These phones can make (and take) a splash
Samsung Galaxy S8
Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 The good: The best-looking phone around crushes it in performance, battery life, water-resistance and wireless charging. An external storage slot lets you keep more photos, videos and music.
The bad: Its awkwardly placed fingerprint reader leads to camera smears and longer unlock times, which is aggravating when you use it to unlock your phone dozens of times a day. The cost: $729 to $750
The bottom line: The S8’s fast speeds and fantastic curved screen make it a top phone for 2017, but the annoying fingerprint reader could sour your experience.
Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 The good: Dual rear cameras deliver true 2x optical zoom, with a cool Portrait mode. The battery lasts longer than last year’s model, and longer than the iPhone 7’s. It’s fast, with bigger storage options, including a 256GB model for serious photographers.
The bad: There’s no standard headphone jack: You’ll have to use Lightning, or the included adapter, or go wireless. Design is showing its age, as competing phones squeeze a 5.5-inch screen into smaller, sexier bodies. And it’s really expensive. The cost: $840 to $870
The bottom line: The iPhone 7 Plus is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras ever — and it’s a great phone, too.
LG G6
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: The beautifully designed G6 is water-resistant with a tall, expansive display and an extra-wide-angle camera.
The bad: The phone is LG’s first flagship in years without a removable battery. It has last year’s Snapdragon 821 chip set. The cost: $470 to $720 The bottom line: The G6 is a gorgeous phone. Those who are wary of Samsung should get it.
Motorola Moto G4
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: The G4’s big, bold screen and junk-free software make it a pleasure to use throughout the day. Its ability to survive a dunking will appeal to the clumsy among us. The bad: Processor performance is great for everyday tasks, but gamers will want to shop elsewhere. The cost: $170 to $222 The bottom line: With its big, bold screen, water-resistant design and rock-bottom price, the G4 is a dazzling deal.