In the vast world of smartphones, choosing the right Android device can be a daunting task. Whether you’re a die-hard cameramaniac, a battery life champion, or a budget-conscious buyer, there’s a perfect Android phone out there with the specs and features to match your needs. We’ve explored the latest offerings to identify the best Android phones across various categories, so you can find the perfect match for your mobile lifestyle.
While the iPhone vs. Android debate is always heated, we have made it our mission to narrow down the top models in Android technology. Ready to figure out which phone is best for you? StudyFinds researched the best Android phones on the market, finding seven of the most commonly recommended picks across 10 expert sources. Your personal preference will depend on what features you find most valuable in a phone, along with your preferred price range. Let us know your pick in the comments below!
StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!
The List: Best Android Phones, According to Experts
1. Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro improves on the Pixel 7 Pro in almost every way, offering everything from an improved display and facial recognition to faster charging, and image capture in HDR for beautiful photos. Android Police highlights that the phone boasts a refined look with a matte glass back and flat-edged display. More importantly, they argue that the biggest improvements lie in the software. Google has made significant investments in AI enhancements across its apps, and these advancements are on full display with the Pixel 8 Pro.
The new model also includes a bevy of AI-powered features to make life easier like text-to-speech recognition or context-aware Call Screening responses. ZDNet focuses on what they call the Pixel 8 Pro’s “accessible creativity.” This refers to the way Google’s phone empowers users to take creative pictures without needing to be a professional photographer. They credit the Pixel 8 Pro’s powerful triple-camera system, combined with Google’s computational photography expertise, as the key factor that sets it apart from competitors.
Engadget agrees that Google made substantial upgrades to the Pixel line-up, placing these phones at the top of their list. They mention the new Tensor G3 chip, brighter displays, improved cameras, and longer battery life as key improvements. Engadget attributes the Pixel 8 Pro’s enhanced capabilities in photography and everyday use to the Tensor G3 chip, updated sensors, and a host of new AI-powered features, as well.
2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung has led the way for top of the line Android phones in the past few years with their Galaxy line, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerhouse of a phone made for heavy users who expect a lot from their tech. Reviewers agree that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra represents the pinnacle of the Galaxy Ultra line. Digital Trends highlights its powerful processor, exceptional camera, and beautiful display, all wrapped in a well-designed package. While expensive, they acknowledge it’s a phone built to last.
It isn’t cheap, but has every feature you could possibly need with the battery and processing power to back it up. Tech Radar describes design changes including a larger flat surface area that better accommodates the S Pen stylus. They also mention the use of the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for increased durability, and all the expected features from prior models such as water resistance and fast wired charging. The camera system is also a highlight, with a powerful main lens, multiple telephoto options, and an ultrawide lens, all working together to produce impressive photos.
The Verge acknowledges the phone’s high price tag and large size, but also recognizes it as the most powerful Android phone on the U.S. market currently. They point to the advanced processor, integrated S Pen with storage, and the unique dual telephoto camera system as evidence of Samsung packing everything they can into this feature-rich phone.
3. OnePlus 11
If you want a powerful phone that can still perform alongside other Androids but doesn’t cost nearly as much, the OnePlus 11 is cheaper for phones that do almost the same thing. The OnePlus 11 is even a strong competitor to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, particularly when considering its price point. Tom’s Guide highlights the OnePlus 11’s exceptional value with long battery life, powerful performance, and an improved camera system.
The cameras aren’t top tier, however, but will work just fine if you only plan to use your phone to capture the casual photo here and there. CNET emphasizes the OnePlus 11’s incredibly fast charging speeds, which can fully charge the battery in just 25 minutes with the 100-watt charger (though the U.S. version is limited to 80 watts, still faster than Samsung’s offering). They conclude that this phone is ideal for users who prioritize affordability, fast charging, and overall performance.
This phone’s incredible battery will last you 12-13 hours on a full charge depending on activities. ZDNet acknowledges OnePlus’s shift in strategy over the past few years, moving from budget-friendly phones to premium models and now back to a value-focused approach. They point out that for the low starting price, the OnePlus 11 offers a feature-rich package including a large display, long-lasting battery, capable camera system, and powerful processor.
4. Google Pixel 7A
If you don’t want to shell out for the Pixel 8 or 8 Pro, the 7A is a great option that still allows you to take advantage of most of the features that make the Pixel a great choice. Wirecutter points out that you get most of the important features like the Tensor G2 processor, a capable 64-megapixel camera, wireless charging, secure Face Unlock, and a vibrant 90Hz display for a much lower cost.
At a cheaper price point, the 7A still does more than most of Google’s other budget phones. While it has a smaller screen than other Pixel 7 models, Digital Trends says the 6.1-inch display is still impressive with rich colors and a smooth refresh rate, making it a great choice for everyday use.
The device has 8GB of RAM, runs on the Tensor G2 chip, and offers two cameras – a 64 megapixel main camera (higher than the iPhone 15 Pro’s main 48 megapixel camera) and a 13 megapixel ultrawide lens. Wired goes a step further, calling the Pixel 7a close to the “perfect phone for everybody.” They cite its attractive design, powerful processor for smooth performance, an upgraded camera system that delivers excellent photos, a comfortable display size, and a bright 90Hz refresh rate for a great user experience.
5. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A54G is another great budget option if you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly Android. The phone doesn’t have the fastest processor but should be able to handle most basic apps just fine if you aren’t planning on doing any heavy gaming or multi-tasking. Tom’s Guide highlights that for a cheap price, you get features typically found in flagship phones, including a long-lasting battery, a bright display, and an impressive camera system.
The camera on the Galaxy A54 isn’t the best and wouldn’t out perform the Pixel 7A in quality, but for the casual phone user who is only snapping photos here and there for memories, it should suit users just fine. TechRadar dives into the camera system, specifying a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, accompanied by an ultrawide sensor and a macro sensor. They praise the camera’s ability to capture bright and colorful photos in various scenarios, while acknowledging that the best quality comes from the main sensor.
ZDNet positions the Galaxy A54G within Samsung’s A series strategy, which prioritizes value, display quality, and battery life. They acknowledge that you might miss some of the more premium features found in higher-end models, but this phone offers a compelling alternative to those focused solely on camera performance, like Google’s Pixel A series.
6. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
If you want an unconventional phone that still has a screen the size of a smartphone, but can also fold to save space, this model is for you. The outside screen even lets users scroll though some apps, tackle calls, and answer messages while providing a bit of modern nostalgia that resembles old flip phones. Wired focuses on the phone’s compact folded size and the increased functionality of the 3.4-inch cover screen. They mention the ability to scroll through widgets and even use some apps without unfolding the phone. While they acknowledge camera improvements over the Motorola Razr+ and a more solid build overall, they point out that battery life isn’t a strong point.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 will still cost you a bit more than the other models on our list, which makes it hard to stand up to competitors if you value faster processors or better cameras, but the phone is designed well. CNET emphasizes the significant improvement in the cover screen size, allowing users to perform many tasks without unfolding the phone. They praise the phone’s overall design, making it a strong contender in the foldable phone market.
7. Nothing Phone (2)
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced novelty phone that will make you stand out, the Nothing Phone 2 is a great alternative to larger brands. The main feature is the light up glyphs on the back of the phone that can be programmed to represent different notifications. This model marks the brand’s debut in the U.S. market and is seen as a significant improvement over its predecessor. Wired acknowledges a price increase but highlights the phone’s powerful Snapdragon processor, high-quality display, and features like wireless charging and contactless payments.
It’s cheaper than other smartphones, but doesn’t offer full water resistance or the best camera, but this model is more about its unique design and display. The Verge highlights the phone’s strengths in terms of screen size, daily performance, battery life, and a competent camera system. However, they find the phone’s unique feature, the customizable LED light strips on the back (“glyphs”), to be more visually interesting than functionally useful compared to the standard always-on display.
Other reviewers, however, love how unique the glyphs are. Digital Trends focuses on the phone’s distinctive design, which remains unlike anything else on the market. They acknowledge the large size but praise its lightweight and manageable feel.
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
