15 Best Smartphones for Graphic Designers, Artists & Creatives (2023 Update)

With everything migrating to the web these days, it’s become extra important for your smartphone to reflect your lifestyle. Our smartphones aren’t just extensions of who we are, but what we do as well. Finding a phone that supports your creative endeavors and projects is critical to the success of your work.

With the smartphone market as vibrant as ever, if you’re a graphic designer or creative looking to upgrade the tools you use, it’s the best time to get a new phone.

As new technology emerges, the choices you have are extensive, and fostering creative growth through one of these devices is certain.

Let’s look at the best smartphones for graphic designers, artists & creatives in 2023.

What is the best smartphone for graphic designers & artists?

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is the best smartphone for graphic designers. If looking for a charger for your devices, check out our list of the best wireless chargers.

 

Top 8 Best-Selling Smartphones

These are the 4 most popular smartphones on Amazon right now:

 

The Best Smartphones for Graphic Design & Artists in 2023

1. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (Editor’s Choice)

The best iPhone for designers in 2023 overall

Display: 6.7 inches Super Retina XDR (OLED) with a 120Hz refresh rate | Processor: A16 bionic | Cameras: 48MP (wide)+12MP (ultrawide)+12MP (telephoto) | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Dimensions: 6.33 x 3.05 x 0.31 inches | Weight: 8.47 pounds

Apple’s most feature-rich iPhone is as big as it is powerful. Apple 14 Pro Max is the latest and most massive iPhone by Apple, perfect for a designer. 

The top-notch safety features are designed to save lives. Every detail can be seen clearly with the 48-megapixel camera. It also has a brand new and upgraded A16 bionic processor.  

Some of the following interesting features have been added: 

• Three Pro colors are available Deep Purple, Space Black, and Silver.
• The lock screen is Glanceble, so there is no need to turn off your phone’s screen when you keep it inside the pocket, it will automatically go dark and save your iPhone battery life.   
• 4X the resolution, so, though you crop the image, it will be perfect as the original one without pixel breakage.
• During emergency situations, SOS via satellite is available, where your location can be tracked easily.
• This iPhone 14 Pro Max version has a crash detection call feature. It can identify a severe car crash, automatically call 911, and notify the emergency contact numbers you have added.
  

We also recommend putting a case on it. See our best iPhone cases for fussy designers here.

Pros	Cons
➕Awesome OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate	➖Expensive
➕Best long-lasting battery life on an iPhone
➕Excellent cameras megapixel

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

2. Apple iPhone 14 Pro

The Best Camera iPhone for Designers

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) with a 120Hz refresh rate | Processor: A16 bionic | Cameras: 48MP (wide)+12MP (ultrawide)+12MP (telephoto) | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Dimensions: 5.81 x 2.81 x 0.31 inches | Weight: 7.27 pounds

The iPhone 14 Pro, the small version of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, has all the same features and a storage capacity of 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB.

A ground-breaking camera can take a crystal-clear picture at 48 MP or 12 MP. 2556-by-1179-pixel resolution at 460 ppi and true depth camera for Facial Recognition.

If you’re looking for a smaller but equally as powerful smartphone as a designer, this is a great pick!

Pros	Cons
➕Brilliant OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate	➖Expensive
➕Compact and can be used with one hand
➕Awesome Cameras

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

3. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The best multimedia smartphone

Rear camera: 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP | Front camera: 40MP | OS: Android 11 | Screen size: 6.8-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 3200 | CPU: Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB | Battery: 5,000mAh

Pros

If you’re a proud owner of an Android phone, then you know for sure that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the real deal. It comes with impressive battery life, incredible front, and rear cameras, a gorgeous design, and generous selections for storage. It’s one of the pricier smartphones on the list, but it has every right to be expensive. It’s beautiful, competent, long-lasting, and specifically designed for the modern creative and entrepreneur.

Pros	Cons
➕ Remarkable fingerprint scanner	➖ No microSD slot
➕ Excellent battery life (5,000mAh)	➖ No charger, no headphones
➕ Loud stereo speakers
➕ OneUI is super smooth
➕ S-Pen support

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

4. Samsung Galaxy S23

The best Android smartphone

Rear camera: 12MP + 64MP + 12MP | Front camera: 10MP | OS: Android 11 | Screen size: 6.2-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | CPU: Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB / 256GB | Battery: 4,000mAh

Anyone who knows what’s up in tech shouldn’t be surprised that the Samsung Galaxy S23 is on this list. While it may not be Samsung’s flagship instrument, this piece is a robust android offering, competently able to help you deliver.

Its screen size is large and its battery life is enduring, allowing you to go the extra mile and complete as many projects as necessary using only your smartphone. If its older sibling is too expensive for you, this is the one you should get.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great design with an IP68 rating	➖ Plastic back
➕ Compact high-end device	➖ Thick bezels
➕ Great battery life
➕ Improved selfie camera

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

5. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

The best Samsung smartphone

Rear camera: 108MP/12MP + 12MP + 12MP | Front camera: 10MP | OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.9-inch | Resolution: 3088×1440 pixels | CPU: Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865 | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 128GB/256/512GB | Battery: 4,500mAh

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra may pack the more advanced whistles, but the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a better battery life and storage capacity. For those very reasons, fans who are big on these details will lean toward the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra a little bit more. Tech leaders also note that the S pen is easier to use on this device compared to Samsung’s 23 Ultra. What’s more, it doesn’t hurt that this piece is cheaper, making it an authoritative alternative to those who are unwilling to spend more on the brand’s flagship piece.

Pros	Cons
➕ Addition of wireless DeX	➖ Either 120Hz or 1440p, not both
➕ Great camera system

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

6. Google Pixel 7 Pro 5G

The best smartphone with Camera

Rear camera: 50 MP + 48MP + 12MP | Front camera: 10.8 MP | OS: Android 13 | Screen size: 6.7 Inches | Resolution: 1440 x 3120 pixels | CPU: Octa-core  | RAM: 12GB| Storage: 128 GB | Battery: 5000 mAh

The best smartphone and the battery life of the Google Pixel 7 Pro 5G are greater than 24 hours. Everything is gorgeous and engaging thanks to the 6.7-inch display. It can handle water and dust thanks to its robust construction and IP68 protection.

It is resistant to scratches thanks to the Corning Gorilla Glass. It provides you with nonstop service and includes a 5000 mAh battery and 30W rapid charging. An in-display fingerprint sensor is present. The Google Pixel 7 Pro’s color correction is state-of-the-art, and the program will handle image processing for you.

Pros	Cons
➕ Amazing Cameras	➖ Average battery life
➕Captivating design	➖Fewer platform updates
➕ Good value	➖Uninspiring colors

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

The luxurious Android smartphone

Rear camera: 12 MP+12 MP+12 MP | Front camera: 10 MP | OS: Android | Screen size: 7.6 Inches | Resolution: 1768 x 2208 | CPU: Octa-core  | RAM: 12GB| Storage: 256 GB – 512 GB | Battery: 4500 mAh

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the best foldable phone to date and a productivity powerhouse for creatives and editors. With a big front display of 6.2 inches, the exterior screen can get your routine job done easily. Multitasking is as smooth as it gets and the flex mode adds more versatility. Equipped with a Snapdragon 865 Plus processor and 12GB of RAM, this mobile is a super-fast workstation to run high-end apps with ease. This innovative phone is definitely worth every penny!

Pros	Cons
➕ Improved build quality and durability	➖ Lacks microSD slot
➕ The two displays are color-accurate and bright	➖ For 25W, the charging speed underperforms
➕ Solid battery
➕ Great speakers

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

8. One Plus 9 Pro

The best OnePlus smartphone

Rear camera: 48MP+8MP+50MP+2Mp | Front camera: 16 MP | OS: Android 11 | Screen size: 6.7 Inches | Resolution: 1440 x 3216 | CPU: Octa-core | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256 GB | Battery: 4500 mAh

The One Plus 9 Pro is a beast that delivers exceptionally well. With a lightweight design and smooth user experience, it is a great pick for creatives. The ultra-wide camera and impressively fast wireless charging perform well. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip, when combined with 12 GB RAM, delivers awesomeness. All high-end editing apps and games run smoothly without lag or heating issues. Priced reasonably, it is a complete package that comes with a seal of trust.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great display performance	➖ The front camera is outdated
➕ Great loudspeakers	➖ Battery performance is not good compared to previous models
➕ Great performance by main wide and ultra-wide cameras
➕ Prime 4K 120fps mode
➕ Fast charging is available

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

9. Google Pixel 4A 5G

The leading Google Pixel smartphone

Rear camera: 12.2MP+16MP | Front Camera: 8MP | OS: Android 11 | Screen Size: 6.2-inch | Resolution: 2340 x 1080 | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Ram: 6GB | Battery: 3800mAh battery

Google Pixel smartphones are an acquired taste. Still, their technical insides are competent. If what you’re looking for is a strong 5G phone that won’t hurt your pocket, this device is a fantastic option. With terrific dual rear cameras and a stellar battery to boot, the Google Pixel 4A 5G is made for the modern multimedia artist. 

Pros	Cons
➕ Snapdragon 765 SoC with 5g support	➖ Small battery
➕ Compatible for heavy gaming	➖ Slow charging speed (18W)
➕ Great UI experience	➖ No wireless charging
➕ Always-on OLED display

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

10. Motorola Edge

The best Motorola smartphone

Rear camera: 64MP+16MP+8MP | Front Camera: 25MP | OS: Android 10 | Screen Size: 6.7-inch | Resolution: 2340 x 1080 | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 | Ram: 6GB | Battery: 3800mAh battery

Another gorgeous 5G smartphone on this list is the Motorola Edge. Apart from its generous battery life, true-to-life OLED screen, and top-of-the-line front and rear cameras, it holds a sleek design too. Although it isn’t as popular as its more commercial contemporaries, this one’s a stunner: it’s splash-proof, has a lot of room for storage, has crisp stereo speakers, and offers an alluring viewing experience, making it one of the best smartphones to watch movies on. 

Pros	Cons
➕ Great audio quality	➖ Fast charging not available
➕ Fastest midrange chipset	➖ Cameras are not good at night-time
➕ FM radio, MicroSD slot, 3.5mm jack

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

11. Samsung S23 Ultra

Best for capturing clear-cut images and videos

Rear camera: 12+200+10+10 MP | Front camera: 12MP | OS: Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Screen size: 6.8-inches | Resolution: 1440 x 3088 pixels | CPU: Octa-core | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery: 5000 mAh

The Samsung S23 Ultra is a pricey and huge best smartphone. It is fast thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset inside. It’s capable of capturing the night in dim light.

The best smartphone camera resolution can be found on the Samsung S23 Ultra. With its 200MP camera, you may produce precise content. You can also make a video that is incredibly serene.

With the Samsung S23 Ultra, you can play professionally. You can power your day with the 5000mAh battery. You are not slowed down by the Snapdragon CPU and 5000mAh battery together.

You may convert handwriting to text and produce beautiful artwork with the built-in S pen. An excellent option for a graphic designer.

Pros	Cons
➕ Stunning performance	➖ Expensive
➕ Flexible Cameras	➖ Unreliable image quality

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

12. Google Pixel 5

The best Google Pixel smartphone

Rear camera: 16MP + 12MP | Front camera: 8MP | OS: Android 11 | Screen size: 6-inch | Resolution: 2340 x 1080 | CPU: Snapdragon 765G | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 4000mAh

It hasn’t been too long since Google released the Google Pixel 5, their most recent flagship smartphone at the time of this writing. Noticeably sporting a smaller screen size than many of the smartphones here, this device is easier to hold and navigate, making it the best option for android fanatics who aren’t fond of huge phones. Like the older Google Pixel 4A, the Pixel 5 is also a 5G capable phone, promising its users connectivity and speed like never before. This device is also one of the cheaper phones on the list, so if you’re looking for a future-ready device minus the painful shelling out of cash, let this be your pick.

Pros	Cons
➕ Small bezel	➖ Single 128GB storage configuration
➕ Ultra-wide camera	➖ Snapdragon 765G performance is not great
➕ Loud inbuilt speakers
➕ Improved display brightness over Pixel 4

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

13. Moto One 5G

The most affordable Motorola smartphone

Rear camera: 48MP + 8MP + 5MP | Front camera: 16MP | OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.7-inch | Resolution: 2520 x 1080 | CPU: Snapdragon 765 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 128GB (up to 1TB with card) | Battery: 5,000mAh

The Moto One 5G is an interesting combination of the affordable Motorola Edge and the even more affordable Moto G. Unlike a lot of the smartphones here, this piece is a midrange phone, borrowing only some of the best features newest smartphones employ. Still, its front and rear cameras are state-of-the-art and its storage capacity is expandable to an entire terabyte! Impressive features many contenders on the list don’t even have. Perfect for the file-reliant designer, this phone is specifically designed for the go-getting creative.

Pros	Cons
➕ 5G	➖ No wireless charging
➕ Great battery (5000mAh)	➖ No Gorilla glass
➕ 90Hz refresh rate	➖ No Custom UI support
➕ 4k recording

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

14. OnePlus 8

The best OnePlus flagship smartphone

Rear camera: 48MP + 16MP + 2MP | Front camera: 16MP | OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.55-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | CPU: Snapdragon 865 | RAM: 8GB/12GB | Storage: 128/256GB | Battery: 4,300mAh

The OnePlus 8 is a spectacular smartphone for numerous reasons. Like its more advanced sibling, its battery life is enduring and its screen size is generous. What’s more, its compact, all-screen display is mesmerizing, and its fast 65W-charging is a winning feature. One of the more affordable smartphones on the list, this device should last you a couple of years until its novelty wears out.

Pros	Cons
➕ 90Hz OLED screen	➖ Camera is not great compared to the 7T and 7T Pro
➕ Great build	➖ No wireless charging
➕ Excellent battery life	➖ No official IP68 certification
➕ OxygenOS with numerous features

Latest Price on Amazon:

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15. LG V60 ThinQ 5G

The best LG smartphone

Rear camera: Dual 16MP + 13MP | Front camera: 10MP | OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.8-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 2460 | CPU: Snapdragon 865 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 5,000mAh

Sporting a bright display and a sizeable screen, the LG V60 ThinQ 5G is automatically one of the best smartphones for reviewing designs, editing light graphics, and streaming video content. Its dual-screen case availability also makes it a terrific smartphone for gaming, and other viewing-related necessities. While LG isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it bears mentioning that this device is a solid and reputable contender, able to compete with many of this list’s advanced mobile technologies.

Pros	Cons
➕ Large display	➖ Lack of high refresh rate
➕ Snapdragon 865 with 5G support	➖ Fast charging not available
➕ Great battery life
➕ Dual Screen

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

How to choose the right smartphone for you

Picking a smartphone, especially when you work in a creative field, isn’t like picking a can of Spaghetti-O’s at the grocery store. You need to make sure you pick one that offers you exactly what you’re looking for. Don’t know what to look for? Then take a gander at our shopping list.

Display

Depending on the type of work that you do, the size and resolution you choose will depend on how you use your smartphone. If you edit photos or video, a smartphone with a display between 5.5 and 6 inches with either FullHD or QHD should work extremely well. Although having a larger screen can be beneficial, the trade-off just isn’t worth it. It can be too big and bulky and a pain to carry around with you and fit in your pocket.

Processor

The power that the processor can put out on a smartphone can vary from phone to phone because of variables such as OS version, UI, bloatware, and more. If you’re doing heavy-duty work on a smartphone such as editing media and other heavy-duty tasks, picking a smartphone with either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 or Snapdragon 820/821 should make things much easier.

Camera

Just because your camera has a high number of megapixels, it doesn’t mean that the camera on your smartphone is better than anything else out there. Several other factors can be considered essential as well such as the camera aperture, ISO levels, pixel size, and autofocus.

A higher number of pixels means that the overall image’s size is bigger and sharper when viewed on a small screen. While a photography enthusiast may want a camera with higher megapixels such as 12 or even 16MP, an amateur or hobbyist photographer can do just as well with a smartphone camera with 8 or 12 MP.

Are you interested in knowing the best camera phones? Check out the best ones through our blog- 10+ Best Camera Phones in 2023

Battery

Depending on how you use the smartphone, the battery usage will differ from person to person. If you primarily use the phone to do work on apps, take photos, or even stream content, a smartphone with a 3500mAh battery should be more than sufficient.

OS

The smartphone you choose will primarily come with one of two OS, either Android or iOS. While both are certainly capable of providing you with an amazing smartphone experience, each choice has its upsides and downsides. For many people though, when it comes to picking a smartphone, they will generally choose the OS that they are most comfortable or familiar with.

Storage

While most of the storage on a smartphone is taken up by the pre-installed apps and OS, the smartphone doesn’t tell you how much space you have to use. If you’re doing a lot of editing, regardless of whether it’s photos or video, you will want to choose a higher with a higher amount of storage, if you can afford it. Generally, the more storage a phone has, the more expensive it can be so choose wisely.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Best Smartphones For Graphic Designers in 2023

Choosing the right smartphone should fulfill all the needs that you have as a graphic designer. With our list of the Best Smartphones for Graphic Designers in 2023, the options that we have provided you with can provide you with the tools you need to add a new tool to your arsenal and have an incredible 2023.

What are your views on these smartphones? Share your experience through comments. You can also visit our blog on 10+ Best Budget Camera Phones.

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