Google Pixel 5<\/h2>\n
The Pixel 5 is not the phone I would have expected to put on this list a few months ago, yet here we are.<\/p>\n Google made the unusual choice of bumping down the processor and avoiding gimmicky features to just make a phone that does almost everything right. It performs smoothly thanks to optimized software, the camera is excellent, and the battery lasts forever. What else could I ask for? (Napier<\/a>)<\/p>\n OnePlus\u2019 not-quite-flagship<\/a> is my favorite phone of 2020 because of one class-leading feature, and a personal experience. First off, its 65W charger juices up the 4,500mAh battery in under 40 minutes. If I\u2019m ever low on power before I need to head out for a few hours, the 8T can charge up to last through that time in the just the few minutes it takes me to get dressed.<\/p>\n Perhaps, more importantly, this is a surprisingly well built model. I discovered that after my phone flew off my motorcycle\u2019s claw-like holder recently, when I was doing about 120 kmph amidst heavy cross winds while a storm was approaching.<\/p>\n I found the phone\u2019s TPU case on the expressway, lying empty \u2014 where was the handset? I walked a few more steps and my Bluetooth earbuds reconnected, which signaled a sign of life for the 8T. I found it on the side of the road in decent shape, especially considering what it had just been through.<\/p>\n Yes, the glass back was shattered, but there wasn\u2019t a scratch on the screen or the camera module \u2014 and the phone works perfectly. The frame has bent a wee bit, but it\u2019s only noticeable when you place the phone on a desk. Kudos to OnePlus for putting together something that can take a licking and keep on ticking. (Abhi<\/a>)<\/p>\n In July, when OnePlus launched its affordable offering, the $335 OnePlus Nord<\/a>, I was excited to see a phone that could provide great value with an excellent screen and reliable performance. I thought this would be the phone to beat in this segment.<\/p>\n But shortly after that, Xiaomi\u2019s now spun-off brand Poco surprised with me its X3 device. It sports a massive 6.67-inch 120Hz LCD screen, has a 6,000 mAh battery (Indian variant) that can be topped up with fast charging, and good cameras \u2014 all for the very reasonable price of $230.<\/p>\n I love pocketable phones such as the Pixel 4a. But this year, I didn\u2019t go out and pockets didn\u2019t matter. So, when I\u2019m doomscrolling my way through the pandemic, I appreciate a big screen and battery to get me through the day.<\/p>\n Yes, I didn\u2019t get to visit beautiful landscapes to take gorgeous pictures. But I have two cats, and I want a phone camera to do justice to those furry goofballs\u2019 beautiful existence. The Poco X3 does all that for me on a budget.<\/p>\n The OnePlus Nord has a great build and impressive OLED screen. However, if you\u2019re looking to save some money in this horrible year, you\u2019re not losing anything by opting for the POCO X3 \u2014 my favorite phone of 2020. (Ivan<\/a>)<\/p>\n This has obviously been a good year for Google phones. Where Napier picked the Pixel 5 for offering a flagship phone at a mid-range price, I went for Google\u2019s budget device: the Pixel 4a. Why? Because this is the phone I\u2019d recommend your mom.<\/p>\n I\u2019m not even being glib. If anyone\u2019s looking for an Android phone for someone that doesn\u2019t really give a damn about technology and just wants something that works, the Pixel 4a is the choice.<\/p>\n It\u2019s small (144mm long), but has a beefy 5.81-inch screen (I\u2019m not sorry about mixing up units), meaning it can be carried around easily and used without glasses. The battery lasts a long time for light users, it has a great camera, and the stock Android makes it easy to use and sync up with other Google services.<\/p>\n And the best part? It\u2019s only $350. Fucking bargain. And it\u2019ll save you wasting your breath next time a relative asks what phone they should get. (Callum<\/a>)<\/p>\n Did you know we have a newsletter all about consumer tech? It\u2019s called Plugged In \u2013 and you can subscribe to it right here<\/a>. <\/i><\/p>\n Published January 5, 2021 \u2014 08:45 UTC <\/p>\n![\"google](\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2020\/12\/google-pixl-4-favorite-phones-of-2020-796x417.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/p>\nOnePlus 8T<\/h2>\n
![\"oneplus](\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2020\/12\/oneplus-8t-favorite-phones-of-2020-796x417.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/p>\nPoco X3<\/h2>\n
![\"poco](\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2020\/12\/poco-x3-favorite-phones-from-2020-796x417.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/p>\nGoogle Pixel 4a<\/h2>\n
![\"favorite](\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2020\/12\/favorite-phones-of-2020-google-pixel-4a-796x417.png\"){kind=tracking}
<\/figure>\n<\/p>\n