Top smartphones that prove utility can be flaunt-worthy

Louis Henry Sullivan famously said that form follows function. That is to say, the design of an object should only relate to its intended function. We’re here to tell you though, that’s not necessarily true.

Take smartphones for example. One would normally assume, that powerful smartphones aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing to look at, while phones with an attractive design don’t exactly pack a punch. To prove otherwise, here’s a list of smartphones that would look right at home anywhere from the boardroom to the ballroom. Take a look.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung’s flagship device, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerhouse of a device, and perhaps, one of the best looking out there. The aluminum frame of the device ensures the device is protected at all times from dents, dings and drops, yet looks classy. The curved 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display further adds to its appeal. Not to mention, the device is both, an audiophile and cinephile’s dream, with support for Dolby Atmos. One can purchase it in green, should they want a rugged look, black if they prefer an understated look, while the cream stands out in the crowd.

At the same time, it can take all the Excel sheets one may throw at it, as well as the intense, all-night Fortnite sessions with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and 1TB of storage. Oh, and, did we mention the 200MP camera to help you nail your influencer game?

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max standout thanks to their pill-shaped cut-out Apple calls the Dynamic Island, which replaces the dreary old notches on older iPhones. However, it does more than just being an aesthetic element. It gives you an easy and quick view at your upcoming flight, delivery status of your latest online shopping, directions on your next road trip, and so on.

What’s more, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is also offered in a unique Deep Purple colour otherwise hard to come by, ensuring it stands out in a sea of iPhones. There’s also gold and silver colours which scream luxury, and a space black colour, if one likes to keep things subtle.

ALSO READ: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: Which one should you buy?

However, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is not all show. Under the hood is an A16 Bionic chipset which more than makes everyday multitasking a breeze. Available in 512GB and 1TB storage variants, storage is well taken care of, a niggle people often had with previous iPhones. Of course, being an iPhone, we can’t not speak of the triple rear-camera setup, which can perhaps trade punches with any professional film-making camera all day.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Remember how flip phones were all the rage back in the day? Flicking your phone open with your thumb and answering calls was a power move. Well, Samsung has brought that back to us, with the Galaxy Z Flip5 5G.

ALSO READ: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5 launched with slimmer bodies, new hinge

The device has one screen on the inside and a smaller one outside, which already says cool quite unlike anything else. However, it goes one step ahead and lets you split your screen into two. Caught up with that super urgent brief you’re working on one side, and the review call for work on the other? Worry not, the Flip5 has you covered.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC further makes little work of multitasking. What’s more, if you’re driving and have to attend to an urgent call, you needn’t even open your phone to check who it is, because the outer display tells you just that and even lets you answer or reject the call. It even lets you quickly respond to that email marked important if your hands are full, without having to open your phone.

Vivo X90 Pro 5G

This offering from Vivo features a super cool leather finish in black at the back, which says premium quite unlike anything else out there. The aluminum frame further adds to its look, while also ensuring it is more rugged at the same time. Its IP68 water resistance rating means the phone can withstand a full-blown desert safari as well as a lazy day by the pool with equal amounts of ease. Sporting a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, the Vivo X90 Pro also makes little of everyday usage at work and play with ease. What’s more, it also ensures uninterrupted usage, with support for 120W flash charging and 50W wireless charging support.

We could give you more examples, but we hope these devices have made our point for us. We believe, today, one does not have to compromise on form for function, or vice versa. All you have to do, is look.