We take a look at each cellphone in real-world situations, specializing in its options, design, efficiency, cameras, battery life and general worth. We doc our findings in an preliminary assessment that’s periodically up to date when there are new software program updates, or to match it towards new telephones from rivals similar to Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
Pictures
Pictures is a serious focus for many telephones as of late, so we take photos and movies of assorted topics in quite a lot of settings and lighting situations. We check out any new digital camera modes, similar to ProRes video recording that debuted with the iPhone 15 Professional and 15 Professional Max, or the Greatest Take and Magic Editor picture instruments that launched with the Google Pixel 8 sequence.
Battery life
Battery testing is carried out in quite a lot of methods. We assess how lengthy a cellphone lasts throughout a typical day of use and word the way it performs throughout extra targeted classes of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We additionally conduct a video playback take a look at, as a easy, replicable measure of pure battery life, which is not all the time included within the preliminary assessment however typically added later in an replace.
Efficiency measuring
We use benchmarking apps to measure every cellphone’s efficiency, alongside our personal anecdotal experiences utilizing the cellphone for our assessment. Of word are how graphics and animations look. Are they clean? Or do they lag or stutter? We additionally take a look at how shortly the cellphone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations, and how briskly the digital camera app opens and is able to take a photograph.
We carry out processor-heavy duties like modifying pictures, exporting movies and enjoying video games. We consider whether or not a more moderen model of a specific cellphone consists of sufficient options to make it value upgrading from older fashions.
Learn extra: How We Test Phones