Renowned tech YouTuber Marques Keith Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, recently revealed the winners of the highly anticipated MKBHD Smartphone Awards 2023. In this annual celebration of technological excellence, Brownlee assessed smartphones across various categories, showcasing the top performers in terms of design, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall value.
iPhone 15 series scores big in this year’s MKBHD Smartphone Awards, but Google Pixel 8 steals the show
The Value Award
In the category of the most value-packed phone, MKBHD awarded the Samsung Galaxy A54 as the winner, highlighting its flat display, triple cameras, wireless charging, and robust build – all at an affordable $400. The Moto G Play and Pixel 7A secured the runner-up and honorable mention positions, respectively.
The Battery Award
Taking the Battery Award was the iPhone 15 Plus, recognized for its unique combination of a custom chip, software optimization, and the largest iPhone battery ever (4912 mAh), offering a genuine two-day usage experience. The Asus ROG Phone 7 and Asus Zenfone 10 secured the runner-up and honorable mention positions in this category.
The Design Award
The Honor Magic V2 stood out in the Design Award category with its “physics-defying” foldable design, featuring a slim 9.9mm profile, a 5000mAh battery, and two displays that challenge the norms in folding phone design.
The Best Camera Award
The iPhone 15 Pro stole the show at the MKBHD Smartphone Awards this year, claiming the Best Camera title. Its all-around photography and videography prowess, including features like Log recording and low-light dominance, solidified its position as the undisputed leader in smartphone imaging. The iPhone 15 Pro also dominated MKBHD’s blind smartphone camera test, capturing the most stunning low-light photos.
The Best Foldable Phone
The Best Foldable Phone title went to the OnePlus Open, surprising with its exceptional specs, impressive screens, and multitasking capabilities. The Pixel Fold and Samsung Z Flip 5 earned the runner-up and honorable mention positions, respectively.
Most Improved Award
The Nothing Phone 2 claimed the Most Improved title, showcasing enhancements in LED patterns, rounded glass edges, and noteworthy improvements in software functionality, powered by the impressive Nothing OS. The iPhone 15 secured the runner-up spot in this category.
Bust of the Year
The Solana Saga Crypto Phone earned the undesirable title of “Bust of the Year.” Brownlee expressed disappointment in its ceramic build, highlighting weaknesses in the camera, display, and battery, making it a regrettable choice for users.
Phone of the Year
In the grand finale of the MKBHD Smartphone Awards, the coveted Phone of the Year award went to the Google Pixel 8. Brownlee praised its super-bright 120Hz display, upgraded cameras, and a plethora of clever software features, along with a remarkable seven years of promised updates. The Asus Zenfone 10 secured the runner-up position, with honorable mentions for the iPhone 15 Pro, S23 Ultra, and OnePlus.
MKBHD’s additional awards recap
Apart from the detailed categories, the YouTuber also acknowledged other winners of the MKBHD Smartphone Awards, such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra for the Best Big Phone and the ASUS Zenfone 10 for the Best Small Phone.
Watch the MKBHD Smartphone Awards 2023 below:
