How We Test Smartphones

Transparency is important to us. Here you can find out exactly what rigorous tests every smartphone must pass before it is included in our recommendations.

1. Battery Life & Charging

We don't rely on manufacturer claims. Every device goes through our standardized battery test, which consists of 4 hours of web browsing (over 5G), 2 hours of video streaming, and 1 hour of intense gaming. We also measure the actual charging time from 0 to 100% using the included or recommended charger.

2. Camera Shootouts

We test cameras in the real world, not in a lab. We take photos in bright sunshine, backlight, at dusk, and in extremely low light. We always compare the results directly with the class leader (usually a Pixel or Galaxy Ultra) to objectively assess color accuracy, dynamic range, and detail.

3. Performance & Thermal Throttling

Benchmarks like Geekbench and 3DMark give us a rough idea, but real-world performance is more important. We test how smoothly the system runs after installing 50+ apps, how well multitasking works, and whether the device overheats or dims the screen during long gaming sessions (e.g., Genshin Impact).

4. Software & Update Policy

A smartphone is only as good as its software. We evaluate the clarity of the user interface, the amount of pre-installed bloatware, and, above all, the guaranteed update duration. Devices with a long update guarantee receive significant bonus points for their sustainability and future-proofing.