Not Feeling Your Old Phone? Consider These Shiny New Android Phones Instead

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With countless offerings at a number of price points with various onboard features to choose from, it can be hard to figure out which Android smartphone is the best one for you. To help you determine which ones are the best worth buying, I'm constantly testing the latest Android phones that have hit the shelves. This comprehensive guide will not only make your next upgrade a much easier decision, but it will ensure the next phone you invest in is the best fit for your needs.

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Best Android Smartphones

• Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S23 5G

• Best Budget: OnePlus Nord N30

• Best Google Phone: Google Pixel 7 Pro

• Best Value: Google Pixel 7a

• Best Foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

• Best Specs for the Money: OnePlus 11

• Best Big Phone: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

What to Consider

Hardware Specs

➥ Chip

Qualcomm is the leading maker of chips for Android phones, and the Snapdragon Series 8 is the tech giant’s range-topping lineup of such components. Look for a Series 8 Gen 2 chip in the spec sheet for a high-end phone. Budget-friendly Androids with Qualcomm chips pack lower-tier 6 and 4 series chips, and I highly recommend the lower-tier 6 which is more capable than the 4 series (think faster interactions and better multitasking).

Google’s Pixel phones feature Tensor chips developed in-house. The Tensor G2 is the latest and the one to have on your radar if you are considering a Pixel.

➥ Display

Screens with a high refresh rate were once reserved for premium Android phones. Thankfully, the cool feature is also available on affordable devices today, bringing smoother graphics that make every interaction more enjoyable.

Even if you are shopping on a tight budget, look for a phone whose screen has at least a 90 Hz maximum refresh rate. A refresh rate of 120 Hz (or higher) is mandatory for premium smartphones today.

➥ Camera

Multi-camera setups with two or more rear sensors have become the standard for Android phones regardless of their price point. Still, if you are spending big (think, close to a four-digit sum) on a top-shelf phone, don’t settle for one without a dedicated telephoto camera. The expanded zoom range will allow you to capture memories from a distance without sacrificing picture and video quality.

High-megapixel sensors are also common, but don’t let the count be a driving factor in making your decision. By default, the latest Android phones capture 12- or 16-megapixel images by combining the data captured by many pixels into one with more detail. In my experience, an Android phone's picture and video quality are closely tied to its price, so budget accordingly if you are an avid mobile shutterbug.

Form Factor

It’s 2023, and foldable smartphones — once expensive and decidedly niche products — are worth considering, bringing improved durability, ergonomics, and, in some cases, more agreeable pricing. Between the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and the Pixel Fold — Google's first such device — you have plenty of choices from established makers.

Still, you should know that foldable phones come with a hefty price premium for their cutting-edge looks and functionality. A similarly (or lower) priced traditional rectangle is guaranteed to get you a tougher build and better hardware for the money.

How We Tested

During weeks of using every Android on its list as my go-to phone, I carefully scrutinized its design, build quality, hardware specs and everyday performance, camera setup, and battery life. Additional bits like the quality of the Android experience were also part of my criteria.

Ranging from affordable to luxurious, the products I selected for this list deliver a good balance between looks, durability, power and speed, and battery endurance. These are the essentials for providing the best experience and value for your money.

Every phone I picked has 5G connectivity, excellent hardware for the money that includes a multi-sensor rear camera with at least two units, and a screen with a high refresh rate (90 Hz and up) to go with dependable battery life. Find your next favorite gadget among these thoroughly scrutinized offerings from leading makers such as Google, Samsung, and OnePlus.

Note: All prices listed are for contract-free devices, and most of the smartphones are also available to purchase in small monthly installments. When shopping for a factory-unlocked smartphone, check carefully to ensure that it's compatible with your wireless carrier. Most devices will work with AT&T and T-Mobile, but not necessarily with Verizon and smaller carriers that use its network infrastructure.

Galaxy S23 Android Smartphone

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 5G is the best Android phone for most buyers, ticking all the boxes. It has a sleek design, a tough build, a bright and vibrant display, top-tier hardware specs and performance, and dependable battery life, all at an agreeable price. Of all the Android phones I tested, the Galaxy S23 is the most formidable iPhone 14 Pro rival in design, durability, onboard features, and everyday performance.

The triple camera with a telephoto lens of the Galaxy S23 5G is one of the best in its class, and so is its selfie camera. The phone also delivers a fantastic Android experience with plenty of customization options. In addition, Samsung will treat it to timely platform and security updates for years.

If you want a phone with a bigger screen, consider the slightly pricier Galaxy S23+ instead. It has similar specs but a larger 6.6-inch display panel and a beefier battery. As always, the latest Galaxy S phones hit the shelves alongside a vast selection of original and third-party protective cases.

More: A Guide to Samsung's Galaxy Smartphone Lineup

Nord N30 5G Android Smartphone

In terms of design, hardware specs, everyday performance, and transparent bang for the buck, the OnePlus Nord N30 shattered my expectations. The under-$300 smartphone successfully merges sleek design, capable hardware, zippy performance, and excellent battery life. It’s the Android to get if you want the most up-to-date and futureproof specs on a tight budget.

The massive 6.7-inch display of the device is incredible for its price range. Thanks to a 120 Hz refresh rate, scrolling through pages and emails, interacting with apps, and gaming is smooth and fast. Between the high-quality screen, the built-in stereo speakers, the speedy chipset and seamless multitasking, and the versatile main camera with a triple-digit megapixel count, I felt like I’m using a more upmarket product while putting the Nord N30 through its paces.

Depending on your usage habits, the OnePbalus Nord N30 can last up to 2 days between charges. I had no trouble getting a full day of heavy use with plenty of power left during my testing. Charging the phone is surprisingly fast, and the retail package includes a bundled charging adapter, unlike those of pricier Androids.

Pixel 7 Pro Android Phone

The Pixel 7 Pro is Google’s best Android and the big-screen phone to get on a sub-$1,000 budget. For $100 less than the Samsung Galaxy S23+ before additional deals and discounts, the Pixel has a bigger and sharper screen, a superior telephoto camera, and a larger battery. It will also get Android updates and platform features sooner than any rival.

The clutter-free (think, no unnecessary apps and bloatware) Android experience and incredible triple camera were the main reasons the Pixel 7 Pro was frequently in my pocket since its launch. The image quality, versatility, and ease of its cameras are unbeatable for the money.

Another thing I like about the Pixel 7 Pro is its unique camera bar with a glossy finish and contrasting camera cutouts. The distinctive design quirk sets the phone apart from its predecessor and all top-shelf rivals while making it instantly recognizable as a Pixel product.

Google offers the phone in hazel, obsidian, and snow finishes, each rocking a contrasting camera bar.

Reviewed: Google Pixel 7 Pro Android Smartphone

Pixel 7a Android Phone

The Google Pixel 7a is the best Android phone that $500 can get you. The reasonably priced Android has the same cool design and top-tier specs as the bigger Google Pixel 7, but a smaller screen and a slightly less premium build with a plastic back cover. Its up-to-date hardware specs include a beautiful display with a high refresh rate, a superb dual camera, and a big battery with wireless charging capabilities.

After a few weeks as my go-to Android, the Pixel 7a impressed me with its compact size and impeccable ergonomics. Like the Pixel 6a it replaces, the sequel was easy to use with one hand on the go. And once again, a robust selection of cases allowed me to customize it and safeguard it against scratches and drops.

The dual rear camera of the Pixel 7a is the best you can get on an under-$500 phone, handily besting the setups of similarly priced Android rivals in image and video quality. Performance-wise, the entry-level Pixel is on par with the larger Pixel 7. It has an identical chip and onboard RAM.

Reviewed: Google Pixel 7a Android Smartphone

Galaxy Z Flip 5 Android Smartphone

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 deserves your attention (and hard-earned money) for offering a striking foldable design without skimping on top-tier specs and essentials like an official rating for water resistance. Like every top-shelf Samsung Galaxy, the latest Z Flip has a powerful chip, a captivating display, and a solid dual camera. However, although it is capable and versatile, its snapper lags behind the elaborate setup of similarly priced top-shelf rivals in megapixels and zoom range.

Compared to the excellent Galaxy Z Flip 4, the new iteration has a refined design, headlined by a redesigned hinge that folds flat and a larger external display. By delivering notifications and other relevant info via widgets, the bigger screen allowed me to reduce unnecessary distractions while evaluating the phone. Being able to reply to texts without opening the Flip was also a game changer.

Besides being a conversation starter, the product's design makes it easier to carry than a standard phone. Once again, I found the Z Flip 5 refreshingly compact compared to the solid rectangles that dominate the market.

Samsung offers the Z Flip 5 in graphite, lavender, cream, and mind colors. Consider the pricier Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 — the most feature-packed foldable phone on the market — if your budget permits. The S Pen-compatible device can successfully replace a phone and a tablet.

11 5G Android Smartphone

The OnePlus 11 is a strong alternative to the best Samsung and Google phones, offering premium design, hardware, and overall performance for less than its similarly equipped rivals. It undercuts the Samsung Galaxy S23+ despite having a bigger screen with a higher resolution and a larger battery.

When it comes to transparent power, speed, and multitasking capabilities, the OnePlus 11 is one of the best Androids for the money, just like its predecessor. Extremely fast wired charging sets the phone apart from its top-shelf rivals. Its bundled charger — a costly optional accessory for all other high-end phones — can replenish its battery in less than half an hour.

Android enthusiasts looking to get the best specs without breaking the bank should have the product on their shortlist, even though it lacks wireless charging. Given the wired charging speed, its lack is not a dealbreaker.

Reviewed: OnePlus 11 5G Android Smartphone

Galaxy S23 Ultra Android Phone

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G smartphone, like the S22 Ultra it replaces, is the absolute best big-screen Android of 2023. It has a captivating display, a luxurious build, a powerful chipset, a best-in-class camera setup, and a big battery that can easily make it through a day of heavy use.

A calling card for top-shelf Samsung Galaxy phones for years, the integrated S Pen stylus makes the S23 Ultra ideal for power users and creative personalities. The legendary accessory and the product’s class-leading specs ensure that there’s no task it isn’t up for — from taking notes during a meeting to competitive online gameplay.

This is the big Android phone to get if your budget has no limits. Since its launch, it’s been my go-to Android. After comparing it to other high-end offerings, I haven’t encountered one to match its incredible capabilities across the board.

Reviewed: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Android Smartphone

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