The smartphone market remains one of the most dynamic and vibrant markets in electronics resale. In this guide, we will explore the best smartphone models to invest in for 2023. To do this, we will look at top sellers from 2022, as well as new and expected releases in 2023.
The Smartphone Market in 2023
- The number of mobile users globally is expected to grow to over 7.3 billion by year-end 2023.
- By the end of 2022, the number of smartphone users in the United States is estimated to reach 307 million.
- The global smartphone market size is projected to reach $792.51 billion in 2029, with a CAGR of 7.3% between 2022-2029.
- Smartphone shipments in the U.S. are forecast to amount to nearly 130.5 million units annually by 2025.
- Apple iOS continues to hold down the largest share of the smartphone operating systems’ market in the United States, claiming more than half of the market as of June 2022.
- Apple has the greatest share of US phone sales at 55.45%, with Samsung coming in second with 30.11% and Motorola at 4.93%.
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- Buying Wholesale iPhone 13s to Resell: The Definitive Guide
- How to Buy Wholesale Cell Phones Online to Resell
- Apple iPhones Wholesale: How to Buy for Less
Source: Radicati, 2022.
Top Smartphones of 2021-22
Apple iPhone 14
Release Retail Price: $799
Release Date: September 16, 2022
Features:
- Improved Camera
- 6 core GPU
- Longer battery life
With the bulk of Apple’s sales revenue coming from the base iPhone 14 in 2022, and noting a substantial increase from their revenue one year before, the iPhone 14 is making rounds as one of the top sellers of the year. The iPhone 14 bolsters upgraded specs from the iPhone 13, including a better GPU, better camera, and longer battery life.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Release Retail Price: $999
Release Date: September 16, 2022
Features:
- Updated chipset
- 23-hour battery life
- 48 MP rear camera
- Dynamic Island notch
Featuring the unique ‘island notch’, the iPhone Pro was the most sought-after smartphone in late 2022. It has since been enjoying high demand from consumers due to its favorable price point, specs, and fan base. Although there are decreases in shipments due to COVID in China, the shipments and sales numbers continue to show that the iPhone 14 Pro is a hit both for 2022 and likely for 2023.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Release Retail Price: $1099
Release Date: September 16, 2022
Features:
- 3k 6.7” display
- Dynamic island
- 4k video recording
- 29-hour battery
It is no surprise that the top-of-the-line premium iPhone model also ranks among the top sellers of recent times. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has been the most sought-after iPhone in countries like China, where it has been the top-selling smartphone since its October launch. Even with a decrease in shipments, it continues to be in demand, and with features like 3k 6.7” display, 4k video recording quality, and 29-hour battery life, it will continue to rank among the top-selling smartphones in 2023, as shipments increase.
iPhone 13
Release Retail Price: $599
Release Date: September 24, 2021
Features:
- 6.1” Super Retina XDR display
- up to19 hours video playback
- Greater storage Options
- 5G connectivity
- 12 MP rear dual camera
Coming in at number 1 on the top seller list as of Q1 with 5.5% of global sales, the iPhone 13 has proven itself one of the most in-demand phones in 2022. With improved technical specifications compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 13 features increased battery life, greater storage capacity option, and an updated chip. The iPhone 13 also offers a better user experience with improved brightness, 800 nits for the base model, and even more for the pro versions. It also has a substantially better camera, as well as a better refresh rate and speed.
Source: Statista, 2022.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Release Retail Price: $1099
Release Date: September 24, 2021
Features:
- 6.7” all-screen OLED Super Retina XDR display
- up to 25 hours video playback
- Greater storage Options
- 5G connectivity
- Pro 12MP rear camera system (Main, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto)
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is larger than the Pro and has better battery life. For an extra $100, the 13 Pro Max offers all the same specs as the 13 Pro, but with a larger 6.7 inch display, and 25 hours of battery life all for more $100 over the Pro model’s price tag.
iPhone 13 Pro
Release Retail Price: $999
Release Date: September 24, 2021
Features:
- 6.1” all-screen OLED Super Retina XDR display
- up to 20 hours video playback
- Greater storage Options
- 5G connectivity
- Pro 12MP rear camera system (Main, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto)
- Improved Frame build
- 6 GB RAM
A step up from the base flagship model, the iPhone 13 Pro was the third best-selling phone of 2022. What makes the iPhone 13 Pro so attractive is the small, yet impressive technical improvements featuring a core A15 chip (a step above the 4 core chip in the base model), greater storage options (up to 1TB), an upgraded camera system, and 120 Hz refresh rate with 1000 nits display brightness.
iPhone 12
Release Retail Price: $599
Release Date: October 23, 2020
Features:
- 6.1” Super Retina XDR display
- up to 17 hours video playback
- up to 256 GB storage
- 5G connectivity
- Dual 12MP rear camera system
The iPhone 12 is the best option for those who want the newer iPhone aesthetic at a lower price. The iPhone 12 , introduced in 2020, still is a top seller in 2022 because it provides similar capabilities as the iPhone 13 series although it has a bigger notch, a weaker camera, and a shorter battery life. Nonetheless, it is still a very desirable phone.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Release Retail Price: $948.98
Release Date: February 25, 2022
Features:
- 6.8” AMOLED 2x display
- Embedded pen
- Super-strong Armor Aluminum Frame
- Super fast charging
- 40 MP front camera and 108 MP rear camera
The Samsung S22 Ultra is the best selling smartphone by Samsung in 2022, as of the April tracker results. The Galaxy S22 Ultra mixes the best features from the S series and the discontinued Note series from 2021. Some estimates expect around 11 million units will be sold worldwide by the end of the fiscal year; this is all for a phone that launched in March of 2022.
Samsung Galaxy A13
Release Retail Price:$249
Release Date: March 4, 2022
Features:
- 6.6” display
- quad camera system
- 5000 mAh battery
- 32 GB storage
- 3 GB RAM
The successor to the A12 series, the A13 is having great success in countries like India and Latam where over 50% of its sales come from. With an upgraded chipset and some overall improvements, the consumer market looking for budget-level smartphones is quickly purchasing A13 models to replace their older or broken phones.
iPhone SE 2022
Release Retail Price: $599
Release Date: September 24, 2021
Features:
- 4.7” widescreen LCD Retina HD display with IPS technology
- up to 15 hours video playback
- up to 256 GB storage options
- 5G connectivity
- 12 MP rear single camera
The iPhone SE (2022) offers the same capabilities as the iPhone 13 mini at a smaller price tag and with a smaller screen size. The SE features an A15 chip, 5G connectivity, and is light weight. The limitations for the SE model are its battery life, screen technology (no OLED), and lack of face ID.
Source: Oberlo, 2022.
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
Release Retail Price: $110
Release Date: November 15, 2021
Features:
- 6.5” display
- 8 MP camera
- 2 GB RAM
- 32 GB storage
- 5000 mAh battery
Samsung’s $100 phone launched in November of 2021 to target the budget market in 2022. The A03 core has so far held a spot among the top 10 in 2022 and meets customer demands with sufficient internal makeup and OS fluidity. The Samsung A03 Core continues to sell among the top 10 in 2022.
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Release Retail Price: $349
Release Date: March 17, 2022
Features:
- 6.5” AMOLED display
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- 5G functionality
- 6 hour screen time
- 64 MP rear camera
The Samsung Galaxy A53 is Samsung’s mid-tier range phone model. By design, it is the alternative choice for consumers that want a Galaxy S22-esque phone without paying the premium price. The A53 features 5G connectivity, AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate and a 64 MP rear camera.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 LTE
Release Retail Price: $179
Release Date: March 29, 2021
Features:
- 6.55” AMOLED display
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 5G functionality
- 4250 mAh battery
- 64 MP rear camera
The Redmi 11 LTE was the only phone model not from Samsung or Apple to make top-10 sellers lists in 2022. The Redmi Note 11 LTE has contributed to 11% of Xiaomi's overall sales and occupied 1.3% of the global smartphone sales in April 2022. The Redmi 11 Lite is aimed at the budget market and is a sub $200 phone with enough features to meet consumers' demands.
Top Smartphones to be Released in 2023
#1 Apple iPhone 15
Expected Features:
- Rumored new Sony camera sensor to vastly improve exposure control.
- A new rounded design for the iPhone 15
- USB-C port with faster data transfer speeds too.
- Possible island notch for base models.
Though little is known about iPhone 15 yet, though rumors reference possible upgrades to frame design, USB C capabilities, and the island notch from the iPhone 14 Pro being made a base model aesthetic. In addition, it is expected that the iPhone 15 will launch in September 2023, chiming with the fact that Apple has a track record of making model launches in September.
#2 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 2023
Expected Features:
- 6.8” Display with up to 2,200 nits brightness
- Qualcomm snapdragon gen 2 chipset
- 200 MP rear camera
- 4700 mAh battery
- 13 hour screen time
- 256 GB Storage (base model)
A lot of people are waiting for the launch of Samsung’s latest flagship phone model, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which will be released in 2023. Some supposed specs include a 2200 nits display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and a 200 MP rear camera. It is expected to start at the $1199 price point.
#3 Samsung Galaxy A74 5G 2023
Expected Features:
- 6.7” Super AMOLED display
- Snapdragon 765G chipset
- 32 MP front camera and 64 MP quad rear camera
- 5000 mAh battery
The Galaxy A74 is expected to launch in early 2023. Developed to be a mid-tier Samsung phone, the galaxy model phone will be sold at around a price point of $409.99. It will feature 5G connectivity, 6.7 inches of AMOLED display, and a 64 MP rear quad camera- among many more features.
#4 Xiaomi 13 Pro
Expected Features:
- 6.7” display with 1440 x 3200 pixels
- 50MP + 50MP + 50MP Rear Camera
- 32 MP Front camera
- Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen1 Chipset
- 8 GB RAM
The rumored Xiaomi 13 Pro is expected to launch in 2023 with many performance upgrades and aesthetic improvements. Though not many things are known about this release, it is expected to be offered at around the $500 price tag and feature a 1440p display with a powerful camera as well as state-of-the-art internals and performance.
#5 Google Pixel Fold (name subject to change)
Expected Features:
- Foldable Display
- State of the Art Google tech
- Android OS 13
Many rumors are circulating about the Google Pixel Fold. Some recently leaked documents suggest that Google might be developing a foldable device. Some sources originally believed it would launch in late 2021, and then in October 2022 alongside the Pixel 7, but this date has been pushed back to an early 2023 release. It is expected to be priced upwards of $1000. Though not a lot is known about the device.