To help you find the best phones for business, we spent several hours researching and analyzing a wide variety of over 25 different smartphones. During our research, we identified the top features for business smartphones as reliable performance, powerful processors, and top-notch design quality. We recommend purchasing a phone that offers a good combination of all three of these considerations. We also recommend looking for additional functionality such as stylus compatibility, water resistance, and extra-long battery life. With these additional features, you’ll have a powerful, mobile device in your pocket that will help you achieve all of your business goals and tasks on the go.
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With all of these considerations in mind, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max was an easy choice for the best phone for business award. Keep reading below to learn more about this best smartphone and the other options we ranked.
Top 10 Best Phones for Business
#1 Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Phone for Business
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the latest offering from smartphone-powerhouse Apple, and it’s apparent how much has been improved over previous generations. An incredibly powerful A14 Bionic chipset powers the phone and its user-friendly software, comprehensive camera, and 5G network capabilities.
- Excellent and durable display
- Improved, long-lasting battery life
- 5G network connectivity
- Camera bump is large
- Doesn’t include charging brick
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is the most powerful, largest, and highest-performing iPhone to date, which makes it the perfect choice for power business users. For starters, the phone is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, even in spite of its large, 6.7-inch display. Of course, you may find one-handed use harder than usual with such a large size, but most business users will be using two hands anyway. The OLED display is brighter and more colorful than many of the other best business cell phones and features an extra-durable Ceramic Shield glass that’s more resistant to drops and shattering.
When it comes to performance, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is hard to beat. The phone features the snappy A14 Bionic processor, which is the fastest Apple processor yet. This chipset is paired with 6GB of RAM for even better overall performance. You’ll be able to multitask, game, and watch videos with ease. You’ll also get much better battery life with the 12 Pro Max, even while using 5G network capabilities. Plus, the powerful smartphone features wireless charging via MagSafe accessories, which is a really nice touch. If you need the most reliable, comprehensive business mobile phone solution, you can’t go wrong with the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.
#2 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Phone for Business
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: An extra-large display, powerful processor, and high-tech stylus are the hallmarks of this business smartphone. It’s also designed incredibly well with a long-lasting battery and durable form factor.
- Fast Snapdragon 865 Plus chipset
- Easier operation with S Pen stylus
- 5G network connectivity
- Large rear camera bump
- Heavier than other smartphones
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is every business person’s dream when it comes to mobile technology. This is the best phone for small business because of its sheer power and efficiency. You can virtually run your entire business straight from this smartphone with ease. This is due in part to the Note 20 Ultra’s powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor. With it, you can multitask with ease and run resource-heavy applications like word processors and spreadsheet software. Plus, with the included S Pen stylus, you’ll be able to do all these things much more efficiently.
The overall design of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is something worth mentioning as well. This is one of the largest business phones you can buy, making it a contender for the best large screen phone on our list. It features a 6.9-inch display that can be unwieldy at times, especially when you consider the overall weight of the phone, too. However, this large screen size can also improve your overall work efficiency by giving you more room for multitasking. The screen features a 496 PPI pixel density, 3088 x 1440 resolution, and bezel-less design. Plus, with 120Hz of motion handling, you’ll get a buttery smooth experience through and through. The Note 20 Ultra is also an incredibly durable mobile phone with IP68 water resistance and tough Gorilla Glass for the display.
#3 Google Pixel 5 Phone for Business
Award: BEST SIMPLIFIED USER INTERFACE
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re looking for one of the best Android phones for business, you’ll find it here. This simple, streamlined business smartphone is durable and offers smooth overall performance with an excellent camera to boot.
- Display features 90Hz refresh rate
- Versatile reverse wireless charging functionality
- Simple, streamlined design
- Processor isn’t the fastest
- Max 128GB of storage
The Google Pixel 5 is the newest iteration of the popular and affordable Pixel flagship phone lineup. It improves upon a lot of previous generations’ downfalls, making it an excellent choice for business owners and corporate employees alike. For starters, the Pixel 5 features a stripped-down user interface and version of the Android operating system. Without all the bloatware and extra software, the Google Pixel 5 business phone offers a buttery-smooth experience, even for power users, and in spite of its somewhat lower-performing Snapdragon 765G processor.
To complement its simplified operating system, the Google Pixel 5 also offers a simplified form factor and design. This is perfect for business users who don’t want or need all of the extra fluff and pomp this is commonly present on modern flagship phones. The Pixel features extra durability with Gorilla Glass 6 and IP68 certification, which is a nice plus for traveling business people. In other areas, Google Pixel 5 also offers one of the best smartphone cameras and reverse wireless charging capabilities, so you can charge other devices using just your smartphone. Plus, the business phone includes a 90Hz display, which looks good no matter what you’re doing. If you travel internationally for business, you might also want to look at our best dual sim phones buying guide as well.
#4 Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Phone for Business
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This business smartphone provides a comprehensive and premium solution for business executives and casual users alike. With a premium build quality and powerful internal processor, this phone can handle anything you throw at it.
- 120Hz display is bright and colorful
- Reliable, fast performance
- Extra-fast 5G network speeds
- Variable battery life
- A bit heavier than comparable options
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is the best smartphone for business executives because of its premium design quality and form factor, along with its powerful internal components. While executives may not need all of the multitasking and power-user functions that this phone offers, they can rest assured that the phone will do everything they need and more. It features a powerful Samsung Exynos 990 octa-core processor that keeps everything running smoothly. You’ll also get an extra-large 5000 mAh battery that will typically last you all day. However, be aware that the Galaxy S20 Ultra can experience occasional bouts of unreliable battery performance depending on which features you’re currently using. This is rare enough to not be too annoying, but keep this in mind as you travel. You may want to pack one of the best portable chargers with you.
The best part about the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is its design quality. On top of performing like a high-end smartphone, it also looks the part. The premium design features a large, 6.9-inch display with incredible quality. With a 3200 x 1440 pixel resolution and a 511 PPI pixel density, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better phone screen on the smartphone market. Plus, it features an amazing 120Hz refresh rate so you get an extra-smooth experience as you’re working on your smartphone. You’ll also get a durable build quality with IP68 certification and tough Gorilla Glass. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is a little heavier than comparable smartphones but is still portable enough to carry around with ease.
#5 OnePlus 8 Pro Phone for Business
Award: BEST DISPLAY
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re interested in a high-quality display on your business phone, then this is the option for you. This premium smartphone features a 120Hz refresh rate, high-resolution quality, and overall reliable performance with its powerful internal chipset.
- 120Hz refresh rate Large battery with fast charging
- Capable of 5G network speeds
- No expandable storage
- Middling camera zoom performance
This is the best smartphone for business professionals who want excellent display quality for working on presentations and watching movies or TV shows. The OnePlus 8 Pro features one of the best display screens we’ve ever seen. This smartphone’s display features QHD+ resolution at 3168 x 1440 pixels with HDR10+ support for brighter and more vivid colors. Plus, with an amazing 120Hz refresh rate everything from business presentations to video games will look smooth and crisp.
You’ll also get good performance from the phone’s internal Snapdragon 865 processor. This isn’t the highest-end processor in smartphones today, but it’s more than enough for all of your work needs. You’ll also get an extra-durable form factor with the OnePlus 8 Pro. It features IP68 water resistance, which is the first time for an OnePlus phone. You’ll also get a pretty good camera on the OnePlus 8Pro, but be aware that it doesn’t have the best zoom functionality. We were impressed that this smartphone offered fast wireless charging, as well as the option to charge your other devices with reverse wireless charging. This function converts your OnePlus 8 Pro into a wireless charging pad, which is incredibly helpful when you have no other charging options for your portable devices.
#6 Apple iPhone SE Phone for Business
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Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re on a budget but still need reliable, powerful performance, then this is the business phone for you. The phone gives you Apple’s fast A13 Bionic processor, incredibly user-friendly operating system, and stunning camera quality, all on a wallet-friendly budget.
- Compact and portable design
- User-friendly interface
- Powerful A13 Bionic processor
- Lower battery life than other iPhones
- No expandable storage options
- No headphone jack
The Apple iPhone SE brings all of Apple’s refinement and attention to detail into an extra-compact and extra-affordable package. If you’re on a budget but still in the market for a business phone, this is a great option. As with all iPhones, you’ll get access to Apple’s user-friendly and smooth operating system iOS. This enables you to perform all of your business tasks without a worry about lagging and freezing. Plus, if your business uses other Apple devices like MacBooks and iPads, then you’ll be able to connect seamlessly to that entire ecosystem.
The Apple iPhone SE is also designed with attention to every detail. It features a smaller, 4.7-inch Retina display. It’s an OLED screen that’s bright and colorful, with sharp details that make mobile apps, videos, and games look good. This budget device is powered by Apple’s incredibly A13 Bionic processor, which creates an even better user experience for business people. You’ll even get a high-quality camera array. It’s only a single-lens setup, but it still produces clear images and even 4K video. Plus, the camera on this affordable phone even features the new Night Mode functionality, which takes excellent low-light shots, making it one of the best low-light camera phones on our list.
#7 Caterpillar Cat S61 Phone for Business
Award: BEST RUGGED DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re a contractor or builder who needs access to a smartphone and all of the functionality it provides, then this is the best option for you. It offers an incredibly rugged design with IP69 certification, a rubberized outer casing, and a tough Gorilla Glass display.
- IP69 water and dust resistance
- Dual SIM card capabilities
- Strong and reliable processor performance
- Camera isn’t the greatest
- Smaller screen size at 5.2 inches
The Caterpillar Cat S61 is the best work phone for builders because of its extra-rugged design that can withstand exposure to water, drops from tall heights, and bumps and bruises of all kinds. This phone features a truly impressive IP69 water resistance certification, making it the only phone to withstand exposure to high-pressure water blasts without getting damaged. You’ll also notice that the overall outer casing of the Cat S61 smartphone is built for endurance and durability. It’s made from tough rubberized plastic and polycarbonate plastic. Plus, the display is made from Gorilla Glass 5 for added durability.
We were also impressed by the Caterpillar smartphone’s overall performance, especially considering its smaller screen size and slower internal Snapdragon 660 processor. The phone works well for most apps but might struggle a little with games if that’s important to you. The display features full HD resolution and high brightness, which is good for work outside. The Cat S61’s camera is also built specifically for construction and building. It features a FLIR thermal camera and a laser-assisted measuring option. You’ll also get dual-SIM capability here, in case you need to keep two separate lists of contacts or use the phone overseas. It’s by far the best rugged smartphone on our list.
#8 Huawei P30 Pro Phone for Business
Award: BEST AESTHETICS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This excellent phone for business features a slick, appealing design that looks good in any situation. The slim design also packs a lot of functionality and features, including a stellar camera, snappy internal chipset, and beautiful display quality.
- Infinity display with slim bezel
- Fast, responsive fingerprint sensor
- Quad-lens camera takes great photos
- UI is a little clunky
- No 4K display resolution
The Huawei P30 Pro business smartphone is one of the most well-designed options we feature in this buying guide. As soon as you pull it free from your pocket, you’ll be sure to turn some heads. It features an excellent infinity display with nearly nonexistent bezels. The display notch is minimal and doesn’t get in the way of the overall operation. The display is also made from Corning Gorilla Glass for added scratch and shatter resistance. We were also really impressed by the P30’s gradient coloring, which is unique and appealing.
The Huawei’s performance is another great aspect of this phone. With a responsive Kirin 980 processor, you’ll be able to use all of your work applications without lagging or freezing up. The processor also powers the EMUI user interface, which is generally smooth, but could use some refinement to compete with Android and iOS phones. The Huawei P30 Pro also features an excellent onboard camera setup. With four different lenses in total, you’ll be able to capture 4K videos and high-quality still images with ease. The camera’s best feature is the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) functionality, which makes images and videos sharper and more detailed, even when you have shaky hands.
#9 BlackBerry Key2 LE Phone for Business
Award: BEST FOR TYPING
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you prefer to use your phone for business with a physical keyboard, then you’ve come to the right place. This option’s keyboard functions extremely well and it provides extra-secure software to keep all of your important documents and data safe.
- Excellent physical keyboard operation
- Phone is more secure than other options
- Slim design is lightweight, portable
- Battery life could use some work
- Camera isn’t the best
You may have thought the days of the BlackBerry were done, but the BlackBerry Key2 LE demonstrates otherwise. This is a return to form for BlackBerry, with some improved features and functionalities to consider. Of course, the biggest selling point for this business smartphone is its physical keyboard. This is a QWERTZ keyboard with buttons that are easy to press. For power users, this keyboard is a game-changer. It increases overall efficiency when it comes to typing up documents, sending text messages, drafting emails, and making phone calls.
You won’t have to worry about the BlackBerry’s overall performance either, in spite of its older processor. The software and user interface work well in tandem, and you’ll hardly ever run into lagging or freezing. The Key2 LE also offers extra security protection, featuring BlackBerry’s tried-and-true approach to data protection, making it one of the most secure phones on the list. You’ll get a helpful Locker app that keeps all of your files and data safely stored. All in all, the BlackBerry Key2 LE performs well for an affordable business phone. If you need a physical keyboard to increase your overall productivity, you can’t go wrong with this option.
#10 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Phone for Business
Award: BEST PHABLET
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you need the convenience of a smartphone, but the optional size and performance of a table, then this is the business phone for you. With an incredibly unique, foldable display, tablet-mode apps, and impressive multitasking functionality, this business smartphone is an excellent choice.
- Huge, high-quality folding display
- Apps feature tablet configuration
- Also functions when folded up
- Bulkier and heavier by nature
- No water resistance certification
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 offers an incredibly unique approach to business smartphone technology. Without beating around the bush, this business phone is a foldable option with a dual-display design that measures in at a whopping eight inches of display size. This is especially helpful for power users since it is essentially both a tablet and a smartphone in one. When closed, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 also provides a third cover screen so you can access your apps and notifications on the go without having to open the entire device. Of course, this is pretty cutting-edge tech, so you should expect to pay a pretty penny for it.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 also features impressive internal components and snappy overall performance. This mostly thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor, which is one of the fastest on the market today. This processor is welcome news for power business users, especially since the phablet can use apps in tablet mode for more extensive efficiency. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 also offers intense multitasking capabilities. If you want to write an email and work on a Microsoft Word document at the same time, the Z Fold 2 can do it. Be aware that this business phone is quite a bit larger, heavier, and bulkier than other phones. As such, it may be harder to use while you’re on the go. Plus, you won’t get any water resistance here, which is an unfortunate downside. Still, it’s a great alternative to buying the best tablets as you get a lot of all-in-one features with this phone.
How We Decided
The best phones for business offer a ton of different standard features and functionalities to consider. The purpose of our research and ranking is to find the most important of those features and highlight them in our reviews. For starters, the business phone you buy should be focused 100% on productivity and multitasking. This means getting a phone with a powerful chipset that can handle processor-heavy application usage, including multitasking with two or more apps and even gaming. We awarded bonus points to smartphones for business with additional tools and features that improve productivity. This includes things like styluses, Bluetooth keyboards, and extra-large display sizes.
Next, we ranked each phone based on its build quality and form factor. Since it’s likely you’re spending more on a high-quality business phone, you’ll want to be sure it will last you a long time. We gave phones bonus points if they included specific durability features like IP ratings for water and dust resistance, as well as extra-tough glass for the display screen. You should also look for things like metal bodies, which add stability and durability to the phone.
Finally, we considered advanced features like many hours of battery life, 5G high-speed internet connection, wireless charging, power share, and more. The more of these features the phone had, the more points we gave. If the phone provides a comprehensive solution to fulfill all of your business needs, we were much more likely to recommend it.
Best Phones for Business Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Productivity Features
If you’re purchasing a business phone, you’ll want one that includes plenty of productivity features. This can include standard features like stylus support, multitasking functionality, or compatibility with external accessories like Bluetooth keyboards. All of these things can help you improve your overall productivity and efficiency in your workflow. - Processing Power
If you’re planning on doing extensive work and multitasking on your smartphone, you’ll need additional processing power to handle the additional load. Most smartphones for business feature top-end chipsets so you won’t have to worry about laggy response time or freezing mobile apps. - Display Quality
Next, consider your business phone’s overall display quality. If you’re going to be using your personal cell phone for business purposes, you’ll want to be able to see everything in high resolution so you don’t miss out on anything. Look for displays that feature at least full HD resolution and high brightness levels. However, if possible, we recommend purchasing a phone with a 4K resolution for the best overall experience. - Battery Life and Charging Speed
Business and power users alike push their smartphones to the limit, utilizing features and functionalities that consume a lot of battery life. This is why it’s so important to purchase a business phone with enough battery life to last you at least through business hours. If you do happen to run out of a charge while you’re working, you’ll also want to consider purchasing a phone with fast-charging capabilities so you aren’t waiting hours on end for a full charge. - 5G Connectivity
5G is the new evolution of wireless network speed. Much faster than 4G LTE or any other previous technology, 5G can give you average wireless speeds around 100+ Mbps. 5G speeds allow you to work from virtually anywhere without experiencing annoying internet load times. The vast majority of flagship smartphones are starting to offer 5G compatibility, which is a huge advancement that benefits business and power users alike.
