My Top Three Phone Picks You’d Find Me Reaching for at 3 a.m.
When waking up in the middle of the night, whether it’s for a creative burst, catching up on emails, or simply browsing, having a reliable and efficient phone makes all the difference. After testing countless devices this year, these three stand out as the ones I’d grab without hesitation. Each caters to a different need — from power users to creators to budget-conscious buyers — proving that there’s no one-size-fits-all but these come pretty close.
OnePlus 15: The Powerhouse with a Clean Experience
The OnePlus 15 represents peak performance, combining the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, UFS 4.1 storage, and LPDDR5X Ultra RAM. The result is a phone that handles anything you throw at it with ease and plenty of headroom for the future. OnePlus’s decision to opt for a flat, matte design with a symmetrical camera layout adds a touch of elegance and maturity to its build.
The software is clean, fast, and highly customizable, free from the usual bloat or gimmicks. Although the camera system still has room to improve, OnePlus’s new imaging engine promises gradual enhancements. When it comes to battery life and charging speed, the OnePlus 15 doesn’t disappoint, making it an excellent choice for those who value raw power and a refined user experience.
iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Ultimate Pro Creator’s Tool
For content creators, the iPhone 17 Pro Max remains my top recommendation, especially when you need a dependable device for shooting, editing, and sharing on the go. The Max model’s longer battery life is a key advantage for extended shooting sessions far from outlets.
Apple’s camera improvements, especially when shooting in ProRaw, make it a versatile and creative powerhouse. Additionally, the audio and microphone quality are outstanding, meaning creators don’t immediately need additional gear for capturing top-tier sound. Despite some software hiccups with iOS 26’s initial release, it remains one of the best all-around tools for professionals.
Pixel 9a: A Dependable Mid-Range Champion
The Pixel 9a surprised me throughout the year as both a challenging and rewarding recommendation. Its 48MP main camera continues Google’s streak of delivering fantastic photos for its price, with impressive macro capabilities that avoid the usual distortion present in some ultrawide alternatives.
Although an Android 16 update caused early software issues — including problems with auto-rotate and screen responsiveness — subsequent fixes restored the Pixel 9a’s smooth user experience. Considering its price point (often around $400), this phone offers exceptional value, balancing solid performance, camera quality, and software refinement.
Final Thoughts
While each phone has its quirks — from the OnePlus 15’s camera nuances to the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s premium price and software bugs, and the Pixel 9a’s early software stumbles — they all bring something unique to the table. Whether you prioritize creativity, power, or value, these three phones would each leave me more than satisfied if I had to pick one to use at any hour of the night.
