Award Categories

The ultimate award — MKBHD's pick for the best overall smartphone of the year across all price points and platforms.

Awarded to the smartphone with the best overall camera system — considering photo quality, video, night mode, and versatility.

Recognizes the phone that goes the longest on a single charge, factoring in both battery size and charging speed.

Celebrates the most beautiful, innovative, or distinctive physical design in the smartphone industry that year.

Awarded to the phone that delivers the most performance, features, and quality for its price.

The best large-screen smartphone of the year — for users who want maximum screen real estate.

The best compact smartphone — for users who prefer pocketable devices without sacrificing performance.

Awarded to the brand or phone that made the biggest leap forward year-over-year — whether that's fixing past mistakes or innovating boldly.

The best folding smartphone — recognizing the most refined, practical, and well-executed foldable design.

The most disappointing phone launch of the year — overpriced, underdelivering, or failing to live up to its promise.

The best smartphone under the mid-range price threshold — proof that you don't need to spend a fortune.