The Most Innovative Smartphones of 2023

2023 has been a year of unexpected innovations in the smartphone industry. While it might seem like smartphones have reached a plateau, some devices have broken the mold, offering exciting new features and designs. These standout phones remind us that there’s still room for creativity and innovation in the smartphone world.

Grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and dive into our roundup of the most innovative smartphones of 2023.

Winner: OnePlus Open

Samsung has long been the leader in the U.S. foldable market, but 2023 brought fierce competition from brands like Google and OnePlus. Among these, the OnePlus Open emerged as a game-changer, despite being the company’s first foray into foldable phones.

The OnePlus Open is packed with impressive specs. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, boasts 16GB of RAM, and offers 512GB of storage. This powerhouse can handle any task with ease. The 4,805mAh battery ensures a full day of use, with support for 67W fast charging.

The phone features a 6.31-inch AMOLED cover display that opens up to a 7.82-inch AMOLED inner display, both with up to 120Hz refresh rates and peak brightness of 2,800 nits. The inner screen’s anti-reflective coating makes it more functional in bright sunlight, and OnePlus’ Flexion Hinge minimizes the crease that plagues many foldables.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple-lens Hasselblad camera system, which includes a 48MP primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x optical, 6x in-sensor, and up to 120x Ultra Res zoom. Selfie options are also strong, with a 32MP camera on the cover display and a 20MP inner selfie camera. Alternatively, you can use the rear camera for selfies.

The OnePlus Open shines in its multitasking abilities with the Open Canvas feature in OxygenOS 13.2. This new multitasking approach boosts productivity by allowing up to three apps in split-screen or floating windows, supported by a desktop-like taskbar. Open Canvas also offers virtual screen space, letting you resize and move windows with ease.

With its powerful specs, sleek design, and innovative multitasking features, the OnePlus Open is undoubtedly one of the most innovative smartphones of 2023, particularly in the foldable category.

Runner-up: Fairphone 5

Smartphones aren’t typically associated with repairability or sustainability, but the Fairphone 5 is changing that narrative. This device is built to last, with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.

While the Fairphone 5’s specs may not rival the competition — it has a Qualcomm QCM6460 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD) — its durability is where it truly shines. The dual-lens camera system, featuring 50MP primary and ultrawide lenses, and a 50MP front-facing camera, offers decent photography capabilities, though it has some limitations. However, the Fairphone 5 isn’t about cutting-edge hardware; it’s about longevity.

The key selling points of the Fairphone 5 are its sustainability and repairability. If a component breaks, you can fix it yourself using reasonably priced parts and a simple 00 Phillips screwdriver. The process is straightforward, making it accessible for most users.

Fairphone has also committed to supporting the Fairphone 5 with five major Android updates and other software support until 2031, making it a true investment in long-term ownership. This dedication to sustainability and repairability sets the Fairphone 5 apart in a crowded market.

Honorable Mention: Motorola Razr (2023)

The Motorola Razr (2023) earns an honorable mention for its innovative pricing. While it may not have the most advanced specs for a folding flip phone, it’s the first foldable available for just $700.

When people think of foldable phones, high prices often come to mind. Most foldables start at $1,000, with flagship models reaching $2,000 or more, depending on storage options. The Motorola Razr breaks this trend, offering a foldable experience at an accessible price.

Despite its mid-range specs, the Razr delivers solid performance. The design is simple yet elegant, featuring vegan leather in fun colors. The phone closes without a gap, and the cover display makes checking the time and notifications effortless. The screens are bright and clear, and the cameras perform well considering the price.

The Motorola Razr (2023) makes foldable technology attainable for a broader audience, earning its place as a noteworthy innovation in 2023.