Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Cited as proof that buying a top model means you don't need to upgrade for years, since it still runs demanding games smoothly.

Last year's Pro Max still has top-end battery life, lasting 9 hours 35 minutes.

Used as the baseline against the 16 Pro Max, which captures photos faster and shoots 4K 120.

Mentioned as the phone the Pixel 9 Pro closely resembles in size, weight and feel.

His previous main phone, still strong with better audio, MagSafe and face unlock, but now relegated to a secondary phone behind the S24 Ultra.

Still the more balanced camera for video, detail, night colour, stabilisation and long-distance zoom, but loses overall on features and the app.

Used as the benchmark that beats the Aquos R8 Pro on cameras overall.

His pick for best camera and co-smartphone of the year, thanks to the 5x zoom, 24MP shots, portrait conversion, battery and USB-C.

Used as a camera benchmark, where Huawei shows it hasn't fallen behind.

His own phone, which takes worse ultra wide shots than the OnePlus Open but has better AI detail extraction.

Best-performing Max phone so far with strong battery life, helped by its large battery, though the 15 Plus beat it.

Wins the camera comparison thanks to 24 megapixel default photos, better video and a much improved 5x zoom, though Samsung's camera app and portrait lens still have appeal.

The best iPhone for those wanting the top model, and the one he has switched to, though the extra $100 buys only more storage and a 5x zoom.

The 5x zoom is a big camera change, but he doubts it outdoes rivals and notes the portrait trade-offs and the $200 price jump.