In case you’re available in the market for a brand new telephone, you will discover way more selection in measurement, form, value, and capabilities from Android units than you’ll from Apple’s iPhones. PCMag may help you slender down the choices should you aren’t fairly certain the place to begin. We have been writing about cell telephones for no less than three many years, so you’ll be able to belief our evaluation and that our alternatives are all worthy of your consideration. Amongst our Editors’ Selection winners are the Google Pixel 8a with its aggressive all-around efficiency, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely with its built-in S pen, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with its expansive, fold-out display screen. However you’ll want to learn our in-depth evaluations of every choose under to search out which greatest meets your wants, and to scroll to the top for some helpful shopping for recommendation.
Deeper Dive: Our High Examined Picks
Greatest Midrange Telephone
Google Pixel 8a
Execs & Cons
Wonderful cameras
Highly effective efficiency
Helpful AI options
Lengthy battery life
Seven-year software program help
Older protecting glass on the entrance
Comparatively sluggish charging
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 8a wraps up probably the most compelling options of different Pixel telephones at a extra reasonably priced midrange value. You get glorious images because of a mixture of high quality {hardware} and Google’s computational pictures algorithms. Its stunning 6.1-inch OLED show is seen even in shiny daylight because of its most brightness of two,000 nits. And it has the identical Tensor G3 processor as its pricier Pixel 8 siblings for swift AI efficiency.
Who It is For
If you would like the latest telephone tech from Google on the lowest value, the Pixel 8a is your greatest wager. It is enticing, extremely succesful, and is about to obtain OS and safety updates for seven years.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Google Tensor G3
Dimensions
5.99 by 2.86 by 0.35 inches
Display Dimension
6.1 inches
Display Decision
2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
64MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
12 hours, 50 minutes
Be taught Extra
Google Pixel 8a Assessment
Greatest for Artists and Notetakers
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
Execs & Cons
Speedy efficiency
Lovely display screen
Terrific cameras
Helpful AI options
Comes with S Pen stylus
Lengthy help dedication
Why We Picked It
The Galaxy S24 Extremely is without doubt one of the most premium telephones you should purchase, nevertheless it absolutely justifies its excessive value. Along with an ultra-high-quality show, it delivers top-notch efficiency, has a superb array of cameras, consists of highly effective productiveness software program, and lasts a very long time per cost. It is also fairly robust and absolutely waterproof.
Who It is For
The S24 Extremely has each function you would need in an Android telephone and features a stylus for drawing and taking notes. It is simply as appropriate for cellular professionals as for artists and creators.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches
Display Dimension
6.8 inches
Display Decision
3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
14 hours, 10 minutes
Be taught Extra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely Assessment
Greatest Foldable Telephone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Execs & Cons
Improved, extra sturdy design
Wider cowl display screen
Wonderful cameras
Blazing efficiency
Brilliant shows
Lengthy software program help window
Very costly
Lagging charging speeds
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 improves on the already glorious Z Fold 5 in a number of key methods. With a lighter and extra compact design, as an illustration, this highly effective productiveness machine is simpler to hold round than ever. Its bigger cowl display screen is extra helpful than earlier than, too. The telephone is expensive, however Samsung justifies the associated fee with glorious multitasking options, S Pen stylus help, the most recent 5G and Wi-Fi radios, and speedy efficiency.
Who It is For
If you’re searching for one system to switch your telephone, pill, and perhaps even your laptop computer, the Z Fold 6 is what it’s best to get. Furthermore, you can maintain onto it for a very long time because of its seven years of software program help.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.04 by 5.22 by 0.22 inches
Display Dimension
7.6 inches
Display Decision
2,160 by 1,856 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 10MP, 12MP; 10MP, 4MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
11 hours, half-hour
Be taught Extra
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Assessment
Greatest Android Telephone for Most Folks
Google Pixel 9
Execs & Cons
Wonderful cameras
Helpful and enjoyable AI options
Good efficiency
Competitively priced
Restricted storage
Would not embody Gemini Stay subscription
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 9 strikes a compelling steadiness of energy, connectivity, and value amongst Android telephones. With a superb dual-camera setup that helps tons of AI-enhanced modifying options, a shiny 6.3-inch OLED display screen, and a succesful Tensor G4 processor, it is the mainstream chief. It additionally exudes class because of its compact aluminum body and alluring coloration choices.
Who It is For
That is the no-brainer alternative if you would like a high-quality Android telephone for round $800. And it is a notably good choice should you prefer to hold your telephone for a very long time, provided that Google is committing to seven years of OS and safety updates.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches
Display Dimension
6.3 inches
Display Decision
2,424 by 1,080 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 48MP; 10.5MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
11 hours, 45 minutes
Be taught Extra
Google Pixel 9 Assessment
Greatest Android Telephone Underneath $200
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Execs & Cons
Inexpensive
Lengthy battery life
Competent cameras
Wonderful software program improve coverage
No IP ranking
Plastic construct
Why We Picked It
Regardless of its reasonably priced value, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G includes a vivid 6.6-inch show with a 90Hz refresh charge, a top quality processor, an expandable storage slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an above-average digital camera stack. We additionally like Samsung’s promise to ship 4 years of OS upgrades to the telephone.
Who It is For
If you’ll want to stick with a decent price range or need one thing cheap in your youngsters, the Galaxy A15 is one in all your high decisions. It covers all of the fundamentals for an affordable value.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Mediatek 6835
Dimensions
6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches
Display Dimension
6.5 inches
Display Decision
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
14 hours, 3 minutes
Be taught Extra
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Assessment
Greatest Android Telephone Underneath $300
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Execs & Cons
Inexpensive
Vibrant OLED show
Good efficiency
High quality cameras
Lengthy battery life
No mmWave 5G
No wi-fi charging
Why We Picked It
Decrease-cost telephones sometimes haven’t got nice cameras, however the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G’s 50MP important imager captures images with loads of element and good coloration. In any other case, the telephone is highly effective sufficient for on a regular basis use and a few mild gaming because of its Exynos 1280 processor and 6GB of RAM. It is not a flagship Samsung system however will obtain 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of safety fixes.
Who It is For
In case you just like the look of Samsung’s Galaxy telephones and need a high quality digital camera, the Galaxy A25 covers each bases for an affordable value.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1280
Dimensions
6.34 by 3.01 by 0.33 inches
Display Dimension
6.5 inches
Display Decision
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 8MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
13 hours, 10 minutes
Be taught Extra
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G Assessment
Greatest for Gaming
Asus ROG Telephone 8 Professional Version
Execs & Cons
Wonderful efficiency
Stable battery life
Included accent fan
Aggressive cameras
Dustproof and waterproof
Costly
No mmWave 5G
Restricted replace coverage
Why We Picked It
Asus costs a lofty $1,499 for the ROG Telephone 8 Professional Version, however the handset manages to justify that value with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 system on a chip, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. In the meantime, the 6.8-inch AMOLED show with a 120Hz adaptive refresh charge is great for gaming. There’s even a secondary show on the rear with 341 programmable mini-LEDs. The Professional Version comes with an exterior cooler too, so you’ll be able to sport with out worrying about warmth.
Who It is For
The Asus ROG Telephone 8 Professional Version is constructed from the bottom as much as fulfill cellular avid gamers. No different Android telephone we have examined compares for that function.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Dimensions
6.45 by 3.02 by 0.35 inches
Display Dimension
6.8 inches
Display Decision
2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 13MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
12 hours, 55 minutes
Be taught Extra
Asus ROG Telephone 8 Professional Version Assessment
Greatest Various to Google and Samsung
OnePlus 12
Execs & Cons
Brilliant, crisp show
Wonderful battery life
Fast wired and wi-fi charging
Highly effective processor
Lacks mmWave 5G
Not as waterproof as competing telephones
No particular AI options
Why We Picked It
OnePlus telephones aren’t as frequent as these from Google and Samsung, however that does not imply you should not take into account one. The corporate’s newest flagship goes spec-for-spec with extra mainstream choices by way of its show, battery life, efficiency, and extra. It additionally helps wired charging speeds of as much as 80W through OnePlus’ proprietary energy block.
Who It is For
The OnePlus 12 is for many who need one thing a little bit off the overwhelmed path. OnePlus makes persistently good telephones with genuinely helpful software program, whereas a revised replace coverage makes this mannequin viable for longer than its predecessors. And for the budget-conscious, the OnePlus 12 undercuts comparable choices from Google and Samsung in value.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Dimensions
6.47 by 2.98 by 0.36 inches
Display Dimension
6.82 inches
Display Decision
3,168 by 1,440 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
64MP, 50MP, 48MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
18 hours, 10 minutes
Be taught Extra
OnePlus 12 Assessment
Greatest Flip Telephone
Motorola Razr+ (2024)
Execs & Cons
High-notch show
Useful outer display screen
Waterproof
Trendy and straightforward to make use of
Cameras are solely common
Restricted AI options at launch
Why We Picked It
The Motorola Razr+ takes full benefit of each of its outer and inside screens in a approach rivals simply do not. The 4.0-inch outer show is massive and shiny, whereas the 6.9-inch inside display screen offers you loads of area for leisure and productiveness. Motorola’s method to software program means you’ll be able to accomplish just about something you need on both show; there isn’t any have to open the system should you do not need to, which may help. you cut back display screen time. This model additionally has an IPX8 waterproof ranking, which is a large enchancment over earlier fashions.
Who It is For
Get the Razr+ if you would like a flip telephone that may do all of it, no matter whether or not it’s open or closed. It is also fairly trendy, in case you goal to make a trend assertion together with your telephone.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
Dimensions
6.50 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches
Display Dimension
6.9 inches
Display Decision
2,640 by 1,080 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 50MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
14 hours, 37 minutes
Be taught Extra
Motorola Razr+ (2024) Assessment
Greatest Small Telephone
Samsung Galaxy S24
Execs & Cons
Compact, premium construct
Flagship efficiency
Helpful AI options
Seven-year software program help dedication
Restricted RAM and storage choices
Can get heat whereas gaming
Why We Picked It
The bottom Samsung Galaxy S24 hits most of the identical excessive notes as its bigger, dearer siblings, together with quick efficiency, Galaxy AI instruments, glorious cameras, and dependable mobile reception. This mannequin simply offers up a little bit of battery life and costs extra slowly over a wired connection.
Who It is For
You probably have hassle working an enormous telephone, this is without doubt one of the greatest compact Android fashions available on the market with high-end specs. It is not a really small telephone, nevertheless it’s nonetheless your greatest wager if you would like one thing pocketable and highly effective.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions
5.79 by 2.78 by 0.30 inches
Display Dimension
6.2 inches
Display Decision
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Digital camera Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
13 hours, 5 minutes
Be taught Extra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Assessment
Shopping for Information: The Greatest Android Telephones for 2024
When Is the Greatest Time to Purchase a New Android Telephone?The Android launch cycle is perpetual, and a brand new set of flagship telephones arrives virtually each month. For example, we have already seen up to date Samsung Galaxy S and OnePlus {hardware} this 12 months, together with contemporary choices from Motorola and Google. Motorola launched up to date folding telephones in June, whereas Samsung and Google held occasions in July and August, respectively.Our level is that there is virtually at all times a brand new Android telephone obtainable and no dangerous time to purchase. The Greatest 5G Android PhonesSupport for 5G has now change into customary on any telephone that prices greater than $200. Gadgets under that threshold may not work on each band, however you should not fear an excessive amount of. 4G networks nonetheless provide glorious efficiency and can proceed to take action for years.
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Talking of bands, if you would like one of the best community speeds within the US, search for a telephone with C-band (band n77). On AT&T, T-Cellular, and Verizon, C-band 5G affords a number of instances the pace of 4G. The variety of telephones with C-band help is rising shortly, however it’s best to affirm that the actual telephone you are contemplating helps it. We element whether or not a telephone helps C-band in every of our evaluations to make the method simpler. For extra, take a look at our favourite 5G handsets.What Is the Greatest Low-cost Android Telephone?This checklist has telephones that value wherever from $200 to just about $2,000. On the low finish, Motorola, OnePlus, and Samsung fashions are usually glorious values for the cash. Service-branded telephones that do not point out the identify of the producer typically aren’t superb, and it’s best to keep away from them.Most of the telephones obtainable within the US value $600 or extra as a result of most individuals purchase them on month-to-month cost plans that cover the associated fee over 24 to 36 months. However there’s additionally a thriving market of telephones that value $300 or much less.For extra, see our tales on one of the best low-cost telephones, one of the best low-cost telephone plans, and our high tricks to get one of the best value on a mobile phone.What Dimension Android Telephone Is Proper for You?Android telephones are available quite a lot of styles and sizes. You’ll find them with acknowledged display screen sizes from 3 inches (the Unihertz Jelly Star) to over 7 inches (the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6). With the brand new designs, although, it is necessary to take a look at the width of the telephone. A tall, slender telephone may be a lot simpler to deal with than one thing wider, nevertheless it’s additionally a much less frequent facet ratio for apps to make use of.
Left to proper: Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely, S24+, S24 (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
In the long run, don’t low cost the worth of dealing with a number of choices in individual at your native wi-fi store. And take a look at our roundup of small telephones in your greatest compact choices.Which Is the Greatest Android Model?Usually talking, the latest model of Android is one of the best model of Android. Android 14 is the latest model of Google’s cellular platform on the time of this writing, although Android 15 is sort of right here. Some telephones on retailer cabinets nonetheless haven’t got entry to Android 13, although.No matter you do, do not buy a telephone that comes with something earlier than Android 13; the older the Android software program model, the extra possible it’s to have safety flaws. Additionally, examine what number of rounds of full working system upgrades and safety patches the producer guarantees. Google affords seven years of software program updates for the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 9 sequence, and Samsung does the identical for its Galaxy S24 and newest Z units. Different competing telephone makers are nonetheless catching up.
Google Pixel 8a (Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
Final, keep in mind that not all Android variations are the identical. If you would like a pure Google expertise, go for a Pixel system—they’re the fashions that get upgrades first. Motorola and Nokia (HMD World) provide a principally clear Android interface, although the businesses lag on long-term software program help. Samsung, OnePlus, TCL, and different telephone makers ship their telephones with skins that change the look and performance of Android to a point.What About Honor, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi?We do not cowl a number of the world’s greatest smartphone makers (Honor, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi) as a result of they do not promote telephones within the US (no less than through carriers), and we primarily serve US customers. Within the instances of Oppo and Vivo, it is as a result of they’ve ceded the US market to their sibling model, OnePlus (Oppo and OnePlus have merged). Xiaomi has stated a number of instances that its enterprise mannequin, which depends closely on promoting income and subscription companies baked into its telephones, will not work within the US. Honor is working laborious to make up floor in Asia and Europe however has largely nonetheless averted promoting within the US. The identical is generally true for ZTE, as soon as a mainstay of US pay as you go carriers.
Advisable by Our Editors
Oppo Discover N2 Flip (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
We do not advocate importing international telephones to be used within the US as a result of they typically carry out poorly on US service networks—in the event that they work in any respect.Is It Higher to Purchase an Android Telephone Unlocked or By way of a Service?Service-sold telephones nonetheless dominate the US market, however shopping for your telephone direct and unlocked offers you extra freedom to modify carriers. Unlocked telephones do not function service bloatware and are purchasable upfront, so you do not have to fret about month-to-month funds except you choose into financing.
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G (Credit score: Iyaz Akhtar)
You should buy each telephone on this checklist immediately with none service involvement. However most individuals nonetheless purchase their telephones via carriers, which provide a single level for service and help and month-to-month cost plans that dramatically decrease the upfront value. Many even provide elevated trade-in values on older telephones, additional slicing the value. You must also ensure your service (particularly should you’re utilizing an MVNO) helps a telephone absolutely earlier than shopping for it. Though you’ll be able to at all times hop between MVNOs with out penalty, should you’re completely satisfied together with your present service, it is best to ensure the telephone you purchase works on that community.With all that in thoughts, selecting Android as your cellular working system is barely half the battle; you continue to want to select the fitting telephone. In case you’re nonetheless on the fence, take a look at our checklist of one of the best telephones, no matter OS.Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.
