To be productive and proactive as a professional, you will need a different set features if you are buying for a business phone. Your business phone must be able to charge quickly and offer versatile business apps. It also needs to have large storage space. This is before we get into details about the security software that you will require for your business phone. You should also consider aftersales support.
Some smartphones are better than others. This is why we have created this guide to the top business smartphones. The best business smartphones require more than that. They need to provide it for a long period of time, not just when they are opened for the first time.
It’s not always easy to know how useful a phone and its features are for you. That’s why we have compiled this list of the top business and work phones that you can purchase right now.
- You may be looking for the best business phones, or old-fashioned landline models that can sit on a desk at work. If so, then check out our best VoIP phone guide.
These devices should all be able to run the latest Android and iOS business apps (opens new tab)/iPhone apps, as applicable. This includes everything from PDF apps (opens new tab), privacy services (opens new tab), and connecting to your business phone service (opens new tab). If you need more information, we have a list of top business tablets.
We’ve updated our guide to provide the most current buying advice to help businesses choose the right smartphones for their needs. It will be updated as new phones are released, as long they are great for business. You might also see the Samsung Galaxy S21 and iPhone 12 in this list.
While some of these choices may be similar to our best smartphones for casual usage, we have identified how these picks can help your business. Not everyone needs the most flashy smartphone trick.
- We also feature the most rugged smartphones (opens in new window).
The best business smartphone at a glance
- Nokia XR20
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
- iPhone 12
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Motorola Defy
- Google Pixel 5
- iPhone SE (2020).
- OnePlus 8
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Planet Computers Astro Slide 5G
1. Nokia XR20
Nokia’s first rugged handset
SPECIFICATIONS
July 2021 release date
Weight: 248g
Dimensions: 171.6×81.5×10.6mm
OS: Android 11
Screen size: 6.67-inch
Resolution: 2400×1080
CPU: Qulacomm Snapdragon 4800 / Adreno 619
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 64GB/128GB
Battery: 4,630mAh
Rear camera: 48MP +13MP
Front camera: 8MP
TODAY’S TOP DEALS
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REASONS to BUY
+IP65 Certified+Dedicated Emergency button
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
Low storage – Can’t customize Google Assistant
Nokia’s first rugged smartphone has been launched by HMD Global, the company that now owns Nokia. The Nokia XR20 smartphone is a Qualcomm-powered 5G capable, water and shockproof smartphone. It stands out from other rugged smartphones due to its four year of security updates and three year OS updates.
The Nokia XR20 has only two storage options, a 64GB or 128GB model. However, it does have a microSD card slot. This device can be used with dual SIM cards, but not two SIM cards or a microSD card. HMD Global included a 3.5mm microphone port, as well as a dedicated Google Assistant button.
The Nokia XR20 is a great business smartphone if you are worried about your phone falling or breaking. HMD Global offers a one-year free screen replacement.
2. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
This is a big productivity powerhouse
SPECIFICATIONS
August 2020
Weight: 208g
Dimensions: 164.8×77.2×8.1mm
OS: Android 10
Screen size: 6.9-inch
Resolution: 1440 x 3088
CPU: Snapdragon 865 Plus / Exynos 990
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
Battery: 4,500mAh
Rear camera: 108MP +12MP +12MP
Front camera: 10MP
TODAY’S TOP DEALS
View at Amazon
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REASONS to BUY
+Incredible camera zoom+New useful S Pen features
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
– ‘Ultra’ high-priced-Slow to Charge
Samsung’s Note series has been designed for business users. It features top specs and the S Pen stylus that brings many tricks and features. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the top-selling device in the Note 20 Ultra line, which will be available starting 2020.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a high-end smartphone with a top chipset, a 108MP maincam and a super-high-resolution screen. It can also be used for any job or profession.
This phone has a downside: it is very expensive. However, if you have the budget for the Note 20 Ultra, we recommend it as your first port-of-call.
3. iPhone 12
Apple’s most powerful smartphone to date
SPECIFICATIONS
Date of release: October 2020
Weight: 164g
Dimensions: 146.7×71.5×7.4mm
OS: iOS 14
Screen size: 6.1-inch
Resolution: 1170 x 2532
CPU: Apple A14 Bionic
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB
Battery: 2,815mAh
Rear camera: 12MP +12MP
Camera front: 12MP
TODAY’S TOP DEALS
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REASONS to BUY
+Colorful OLED display+5G-compatible
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Battery life is only okay-Price increase over iPhone 11
Apple’s latest main-series phone is a great choice for business, and features some of the iPhone 11’s improvements, such as 5G compatibility, and an OLED display that looks better, make it a great phone for productivity.
The iPhone 12 features great rear cameras, some pretty color schemes, and it is extremely affordable.
Magnetic MagSafe systems could be great for charging your phone while on the move.
Although the iPhone 12 has a smaller brother, the iPhone 12 Mini, there are two more powerful models, the iPhone 12 Pro or Pro Max. However, for general business users, the title model is the best.
4. Samsung Galaxy S20
Great phone with 5G
SPECIFICATIONS
Release date: March 2020
Weight: 163g
Dimensions: 151.7×69.1×7.9mm
OS: Android 10
Screen size: 6.2-inch
Resolution: 1440×3200
CPU: Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB
Battery: 4,000mAh
Rear camera: 12MP +64MP +12MP
Front camera: 10MP
TODAY’S TOP DEALS
View at AT&T
View at Amazon
REASONS to BUY
+Lots power+5G-ready
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Erratic fingerprint sensor-Price high
The Samsung Galaxy S20 is a great 5G phone, but it won’t break your bank. It is the most affordable Samsung flagship phone in 2020. It has a high-end processor, great display and 5G connectivity, all at a lower price than other 5G phones.
5. Motorola Defy
This is not your rugged smartphone of the day
SPECIFICATIONS
Release date: June 2021
Weight: 234g
Dimensions: 169.8×78.2×10.9mm
OS: Android 10
Screen size: 6.5-inch
Resolution: 1600 x 720
CPU: Snapdragon 662
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB
Battery: 5,000mAh
Rear camera: 48MP +2MP +2MP
Front camera: 8MP
TODAY’S TOP DEALS
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REASONS to BUY
+Great design and form factor+Support to Android Enterprise
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Average Value for Money-No Cover for USB Port
Motorola’s iconic Defy product range has been revived with the help of Bullitt Group. The new rugged smartphone is now available. The original Defy was a rugged smartphone, but this sleek new model blends in well with the rest of the pack thanks to its elegant design.
The new Motorola Defy is water, dust, and drop-proof and also features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor and a 5,000mAh battery. It runs Android 10. Although not as powerful than other Motorola mid-range smartphones, the new Motorola Defy provides excellent protection against everyday wear and tear. It is also lighter and thinner than previous Motorola smartphones.
6. Google Pixel 5
Google’s latest flagship is the most accessible
SPECIFICATIONS
Release date: September 2020
Weight: 151g
Dimensions: 144.7×70.4x8mm
OS: Android 11
Screen size: 6-inch
Resolution: 1080×2340
CPU: Snapdragon 765G
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB
Battery: 4,080mAh
Rear camera: 12MP +16MP
Front camera: 8MP
TODAY’S TOP DEALS
View at Amazon
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REASONS to BUY
+Metal case for refreshing change+Clean Android interface
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Middle night photography-Specs downgraded from Pixel 4
The Google Pixel 5 represents a shift in the company’s focus from premium phones to mid-range smartphones. This phone is great for those who want an easy-to-use Android experience, but without paying a lot.
The Pixel 5 has a high-quality camera and a metal body. It is both beautiful to use and look at. However, its processing power is not as powerful as some of the other phones in this list.
It’s also compatible with 5G, which will give you the latest generation of data connectivity. This is almost a requirement for a business smartphone.
7. iPhone SE (2020).
An iPhone that doesn’t break the bank
SPECIFICATIONS
Release date: April 2020
Weight: 148g
Dimensions: 138.4×67.3×7.3mm
OS: iOS 13
Screen size: 4.7-inch
Resolution: 7500 x 1334
CPU: A13 Bionic
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB
Battery: 1,821mAh
Rear camera 12MP
Front camera: 7MP
TODAY’S TOP DEALS
View at AT&T
Check Amazon
REASONS to BUY
+Fairly affordable+Decent processing power
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Small screen-Weak cameras
The iPhone SE (2020) is a good alternative to the iPhone 8. It is similar in many ways to the iPhone 8 but has a modern chip and software. Although it’s not a powerful phone in every department, this is a good option if you need a mid-range smartphone.
8. OnePlus 8
An Android smartphone that is reliable and solid
SPECIFICATIONS
Release date: April 2020
Weight: 180g
Dimensions: 160.2×72.9x8mm
OS: Android 10
Screen size: 6.55-inch
Resolution: 1080×2400
CPU: Snapdragon 865
RAM: 8/12GB
Storage: 128/256GB
Battery: 4,300mAh
Rear camera: 48MP +16MP + 2MP
Front camera: 16MP
TODAY’S TOP DEALS
View at Amazon
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View at Amazon
REASONS to BUY
+Big battery+Affordable connectivity with 5G
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-No wireless charging-Camera specifications are amazing
A OnePlus smartphone is a reliable Android phone that you can use for your business. The OnePlus 8 is a mid-range Android smartphone with great features.
The screen has a smooth UI and a 90Hz refresh rate for your viewing pleasure. A 4,300mAh battery and high processing power are useful for many tasks. The phone also comes with 5G, which is a lower price than the Galaxy S20 units. This makes it a great choice if you need dependable internet access.
9. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
One of the most impressive Samsung phones to date
SPECIFICATIONS
Release date: March 2020
Weight: 222g
Dimensions: 166.9x76x8.8mm
OS: Android 10
Screen size: 6.9-inch
Resolution: 1440 x 3200
CPU: Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990
RAM: 12/16GB
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Battery: 5,000mAh
Rear camera: 108MP +48MP + 12MP + TOF
Front camera: 40MP
TODAY’S TOP DEALS
View at AT&T
View at Amazon
REASONS to BUY
+Great camera performance+Samsung’s best display
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Incredibly expensive -Very large
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is the perfect business phone. It has a large screen, large battery, and a number of top-end cameras, including a 108MP main camera, fast processing power, and 5G connectivity. It’s the most premium of Samsung’s 2020 flagships and is packed with high-end specs.
It’s certainly not an affordable phone, but that’s why we have it at the bottom of this list. It is, however, a great phone for those who really need it. If you or your employees need it, this phone is for them.
10. Planet Computers Astro Slide 5G
Modern Android Smartphone with a Physical Keyboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Release date: May 20,22
Weight: 325g
Dimensions: 172.4×76.5×18.7mm
OS: Android 11
Screen size: 6.9-inch
Resolution: 2340×1080 (403 ppi)
CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 800 – MT6873
RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
Storage: 128GB (microSD card up to 1TB).
Battery: 4,000mAh
Rear camera: 48MP Sony IMX586 Sensor
Front camera: 13MP Sony IMX214 Sensor
TODAY’S TOP DEALS
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REASONS to BUY
+Dual USB-C ports+AMOLED screen
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Bulky-Premium phone price
Astro Slide 5G is the product of several ex-Psionists. It takes an Android platform and gives it retro PDA stylings.
This device is expensive and sacrifices elegance in exchange for a fully slide-out keyboard.
It boasts a powerful Octa-core SoC and high-resolution AMOLED technology screens. The 48MP camera can also capture 4K video.
Two things we have to be wary of with this phone are the high price and the fact that it is directly competing with the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Another issue is the keyboard, which while it might make long replies much easier to type, makes this phone difficult to carry around in your pocket.
We believe that people who type a lot on their phones should embrace the Chromebook. However, for some users the Astro Slide 5G may be easier to carry.
