Smartphone displays have come a long way, what exactly defines a top-tier screen? Crisp resolution and high pixel density have become standard, so those aren’t the only factors anymore.
Instead, things like peak brightness for outdoor visibility, precise colour calibration, and adaptive refresh rates set the best apart. Some brands even introduce some pretty rad and innovative coatings to reduce glare. If you want a smartphone with an outstanding display, these top contenders make everything look drop-dead gorgeous.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: King of the outdoors
The Galaxy S25 Ultra may not be the brightest phone on the market, but it is undoubtedly the best for outdoor use. Thanks to its Gorilla Glass Armor 2 with anti-reflective treatment, screen glare is practically eliminated, making it the easiest phone to use in bright sunlight.
The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel delivers a sharp 1440p resolution with a dense 498 pixels per inch, ensuring a crisp visual experience. The display also boasts an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and excellent battery efficiency.
Samsung has even slimmed down the bezels, giving users a slightly larger screen than its predecessor. With support for the S Pen stylus, this display is as functional as it is stunning.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: A masterclass in keeping things life-like
Apple’s latest flagship sticks to its strengths with a high-quality 6.9-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display. While it doesn’t have Samsung’s anti-reflective coating, its standout feature is its excellent colour accuracy, ensuring a natural and true-to-life viewing experience.
This generation introduces an ultra-low brightness mode that allows the display to dim down to just 1 nit, making nighttime use much more comfortable compared to previous models. The 1320p resolution and 460 pixels per inch deliver sharp visuals, while the ProMotion technology ensures smooth performance with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. The Ceramic Shield protection enhances durability, offering better resistance against accidental drops.
Pixel 9 Pro XL: As bright as the Sun
Google has significantly improved its flagship’s display, making the Pixel 9 Pro XL the brightest phone screen ever tested. With peak brightness levels reaching nearly 2,700 nits, and an official rating of 3,000 nits, it stands out as the best choice for those who need exceptional outdoor visibility.
The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel delivers a 1344p resolution with 486 pixels per inch, ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. While it doesn’t feature Samsung’s anti-reflective technology, the sheer brightness compensates for it. Google sources its panels from multiple manufacturers, so slight differences may exist between units, but the overall display performance remains top-tier.
OnePlus 13: Flagship display at a non-flagship price
The OnePlus 13 proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune for a premium display experience. Its 6.8-inch OLED panel delivers a stunning 1440p resolution with an impressive 510 pixels per inch, ensuring razor-sharp clarity.
It supports an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, offering smooth performance while conserving battery life. The display gets plenty bright, making it comparable to other premium smartphones.
What sets it apart though, is its 2160Hz PWM dimming, designed to reduce eye strain, making it a great choice for users sensitive to screen flickering. Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, this display balances durability with high-end visuals, all at a more affordable price.
If you’re looking for a smartphone with a stunning display, these four flagships offer the best in clarity, brightness, and responsiveness. Whether you want superior outdoor visibility, unmatched brightness, or the most accurate colours, there’s an option that fits your needs.
