After bringing you our no-nonsense review of the best mobile phone deals and networks for small businesses, we’ve tracked down for our readers the 10 best smartphones for business use today.
To make the list, these smartphones needed to be chart-toppers in all areas – from battery life to speed, user experience and camera quality.
But unlike many other mobile phone comparisons, we’re not just going to claim the most expensive handsets are the best.
Our tests dug deep to find out what these phones are really like to use – the differences between the phones’ specs on paper, and how they actually perform for work (or play).
So, whether you’re a die-hard iPhone user, after your next flagship Samsung handset, or keen to try a more budget-friendly alternative, we’ve got you covered.
And here (ordered by phone brand) is our final verdict on the 10 best smartphones for business use in the UK today – plus the best deals to get one:
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| 01 | Samsung Galaxy S9 | 04 | iPhone X | 07 | Google Pixel 2 |
| 02 | Samsung Galaxy S8 | 05 | iPhone 8 | 08 | Sony Xperia XZ2 |
| 03 | Samsung Galaxy S7 | 06 | iPhone 7 | 09 | Huawei P20 Pro |
| 10 | LG V30 |
Top 3
Top 3
Top 4
Samsung Galaxy S9 – For the most powerful Android
★★★★★
✔ PROS – Super-fast processor, waterproof, wireless charging, face recognition
✖ CONS – Too big for some?
Screen Quality ★★★★★
Camera ★★★★★
Weight 163g | Screen size 5.8” | Storage 64 GB | Rear camera 12 Mp
Galaxy S9 vs Galaxy S8
The S9 is Samsung’s new flagship smartphone, and one of the most powerful phones for business use today. The S8 was already stunning, but the S9 comes with faster download speeds and an even sharper camera.
What’s it like to use?
The S9 is a star player at everything you need for work – or play. The 10-nanometre processor is lightning fast, the battery lasts all day, and the near-full-size HD screen makes even work emails pain-free. Small business owners also find the built-in assistant Bixby a great PA.
Is it for me?
Samsung’s Galaxy S9 is one of the best business phones available today, hands down. It’s not the cheapest, but with specs that rival the more expensive iPhone X (plus even more flexibility), we think it’s great value for money.
Want the Galaxy S9? Here are the best deals…
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| £49 /mth | £49 /mth | £53 /mth | £53 /mth | £0 /mth |
| £9.99 upfront | £150 upfront | £30 upfront | £49 upfront | £739 SIM free |
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Samsung Galaxy S8 – For top specs, now for less
★★★★★
✔ PROS – Speedy processor, Gorilla Glass 5, Infinity Display, face recognition
✖ CONS – Comes with some bloatware (apps you can’t uninstall)
Screen Quality ★★★★★
Camera ★★★★★
Weight 155g | Screen size 5.8” | Storage 64 GB | Rear camera 12 Mp
Galaxy S8 vs Galaxy S7
The S8 was one of 2017’s best sellers, and it’s easy to say why it was such a hit business phone. This 5.8-inch device fits comfortably in your hand, and has all the chart-topping specs you get with the S7, plus an ultra-tough Gorilla Glass 5 body and your very own PA in Bixby, Samsung’s AI assistant.
What’s it like to use?
The S8’s got it all – an immersive screen thanks to Infinity Display, Samsung DeX which lets you pull up your desktop on the go, and cutting-edge security with Samsung Knox.
You may need to get used to the lack of home button, but the new touch sensor is so intuitive and gives you more screen space without the phone feeling too bulky.
Is it for me?
We think the S8 is the perfect all-rounder for business owners – it’s got some of the most premier specs on a smartphone (from super-fast charging to a screen that’s extra reader-friendly), but now all this action is comparatively cheap.
Make the S8 yours? Check out the top deals…
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| £31 /mth | £44 /mth | £45 /mth | £43 /mth | £0 /mth |
| £0 upfront | £80 upfront | £9 upfront | £50 upfront | £589 SIM free |
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Samsung Galaxy S7 – For an affordable premier phone
★★★★★
✔ PROS – HD screen, fast processor, waterproof, wireless charging
✖ CONS – Non-removable battery, no USB Type-C
Screen Quality ★★★★★
Camera ★★★★☆
Weight 152g | Screen size 5.1” | Storage 32 GB | Rear camera 12 Mp
Galaxy S7 vs Galaxy S6
The Samsung Galaxy S7 was a huge step up on the already impressive S6, and is a leading gadget for small businesses today. Unlike its predecessor, it’s waterproof, charges wirelessly, and will help you take photos and videos like a pro.
What’s it like to use?
The S7 still has one of the best batteries out there – with even more life and a faster charge than the iPhone X. The octa-core processor will make work – or play – a breeze, the call quality is crystal clear, and the 12 Mp rear camera helps you look good in all lights.
Is it for me?
Absolutely, if you want a high-spec business phone that won’t break the bank.
Not everyone needs the latest smartphone model, and the S7 has everything that matters for effective work use – a speedy processor, a decent battery, and even bonus extras like phone payments and a fingerprint reader.
Get the Galaxy S7? We’ve found the best prices…
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| £32 /mth | £32 /mth | £34 /mth | £39 /mth | £0 /mth |
| £49.99 upfront | £80 upfront | £50 upfront | £19 upfront | £529 SIM free |
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iPhone X – For when money’s no object
★★★★★
✔ PROS – Full-screen design, lightning processor, Portrait Mode, Face ID
✖ CONS – Slower charge than some, no traditional headphone jack
Screen Quality ★★★★★
Camera ★★★★★
Weight 174g | Screen size 5.8” | Storage 64 GB | Rear camera 12 Mp
iPhone X vs iPhone 8
The iPhone X was made to celebrate 10 years of iPhones, and is really quite special. It’s a top performer on all fronts – from screen and call quality to speed and camera. The only thing the iPhone 8 is better for is battery life (you get about an hour more).
What’s it like to use?
The iPhone X is the world’s first full-screen phone – that means you get the most immersive smartphone experience inside a fairly trim model.
The Super Retina display with True Tone technology really does make the screen easy on the eye, and you can blitz through your work with the fastest processor to date and Face ID security.
Is it for me?
If you want your business phone to have top quality everything from call quality to photos, the iPhone X will be hard to beat. That said, it costs much more than many rivals with fairly similar specs, so we think it only makes sense as a pay monthly option.
Need the iPhone X in your life? Here’s how…
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| £56 /mth | £57 /mth | £65 /mth | £73 /mth | £0 SIM free |
| £99.99 upfront | £300 upfront | £49 upfront | £50 upfront | £959 SIM free |
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iPhone 8 – Still one of the best iPhones, now for less
★★★★★
✔ PROS – Beautiful build, fast processor, water-resistant, fingerprint sensor
✖ CONS – Quite slow charge, no traditional headphone jack
Screen Quality ★★★★★
Camera ★★★★★
Weight 148g | Screen size 4.7” | Storage 64 GB | Rear camera 12 Mp
iPhone 8 vs iPhone 7
The iPhone 8 may look just like the iPhone 7, but there’s a big difference – the glass rear allows wireless charging. It makes the phone a tad heavier, but you might think it’s worth it for that extra convenience.
Other than that, you can expect Apple’s signature specs: great design, great processor, great camera.
What’s it like to use?
Apple’s A11 Bionic processor is about as fast as it gets, and the Retina HD display is both stunning and easy on the eye. We found the iPhone video the smoothest one around, and the photos look incredible whatever the lighting.
If you’ve still got questions, here’s our full iPhone 8 review
Is it for me?
It’s definitely a great buy – a high-spec business phone (with perks like 3D touch and a True Tone screen) at a price that won’t make your eyes bulge nearly as much as the iPhone X.
Think the iPhone 8 is for you? Here’s where the best deals are…
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| £8 /mth | £42 /mth | £53 /mth | £57 /mth | £0 /mth |
| £619 upfront | £59.99 upfront | £30 upfront | £29 upfront | £639 SIM free |
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iPhone 7 – For the best value for money iPhone
★★★★★
✔ PROS – Slick design, fast processor, waterproof, touch sensor
✖ CONS – No expandable memory, no traditional headphone jack
Screen Quality ★★★★★
Camera ★★★★★
Weight 138g | Screen size 4.7” | Storage 32 GB | Rear camera 12 Mp
iPhone 7 vs iPhone 6
The iPhone 7 is a serious upgrade on the iPhone 6 – it’s got an intuitive touch sensor, a dazzling camera and best of all, this one’s waterproof and dust resistant.
The one thing Apple have dropped here are the traditional wired headphones, but the box comes with their new Lightning earphones for you to try.
What’s it like to use?
It’s a joy to use – with a slick design and a super-speedy A10 processor. The Retina HD display and True Tone technology makes the screen as easy to read as it gets with smartphones.
Plus this phone has one of the best batteries on an iPhone – 10 to 12 hours – and fast wireless charging.
Is it for me?
Like the iPhone 7 as much as we do? We’ve found the best deals…
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| £37 /mth | £34 /mth | £49 /mth | £43 /mth | £0 /mth |
| 100 upfront | £0 upfront | £9 upfront | £50 upfront | £549 SIM free |
Google Pixel 2 – For speed and a PA at a great price
★★★★★
✔ PROS – Google Assistant, fast charge, unlimited storage, touch sensor
✖ CONS – No standard headphone socket, no micro-SD card slot
Screen Quality ★★★★★
Camera ★★★★★
Weight 143g | Screen size 5” | Storage 64 GB | Rear camera 12.2 Mp
Google Pixel 2 vs the original Pixel
Google’s first Pixel smartphone took the market by storm back in 2016 – it topped phone reviews for speed, battery life and camera quality. The Pixel 2 is all that power, now with even more storage and better water-resistance.
What’s it like to use?
The Pixel 2 is a quality build that feels great to hold. The 5-inch HD display is easy to read, even in daylight and unlike the Pixel 2 XL, this phone fits snugly in your pocket when you’re working on the go.
But the main benefit for business users is the built-in Google Assistant which can make your work a breeze – it’s intuitive too, activated with your voice or just a squeeze.
You can have a flick through our full Google Pixel 2 review here
Is it for me?
If you need the best of the best, fork out for the latest iPhone. But if you want a top-quality phone that won’t let you down, the Google Pixel 2 is one of the most impressive ones we’ve tested, at a reasonable price – plus Apple has nothing on Google batteries.
Picture yourself a happy Pixel owner? The top deals are waiting…
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| £24.50 /mth | £49 /mth | £49 /mth | £53 /mth | £0 /mth |
| £100 upfront | £29.99 upfront | £29.99 upfront | £40 upfront | £629 SIM free |
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Sony Xperia XZ2 – For a quality phone you can rely on
★★★★★
✔ PROS – Speedy processor, all-day battery, photos with impact
✖ CONS – Heavier than rivals
Screen Quality ★★★★☆
Camera ★★★★★
Weight 198g | Screen size 5.7” | Storage 64 GB | Rear camera 19 Mp
Sony Xperia XZ2 vs Samsung Galaxy S9
With the launch of the Xperia XZ2 this year, Sony has definitely caught up with the leading phones from Samsung and Apple – with a super-fast processor, all-day battery, and top-of-the-range camera. But this time, the price tag is much friendlier.
What’s it like to use?
The Xperia XZ2 really is a steal. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s most powerful octa-core processor, has more than enough space (64GB), and one of the most long-lasting batteries in a smartphone. The photos aren’t quite up there with Apple or Samsung, but they’re still stunning quality, and perfect for business use.
Is it for me?
The Xperia XZ2 is Sony’s best smartphone to date, and one of the most popular options for small business owners in the UK today. True, the latest releases from Samsung and apple tend to fare slightly better on call and photo quality, but for very little difference, you pay a huge premium.
That’s why this is a Startups best buy, and great choice for professionals who like an excellent deal.
Itching for the Sony Xperia XZ2? Check out the best deals…
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| £8 /mth | £38 /mth | £48 /mth | £53 /mth | £0 /mth |
| £679 upfront | £10 upfront | £0 upfront | £29 upfront | £699 SIM free |
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Huawei P20 Pro – For creative business types
★★★★★
✔ PROS – Octa-core processor, 6 GB Ram, hard-to-beat battery, three rear-view cameras
✖ CONS – No traditional headphone jack, no expandable memory
Screen Quality ★★★★☆
Camera ★★★★★
Weight 180g | Screen size 6.1” | Storage 128 GB | Rear camera 40 Mp
Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone X
First things first, the Huawei P20 Pro is much cheaper (around £200 less) than the iPhone X. Most phones are. But with a stunning six-inch screen, three rear quality cameras, and all-day battery, the Huawei specs are much more than you might expect.
What’s it like to use?
This metal and glass quality phone feels great in the hand, and the generous 6GB Ram and turbo-charged Kirin 970 octa-core processor are ideal for making work a breeze.
What’s more, with 128GB, you won’t run out of space, and the battery lasts much longer than most premium phones (between 11 and 22 hours).
Is it for me?
The Huawei P20 Pro certainly gives the iPhone X a run for its money, but its camera and call quality are just a whisker behind. That said, it’s a star-performer for everything small business owners need, and better value for money than its Apple rivals.
Like the sound of the Huawei P20 Pro? Grab yourself a great deal…
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| £8 /mth | £37 /mth | £43 /mth | £48 /mth | £0 /mth |
| £779 upfront | £149 upfront | £50 upfront | £29.99 upfront | £799 SIM free |
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LG V30 – For superb business specs, budget-friendly
★★★★★
✔ PROS – #1 for call time battery, wireless charging, wide-angle cameras
✖ CONS – Some users might prefer a smaller phone
Screen Quality ★★★★☆
Camera ★★★★☆
Weight 158g | Screen size 6” | Storage 64 GB | Rear camera 16 Mp
LG V30 vs Galaxy S8
Both Android flagships, the LG V30 and the S8 are really similar on paper. But even though some LG V30 specs look better (more camera megapixels, a tad more screen space), our tests show the S8 to be a slightly higher quality build. But for business use, there’s very little in it.
What’s it like to use?
Quite simply, the LG V30 has the best battery life for calls in a smartphone – no other brand even comes to 37 hours, though for regular use it’s more standard at around 10 hours.
It also comes with jazzy high-end features like facial recognition and touch sensor, but it’s still user-friendly, and some customers like being able to plug their good old wired headphones.
Is it for me?
If you’re on the hunt for a premium quality smartphone for professional use, but don’t want to have to pay through the nose for it, the LG V30 is a top performing business phone that’s already a big hit with freelancers and start-ups in the UK. You can get it exclusively from the Carphone Warehouse.
Want the LG V30? It’s exclusive to the Carphone Warehouse…
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| £34 /mth | £36 /mth | £45 /mth | £0 /mth |
| £49.99 upfront | £99.99 upfront | £19.99 upfront | £599.99 SIM free |
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Compare The Networks 