smartphone users.

Price: $606

Read the BlackBerry Key2 review »

19. Moto G7

Motorola's Moto G series of smartphones has been our favorite mid-range option ever since they were first released back in 2013, and they've only been getting better every generation. Last year's Moto G6 was a fantastic device that made me forget I was using a $250 phone, and not one that cost more $800.

The new $300 Moto G7 comes with updated specs, design, and even a few rare, out-of-style features that many smartphone users still value.

Price: $300

18. Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are now more than 2 years old, but for $450 and $570, respectively, they're still worthy of your attention.

Apple phones generally offer better apps and a better user experience than their Android counterparts, and the iPhone 7 is no different. The support you get from Apple if something goes wrong is superior to what you get from Android device makers. And unlike on most Android phones, with iPhones you can always get the latest software updates straight from Apple as soon as it releases them.

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus offer some compelling features, including water-resistance, great cameras that perform well in low light, and powerful processors. The phones also work well with other Apple products, including the company's wireless headphones, AirPods.

The iPhone 7 Plus' dual-lens camera system is its distinguishing feature. It allows you to take pictures with a professional-looking "bokeh" effect, which blurs the background behind your subject. Additionally, the system allows you to zoom in on your subjects; its second camera offers a 2x optical zoom.

Unlike the digital zoom feature found in other cameras, an optical zoom allows you to enlarge an image of your subject without sacrificing picture quality.

iPhone 7 price: $450

iPhone 7 Plus price: $570

Check out the iPhone 7 review »

See the rest of the story at Business Insider