If you're in the market for a new phone , you'll find far more variety in size, shape, price, and capabilities from Android devices than you will from Apple's iPhones . PCMag can help you narrow down the options if you aren't quite sure where to start. We've been writing about cell phones for at least three decades, so you can trust our analysis and that our selections are worth your attention. Among our Editors' Choice winners are the affordable Google Pixel 10a, with its strong value, the high-end Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, featuring its S Pen stylus, and the Motorola Razr Ultra flip phone, which offers a fashion-first experience. Be sure to read all our in-depth reviews of each pick below to find which best meets your needs, and scroll to the end for some useful buying advice about all things Android.
Best for Most People
Google Pixel 10 Pro
Score: 4.5
Pros & Cons
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+ Refined and appealing hardware
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+ Advanced, easy-to-use AI features
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+ Excellent cameras
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+ Long-term support
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- Refined and appealing hardware
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- Advanced, easy-to-use AI features
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- Excellent cameras
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- Long-term support
Why We Picked It
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro packs the company’s best hardware and software into a tough, mid-sized phone. You get premium construction, a bright, detailed screen, strong photography, and AI that runs locally to speed everyday tasks. Features like live call translation and language-based photo edits create standout experiences you rarely find elsewhere. Shutterbugs: The Google Pixel 10 Pro produces some of the finest photography from a smartphone, bar none. It features a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 48MP telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom. You get excellent color reproduction and detail capture for beautiful pictures. The AI curious: Beyond its excellent cameras, the Pixel 10 Pro comes with every Google AI feature available. Magic Cue proactively provides you with information before you need it (for example, a confirmation number for a flight); Voice Translate enables you to communicate with people in another language using your own voice and intonation; and Camera Coach teaches you how to become a better photographer.
Who It's For
Specs & Configurations
Operating System : Android 16 CPU : Google Tensor G5 Dimensions : 6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches Screen Size : 6.3 inches Screen Resolution : 2,856 by 1,280 pixels Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) : 50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP Battery Life (As Tested) : 12 hours, 40 minutes
Best Foldable Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Score: 4.5
Pros & Cons
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+ Exceptional hardware
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+ Excellent displays
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+ Solid performance
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+ Powerful software
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+ Strong radios
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- Exceptional hardware
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- Excellent displays
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- Solid performance
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- Powerful software
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- Strong radios
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 improves on its predecessor by trimming thickness and weight while adding larger screens both outside and in. With a lighter and more compact design, this powerful productivity machine is easier to carry around than ever. The phone is pricey, but Samsung justifies the cost with excellent multitasking features, powerful Galaxy AI, a sharp 200MP camera, the latest 5G and Wi-Fi radios, and speedy performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Consolidaters: If you are looking for a single device to replace your phone, tablet, and possibly even your laptop, the Z Fold 7 is what you should get. People who want the biggest screen in their pocket: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 features a massive 8-inch inner display, perfect for getting work done, playing games, and watching your favorite videos. People with money to spend: The Z Fold 7 is one of the most expensive phones available. It's an investment.
Who It's For
Specs & Configurations
Operating System : Android 16 CPU : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy Dimensions : 6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open Screen Size : 8 inches Screen Resolution : 2,184 by 1,968 pixels Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) : 200MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP Battery Life (As Tested) : 13 hours, 10 minutes
Best Midrange Phone
Google Pixel 10a
Score: 4.0
Pros & Cons
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+ Outstanding cameras for the price
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+ Sharp, bright screen
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+ Excellent Google AI
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+ Long software support commitment
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+ Simple, well-made hardware
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- Outstanding cameras for the price
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- Sharp, bright screen
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- Excellent Google AI
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- Long software support commitment
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- Simple, well-made hardware
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 10a is an excellent midrange value for Android fans thanks to its capable pair of cameras, bright screen, smooth performance, and refined design. It also offers a good range of AI-based photo-editing features, along with more than 14 hours of battery life and an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water ingress. We especially like that Google promises seven years of software updates, just like for the flagship Pixel 10 lineup. Google fans seeking a bargain: If you've ever wondered what the big deal is about Pixels, the Pixel 10a offers the best of Google in an affordable package. This is Android as Google envisions it, with various AI features that make the Pixel 10a fun to use. People who love taking photos: Every phone on this list can take good photos, but the $499 Pixel 10a provides the best value. Google’s hardware and software shape the Pixel’s image workflow to effortlessly produce beautiful pictures.
Who It's For
Specs & Configurations
Operating System : Android 16 CPU : Google Tensor G4 Dimensions : 6.06 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches Screen Size : 6.3 inches Screen Resolution : 2,424 by 1,080 pixels Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) : 48MP, 13MP; 13MP Battery Life (As Tested) : 12 hours, 15 minutes
Best for Artists and Notetakers
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Score: 4.0
Pros & Cons
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+ Class-leading cameras
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+ Excellent performance
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+ Privacy Display hides your screen
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+ Practical AI tools
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+ Useful S Pen stylus
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- Class-leading cameras
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- Excellent performance
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- Privacy Display hides your screen
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- Practical AI tools
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- Useful S Pen stylus
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features high-end specs, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, up to 1TB of storage with 16GB of RAM, and the best camera stack available on an Android phone in the US. The embedded S Pen stylus is another significant point in its favor, particularly if you're an artist or note-taker who likes to sketch or jot on the run. Let's not forget Galaxy AI, which is equal parts useful and fun, and Samsung's powerful productivity software, which lets you multitask on the large screen with ease. Lastly, if you care about security, it has a Privacy Display that can hide the screen from view, reducing the risk of shoulder surfing. Privacy Seekers: The Privacy Display shields the display from onlookers, which means you can view sensitive material in public where only you can see it. Artist and Notetakers: The Galaxy S26 Ultra keeps stylus fans happy. The Ultra features a removable S Pen, which lets you place the stylus on the screen for longhand writing, mind-mapping, or sketching, in ways a keyboard cannot replicate. People who want the best Samsung phone: The S26 Ultra’s specs are out of this world, with a 5x optical telephoto zoom, a 200MP main camera, a superfast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and an enormous 6.9-inch OLED.
Who It's For
Specs & Configurations
Operating System : Android 16 CPU : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy Dimensions : 6.61 by 3.37 by 0.35 inches Screen Size : 6.9 inches Screen Resolution : 3,120 by 1,440 pixels Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) : 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP Battery Life (As Tested) : 15 hours, 5 minutes
Best Phone Under $200
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Score: 4.0
Pros & Cons
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+ Good battery life
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+ Quick-enough 5G and Wi-Fi
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+ Impressive cameras for the price
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+ 6-year support commitment
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+ Decent quality build
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- Good battery life
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- Quick-enough 5G and Wi-Fi
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- Impressive cameras for the price
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- 6-year support commitment
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- Decent quality build
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is an excellent value for under $200. Highlights include a large 90Hz screen, a good camera system, an IP54 rating against dust and water, and a guarantee of six years of security updates. It's not as tough as pricier phones, nor as fast, but given its low price, you can't ask for more. Budget-conscious buyers: If your budget is limited, the Galaxy A17 5G is an excellent choice thanks to its good everyday usability, above-average cameras, and long battery life. Midrange models outgun it, but it's easily the best phone under $200. Parents: If the thought of spending nearly $1,000 on a flagship phone for your child seems daunting, the Galaxy A17 should grab your attention. This Samsung is perfectly capable of handling the basics, so kids won't think of it as a toy. The phone's six years of support also means the device will remain secure for years to come.
Who It's For
Specs & Configurations
Operating System : Android 16 CPU : Samsung Exynos 1330 Dimensions : 6.47 by 3.07 by 0.30 inches Screen Size : 6.7 inches Screen Resolution : 2,340 by 1,080 pixels Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) : 50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP Battery Life (As Tested) : 15 hours, 45 minutes
Best Phone Under $400
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
Score: 4.0
Pros & Cons
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+ Impressive performance
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+ Long battery life
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+ Bright screen
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+ Durable build
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+ Six years of OS and security updates
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- Impressive performance
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- Long battery life
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- Bright screen
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- Durable build
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- Six years of OS and security updates
Why We Picked It
Lower-cost phones typically don't have great cameras, but the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G's 50MP main imager captures photos with plenty of detail and good color. Otherwise, the phone is powerful enough for everyday use and some light gaming thanks to its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip with 6GB of RAM. It's not a flagship Samsung device, but it will receive four years of OS updates and five years of security fixes. Photographers on a budget: For less than $400, the Galaxy A36 features cameras that deliver impressive performance, punching well above their weight. Its 50MP main shooter generates high-quality pictures with clear details and vibrant color, even in low light. The A36 also has optical image stabilization, a feature often reserved for more expensive phones, to produce smooth full HD video. People who don't need AI: With a midrange price, the A36 doesn't come chock full of the latest AI. Instead, it has a few essential features, like Circle to Search, object eraser, and AI select.
Who It's For
Specs & Configurations
Operating System : Android 15 CPU : Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Dimensions : 6.41 by 3.08 by 0.29 inches Screen Size : 6.7 inches Screen Resolution : 2,340 by 1,080 pixels Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) : 50MP, 8MP, 5MP; 12MP Battery Life (As Tested) : 16 hours, 40 minutes
Best Alternative to Google and Samsung
OnePlus 15
Score: 4.0
Pros & Cons
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+ Category-leading battery life
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+ Excellent screen
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+ Quick performance
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+ Superb value
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- Category-leading battery life
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- Excellent screen
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- Quick performance
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- Superb value
Why We Picked It
OnePlus phones aren't as common to see as those from Google and Samsung, but they are often worth considering. The company's latest flagship matches today's leading phones spec-for-spec in terms of display, battery life, performance, and camera. It even sees OnePlus dipping its toe into AI and supports wired charging speeds of up to 80W via a proprietary power block. People who want to try something different: The OnePlus 15 is ideal if you're looking for a device not made by Google or Samsung. OnePlus produces consistently good phones with genuinely useful software that will receive four years of OS upgrades. Battery worriers: With more than 26 hours of battery life, the OnePlus 15 is one of the longest-lasting phones you can buy in the US. Its 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery is second only to Apple's largest iPhone battery.
Who It's For
Specs & Configurations
Operating System : Android 16 CPU : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Dimensions : 6.35 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches Screen Size : 6.78 inches Screen Resolution : 2,772 by 1,272 pixels Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) : 50MP, 50MP, 50MP; 32MP Battery Life (As Tested) : 26 hours, 11 minutes
Best for Gaming
RedMagic 11 Pro
Score: 4.0
Pros & Cons
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+ Outstanding performance
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+ Long battery life
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+ Gorgeous screen
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+ Dedicated gaming features
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- Outstanding performance
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- Long battery life
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- Gorgeous screen
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- Dedicated gaming features
Why We Picked It
The RedMagic 11 Pro starts at $749, which is great news for gamers. This phone packs a large 6.85-inch screen, the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and up to 25GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. It relies on internal liquid cooling to maintain high performance during gameplay. It also includes gaming essentials, such as air triggers, a bright screen, pass-through power, and excellent battery life. People who put gaming first: The RedMagic Pro 11 is designed from the ground up to cater to mobile gamers . No other Android phone we've tested compares for that purpose. Those who want something off the beaten path: Gaming phones are often a breed apart from standard phones. With blinking lights, futuristic designs, and add-on performance accessories, they definitely stand out.
Who It's For
Specs & Configurations
Operating System : Android 16 CPU : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Dimensions : 6.45 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches Screen Size : 6.85 inches Screen Resolution : 2,688 by 1,216 pixels Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) : 50MP, 50MP, 2MP; 16MP Battery Life (As Tested) : 17 hours, 10 minutes
Best Small Phone
Samsung Galaxy S26
Score: 4.0
Pros & Cons
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+ Excellent performance
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+ Useful AI tools
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+ Very good cameras
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+ Appealing hardware
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+ Right-sized for most people
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- Excellent performance
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- Useful AI tools
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- Very good cameras
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- Appealing hardware
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- Right-sized for most people
Why We Picked It
The base Samsung Galaxy S26 hits many of the same high notes as its larger, more expensive siblings, including fast performance, Galaxy AI tools, excellent cameras, and reliable cellular reception. The small-handed: If you have trouble operating a large phone, this is one of the best compact Android models on the market with high-end specs. People who won't skimp on performance: The Galaxy S26 has the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip found in the more expensive Galaxy S26+ and Ultra, while offering a virtually identical experience and performance.
Who It's For
Specs & Configurations
Operating System : Android 16 CPU : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy Dimensions : 5.91 by 3 by 0.37 inches Screen Size : 6.3 inches Screen Resolution : 2,340 by 1,080 pixels Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) : 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP Battery Life (As Tested) : TBD
Best Flip Phone
Motorola Razr Ultra
Score: 4.0
Pros & Cons
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+ Bright displays
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+ Category-leading battery life
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+ Powerful performance
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+ Fun folding form factor
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- Bright displays
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- Category-leading battery life
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- Powerful performance
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- Fun folding form factor
Why We Picked It
The Motorola Razr takes full advantage of both its outer and inner screens in a way that competitors simply don't. The 4.0-inch outer display is large and bright, while the 7.0-inch inner screen provides ample space for entertainment and productivity. Motorola's approach to software means you can accomplish virtually anything you want on either display; there's no need to open the device if you don't want to, which can help you reduce screen time. This version also features an IP48 rating , which represents a significant improvement over previous models. People who want something different: The Razr Ultra’s compact clamshell body makes it small enough to easily fit into pockets, and yet it unfolds to reveal an enormous OLED screen—so you don't skimp out on the modern smartphone experience. People who put style first: The Razr Ultra is available in daring finishes that include Cabaret (pink), Mountain Trail (a wood-like finish), Rio Red, or Scarab (dark green). Motorola selected these colors in collaboration with Pantone, which scouts fashion trends to identify what is popular now and what will be in the future. Whether it's the folding design or the color, the Razr Ultra turns heads.
Who It's For
Specs & Configurations
Operating System : Android 15 CPU : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform Dimensions : 6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open, 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed Screen Size : 7 inches Screen Resolution : 2,992 by 1,224 pixels Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) : 50MP, 50MP; 50MP Battery Life (As Tested) : 22 hours, 3 minutes
When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Android Phone?
The Android release cycle is perpetual, and a new set of flagship phones arrives practically every month. Samsung updates its Galaxy S line in February, while Motorola refreshes its folding phone line in the Spring. Summer brings Samsung's newest foldables and Google's latest Pixels. Our point is that there is almost always a new Android phone coming to market, and no bad time to buy one.
The Best 5G Android Phones
Support for 5G has become standard on any phone costing more than $200. Devices below that threshold might not work on every band, but you shouldn't worry too much. 4G networks still offer excellent performance and will continue to do so for years.
Speaking of bands, if you want the best network speeds in the US, look for a phone with C-band (band n77). On AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, C-band 5G offers several times the speed of 4G. We detail whether a phone supports C-band in each of our reviews to make the process easier.
For more, check out our favorite 5G handsets .
What Is the Best Cheap Android Phone?
This list includes phones that cost anywhere from $200 to nearly $2,000. On the low end, Samsung models tend to be excellent values for the money. Carrier-branded phones that don't mention the manufacturer's name often aren't very good, and you should avoid them.
Many of the phones available in the US cost $600 or more because most people buy them on monthly payment plans that hide the cost over 24 to 36 months. But there's also a thriving market of phones that cost $300 or less.
For more, see our stories on the best cheap phones , the best cheap phone plans , the best eSIM , and our top tips to get the best price on a cell phone .
What Size Android Phone Is Right for You?
Android phones come in a variety of sizes and shapes. You can find them with stated screen sizes from 3 inches ( Unihertz Jelly Star ) to 8 inches (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7). With the new designs, however, it's essential to consider the width of the phone. A tall, narrow phone can be much easier to handle than one that is wider, but it's also a less common aspect ratio for apps to use.
In the end, don’t discount the value of handling several options in person at your local wireless shop. And check out our roundup of small phones for your best compact options.
Which Is the Best Android Version?
Generally, the latest version of Android is considered the best. Right now, that means Android 16 . Whatever you do, avoid buying a phone that comes with an Android version older than 13; the older the Android software version, the more likely it is to have security flaws. Also, check how many rounds of full operating system upgrades and security patches the manufacturer promises to provide. Google offers seven years of software updates for the Pixel series, and Samsung does the same for its Galaxy S and latest Z Flip and Fold devices. Other phone makers are still catching up.
Last, remember that not all Android versions are the same. If you want Android as Google intends it, opt for a Pixel device—they're the models that get upgrades first. Motorola offers a mostly clean Android interface, though the company lags in long-term software support. Samsung, OnePlus, TCL, and other phone makers ship their phones with skins that change the look and functionality of Android to some degree.
What About Honor, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi?
We don't cover some of the world's largest smartphone manufacturers (Honor, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi) because they don't sell phones in the US (at least not via carriers), and we primarily serve US consumers. In the cases of Oppo and Vivo, it's because they've ceded the US market to their sibling brand, OnePlus (Oppo and OnePlus merged ). Xiaomi has stated several times that its business model, which relies heavily on advertising revenue and subscription services integrated into its phones, will not be effective in the US. Honor is working hard to make up ground in Asia and Europe, but has largely still avoided selling in the US. The same is mostly true for ZTE, once a mainstay of US prepaid carriers.
We don't recommend importing foreign phones for use in the US because they often perform poorly on US carrier networks—if they work at all.
Is It Better to Buy an Android Phone Unlocked or Through a Carrier?
Carrier-sold phones still dominate the US market, but buying your phone directly and unlocked gives you more freedom to switch carriers. Unlocked phones don't feature carrier bloatware and are purchasable up-front, so you don't have to worry about monthly payments unless you opt into financing.
You can buy every phone on this list directly without any carrier involvement. However, most people still purchase their phones through carriers, which offer a single point of service and support, as well as monthly payment plans that significantly lower the up-front price. Many even offer increased trade-in values on older phones, further cutting the price.
You should also ensure that your carrier (especially if you're using an MVNO) supports the phone fully before purchasing it. Although you can always switch between MVNOs without penalty, if you're satisfied with your current carrier, it's best to ensure the phone you buy is compatible with that network.
With all that in mind, choosing Android as your mobile operating system is only half the battle; you still need to pick the right phone. If you're still on the fence, check out our list of the best phones , regardless of OS.
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