Every handset we review is tested using the same combination of real-world use cases and repeatable benchmark tests. This means that we test everything from battery life and processor performance during the full range of everyday tasks, right up to call quality and screen calibration.

Phones are also now our go-to devices for taking photos, so the cameras are put through their paces in every situation possible. You want to know whether a phone's camera will impress not just in bright sunshine at an exotic location, but also when taking shots of moving people at drunken parties, or just in the dull, flat light of a British winter.

Similarly, you might want to know how your phone will cope with a Netflix binge or video call, so our battery-discharge tests take that into account.

Most of all, we take these phones out and use them as our own over an extended period, living with them to learn their quirks and discover their hidden treasures.

So now you know how we select the best smartphones, let's take a look at our highlights.

Fantastic screen

Feels great

Improved speakers

Cons:

Average battery life

Dual-sensor only on Plus model

Some lag with Samsung's software

You can't go wrong with either the Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9 Plus, though if we had to recommend one we'd go with the latter-and that's because it comes with a dual-camera. The extra lens, in this instance, is used for zooming, making the camera far more versatile.

Both the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus sport an identical build and similar internals, with the main differences being that the Plus model is equipped with an additional 2GB of RAM, a slightly bigger battery and the aforementioned dual-camera configuration-luxuries most customers should be able to live without.

The biggest update Samsung treated the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus to is a new variable aperture setting within the camera, letting customers switch between an f/2.4 and f/1,5 aperture whenever they see fit, which should ensure images come out bright and full of detail in almost all low-light environments.

Stunning screen

Much-improved telephoto camera

The best-looking iPhone ever

Face ID is much better than Touch ID

Cons:

Software needs more optimisation for the taller screen and notch

No fast-charging plug included

Very expensive

The iPhone X is not only the best smartphone Apple has released to date; it's also the most expensive, setting customers back 999 for the 64GB base model. But it's well worth it. Performance is fantastic, as are the images produced by the dual-camera setup, and Face ID is (honestly) the best thing since sliced bread.

Now let's talk about its design. The iPhone X was designed to show the market that Apple hasn't lost its touch when it comes to innovation, introducing an edge-to-edge OLED screen, complete with a notch, as well as Face ID. That, for those unaware, is the face-recognition feature that was introduced to replace Touch ID.

Stunning camera

The best version of Android

Minimal bezel

Feels great to hold

Cons:

Lifeless screen

Those looking for the most vanilla Android experience will love the Google Pixel 2 XL. It's one of the best smartphones we've put through its paces to date, earning a covered nine out of ten rating in our comprehensive review, with Max Parker, our resident Mobile and Tablets Editor, praising its build, camera and performance.

Our one qualm with the Google Pixel 2 XL is the screen. It's a bit too plain for our liking, delivering poor viewing angles. It is, however, possible to alter the colour presets using an aftermarket application -but when you're shelling out more than 600 for a smartphone, you'd expect it to be set to the optimum out of the box.

Fantastic software experience

Lovely screen

Well built for the price

Cons:

Some performance frustrations, especially with the camera

Lots of the phones on this list are pricey flagship devices, but that's not the case with the Moto G6. For a shade under 220 you get a lovely display, slick software and a surprisingly well-built phone.

Moto does a good job at ditching gimmicks here. The few apps it adds on top of Android are thoughtful, and there's no fussy skin ruining the Android experience. There's even basic facial unlocking, which is still a rarity at the budget end of the market.

Of course, there are some drawbacks at this price. The camera is fine, but the app is slow and you'll often miss focus. If you can live with that then you'll be very impressed.

Stunning design and build

Great screen

Well-implemented stylus and software

Cons:

Average battery life

Wildly expensive

Samsung was in a strange position after the world-famous Galaxy Note 7 debacle, having the choice to either axe the Galaxy Note range or come back with a safe bet to win then-former customers over - it chose the latter, opting to create the Galaxy Note 8, otherwise known as the best stylus-toting smartphone on the market.

And the firm didn't disappoint, manufacturing a high-end handset with impressive internals, an incredible dual-camera setup and a fantastic square-like build, the latter of which feels nothing short of fantastic in the hand, that was awarded nine out of ten by our former Computing Editor Michael Passingham in his review.

Fantastic tri-camera

128GB of storage

Huge battery

Stunning design

EMUI interface has come a long way

Cons:

No 3.5mm headphone jack

Screen needs some fine-tuning

No wireless charging

The Huawei P20 Pro is the first smartphone on the market to feature a tri-camera - a 40MP f/1.8 sensor, a 20MP f/1.6 monochrome sensor for depth and texture, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor. But that isn't its only claim to fame: it's also equipped with a top-of-the-line processor, 6GB of RAM and a 4000mAh battery.

That means that the P20 Pro is a smartphone that can tickle everyone's fancy. Whether you're an aspiring or seasoned photographer, a power-hungry specs maniac or quite simply someone who's after a handset that can last for 48 hours on a single charge, Huawei's flagship has you covered. It's also very well priced when compared to the competition.

Good OLED screen

Slick software experience

Excellent value

3Seriously fast

Cons:

No water-resistance

Average camera

The OnePlus 5T is a fantastic choice for those looking for a high-end handset on a budget. It sports a 6-inch FHD+ screen, a Snapdragon 835 CPU, 6/8GB of RAM, 64/128GB of internal storage, a dual-camera (16MP + 16MP) and a 3300mAh cell - an incredible amount of tech for a smartphone that retails for less than 450.

Great 18:9 screen

Heaps of value

Slick design

Cons:

Frustrating EMUI software

No fast-charging

Some issues with build quality

Customers on a stricter budget should turn their attention to the Huawei P Smart. Sure, it doesn't have the most interesting name, but it is - in my opinion, at least - the best affordable handset out there, offering users access to high-end hardware, including an aluminium body, for a fraction of the cost of a flagship.

Under the hood, there's a 5.65-inch 18:9 screen, a Kirin 659 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable internal storage and a 3000mAh battery. There's also a dual-camera setup on the rear (13MP + 2MP) that's not too bad in well-lit environments, but misses the mark at night. At 179, though, it's an absolute steal.