The Best Smartphones of 2017

Each year, smartphones get faster, slimmer, cooler — just better all around. But which phone puts an emphasis on your priorities? Smartphones are all about customization and individuality. Curious which smartphone is right for you in 2017? Here's a look:

Newest and Coolest

For those who want the newest and coolest phone on the market, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 plus are the new batters in the lineup of premium smartphones. These phones are the most state of the art right now. The S8 is equipped with a 5.8-inch screen, and it's big brother, the S8 plus has a 6.2-inch screen for those who prefer more real estate for photography or gaming. Both are dual-curved QHD Super AMOLED technology, nicknamed Infinity Display. The Samsung Galaxy S8 plus also has the best camera in a phone of its size with a 12MP rear-facing camera and an 8MP front-facing camera. More impressive, however, is the facial recognition this phone uses to unlock your screen and the Bixby Vision which is a smart interface and integrated voice command service much like Siri or Cortana.

Ergonomics and Usability

For those who want a seamless experience between ergonomic design and functionality, the Google Pixel is the phone for you. This phone's camera is also a sure shooter in what other phones would consider dim light; and, as Google is the developer of the Android OS, Android Nougat 7.0, this phone's hardware specifications are designed with a seamless user experience in mind. While this phone hit shelves late in 2016, it remains one of the better phones on the market, so much so that CNET amended their review to include the capability with the new Google Daydream VR, which is great for those who are on the cutting-edge of technology.

Crown Takers

If you're not much of an Android person, then it likely means you'd prefer an iPhone. This list wouldn't be complete without the iPhone 7. While it was released late last year, it's still one of the world's best smartphones and if you're more comfortable with iOS than its competitors, then this is likely the phone for you. While the iPhone 7 comes with a 12MP camera capable of shooting 4K video, time lapses and slow-mo and is faster than any iPhone before it, most users will opt for this version of the iPhone for its familiarity and user experience.

Surprise Appearance

One of the biggest surprises in the smartphone line-up has been the Huawei P10. For a slightly lower price point than competitors, the P10 boasts some of the best camera technology of any phone on the market, partnering with Leica to please a market of phone users who put photography first, and with the dual-sensory camera, it truly delivers. This phone also has a micro SD slot for expandable memory, which you'll need to accommodate all those photos. While the P10 is rather small, Huawei also offers a Plus option. This phone has a top tier camera, but it doesn't win any prizes for slimness or battery life.