Each year, industry-leading giants and emerging startups alike push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of smartphone designs, vying for the attention of tech enthusiasts and everyday consumers. This fierce competition has spurred a series of design revolutions, from foldable displays and under-display cameras to sustainable materials and camera innovations. These trends challenge conventional wisdom and open up an entirely new realm of possibilities.
In this article, we have curated a list of the best-designed smartphones of 2023. Each device, a testament to its maker’s vision, offers a unique blend of aesthetic appeal, functional brilliance, and technological prowess.
As we delve into the diverse world of smartphone design in 2023, you will discover devices that push the limits of compactness, challenge the norms with their color palettes, and redefine user experience with their seamless interfaces. Whether you are a tech enthusiast eager to explore the latest design trends or someone who simply appreciates beauty in its many forms, this collection of 2023’s most stunning smartphones is sure to inspire and impress.
Smartphone design trends continue to evolve year after year, catering to both aesthetic appeal and functional demands. As of 2023, here are some of the key trends that have been dominating the smartphone design industry.
- Foldable and Flexible Displays: With companies like Samsung, Motorola, and Vivo leading the pack, foldable phones have made a significant impact. These designs offer a unique balance of compact form and large screen space, adding a new dimension to the smartphone experience.
- Under-display Camera Technology: To achieve a truly bezel-less and notch-less display, manufacturers are increasingly investing in under-display camera technology. This allows the front-facing camera to be housed under the screen, rendering it invisible when not in use.
- Glass and Ceramic Bodies: High-end smartphones often sport glass or ceramic bodies, offering a premium look and feel. These materials are also excellent for wireless charging capabilities.
- Flatter Edges: Inspired by vintage design, flatter edges have made a comeback, providing a more substantial grip and unique aesthetic appeal.
- Unique Color Schemes and Finishes: Brands are experimenting with different color palettes, gradient designs, and finishes to give their devices a unique look. Matte finishes and frosted glass are especially popular for their ability to resist fingerprints.
- Sustainable Materials: With sustainability becoming a key concern, more smartphone manufacturers are exploring eco-friendly materials, including recycled aluminum and plastic.
- Compact Design: With the rise of large-screen devices, there’s also a renewed demand for compact, easily portable phones. Some brands have released smaller versions of their flagship devices to cater to this segment.
- Camera Innovations: Multiple camera setups are now standard, even on mid-range phones. Brands continue to innovate in this area with larger sensors, AI-enhanced software, periscope lenses for superior zoom capabilities, and unique arrangements of the camera module for a distinctive look.
- Advanced Biometrics: From in-display fingerprint sensors to 3D facial recognition, biometric security features are becoming more advanced and ubiquitous.
- Waterfall and Curved Displays: These displays extend the screen over the edges of the phone, providing a seamless, immersive viewing experience. While not a new trend, it continues to be a design choice for many premium devices in 2023.
It’s fascinating to see how smartphone design trends evolve over time, reflecting both the advancements in technology and the changing tastes and needs of consumers. So let’s check out the best phones with beautiful designs in 2023.
Xiaomi Civi 3
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Stand out from the crowd with the trendy and aesthetic Xiaomi Civi 3. This smartphone perfectly blends the best of modern design and powerful performance, all in a thin but robust package. The phone is an expression of self, evidenced by its eye-catching twin-color design and its striking circular rear camera cutout.
Equipped with a 6.55-inch professional screen, the Xiaomi Civi 3 guarantees an immersive viewing experience. The curved screen extends to the top and bottom of the phone, resulting in a narrow body that feels great in hand and offers a large screen view. The device’s elegant, lightweight design makes it easy to carry around without feeling burdensome.
The heart of the Xiaomi Civi 3 is its MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra processor, which promises a seamless and speedy performance. Power is also abundant with a 4500mAh battery and 67W fast charging capability. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the front bionic dual main camera and 50MP triple main camera sensor, both of which contribute to its impressive camera technology and performance.
The Xiaomi Civi 3 isn’t just a smartphone; it’s a statement of style and personality. It’s textured design and innovative features make it a perfect choice for those looking to balance aesthetics and functionality.
Key Features:
- Trendy and unique twin-color design
- Thin form factor with powerful performance
- Front bionic dual main camera and 50MP triple main camera sensor
- 6.55-inch professional curved screen
- Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra processor
- 4500mAh battery with 67W fast charging
- Elegant, easy-to-carry design
- Textured design for an added aesthetic touch
Pixel 7 Pro
Immerse yourself in the world of cutting-edge technology and outstanding design with the Google Pixel 7 Pro. With its unique rear camera cutout and refined design crafted from recycled materials, this smartphone is both elegant and environmentally conscious.
The device boasts a curved 6.7-inch QHD display, ensuring a captivating visual experience. The Pixel 7 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G2 processor, offering impressive performance. A triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor is at your disposal, guaranteeing excellent photography abilities.
The Pixel 7 Pro feels comfortable to hold, and its glossy finish amplifies its visual appeal. Its design approach is classic, yet it presents significant design changes from its predecessor, making it stand out in the crowd. Its vibrant color options are not just striking; they are a testament to Google’s commitment to design innovation.
With the Google Pixel 7 Pro, every picture you take is a testament to its impressive camera technology and performance. Every interaction with the phone is a celebration of its thoughtful design.
Key Features:
- Unique and refined design made with recycled materials
- Curved 6.7-inch QHD display for a premium visual experience
- Google Tensor G2 processor for powerful performance
- Triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor
- Comfortable to hold with a glossy finish
- Classic design approach with significant changes from the previous generation
- Impressive photography abilities
Huawei P60 Pro Art
Elevate your smartphone experience with the uniquely designed Huawei P60 Pro Art. This smartphone impresses right out of the gate with the distinct camera cutout that separates it from the crowd. Adding to the visual appeal are the two eye-catching color options that give the device a sleek look.
One of the standout features of the Huawei P60 Pro Art is its camera cutout. Shaped to mimic a koala’s face, the cutout houses a 48MP triple main camera sensor, boasting one of the best camera systems in the industry. The glossy back finish adds a touch of elegance to the device.
The smartphone comes with a 6.67-inch Quad-Curve LTPO screen that provides an immersive viewing experience. The slim screen bezels add to the phone’s aesthetics, making it a pleasure to hold in hand. Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G processor, the device guarantees impressive performance.
The Huawei P60 Pro Art, with its unique design and powerful features, sets a new standard for aesthetic smartphones. Whether it’s the koala-shaped camera cutout, the striking color options, or the top-notch performance, this device is bound to leave a lasting impression.
Key Features:
- Unique koala-shaped camera cutout
- Two striking color options
- 6.67-inch Quad-Curve LTPO screen
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G processor
- 48MP triple main camera sensor
- Glossy back finish for a touch of elegance
- Slim screen bezels for a seamless viewing experience
- Exceptional performance
Vivo V27 Pro
The Vivo V27 Pro perfectly encapsulates a sleek and stylish design language in a minimalist aesthetic. With curved sides and flat top and bottom, the phone’s body is both beautiful and ergonomic, resulting in a handset that is comfortable to hold and use. The almost matte finish on the back panel lends a premium look to the phone, making it stand out in any setting.
At the heart of the Vivo V27 Pro, is its stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED screen. This provides a rich, immersive visual experience that is perfect for media consumption and gaming. To make this phone truly a device of the modern era, it comes equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 processor, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
The Vivo V27 Pro is also quite the photographer’s companion. The phone sports a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main camera sensor. Additionally, it has a unique ring-shaped flash cutout, enhancing the overall aesthetic while improving low-light photography.
The Vivo V27 Pro’s minimalist aesthetic design and robust features make it a fantastic choice for users seeking a balance of style and functionality.
Key Features:
- Sleek and stylish design with a minimalist aesthetic
- 6.78-inch AMOLED screen for rich, immersive visuals
- MediaTek Dimensity 8200 processor for smooth and responsive user experience
- Triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main camera sensor
- Unique ring-shaped flash cutout
- Comfortable to hold due to its curved sides and flat top and bottom
- Premium matte finish on the back panel
Meizu 20 Pro
The Meizu 20 Pro stands as an embodiment of a modern design that sets it apart from the competition. It boasts a flat side design, a feature that has been enthusiastically embraced by users, as it offers improved handling and a unique aesthetic appeal. The design language of the Meizu 20 Pro is evident in its varied color options, offering something to suit every individual’s taste.
An impressive 6.8-inch OLED screen display sits at the front of this smartphone, offering vibrant visuals that bring images and videos to life. The center screen punch hole cutout, housing a 32MP selfie camera, further enhances its modern design aesthetic.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple rear camera setup featuring a 50MP main camera sensor, which captures detailed and vibrant images. The Meizu 20 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, offering efficient performance for all your multimedia needs.
Additionally, the smartphone features an ultrasonic mTouch 2.0 ultrasonic screen fingerprint, which allows quick and secure access to the device. This feature, along with its impressive performance and design, makes the Meizu 20 Pro an exceptional choice for those seeking a smartphone that combines aesthetics and functionality.
Key Features:
- Unique flat side design
- Varied color options for personalized aesthetic appeal
- 6.8-inch OLED screen display for vibrant visuals
- Center screen punch hole cutout with a 32MP selfie camera
- Triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main camera sensor
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for efficient performance
- Ultrasonic mTouch 2.0 ultrasonic screen fingerprint for quick and secure access
Vivo X Flip
Experience the future of smartphones with the Vivo X Flip, an impressive clamshell folding device. This smartphone boasts an innovative textured rear finish that adds a sense of sophistication and style to the handset. The glossy finish on the sides provides an additional layer of aesthetic appeal, while also enhancing grip.
This foldable device utilizes Gapless hinge technology, allowing for a smooth and seamless fold and unfold process. It features a massive 6.74-inch AMOLED inner foldable screen, providing ample space for browsing, gaming, and media consumption. When the phone is folded, the 3.0-inch AMOLED outer screen displays quick access widgets and functions, allowing for efficient multitasking.
The Vivo X Flip is not just about innovative design; it also excels in the photography department. It houses a dual rear camera with a 50MP main sensor and a 32MP front-facing camera housed in a center punch-hole cutout. The phone’s performance is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, offering smooth and reliable operation.
With impressive color options and a standout design, the Vivo X Flip is a gadget for those who love to stay ahead in the tech game.
Key Features:
- Innovative clamshell folding device design
- Gapless hinge technology for seamless folding and unfolding
- 6.74-inch AMOLED inner foldable screen and 3.0-inch AMOLED outer foldable screen
- Dual rear camera with a 50MP main sensor and a 32MP front-facing camera
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor for reliable performance
- Textured rear finish and glossy sides for enhanced grip and style
OPPO Find X6 Pro
The OPPO Find X6 Pro brings a delightful mix of aesthetics and function to the table with its delicate design and top-tier features. The rear panel is available with either a leather or glass finish, both exuding a sense of sophistication and elegance. The phone’s camera cutout is designed in a circular pattern, adding to its visual appeal.
The Find X6 Pro sports a large 6.82-inch AMOLED screen display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering a broad and clear viewing experience. At the heart of this device is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth and fast operation, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or browsing.
Photography enthusiasts would appreciate the triple 50MP rear camera sensors, including a large 1-inch sensor for superior image quality. This phone also houses a 32MP selfie camera in a center punch hole, ensuring your selfies are of the highest quality.
The OPPO Find X6 Pro offers impressive performance paired with a stylish design, making it a standout choice for those in the market for a new phone.
Key Features:
- Elegant design with a choice of leather or glass finish
- 6.82-inch AMOLED screen display with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for smooth performance
- Triple 50MP rear camera sensors and a 32MP selfie camera
- Circular camera cutout
- High-quality photography capabilities
Tecno Phantom X2 Pro (Orange)
The Tecno Phantom X2 Pro takes smartphone design to the next level with its vibrant orange color option. This impressive leather-like finish, combined with the bright color, gives this smartphone a distinctive look, making heads turn.
The design of the Tecno Phantom X2 Pro is complemented by the center-mounted camera cutout, housing three camera sensors, including a 50MP main sensor. The retractable main camera lens is bordered by orange details, adding a unique touch to the phone’s design.
The phone features a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen display, offering vibrant visuals for an immersive viewing experience. The curved screen, along with the flat top and bottom, adds to the sleek design of this smartphone, making it comfortable to hold and use.
The Tecno Phantom X2 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor, providing smooth performance for gaming, multimedia consumption, and multitasking. With its unique color and impressive performance, this phone is a standout choice for those who like to express their individuality.
Key Features:
- Distinctive orange color option with a leather-like finish
- 6.8-inch AMOLED screen display for vibrant visuals
- Center-mounted camera cutout housing a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor
- MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor for smooth performance
- Retractable main camera lens with unique orange details
- Curved screen design for a comfortable grip
Galaxy S23 Ultra (Special Edition Colors)
Embrace innovation and style with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, available in exclusive special edition colors only on the Samsung website. This top-tier device boasts a sleek matte glass finish that exudes sophistication, and the included S-Pen adds an extra level of productivity to the device.
The S23 Ultra houses the re-engineered Nightography camera, capable of capturing stunning shots even in low-light conditions. The curved screen and back panel, along with the flat top and bottom, contribute to the comfortable grip and elegant design of this smartphone. The frame is made from Armor Aluminum, providing sturdy durability without compromising on style.
The phone comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, ensuring a smooth and fast performance. The 6.8-inch Edge QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen display offers vibrant visuals and an immersive viewing experience. The device also features an Infinity-O Display, providing a near bezel-less, full-frontal screen.
In the camera department, the S23 Ultra does not disappoint. It has a quad rear camera sensor setup, including a whopping 200MP main camera sensor and a 12MP front-facing camera.
With the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s special edition colors, standout design, and impressive performance, you can enjoy a smartphone experience like no other.
Key Features:
- Exclusive special edition colors available only on the Samsung website
- Matte glass finish for a sleek and sophisticated look
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor for fast performance
- 6.8-inch Edge QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen display with an Infinity-O Display
- Quad rear camera setup with a 200MP main camera sensor and a 12MP front-facing camera
- Included S-Pen for added productivity features
- Armor Aluminum frame for sturdy durability
If you think any other phone deserves a part of this list, do let us know.
