If there’s one debate in tech which often hits the headlines, it’s Android vs iPhone.
Many individuals have very robust opinions on which is ‘greatest’, although in actuality, that reply will probably be completely different for everybody. When you have Apple merchandise already, an iPhone is undoubtedly the only option.
However as you’ll be able to see from our general greatest telephones round-up, most run Android. This is sensible: whereas Apple is the one firm that makes gadgets operating iOS, there are a great deal of Android telephone makers on the market, every with a lot of completely different fashions.
Nonetheless, that makes your determination on which to go for harder. On this article, we goal to make the method of selecting the best one as straightforward as attainable. We’ve reviewed and ranked the ten greatest Android telephones you should purchase proper now, alongside detailed shopping for recommendation on the backside of the web page.
There are some cheaper choices right here, however if in case you have a particular funds in thoughts, see our separate guides to the most effective funds telephones and greatest mid-range telephones.
Why it is best to belief us: Android telephone opinions and shopping for recommendation have been a staple of Tech Advisor’s protection because the working system made its first headlines in 2008.
We’ve guided you thru 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G; we’ve reported on the rise and fall of Home windows Cellphone, BlackBerry telephones and LG telephones.
We’ve seen Android telephone makers scramble to supply the largest, brightest, highest-resolution, fastest-refreshing, hardest, versatile, foldable and even three-dimensional shows; we’ve seen an arms race in processors and graphics within the quest for the final word cellular efficiency; a long-running sport of what number of cameras – after which what number of megapixels – they will first squeeze on to the handset, and later conceal out of sight; a push for batteries that may go – by no means thoughts all day – however all week; and new applied sciences that allow water-proof and vastly enhance audio.
We’ve held your hand via a captivating journey of cellular {hardware}, and at the moment – some 16 years later – it’s the software program smarts and as soon as inconceivable to think about AI capabilities that glue us to this path. We carry out in-depth, real-world testing on each new Android mannequin that’s value shopping for (dozens each single 12 months), adopting it as our major telephone for essentially the most genuine expertise attainable and ensuring we’re able to provide the very best telephone shopping for recommendation.
Finest Android telephones 2024
1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely – Finest general
Execs
Seven years of updates
Wonderful, versatile cameras
Superb battery life
Intelligent AI options
Constructed-in S Pen stylus
Cons
Costly
Large and hulking
Charging nonetheless solely 45W
Value When Reviewed:
From $1,299.99
The Galaxy S24 Extremely is the most effective smartphone you should purchase, so it ought to come as no shock to see it high this record.
It’s arguably the final word smartphone, packing nearly each premium characteristic you’ll be able to count on into one big gadget. Nonetheless, the beautiful 6.8-inch show and built-in S Pen stylus are actually value it.
Different highlights embody chic efficiency from an overclocked model of the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and powerful battery life from the 5000mAh cell. The cameras won’t be the most effective on any smartphone, however they’re not far off, providing spectacular versatility throughout 4 lenses.
Samsung’s One UI software program is intuitive and comparatively straightforward to make use of, and the corporate’s new AI options are genuinely helpful. Throw in a class-leading seven years of updates and also you’ve obtained your self an excellent telephone.
Except for the imposing design and comparatively sluggish charging, the worth tag is the principle factor that counts in opposition to the S24 Extremely. However if you happen to can afford it, you received’t be disenchanted.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely overview
2. Google Pixel 8 Professional – Finest for most individuals
Execs
Premium construct
High-tier cameras
Wonderful software program options
Seven years of updates
Cons
Common battery life
Sluggish charging
Large and heavy
Value When Reviewed:
From $999
The Pixel 8 Professional is the most effective smartphone you should purchase proper now. A mix of premium {hardware} and superior software program make it very straightforward to advocate.
Google’s Tensor G3 chip is vital, enabling each nice efficiency and a spread of superior images options. Alongside glorious digital camera {hardware}, it’s the most effective point-and-shoot telephone digital camera for nonetheless photos.
Whereas a 213g telephone with a big 6.7-inch show received’t be for everybody, the high-resolution 120Hz OLED display here’s a pleasure to make use of. With slick Android 14 software program and an unbelievable seven years of updates, the Pixel 8 Professional is the smartphone to beat in 2023.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply it’s the most effective for everybody. The mix of common battery life and sluggish charging is irritating, whereas the common Pixel 8 is a better option if you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing extra compact.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 8 Professional overview
3. Xiaomi 14 Extremely – Finest cameras
Execs
Unbelievable images
Gorgeous vegan leather-based design
Beautiful curved display
Flawless efficiency
90W quick charging
Cons
Costly, with Images Package bought individually
Blended HyperOS software program
Value When Reviewed:
Unavailable within the US
Previously, Xiaomi’s model of Android has usually prevented us from recommending its telephones. Regardless of a rebrand, the brand new HyperOS pores and skin isn’t a giant step ahead, however it shouldn’t detract from simply how good this telephone is.
Undoubtedly, the spotlight is the cameras. Alongside the Images Package accent (bought individually), they remodel the telephone into a real DSLR alternative for many individuals. The picture high quality and flexibility throughout all 4 50Mp rear lenses and the 32Mp selfie digital camera is solely very good.
There’s tons extra to love too, together with a beautiful show, beautiful premium design and nice efficiency. Battery life is robust, and also you get a 90W quick charger within the field. From a {hardware} perspective, it’s laborious to fault.
Except for worth, the principle cause you won’t wish to purchase it’s Xiaomi’s HyperOS software program, which nonetheless incorporates loads of bloatware and may get irritating. However if you happen to can look past this, the 14 Extremely will provide you with an unrivalled images expertise.
On the lookout for one thing extra inexpensive? The common Xiaomi 14 can also be a terrific selection.
Learn our full
Xiaomi 14 Extremely overview
4. Google Pixel 7a – Finest worth for cash
Execs
Phenomenal digital camera for the worth
Wonderful Google software program
Sturdy efficiency
Waterproof
Cons
Sluggish charging
Wi-fi charging is unreliable
Solely 90Hz show
Value When Reviewed:
$499
For those who can’t afford the Pixel 8 or 8 Professional, then Google has an alternative choice for you: the decidedly inexpensive Pixel 7a. Whereas the Pixel 8a is now obtainable, its predecessor continues to be the telephone to get in order for you worth for cash.
This mid-range nonetheless packs a Tensor G2 chipset for stable efficiency, together with a well-recognized design. Nevertheless it’s a barely smaller telephone than the 8 and eight Professional, and created from plastic quite than glass.
There are draw back, in fact. The digital camera specs aren’t fairly the identical, although it nonetheless impresses. You’ll additionally get slower charging and solely a 90Hz refresh charge on the show quite than 120Hz on the flagships.
For those who can stay with these downsides although, this is a superb possibility for the worth. Pictures from the principle digital camera are the most effective you’ll discover on any mid-range telephone.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 7a overview
5. OnePlus 12 – Finest design
Execs
Elegant, distinctive design
Stellar display
Quick wired and wi-fi charging
Nice predominant and telephoto cameras
Cons
Fewer OS updates than rivals
Common ultrawide and selfie cameras
Restricted water resistance
Value When Reviewed:
From $799 | Mannequin reviewed $899
The OnePlus 12 is considerably dearer than the OnePlus 11, which was a terrific handset for the cash. However this additional expense is justified – a shocking design, important efficiency improve and the introduction of wi-fi charging make an actual distinction.
Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset speeds via duties with ease (together with gaming), then combines with a 5400mAh battery for very good battery life. Whenever you do run low, you’ll be able to select between 100W wired and 50W wi-fi charging, although the 80W charger within the field will probably be lots quick sufficient for most individuals.
The 120Hz AMOLED display is among the many largest on any telephone at 6.82-inches, but additionally among the finest. The slick software program expertise can also be a pleasure to make use of, even when the 4 OS updates and 5 years of safety updates is a small step down from the most effective round.
Rear cameras, a weak point of earlier OnePlus telephones, are superb on the entire. However the ultrawide and selfie lenses aren’t the most effective, and the IP65 ranking means it’s not protected in opposition to submersion in water.
Nonetheless, none of those needs to be dealbreakers for most individuals. The OnePlus 12 nonetheless undercuts many flagships on worth, making it a terrific possibility.
Learn our full
OnePlus 12 overview
6. Motorola Razr 40 Extremely/Razr+ – Finest foldable
Execs
Massive outer show
Mud and waterproof
Good battery life (for a flip telephone)
Cons
Older chipset
Cameras are good, however not nice
Outer display software program wants some fine-tuning
Value When Reviewed:
$999.99
The Motorola Razr 40 Extremely – also referred to as the Razr+ within the US – is the most effective foldable proper now.
The newest Razr packs a bigger and extra helpful exterior display that’s the largest on any flip telephone but, extending nearly completely throughout the telephone’s outer aspect. It even permits you to run full Android apps with out opening the telephone, although some work higher than others.
Past that, you’ll be able to count on good battery life, nice mud and water-resistance, and a succesful predominant digital camera – although the opposite lenses are somewhat missing. The improved hinge design additionally permits the Razr 40 Extremely to shut utterly flat and really feel extra stable in consequence.
Nonetheless, it’s additionally value contemplating the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, which is a good various.
Learn our full
Motorola Razr+ (2023) overview
7. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G – Finest funds
Execs
Premium design
Wonderful battery life
Intuitive One UI software program
First rate predominant digital camera
Cons
Not the most effective efficiency
No official water resistance ranking
Sluggish charging
Value When Reviewed:
$199
For those who simply want a smartphone for normal on a regular basis use, look no additional than the Galaxy A15 5G. It affords all the things most individuals want in a smartphone, but prices beneath £200/$200.
After all, there are compromises in comparison with high-end telephones, however Samsung has been good about the place it’s made them. A lovely design is clearly impressed by the corporate’s flagships, even when much less premium supplies have been used.
The show continues to be OLED and affords a easy 90Hz refresh charge, whereas its decrease decision helps the superb battery life. You additionally get Samsung’s slick One UI software program expertise and a good three years of Android OS updates, plus a predominant rear digital camera that’s very serviceable.
Efficiency is sluggish at occasions, however ready a couple of extra seconds for issues to load is hardly a dealbreaker. And until you’re planning on getting your telephone moist or want quick charging, it’s straightforward to advocate.
For those who don’t need 5G, it’s additionally value contemplating the Samsung Galaxy A15 (4G), however it’s not simply 5G that you simply lose there.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G overview
8. Samsung Galaxy S24+ – Nice all-rounder
Execs
Nice, massive show
Sturdy efficiency
Unbelievable battery life
Helpful AI options
Seven years of updates
Cons
No S Pen help
Restricted storage choices
Comparatively costly
Value When Reviewed:
From $999
The center telephone in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 vary isn’t fairly the all-singing, all-dancing S24 Extremely, however it’s arguably a greater telephone for most individuals.
You continue to get a lot of the fundamentals of Samsung’s ultra-flagship, together with a beautiful massive show, very good battery life, helpful AI options and that class-leading seven-year replace dedication.
US consumers will nonetheless get the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, however even the Exynos 2400 within the UK delivers robust efficiency.
If you are able to do with out a stylus or a great deal of storage however nonetheless desire a Samsung flagship, the S24+ is the telephone to get.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy S24+ overview
9. Asus Zenfone 10 – Finest compact flagship
Execs
Distinctive, compact design
Implausible battery life
Headphone jack
Cons
Digital camera just isn’t high tier
Solely two Android updates promised
Sluggish 30W charging
Value When Reviewed:
$699.99
The Zenfone 10 is a full-force flagship in a small measurement, and with remarkably few compromises for it.
The 5.9in show is likely one of the smallest in the marketplace, particularly on the Android aspect, although word that general the telephone is about the identical measurement because the common Galaxy S24
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and as much as 16GB of RAM mark this as a severe efficiency telephone, and it additionally boasts glorious battery life, which places different compact smartphones to disgrace.
The gimbal-stabilised predominant digital camera impresses, particularly at night time, although there are positively higher cameras on equally priced rivals – particularly relating to choices like a telephoto lens.
Given the telephone is so good, it’s additionally irritating that Asus is barely promising two main Android updates, although the telephone will no less than get safety help via to 2027.
If that’s a dealbreaker for you, go for the common Samsung Galaxy S24 as an alternative. However with the newer Zenfone 11 Extremely a lot greater and fewer noteworthy in consequence, that is nonetheless the Asus telephone that most individuals can purchase.
Learn our full
Asus Zenfone 10 overview
10. OnePlus Open – Finest book-style foldable
Execs
Nice shows
Superb rear cameras
Helpful software program options
Premium, sturdy design
Cons
Not the most effective battery life
Few apps optimised for giant display
Costly
Value When Reviewed:
$1,699
The Open is technically OnePlus’ first ever foldable, although guardian firm Oppo has loads of expertise. And it reveals – that is an impressively completed gadget with few compromises.
The shows are the actual spotlight. A 6.31-inch cowl display appears similar to a daily smartphone, then opens to disclose a 7.82-inch inside show with a barely noticeable crease. Each are 120Hz OLED panels, and look implausible.
OnePlus has executed its greatest to take advantage of this bigger display, with varied options that make multitasking straightforward. However Android’s lack of help for third-party apps, mixed with the excessive price ticket, stay the principle causes most individuals shouldn’t purchase one.
It’s a disgrace, because the rear cameras and design are an actual hit. Efficiency is nice too, and common battery life is offset by 67W quick charging through the adaptor within the field.
Learn our full
OnePlus Open overview
Android telephones shopping for recommendation
Which model of Android is the newest?
The newest model of Android proper now’s Android 14, which launched in 2023.
Nonetheless, it usually takes a while for Android manufacturers to replace their telephones, so many telephones launched in 2022, and even some cheaper 2023 fashions, will nonetheless be operating Android 13.
The following model, Android 15, ought to launch in 2024, however will take a while to roll out to handsets.
Do all Android telephones run the identical software program?
Sure and no. All of them run Android in fact, however there are variations inside that. Each producer tweaks Android to provide its personal model – usually known as an ‘Android pores and skin’.
For instance, Samsung telephones run One UI, OnePlus telephones are on OxygenOS, and Xiaomi telephones run HyperOS (which changed MIUI).
Telephones that run software program near Google’s personal are sometimes described as operating ‘inventory’, however in reality even the Google Pixel telephones run their very own distinctive spin on the software program. Every of those affords a novel aesthetic and a spread of particular options, so it is best to at all times try to be taught somewhat a couple of model’s software program earlier than you decide to a telephone.
It’s additionally vital to do not forget that not each Android telephone will get equal updates. Each producer guarantees a completely different variety of updates for his or her gadgets – often separated into Android characteristic updates and safety patches – and usually talking dearer telephones are supported for longer than cheaper gadgets.
On the time of writing, the most effective model on this regard is Google, which affords as much as seven years of each, however many rivals aren’t far behind.
Which specs matter essentially the most?
With extra Android telephones on the market, there are additionally extra specs to choose between. There’s no hard-and-fast rule about what issues most, so as an alternative take into consideration your priorities.
Do you care most about quick and easy efficiency? Maybe you prioritise longer battery life, or sooner charging speeds? Perhaps a succesful digital camera is the principle factor you search for?
Most Android telephones will provide some mixture of the above – and extra – however there’ll at all times be sure specs the place they compromise. Deciding in your priorities is step one in selecting a telephone.
Are Android telephones higher than iPhones?
This argument has waged for over a decade, and it received’t finish any time quickly. For now, let’s simply say that every has its benefits.
There’s extra selection in Android telephones, giving shoppers much more selection – together with uncommon choices like foldable telephones or gadgets designed for gaming.
Sure {hardware} options additionally are usually higher on Android. Nearly all of trendy Android telephones charger sooner – usually a lot sooner – than even the newest iPhones, and quick refresh charge shows have additionally develop into frequent. Look to the actually high finish and also you’ll additionally discover that by and huge the most effective digital camera telephones run Android, although Apple nonetheless has the sting relating to recording video.
Alternatively, Apple’s rigorously managed ecosystem means iPhones usually have fewer bugs and inconsistencies than Android gadgets, and there’s a stage of polish to each the software program and {hardware} that few Android rivals match. Apple’s long-term software program help additionally outstrips the overwhelming majority of Android.
Why isn’t each Android telephone obtainable the place I stay?
This can be a difficult query, and each producer approaches it otherwise. For those who stay in Europe or Asia, you’ll probably discover that the majority – albeit not all – Android telephones launch the place you reside. Markets equivalent to Africa and South America get a barely completely different choice, whereas in North America there are solely only a few manufacturers, with nearly not one of the Chinese language producers.
In the end, every producer has to determine which markets will probably be worthwhile for them, which comes all the way down to a mix of market sizes, native rules, and the facility that networks have – within the US, for instance, it’s the strict management carriers exert that retains most Chinese language corporations out.