Arek Dvornechuck
Branding Expert
10 Best Smartphones for Graphic Designers
Need help with branding?
I specialize in the development of brands—from brand strategy & identity, to web design, motion and beyond.
.webp)
There are many creatives nowadays who rely on mobile phone to assist them in creating designs.
If you're a creative or a graphic designer, now is the best time to invest in a new cellular phone since some of the simple graphic design tasks can now be completed entirely using a mobile phone.
What is the best smartphone for graphic designers?
In today's world of apps for just about everything, graphic designers have access to software that helps them carry out their day-to-day designs.
If you want a smartphone for a freelance job like graphic design, you should purchase a device with a lot of storage.
Generally, more complicated software and programs take up more storage space.
You have the option of using a phone app that focuses on a single function or one that can handle a number of different ones.
As on my list, if you want the best overall smartphone that is perfect for graphic design, I highly recommend the Apple iPhone 13 for you.
On the other hand, our list of the best smartphones for graphic artists was inspired by this reason, and we hope that it will help you choose the right one for your needs.
So, without keeping you waiting, here are my 10 best smartphones for graphic designers in 2022.
Choosing the right mobile phone for freelance designers is not as easy as 1 2 3.
You need to make sure you pick one that offers you exactly what you’re looking for.
Are you clueless about the things to consider in choosing the right phone for creating designs?
Let me share some points with you in order to help you make a decision.
Here's a more detailed explanation of why these considerations are important:
Your smartphone's processor serves as the device's "brains".
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 or Snapdragon 820/821 in a mobile should make things a lot easier if you're doing heavy-duty work on it, such as editing media or other heavily loaded designs.
The CPU must be able to efficiently engage with all of its components, including the modem, graphics, and multimedia engines.
Generally speaking, I recommend a 64-bit quad-core CPU with at least 2GHz for most graphic designers who don't work in video, 3D, or motion graphics.
However, you'll get better performance if you combine high core counts with higher clock rates for 3D work, motion graphics, or video editing.
The size and resolution of your smartphone's screen will be determined by the work you do with it.
Widescreen displays are essential in the fields of graphic design and video editing.
Having a larger screen may be advantageous, but the trade-off is probably not worth it.
It can be difficult to carry around and fit in your pocket because it is so large and heavy.
Long-lasting power of a mobile phone will be a huge help for creatives in using software to edit and do their designs.
You can get away with a 3500mAh smartphone battery if your primary purpose is to work on apps, snap pictures, or stream media.
It will allow you to capture photos, videos, and anything that you need for your job without being interrupted by the battery power.
Since purchasing a new cellular phone will cost you money, you need to be assured that you can use it for creating designs even for a long period of time.
To put it another way, having a high megapixel camera on your smartphone does not guarantee that it is superior to other options.
As well as a wide range of other characteristics like the camera's aperture, ISO, pixel size, and focusing, these can also be considered essential.
When seen on a small screen, a picture or design with more pixels will appear larger and more detailed.
Smartphone cameras of 8 or 12 megapixels are absolutely fine for amateur or hobbyist graphic designers, but professional creatives may prefer 12 or even 16 megapixels.
While the majority of storage on a smartphone is taken up by pre-installed programs and the operating system, the smartphone does not indicate how much space is available.
Because of the amount of editing you'll be doing (whether it's photographs, videos, or graphics), you'll want to go with a higher-end plan with more storage space.
The size of the capacity of a mobile phone plays an important role for freelance designers, since they have a lot of creative software to install as well as designs that need to be saved.
Generally speaking, the larger the storage capacity of a phone, the more expensive it will be, so check around before making a purchase.
Android and iOS are the two most popular operating systems for smartphones.
Both options are capable of giving you an excellent smartphone experience, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
When it comes to choosing a smartphone, many graphic designers prefer to stick with the operating system they are most comfortable with.
Regardless of the operating system that you will choose, you can also consider the price and the performance of the phone.
When it comes to the iPhone 13's performance, it's better compared to the iPhone 12 series.
The best overall phone for freelance designers.
Everything from creative software to graphic design apps can be run smoothly on the iPhone 13.
In addition, you get a powerful A15 processor (4-core GPU, 4 GB RAM), as well as an excellent 6.1-inch display with XDR technology.
For creatives, photographers, editors, and graphic designers, the uncompromising image quality and perhaps the greatest smartphone camera make it the ideal choice.
An 1170x2532 pixel resolution and a peak brightness of 1200nits provide a stunning visual experience for the user.
To top it all off, the iPhone 13 is ideal for creative types because of its long battery life (up to two days longer than prior models).
The iPhone 13 includes a variety of models, including the iPhone 13 Mini, the iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
You have a variety of options for a seamless design experience, depending on your interests and budget.
The Apple iPhone 13 is an ideal choice for people that are searching for the best overall smartphone for graphic design.
OS: IOS 15
CPU: A15 Bionic
Screen size: 6.1 inches
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
RAM: 4GB
Resolution: 2532×1170
Rear camera: 12MP+12MP ultrawide
Front camera: 12MP
Battery: 3,095mAh
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is the genuine deal if you're a proud owner of an Android phone.
The best multimedia smartphone for creatives.
It has a long battery life, excellent front and rear cameras, a beautiful design, and plenty of storage options.
In spite of the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s high price, it's one of the best smartphones for creating designs.
It's gorgeous, capable, and built to last, and it was created with the modern creative and entrepreneur in mind.
It's easy to make shareable films, GIFs, and designs with multiple camera angles and automatic effects.
More sharing, more streaming, more experiences, and more designs at lightening-fast speeds are at your fingertips.
However, as a result of usage habits, battery power consumption may differ.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a nice option if you’re looking for the best multimedia smartphone for creatives.
OS: Android 11
CPU: Snapdragon 888
Screen size: 6.8-inch
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
RAM: 12GB
Resolution: 1440 x 3200
Rear camera: 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP
Front camera: 40MP
Battery: 5,000mAh
Buy Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra on Amazon
The OnePlus 9 Pro is a powerful device that performs admirably.
The best OnePlus mobile phone.
The OnePlus 9 Pro is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best OnePlus smartphone that suits your needs.
A wonderful choice for creatives, thanks to its lightweight design and seamless user experience.
In the last several years, the OnePlus brand has established itself as a credible alternative to the mainstream by producing high-quality smartphones.
The wide-angle camera and wireless charging are both excellent in creating designs.
The combination of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 CPU and 12 GB of RAM is quite amazing.
There are no lags or overheating issues with any high-end editing programs or games.
OnePlus 9 Pro has an affordable price, and offers a comprehensive bundle with a certificate of authenticity.
OS: Android 11
CPU: Octa-core
Screen size: 6.7 Inches
Storage: 256 GB
RAM: 12GB
Resolution: 1440 x 3216
Rear camera: 48MP+8MP+50MP+2Mp
Front camera: 16 MP
Battery: 4500mAh
There is no doubt that Pixel 4A 5G have a solid technological foundation.
The best Google phone for designers.
For those searching for a powerful 5G phone that won't cost too much, this is an excellent choice.
The Pixel 4A 5G is a multimedia artist's dream, thanks to its two rear cameras and impressive battery.
The custom-made Titan M chip helps secure the operating system and sensitive data, like passwords.
Pixel 4A 5G has a night sight feature, which allows you to take vibrant photos in the dark on your phone.
It is beneficial for those graphic designers who need a good quality image.
Additionally, the Pixel 4A 5G has a portrait light which gives your portraits studio-quality lighting.
The Google Pixel 4A 5G is an amazing choice for people that wondering for a high quality Google smartphone.
OS: Android 11
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
Screen size: 6.2-inch
Storage: 128 GB
RAM: 6GB
Resolution: 2340 x 1080
Rear camera: 12.2MP+16MP
Front camera: 8MP
Battery: 3800mAh
Buy Google Pixel 4A 5G on Amazon
The Motorola Edge is another stunning 5G smartphone on this list.
The best Motorola phone for graphic artists.
In addition to its long battery life, vivid OLED display, and top-of-the-line front and rear cameras, the Motorola Edge has a stylish appearance as well.
One of the greatest smartphones for creating designs is this one, even if it isn't as well-known as some of its more commercially successful counterparts.
It's water-resistant, has a lot of storage space, has crisp stereo speakers, and provides a captivating viewing experience.
You'll be able to enjoy the latest wireless network, a powerful processor, 6GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, which is perfect if you have a lot of designs that need to be stored.
With a 4500mAh battery that's the best in its class, plus Turbo power for quick recharging, you can ditch the wall outlets forever and enjoy hours of using your editing software.
Audio Tuning technology provides professional-quality audio performance with a deep and full sound that will overwhelm you.
The Motorola Edge is definitely a good option if you’re searching for an outstanding smartphone from Motorola that you can use as a graphic artist.
OS: Android 10
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
Screen size: 6.7-inch
Storage: 256 GB
RAM: 6GB
Resolution: 2340 x 1080
Rear camera: 64MP+16MP+8MP
Front camera: 25MP
Battery: 3800mAh
For many reasons, the iPhone SE was a breakout affordable phone last year.
The best value smartphone for graphic designers.
Even though it isn't part of Apple's most sought-after flagship line-up, its internals are powerful and competent for creative software users.
Apple's iPhone SE model is the phone for every budget-conscious creative, disguised as a technical beast in an outdated smartphone form.
This device has everything you need, from its camera to its operating system.
If you’re not entirely particular about battery life and screen resolution, this smartphone is enough for you.
The iPhone SE will allow you to use your creative software for more than 10 hours, without interruption while working on your designs.
It was also designed to protect your privacy, including the files that you are using for your graphic design career.
The Apple iPhone SE is a great choice for people that looking for the best value but high quality smartphone for graphic designer.
OS: iOS 13
CPU: A13 Bionic
Screen size: 4.7-inch
Storage: 64/128/256GB
RAM: 3GB
Resolution: 1134 x 750
Rear camera: 12MP
Front camera: 7MP
Battery: 1,821mAh
The V60 ThinQ 5G has a brilliant display and a large screen, making it one of the best smartphones for evaluating designs, editing light graphics, and watching video content.
The best LG mobile phone for freelance artists.
Moreover, its dual-screen case availability makes it a great smartphone for designing and other viewing-related purposes.
Despite the fact that LG isn't for everyone, it should be noted that this gadget is a strong and reputable competitor, capable of competing with many of the latest mobile technologies on our list.
With its 6.8" OLED FullVision Display, V60 ThinQ 5G brings cinematic experiences to your hands.
In the typical 20.5:9 aspect ratio, you'll be able to edit designs with.
V60 ThinQ 5G has a large display, and it’s loud speakers are great for content creation.
Its durability is also excellent, so rest assured that you can use it as a graphic designer for a long period of time.
The LG V60 ThinQ 5G is a nice option if you want to have the best LG smartphone that is perfect for graphic design.
OS: Android 10
CPU: Snapdragon 865
Screen size: 6.8-inch
Storage: 128GB
RAM: 8GB
Resolution: 1080 x 2460
Rear camera: 16MP + 13MP
Front camera: 10MP
Battery: 5,000mAh
Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the best folding phone to date and a powerhouse for editors and designers.
The smartphone that has the best features for creating designs.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is an excellent choice for creatives that are wondering about the best features smartphone for graphic design.
This mobile phone has a flex mode which allows graphic artists even more flexibility when multitasking.
With a Snapdragon 865 Plus engine and 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a mobile workstation that can handle even the most demanding of high-end software.
Even though it is more expensive than the others, this mobile phone can give you an amazing performance, especially when running your favorite editing software.
It is possible to take hands-free images and videos from any angle and to control Android apps using both halves of the huge display of the Galaxy Z Fold 2.
It also allows you to multitask while operating several apps due to the flawless integration of hardware and software.
Galaxy Z Fold 2 latest features will surely satisfy your standards as a creative design creator.
OS: Android 12
CPU: Octa-core
Screen size: 7.6 Inches
Storage: 256 GB – 512 GB
RAM: 12GB
Resolution: 1768 x 2208
Rear camera: 12 MP+12 MP+12 MP
Front camera: 10 MP
Battery: 4500mAh
Buy Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 on Amazon
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Moto One 5G is the way it combines the Motorola Edge's low price with the Moto G's even lower price.
Most affordable Motorola phone for creatives.
It's a mid-range phone, not like many of the others here, and it only uses the best features the newest smartphones have to offer.
Even so, it has cutting-edge front and rear cameras, as well as a storage capacity that can be increased to a huge terabyte that will allow you to save unlimited designs.
It has unique features that other smartphones don’t have.
If you're a creative person who relies heavily on files, then this phone is just what you need.
The Moto One 5G is a smartphone that's designed to be your go-to buddy because it's made with precision and durability in consideration.
With a 90 Hz refresh rate, you'll be able to scroll, swipe, and create designs more smoothly.
The Motorola One 5G is an ideal choice if you’re looking for the most affordable but amazing smartphone from Motorola.
OS: Android 10
CPU: Snapdragon 765
Screen size: 6.7-inch
Storage: 128GB
RAM: 4GB
Resolution: 2520 x 1080
Rear camera: 48MP + 8MP + 5MP
Front camera: 16MP
Battery: 5,000mAh
For many reasons, OnePlus 8 is a spectacular smart phone on this list.
The best OnePlus flagship smartphone.
It has a long battery life and a large screen, just like its more modern counterpart.
Furthermore, OnePlus 8’s tiny, all-screen display is captivating, and its rapid 65W-charging is a great feature.
It will allow you to review the designs you’ve created with a high-quality resolution.
Aside from its affordability, the OnePlus 8 will definitely serve you for a couple of years without requiring you to purchase another smartphone for your graphic design career.
OnePlus 8 will let you shoot photos and videos, even when your subject is on the go or in low light conditions.
Also Fluid Display is meant to keep you excellent at making designs with HDR10+3 more information in footnotes for a genuinely dynamic viewing experience.
The OnePlus 8 is definitely a good option if you want to have the finest Oneplus flagship smartphone that is suitable for your needs.
OS: Android 10
CPU: Snapdragon 865
Screen size: 6.55-inch
Storage: 128/256GB
RAM: 8GB/12GB
Resolution: 1080 x 2400
Rear camera: 48MP + 16MP + 2MP
Front camera: 16MP
Battery: 4,300mAh
In today's smartphone industry, there are a lot of tools that can help graphic designers with their work on a daily basis.
And having the best smartphone that suits your needs is an advantage for you to make your work faster and better.
What is the best smartphone for graphic design in 2022?
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the right phone for you if you're a top-notch designer who wants the best of all worlds.
In addition, we include a smartphone for creatives on a tight budget who still rely on a great-performing phone—Motorola One 5G is for you since it is the most affordable mobile phone.
If you are more comfortable in using the LG brand, V60 ThinQ 5G is the smartphone that you must purchase since it is the best LG phone.
There are still a lot of choices for you to consider like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra which is the best for multimedia.
Lastly, if you’re searching for the best Google smartphone that suits your needs, then check out the Google Pixel 4A 5G.
Now that I have posted my details and recommendation, which do you think is the best smartphone for graphic design in 2022? —Leave a comment below.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I'm a branding expert and graphic designer based in NY. I specialize in the development of brands: brand strategy, identity & web design. Need help with your project?—Get in touch
