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There are a lot of big phones out there, but which is right for you?
June 06, 2025
Let’s face it: big phones are here to stay.Samsungfirst made people want them with the original Galaxy Note, and we have not looked back since. Even companies likeApple, which stuck to smaller smartphones for years, eventually followed the trend with the iPhone 6 Plus in 2014.
There are now more options than ever when looking for a smartphone with a big display — it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This is especially true right now, as late 2018 brought a ton of new phones, many packing large screens. Whether you are undecided or simply want a second opinion, here is our list of the best big phones available right now.
Best all-around: Samsung Galaxy Note 9
Want a big 6.3-inchAMOLEDdisplay and equally-large 4,000mAh battery? They’re here. Looking for at least 6GB of RAM and at least 128GB of expandable storage? Look no further. Hate notches? There isn’t one in sight. The Note 9 even comes with the series’ characteristic S Pen, which now adds tons of extra functionality via Bluetooth. The phone has no peer when it comes to its sheer number of features.
Why you should buy
Why you might want to pass
Learn more about the Galaxy Note 9
Best Galaxy Note 9 alternative: LG V40 ThinQ
The story of the LG V40 ThinQ starts and ends with its five cameras — three around back and two up front — something no other phone’s done. Even though we were not very kind to the V40 ThinQ, the phone has potential options not seen in other phones.
Learn more about the LG V40 ThinQ
Best big phone with stock Android: Google Pixel 3 XL
It might not have the bells and whistles of the Galaxy Note 9 and V40 ThinQ, but the Pixel 3 XL focuses on speed, ease of use, and being helpful. We didn’t call the Pixel 3 XL theAndroid iPhonefor “the clicks” or lulz, but because it is the Android phone designed to appeal to everyone else. Its value is more than just specs on paper.
Learn more about the Google Pixel 3 XL
Best big Chinese phone: HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro/Mate 20 X
TheHUAWEI Mate 20 Prois an excellent, but, expensive, all around handset. That’s partly due to its big 6.39-inch AMOLED display, which shows off content extremely well. It also has three rear cameras on board, including a 40MP sensor, and it has HUAWEI’s fastest chip yet in itsKirin 980 processor.
If you really want to go nuts, theHUAWEI Mate 20 Xis for you, if you’re able to get it. It has a 7.2-inch AMOLED display, basically the size of a small tablet.
Learn more about the HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro
Best big phone on the cheap: HONOR 8X
It’s not as flashy as the Galaxy Note 9 or as fluid as the Pixel 3 XL, but the HONOR 8X one of the best mid-tier smartphones and one of the best affordable big phones you can buy. This is a supersizedphabletthat comes in at under 300 euros (~$345), yet it delivers snappy performance and a stunning design. Look no further than the HONOR 8X if you want a smartphone to make your wallet happy.
Why should you buy
Learn more about the HONOR 8X
Best non-Android: iPhone XS Max
In any discussion of big phones, the iPhone XS Max is the elephant in the room. Notch haters will gravitate to the top, but everyone else will focus on the smooth performance, fantastic display, and great cameras. It may be cliche, but the iPhone XS Max is what happens when hardware and software meet in the middle as equals. Also, you really don’t have many other options for non-Android these days, with Windows Mobile pretty much dead.
Learn more about the iPhone XS Max
We will continually update this list as manufacturers release more phones. You should also look out for the HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro and Mate 20 X, though we haven’t had enough time to fully review them. Perhaps one or both will make the list soon!
If you feel like we left something out or believe we nailed it, let us know in the comments below!
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