10 Best Android Phones

Wally Nowinski
editor

Google's Android is an extremely versatile and customizable operating system. Android phones usually offer better value for money than iPhone alternatives, and many models offer features that are absent in iPhones such as expandable storage and USB-C connectivity. With over 70% global market share, there is a huge range of Android models available, which can make it difficult to choose a specific model. There can be no best Android phone for everyone, because everyone will have different preferences when it comes to budget, screen size, battery life, camera quality, and specific features like a microSD slot and a headphone jack. Our experts used the PerfectRec decision engine to take all aspects into consideration. We combed through our phone database to find the best all-around Android phone available in 2023. Here are our top picks.

Our criteria for the best android phone:

  • Operating System: Our experts looked for the best Android phones available, without giving any special weight to size, budget, camera or battery life.
To consider others factors, try the PerfectRec decision engine to get your personalized phone recommendation
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10 Best Android Phones

1
BEST RATING
Performance:
4.8
Size: Large Android
Camera: Very Good
Battery: Very Good




Expert Summary
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is a premium-priced phone with a high-quality glass build and a large 6.6-inch OLED screen. It operates on the Android system and is equipped with a very good camera setup including a 50-megapixel main camera and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera, offering excellent photo and video quality. It features a 4700 mAh battery, which provides a decent battery life. Being a recent 2023 model, it also supports 5G connectivity. It has a considerable amount of storage space and does not have an SD card slot for expansion. There is no headphone jack, but it does support NFC, Wi-Fi 6e, and both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. The device is also water and dust resistant. If you're looking for a high-performance device with a top-tier camera system and modern features, and you're okay with the absence of a headphone jack and SD card slot, the Galaxy S23+ could be suitable for you.
Pros
  • Latest Android operating system
  • Large screen size at 6.6 inches
  • High battery capacity for extended use
  • Exceptional photo and video quality
  • Supports 5G for fast connectivity
Cons
  • No headphone jack included
  • No room for SD card expansion
  • No support for stylus input
  • Moderately heavy weight at 6.91 ounces
2
Samsung

Galaxy S23

BEST RATING
Performance:
4.8
Size: Medium Android
Camera: Very Good
Battery: Very Good




Expert Summary
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is positioned at an upper midrange price with 128GB of storage. Released in February 2023, it operates on Android, featuring a glass body and a 6.1-inch OLED screen without curved edges. The display offers excellent quality with a high refresh rate and is capable of high brightness. Its 3900mAh battery supports a reasonable length of battery life. The camera system is impressive with high-quality photo and video capabilities; it includes a 50MP main camera, 10MP telephoto with a 70mm focal length, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Video recording goes up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps. The S23 has stereo speakers but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and an SD card slot. It supports 5G, NFC, the latest WiFi 6e, and Bluetooth 5.3 standards, offers wireless charging, and has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, making it a durable choice. The device has a punch-hole front camera, in-display fingerprint sensor, and supports Wireless DeX for desktop-like functionality.
Pros
  • High-quality OLED screen
  • Excellent camera performance
  • Wireless and reverse charging
  • Durable with IP68 rating
  • Supports 5G networks
Cons
  • Moderate battery life
  • No headphone jack
  • No SD card slot
  • No periscope camera
3
OnePlus

11

BEST RATING
Performance:
4.8
Size: Large Android
Camera: Good
Battery: Very Good




Expert Summary
The OnePlus 11 is an Android phone with high performance at an upper midrange price. It has ample storage, and the battery life is respectable. The camera system offers very good still photo and video quality, with features like Auto HDR, and can handle advanced tasks such as RAW output and HDR video. It sports a large 6.7-inch curved OLED display with high brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate, promising a top-notch viewing experience. Note that there is no 3.5mm headphone jack, SD card slot, or wireless charging, which may be important considerations for some users. It's built with quality materials and includes a high-performance charger in the box.
Pros
  • High-performance fast charger included
  • Long battery life
  • High refresh rate OLED display
  • Very good camera quality
  • 5G enabled
Cons
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack
  • No wireless charging
  • No SD card expansion
  • No IP water or dust rating
4
Google

Pixel 8

BEST RATING
Photos:
4.6
Size: Medium Android
Camera: Very Good
Battery: Good




Expert Summary
The Google Pixel 8 is a midrange-priced smartphone that offers good value, especially with its excellent still photo quality and very good video capabilities, thanks to the 50 MP main camera and additional features like HDR Video and Magic Eraser. With a 6.2-inch OLED screen and 120Hz refresh rate, it provides a smooth visual experience. While it operates on the latest Android version and uses Google's TensorG3 processor paired with 8GB of RAM for smooth performance, you will get a decent battery life of over 7 hours. This phone is designed with a glass body and has a fast under-display fingerprint sensor for security. It also provides durability with dust and water resistance. However, it lacks an SD card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, and stylus support, so be ready to rely on wireless solutions for your audio and storage needs.
Pros
  • Good battery life
  • Excellent photo quality
  • Supports 5G connectivity
  • Offers wireless charging
  • USB-C main port
Cons
  • No front-facing stereo speakers
  • No headphone jack
  • Lacks SD card support
  • No desktop mode
5
Google

Pixel 6

BEST RATING
Overall Camera:
4.3
Size: Medium Android
Camera: Good
Battery: Fair




Expert Summary
The Google Pixel 6 is a budget-friendly phone with a glass body and Android operating system. Its camera setup offers very good photo and fair video quality overall. The primary camera has 50 megapixels, and there's a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. It doesn't have a telephoto or periscope camera, but it does include Google's exclusive camera features like Magic Eraser. The battery capacity is decent and it supports wireless charging. With a 6.4-inch OLED display having a 90Hz refresh rate, you get a smooth and vivid experience. The phone lacks a headphone jack and an SD card slot but comes with dual SIM support and an under-display fingerprint sensor. It's powered by Google's custom Tensor processor and has 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. If you're looking for a phone with strong photographic capabilities, a smooth screen, and exclusive software features at a more accessible price, the Pixel 6 could be a compelling choice.
Pros
  • Android operating system
  • Good battery life
  • High-quality OLED display
  • Strong main camera
  • Wireless charging
Cons
  • No telephoto camera
  • Average video quality
  • No headphone jack
  • Moderate peak brightness
6
BEST RATING
Performance:
4.8
Size: Smallest Android
Camera: Fair
Battery: Very Good




Expert Summary
The Asus Zenfone 10 comes with a plastic body and is priced in the upper midrange. It has a 5.92-inch OLED screen with high refresh rates and a resolution offering good screen quality. Its camera setup provides fair video and poor photo quality, which might be a drawback for those who prioritize photography. The phone supports 5G, has a moderate battery life, and is powered by a competent processor with ample RAM, boosting overall performance. Storage space is standard, and it also features a convenient headphone jack and stereo speakers. However, bear in mind the battery capacity isn't the largest and the plastic construction may not feel as premium as other materials.
Pros
  • Compact screen size
  • High refresh rate display
  • Headphone jack included
  • 5G connectivity
  • Android operating system
Cons
  • Average battery life
  • Poor still photo quality
  • Fair video quality
  • Lower battery capacity
7
BEST RATING
Battery Life:
4.9
Size: Largest Android
Camera: Excellent
Battery: Best in Class




Expert Summary
If you're looking for a premium phone with top-of-the-line features, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra might be a great choice with its excellent camera system including a very capable 200-megapixel main camera and a 10x optical zoom telephoto lens. It also comes with an integrated stylus, which can be quite handy for note-taking or drawing. The high-resolution OLED display is large, and it offers a high refresh rate for smooth visuals. Moreover, it supports 5G connectivity for faster data speeds. The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs on Android and offers a high-quality build with a glass back. However, all these advanced features come at a premium price. Keep in mind that there is no headphone jack or SD card slot, so if those are important to you, you might need to look at other options.
Pros
  • High-resolution OLED screen
  • Very capable 10x optical zoom
  • Integrated stylus
  • Excellent overall camera quality
  • Long battery life
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Heavy weight
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack
  • No SD card support
8
BEST RATING
Overall Camera:
4.4
Size: Large Android
Camera: Very Good
Battery: Fair




Expert Summary
The Google Pixel 6 Pro is positioned at a midrange price and offers a strong photography experience with a very capable telephoto lens that provides 10x optical zoom. Users in need of an Android device with a glass back, large battery capacity, and a 6.71-inch curved OLED screen will find it compelling. Its camera system includes features for RAW output and HDR video, providing very good picture quality and good video quality. For performance, the Pixel 6 Pro is equipped with Google's Tensor processor and 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth operation. It boasts a high 120Hz refresh rate display for fluid visuals. However, users requiring a 3.5mm headphone jack or expandable storage through an SD card slot will need to look elsewhere, as the Pixel 6 Pro lacks these features. It supports 5G connectivity, boasts stereo speakers, NFC, the latest Wi-Fi 6e, and both wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities. Battery life is average, and the phone includes useful features like IP dust and water resistance, face unlock, and an under-display fingerprint sensor. The Pixel 6 Pro comes with a warranty of 12 months and charges via a USB-C port. Overall, it's a good choice for users who prioritize camera quality and display performance without needing the highest tier price point.
Pros
  • Excellent telephoto lens with 10x zoom
  • High-quality still photo and video
  • Integrated stylus adds functionality
  • 120Hz OLED display for smooth visuals
  • Good overall camera quality
Cons
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack
  • No SD card slot for expandable memory
  • Moderate battery life despite large capacity
  • No face unlock feature
9
BEST RATING
Battery Life:
4.4
Size: Large Android
Camera: Good
Battery: Very Good




Expert Summary
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a budget-friendly phone with a glass body and released in January 2021. It operates on Android, featuring a sizable 6.7-inch OLED display with a high refresh rate of 120Hz for smooth visuals, though it doesn't have a curved screen edge. With a battery capacity that allows for around 8 hours of battery life, it should last most users a full day on a single charge. Photographers will appreciate its good-quality triple camera setup including a 12MP main, 64MP telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide lens; it also supports HDR10+ video, captures still photos well, and can record video at high resolutions, including 8K at 24fps. The phone offers solid performance with the Snapdragon 888 processor and 8GB RAM, ensuring apps and games run smoothly. It does not have a headphone jack, but it supports NFC, 5G connectivity, and wireless charging, including reverse wireless charging. Lastly, while it does not support SD cards, the internal storage of 128GB should be adequate for most users.
Pros
  • High-quality OLED display
  • Strong overall camera performance
  • 5G connectivity for rapid data
  • Robust processor for smooth performance
  • IP68 water and dust resistance
Cons
  • No headphone jack
  • Average battery life
  • Lacks microSD card slot
  • No charger included in the box
10
BEST RATING
Photos:
4.6
Size: Largest Android
Camera: Very Good
Battery: Good




Expert Summary
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, offered at a premium price, is a high-end smartphone with a robust set of features, including a glass body and an integrated stylus. It comes with 128GB of storage and operates on the Android system. The phone boasts a large 6.8-inch curved OLED screen with a high refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals. The camera system is a highlight, offering very good still photo quality and good video quality, with the main camera at 108 megapixels and a telephoto lens capable of 10x optical zoom. Its 5000 mAh battery provides substantial battery life. It includes features like 5G, NFC, and wireless charging, though it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage via an SD card. If you value a phone with a sophisticated camera system, large display, and longevity, this model is a solid choice, but keep in mind it comes without some features that could be important for you, like a headphone jack or SD card slot.
Pros
  • Integrated stylus for productivity
  • Very capable telephoto lens with 10x zoom
  • Good battery life
  • High screen refresh rate
  • Excellent screen quality
Cons
  • Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack
  • No SD card slot for storage expansion
  • Heavier than many other phones
  • Expensive cost