The year 2018 was one of the most exciting in smartphone history. It was a time when the notch design, AI-powered cameras, and edge-to-edge displays became mainstream. Apple, Samsung, Google, Huawei, and OnePlus were in a race to redefine what a smartphone could do — pushing innovation in performance, photography, and design.
If you’re curious about the best cell phones of 2018, here’s a complete look at the top models that ruled the year, what made them stand out, and how they compared across performance, battery life, and value.
1. Apple iPhone X – The Trendsetter
Release Date: Late 2017 (Dominated 2018 sales)
Starting Price: $999
The iPhone X wasn’t just another iPhone — it redefined the smartphone industry. With its edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and gesture-based navigation, Apple set new design standards. The phone’s stainless-steel frame and glass back gave it a premium look, while its A11 Bionic chip offered lightning-fast performance.
Key Features:
- 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display
- Face ID facial recognition
- Dual 12MP rear cameras with portrait mode
- Wireless charging support
Why It Mattered:
The iPhone X eliminated the home button and popularized the notch — a design choice nearly every major brand followed in 2018.
2. Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ – Camera Perfection
Release Date: March 2018
Starting Price: $719 (S9), $839 (S9+)
Samsung’s Galaxy S9 series focused on camera innovation. The company introduced a dual-aperture lens that adjusted like a human eye — capturing bright and detailed photos in any lighting. The phones also featured super slow-motion video, stereo speakers, and one of the best AMOLED displays ever made.
Key Features:
- 5.8-inch (S9) and 6.2-inch (S9+) Quad HD+ AMOLED displays
- Dual-aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4) 12MP rear camera
- Snapdragon 845 processor
- Water resistance (IP68)
Why It Mattered:
The Galaxy S9+ showed how much phone cameras could evolve — especially in low light — setting the bar for all Android rivals.
3. Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL – The Smartest Cameras
Release Date: October 2018
Starting Price: $799
Google’s Pixel 3 lineup made one thing clear: you don’t need multiple lenses to take incredible photos. With just one 12.2MP rear sensor, the Pixel 3 used Google’s AI to capture stunning photos, Night Sight shots, and perfect portraits. Plus, its Android experience was clean, fast, and constantly updated.
Key Features:
- 5.5-inch and 6.3-inch OLED displays
- 12.2MP rear camera with AI processing
- Dual front cameras for group selfies
- Wireless charging
Why It Mattered:
Pixel 3 was the camera king of 2018 — proof that software can be just as powerful as hardware.
4. OnePlus 6 and 6T – The Budget Flagship Revolution
Release Date: May & November 2018
Starting Price: $529
The OnePlus 6 and 6T gave flagship-level performance at nearly half the price of Samsung and Apple. With a Snapdragon 845 chip, 6–8GB RAM, and a fluid OxygenOS, OnePlus phones became favorites among tech enthusiasts who wanted speed without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- 6.28-inch AMOLED display (OnePlus 6), 6.41-inch (6T)
- Dual 16MP + 20MP cameras
- In-display fingerprint sensor (6T)
- 3,300–3,700 mAh battery with fast charging
Why It Mattered:
OnePlus proved premium doesn’t have to mean expensive — a philosophy that changed the Android market.
5. Huawei P20 Pro – The Triple-Camera Pioneer
Release Date: March 2018
Starting Price: $899
The Huawei P20 Pro stunned the world with the first triple-lens camera on a phone — combining wide, telephoto, and monochrome sensors for unmatched versatility. Its AI-assisted photography and eye-catching gradient design made it one of the most influential smartphones of the year.
Key Features:
- 6.1-inch OLED display
- Triple Leica camera system (40MP + 20MP + 8MP)
- 24MP front camera
- Massive 4,000 mAh battery
Why It Mattered:
Huawei’s innovation in mobile photography pushed other brands to adopt multi-lens setups soon after.
6. LG G7 ThinQ – Loud, Bright, and Underrated
Release Date: May 2018
Starting Price: $749
LG’s G7 ThinQ might not have been the flashiest phone, but it offered serious value. With its super-bright display, BoomBox speaker, and AI camera enhancements, it was a solid all-rounder. The phone’s build quality and audio output made it a sleeper hit among audiophiles.
Key Features:
- 6.1-inch Quad HD+ LCD display
- Snapdragon 845 processor
- AI-powered dual cameras
- DTS:X 3D surround sound
Why It Mattered:
LG catered to niche users — especially those who valued sound and display quality.
7. iPhone XR – Apple’s Colorful Value Flagship
Release Date: October 2018
Starting Price: $749
The iPhone XR brought Apple’s flagship power to a slightly more affordable model. With the same A12 Bionic chip as the iPhone XS but a Liquid Retina LCD display, the XR delivered incredible performance, long battery life, and fun color options.
Key Features:
- 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display
- A12 Bionic processor
- 12MP single rear camera with Smart HDR
- Multiple vibrant colors
Why It Mattered:
The iPhone XR became Apple’s best-selling phone of 2018, proving that “affordable flagship” could appeal to mainstream users.
8. Moto G6 – The Budget Hero
Release Date: April 2018
Starting Price: $249
For seniors, teens, or budget buyers, the Moto G6 offered reliable performance, clean Android software, and a surprisingly sharp display. Motorola’s focus on balance made it a great option for everyday users.
Key Features:
- 5.7-inch Full HD+ display
- Snapdragon 450 processor
- Dual 12MP + 5MP rear cameras
- TurboPower fast charging
Why It Mattered:
It redefined what a $250 phone could do — stylish, capable, and dependable.
9. Samsung Galaxy Note 9 – Powerhouse for Professionals
Release Date: August 2018
Starting Price: $999
The Galaxy Note 9 was the ultimate phone for productivity lovers. With a Bluetooth S Pen, 1TB storage option, and massive battery, it was built for heavy users. Its performance, display, and camera were all top-tier, earning it a reputation as one of the best phones ever made.
Key Features:
- 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display
- 4,000 mAh battery
- Snapdragon 845 chip
- Bluetooth-enabled S Pen
Why It Mattered:
Note 9 set the gold standard for large-screen phones — blending power, creativity, and precision.
The Smartphone Trends of 2018
The best phones of 2018 weren’t just about raw power — they marked shifts that defined the next several years:
- The rise of the notch: Apple’s iPhone X made it mainstream.
- AI cameras: Google, Huawei, and Samsung integrated machine learning for smarter photography.
- Bigger screens: Most flagships moved to 18:9 or 19:9 aspect ratios.
- Faster charging and wireless charging: Became a standard expectation.
- The dawn of affordable flagships: The OnePlus 6 and iPhone XR proved mid-priced phones could be premium.
Final Thoughts
The best cell phones of 2018 blended innovation, performance, and practicality. The iPhone X and Galaxy S9+ led in design and camera quality, while Pixel 3 defined smart photography. OnePlus 6, Moto G6, and iPhone XR delivered impressive value, and Huawei P20 Pro changed the game with triple cameras.
Even years later, many of these models remain memorable for introducing features that shaped today’s smartphones — from Face ID to AI photo processing.
