We test every aspect of a new phone, from the battery and processor to the camera.
We test every phone in real-world scenarios, focusing on features, design, performance, camera, battery life, and overall value. We document our findings in early reviews that are updated regularly when there are new software updates and to compare new phones with those from competitors such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus.
photograph
Most modern phones are focused on photography, so they take photos and videos of different subjects in different settings and lighting scenarios. Try out new camera modes like the 4K 120fps slow motion mode introduced on the iPhone 16 Pro and the Add ME photo tool introduced on the Google Pixel 9 series.
battery life
Batteries are tested in a variety of ways. We evaluate how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use and record how the phone performs during more intensive sessions such as video calls, media streaming, and gaming. We also perform video playback tests, which are not necessarily included in the initial review and will be added in later updates.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5’s camera hardware is nearly identical to the Z Flip 4, but the new chip brings some improvements to image processing.
performance
We use benchmarking apps to measure performance, along with our own anecdotes from using smartphones for our reviews. Of particular note is the look of the graphics and animations. Is it smooth? Or does it lag or drop out? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientation, and how quickly the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.
Perform processor-intensive tasks such as editing photos, exporting videos, and playing games. Evaluate whether a new version of a particular phone includes enough features to make it worth upgrading from an older model.
read more: How to test a phone
