SMARTPHONES

SUPERB MUSIC AND VIDEO PLAYERS THAT MAKE PHONE CALLS TOO

Apple iphone SE

Best smartphone under £500, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

Apple’s budget iphone delivers a satisfying and slick smartphone experience at an attractive price.

OS IOS Size (hwd) 138 x 67 x 8mm Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB

Samsung Galaxy S9

Reviewed online, 2018 ★★★★★

A polished successor to the S8 that, due to a number of carefully considered tweaks, is one of the best Android phones available. OS Android Size (hwd) 148 x 69 x 9mm Storage 64Gb/microsd

Sony Xperia 1 II

Best smartphone over £500, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

The Sony Xperia 1 II delivers superb music and picture performance, plus an all-round performance to match, and that makes it a winner in our book. OS Android 10 Size (hwd) 165 x 72 x 8mm Storage 256Gb/microsd

Sony Xperia 5 II

April 2021 ★★★★★

Its pricier sibling edges it for 4K video performance and ultimate sound quality, but the more compact and affordable Xperia 5 II is a terrific choice. OS Android 10 Size (hwd) 156 x 68 x 8mm Storage 256GB + microsd

“The Xperia 5 II successfully delivers something akin to a hi-fi performance”

“The iphone laps up the power and drama of the track. Dynamics are excellent”

“The Xperia 1 II successfully delivers the Sony sound: agile, clear, rhythmical”

“Samsung’s careful refinements make the S9 a pretty impressive package”