The latest and greatest phones — at all price points
Almost all of us have a cellphone, and just about everyone would like a new one.
Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola and LG have all introduced new handsets at a variety of price points. All of them are worth considering. You can spend almost $1,500 on a new phone, but there are cheaper alternatives.
Apple iPhone XR
What is it? Starting at $749, the XR has many of the features of the iPhone XS, but the screen is LCD instead of OLED and the camera only has one sensor and lens. The XR’s 6.1-inch screen is sized between the 5.8-inch XS and 6.5-inch XS Max. It has Face ID, so no more home button, but there is a notch in the screen.
Who’s it for? For most users, the iPhone XR is more than enough. It’s a worthy upgrade for anyone who has an iPhone 7 or earlier.
What does it cost? There are three configurations — 64 gigabytes for $749, 128 GB for $799 and 256 GB for $899.
Where can I get it? Apple stores, Best Buy and all the major carriers.
Apple iPhone XS Max
What is it? This is the big daddy iPhone with a 6.5-inch OLED edge-to-edge screen. The XS Max also has the best camera system Apple has made. Along with the big screen comes a big price. If you want to spend a little less, the 5.8-inch iPhone XS has the same hardware in a smaller package.
Who’s it for? iPhone users who want to have the latest and fastest.
What does it cost? iPhone XS is $999 for 64 GB; $1,149 for 256 GB; $1,349 for 512 GB. The XS Max is $1,099, $1,249 and $1,449.
Where can I get it? Apple, Best Buy and wireless carriers.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9
What is it? In my opinion, the Note 9 is the best Android phone, but it’s also the most expensive. The 6.4-inch OLED screen is big and beautiful. The Note 9 includes a stylus, which is very handy for interacting with the phone as long as you don’t lose it. The Note 9 has everything you could want in a phone.
Who’s it for? Android users who want the best and are not afraid to pay for it.
What does it cost? $999 for 128 GB and $1,249 for 512 GB.
Where can I get it? Samsung. com, Amazon and all the major carriers.
Motorola Moto G6
What is it? If you don’t need a flagship phone, the Moto G6 should make you happy. It has 5.7-inch screen with dual rear cameras and a microSD card slot. This isn’t a phone that attracts attention, but it has lots of features and looks good, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
Who’s it for? Budget-conscious Android phone users.
What does it cost? less.
Where can I get it? Amazon, Best Buy, Costco and Walmart. $249 or Check your carrier as well.
Google Pixel 3
What is it? The newest phone from the Android mothership. The third-generation Pixel has really upped the quality of its cameras. The Pixel 3 feels good in your hand and looks good thanks to its 5.5inch OLED screen. It has a small bezel above the screen instead of a notch. It lacks a headphone jack, but includes a USB-C dongle to connect your earbuds if you still use a wire.
Who’s it for? Users who want the pure Android experience.
What does it cost? $799 for 64 GB and $899 for 128 GB.
Where can I get it? Google, Best Buy and Verizon.
LG V35 ThinQ
What is it? This Amazon Prime exclusive is one of the best phones from LG this year, the V35 ThinQ has a 6-inch OLED display with very nice dual lens main cameras. The V35 ThinQ has 6 gb of RAM and 64 gb of storage plus a microSD card slot. It’s also water-resistant and it still has a headphone jack.
Who’s it for? Amazon Prime subscribers and Android users who want a worthy flagship phone with very good cameras. What does it cost? $699.99. Where can I get it? The Prime Exclusive model is available from Amazon. It comes preloaded with several Amazon apps.
Jim Rossman writes for The Dallas Morning News. He may be reached at jrossman@dallasnews.com.