If you're on the hunt for the best Android phone, you're diving into a world of options that go far beyond just iPhone alternatives. From folding behemoths that blur the line between smartphone and tablet, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, to devices optimized for gaming performance with extra buttons and air-cooled components, the Android market is where innovation thrives. There's no shortage of compelling phones, including the new Galaxy S25 lineup, which is already available for order. Many of these options offer excellent value, so you don't have to spend upwards of $1,000 to get a great phone.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Android Phones:

Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

0See it at Amazon### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

0See it at Amazon### Poco X5 5G

0See it at Amazon### RedMagic 10 Pro

0See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic### Google Pixel 8

1See it at AmazonI've been an avid Android user since 2012, starting with my first (and not my last) 3D phone. Over the years, I've tested a wide range of Android devices, from budget options to the first 5G phones, gaming phones with unique features, and various foldable, flip, and twist models. I've experienced the best from Samsung and Google, and explored lesser-known brands that have pushed the boundaries. My colleagues and I have hands-on experience with these devices, ensuring that our recommendations are well-informed and comprehensive. Whether you're looking for the best of the best or a budget-friendly option, we've got you covered. The Android market evolves quickly, so keep checking back for the latest and greatest devices.

What you'll find here are not just the best Android phones but some of the best smartphones available. You can choose from top-tier models or budget-friendly options that exceed expectations for their price range. And if nothing quite fits the bill, stay tuned—Android's rapid innovation means new devices are always on the horizon.

Contributions by Jackie Thomas, Danielle Abraham, and Georgie Peru.

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best Android Smartphone

Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

0Experience a massive 6.8-inch AMOLED screen on a phone powered by a robust processor, capable of running multiple apps, editing videos, gaming, and utilizing stunning cameras. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size6.8 inchesRear cameras4Front cameras1ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)Battery life5,000mAhStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TBStarting price$1,299.99PROSIncredible performanceExceptional camera systemCONSTitanium makes the device big and heavySince Samsung started using "Ultra" in its product names, these models have represented the pinnacle of the brand’s capabilities and design. After our Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review, we've crowned it the top Android phone of 2024. This device offers an unparalleled combination of features, making it the best Android phone available.

The display is a standout feature: a 6.8-inch 1440p AMOLED panel that delivers high brightness, extreme contrast, and fluid motion with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz. The S24 Ultra also includes S Pen support for precise input when a fingertip isn't enough. The phone is encased in a new blend of Gorilla Glass and a titanium frame, ensuring durability and resistance to water and dust.

Internally, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC is a powerhouse, ready to handle the latest apps, high-end games with maxed-out settings, and maintain smooth performance for years. Samsung also promises seven years of operating system updates, matching Google's commitment for its latest Pixel phones.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

5 ImagesSamsung equips the Galaxy S24 Ultra with five lenses, including a 200-Megapixel main sensor for incredible detail. For wider shots, there's a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and for zooming, both a 3x and 5x lens are available.

You can enhance your photography with AI tools, allowing you to search for objects in photos or edit and adjust them using AI.

With top-tier performance, exceptional design, versatile cameras, and long-term software support, the Galaxy S24 Ultra sets the standard for Android phones. It will remain the number one choice until another device can challenge Samsung across all these aspects.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Foldable Android Phone

### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

0The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a powerful and beautiful smartphone, with the only downside being its unusual aspect ratio when unfolded. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen7.6-inch 2160 x 1856 AMOLED (Main); 6.2-inch 968 x 2376 AMOLED (Cover)ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Camera50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 10MP frontBattery4400mAhWeight239g (0.52 lb)PROSStunning displays, inside and outExtremely powerfulCONSAspect ratios can be weirdLarge and versatile, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 we reviewed is a powerhouse with dual personalities. When folded, it boasts a tall 6.2-inch display, and when opened, it reveals a 7.6-inch screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, transforming from a smartphone to a tablet. Both displays use AMOLED panels, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrast.

The Z Fold 6 is designed for productivity, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which offers a significant performance boost (up to 22% in our tests). Whether multitasking with a split-screen setup, using the phone like a desktop with DeX, or playing the latest games like Wuthering Waves or Zenless Zone Zero, the Z Fold 6 performs flawlessly.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos

6 ImagesIn the camera department, the Z Fold 6 features a 50MP main sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and a zoom lens with 5x optical magnification and up to 30x digital zoom. Like the S24 Ultra, it supports Samsung’s AI tools for photo editing, and with an S Pen, you can achieve fine editing on the internal display.

The Z Fold 6's versatility makes it the best folding Android phone available. For those interested in a smaller option, consider the Z Flip 6 we also reviewed, which trades some camera and multitasking capabilities for a more compact design.

You can also explore our list of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 cases if you decide to go with this Android phone.

3. Poco X5 5G

Best Budget Android Phone

### Poco X5 5G

0An ultra-affordable phone with 5G, smooth performance, and a crisp display, though its cameras and gaming performance are modest. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.8-inch OLED, 1116x2480, 400 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading VersionCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 16-Megapixel SeflieBattery6,500mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSBrilliant display for gaming and entertainmentExcellent sustained gaming performanceStylish designCONSShorter software supportUnderwhelming camera systemPoco is renowned for its budget smartphones, consistently packing impressive features into affordable devices. The Poco X5 5G I personally reviewed was a standout bargain at its 2023 launch price of about $220, and it remains a great value today.

The Poco X5 5G's highlight is its 6.67-inch AMOLED display, which offers a sharp 1080x2400 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This provides excellent contrast and color for content consumption and smooth visuals for gaming on a sizable screen.

Powered by the Snapdragon 695G SoC, the X5 5G delivers solid performance for its price. It can handle games like Genshin Impact at medium settings and boasts a large 5000mAh battery, enabling extended use—even with the screen brightness maxed out, it can stream Netflix for nearly 20 hours.

Poco X5 5G – Photos

9 ImagesAdditional features on the Poco X5 5G include an IR blaster for use as a universal remote control and a 3.5mm headphone jack, both of which are rare in the US market.

However, budget devices like the Poco X5 5G often come with limitations. It may not receive long-term software support, having launched with Android 12 and updated to Android 14, and its cameras are underwhelming. If you're looking for a phone with a good screen and sufficient performance for entertainment, browsing, and staying connected, the Poco X5 5G is a solid choice.

4. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Android Phone

### RedMagic 10 Pro

0The RedMagic 10 Pro offers exceptional gaming performance with excellent sustain, packaged in a sleek design. See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagicProduct SpecificationsScreen6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportWhile many phones offer well-rounded features, the RedMagic 10 Pro stands out for its superior gaming performance. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and includes active cooling, providing better sustain than most phones. This means stable frame rates during long gaming sessions, even at max settings, allowing you to ignore mobile game warnings about high settings.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's 6.85-inch AMOLED display is both large and vibrant, with a 144Hz refresh rate and a hidden selfie camera for an uninterrupted gaming experience. It also features two capacitive shoulder buttons for enhanced control in games, enabling simultaneous actions like moving, aiming, and shooting in FPS games. The touchscreen's enhanced polling rate ensures prompt input registration.

While the RedMagic 10 Pro's cameras and software update promises may not match those of its competitors, it delivers a powerful package at a competitive price, starting at just $649. This savings can be invested in a quality mobile phone controller, making it a formidable competitor to devices like the Steam Deck.

5. Google Pixel 8

Best Midrange Android Phone

### Google Pixel 8

1Powered by the Tensor G3 chip, enjoy solid cameras, smart AI functions, and a bright, beautiful OLED display at an affordable price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.2-inch OLED, 1080x2400, 428 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G3 Camera50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10.5-megapixel selfieBattery4,575 mAhWeight187g (0.41lb)PROSWonderfully responsive screenSeven years of updates and OS supportImpressive cameraCONSRAM upgrade reserved for Pro modelThe Pixel 8 may not be the latest model, but it remains a fantastic phone, especially now that it's available at a lower price. There's little reason to opt for the Pixel 8a when you can get the Pixel 8 for just $100 more.

The Pixel 8 introduces significant upgrades, including the Tensor G3 SoC, which performs faster and cooler than its predecessor. The phone is also slightly smaller, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. Its 6.2-inch display offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a 2,000-nit peak brightness, delivering excellent visuals and complemented by decent stereo speakers.

A key advantage of the Pixel 8 is its seven-year commitment to operating system updates, security patches, and features, ensuring long-term usability and security.

The Pixel 8's camera system is another highlight, featuring an excellent main sensor for sharp, colorful photos in various lighting conditions. The ultra-wide camera, while not as impressive, offers a wide field of view. Getting such quality cameras on a phone for around $500 is a great deal.

What to Look for in an Android Phone

Choosing the right Android phone can be challenging, but these key factors can help guide your decision:

Storage space is crucial, especially if you plan to store videos, play games, or download music. While fewer phones now come with a Micro SD slot for expandable storage, some of our picks offer up to 1TB, suitable for most users. Cloud storage is also an option to free up space on your device.

RAM is vital for smooth operation. For everyday use, 4GB is sufficient, but heavy gaming and multitasking require more. All our recommended phones have at least 6GB of RAM, ensuring you can enjoy gaming and multitasking without issues.

The phone's processor is essential for performance. The number of cores and clock speed determine how quickly the phone can run processes. Snapdragon processors are common in Android phones, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 being one of the best currently available. Google's Pixel devices use the Tensor G3, which also offers excellent performance.

Best Android Phones FAQ

What is the difference between an Android phone and a smartphone?

Android phones are a type of smartphone. Since the iPhone popularized the term 'smartphone' in 2007, Google has been competing with its Android operating system. An Android phone is simply a smartphone running Google's Android OS, and with few exceptions, any device running Android is considered a smartphone.