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The Android ecosystem is all about selection. Whereas iPhone homeowners have a smaller pool of latest units to select from when it’s time to improve, there’s a a lot wider vary of selections on Android. You desire a 10x telephoto lens in your cellphone? A built-in stylus? A cellphone that runs an entire desktop setting while you plug it right into a monitor? You will discover it on Android. Heck, you could find all of that in a single gadget.
On the flip aspect, all that selection could make for some laborious choices. Right here’s the place I’d like to assist; I’ve examined an entire boatload of latest Android telephones, and I feel there are some actual winners within the present crop. It’s all a matter of what you’re in search of, what you’re snug spending, and what your definition of a “reasonably sized phone” is. (I’ve my very own, personally.)
Right here’s one thing else to consider: one of many 12 months’s largest Android cellphone launches is probably going simply across the nook. We’re anticipating Google to announce new Pixels this fall, because it tends to do, and rumors level to some substantial upgrades to the digicam together with the tip of the curved-edge design, finally. When you’re focused on a brand new Pixel, it’s price ready some time to see what’s new this 12 months. In any other case, many of the 12 months’s main Android cellphone launches are behind us, and there are some nice choices on the desk.
When you dwell within the US, I’ve some unhealthy information in regards to the Android market, although. For classy causes having to do with “capitalism” and “geopolitics,” we don’t get practically as lots of the choices as you’ll discover in Asia and Europe — manufacturers like Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo simply aren’t out there right here. I’ve restricted this information to the units I’ve personally examined in depth; thus, it’s a pretty US-centric set of suggestions.
With that in thoughts, it’s additionally price acknowledging that most individuals within the US get their telephones “for free” from their wi-fi service. When you can handle it, shopping for a cellphone unlocked offers you probably the most flexibility and freedom if you find yourself wanting to alter carriers within the close to future. Telephone producers additionally supply financing and trade-in offers to make fee extra manageable. However if you happen to’re completely happy together with your service and the free cellphone on supply is the one you really need, by all means, take the free cellphone. Simply be sure you perceive the phrases, particularly if you must change plans to money in on the deal.
Nevertheless you go about it, you will have some improbable choices to your subsequent Android cellphone.
Greatest Android cellphone total
The Pixel 8 comes with simply a few key upgrades over the Pixel 7, and it misses out on a number of higher-end options on the 8 Professional, like a telephoto lens. However its mixture of worth, options, and the promise of seven years of OS updates makes it the most effective mainstream Android cellphone to purchase proper now.
Display screen: 6.2-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Tensor G3 / Cameras: 50-megapixel F1.7 principal with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10.5-megapixel selfie / Battery: 4,575mAh / Charging: 27W wired, 12W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IP68
There’s extra space between Google’s commonplace and Professional mannequin Pixels within the 8 sequence than there’s been prior to now couple of generations. The Pixel 8 will miss out on a few of the showcase AI applied sciences that the Professional will get within the coming 12 months, besides, it’s a cellphone with plenty of smarts and quality-of-life updates that will make nearly anybody completely happy.
Rather a lot has modified right here and there from the Pixel 7, beginning with the dimensions. In an age of huge and greater telephones, the Pixel 8 truly shrank just a little 12 months over 12 months, from a 6.3-inch display to six.2 inches. This brings the general gadget dimensions down only a smidge, too, making it a extra snug cellphone to carry one-handed. The display has been upgraded with a 120Hz high refresh fee, which has turn out to be the usual for high-end telephones (no less than on Android).
Different updates aren’t instantly apparent however make an actual distinction in how you utilize the cellphone in your every day life. Face unlock now works for funds and password managers — not simply unlocking your gadget. Google Assistant is healthier at understanding pauses and emphasis in pure language, which makes it really feel like a extra useful gizmo typically. The digicam system is sweet as at all times, bolstered this 12 months by the addition of some AI-driven picture enhancing instruments which might be creepily good.
Importantly, the Pixel 8 will get the fundamental stuff proper, too. The battery goes all day, there’s an IP68 score for sturdy mud and water resistance, and wi-fi charging is an choice if you happen to’re into that. Better of all, Google is promising seven years of OS upgrades, which is an enormous enchancment over the three platform updates it supplied on earlier fashions. All the above makes it a winner if you happen to’re in search of the most effective cellphone to get you thru your day now — and sustain for a very long time to return.
Learn my full assessment of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional.
Greatest “small” Android flagship
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 cellphone maintains a 6.1-inch display like its predecessor, but it surely now has a brighter panel with a stronger Gorilla Glass protecting for improved drop safety. Design-wise, it eschews the digicam bump round its three rear cameras, and it additionally has a much bigger battery than the S22.
Display screen: 6.1-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy / Cameras: 50-megapixel F1.8 principal with OIS, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: 3,900mAh / Charging: 25W wired, 15W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IP68
The Samsung Galaxy S23 isn’t actually a small cellphone. It’s simply an average-sized cellphone, however common begins trying awfully small when the most important telephones include 6.8-inch screens. It’s just a little bit greater than the Asus Zenfone 10, however its greater 6.1-inch display in comparison with 5.9 inches is well worth the tradeoff of a barely taller cellphone. It additionally has all of the conveniences of a real flagship cellphone, too: wi-fi charging, an IP68 score for thorough water and mud resistance, plus a devoted telephoto lens.
The digicam system is able to glorious images, although Samsung’s processing actually likes to lean into vivid colours, and typically it’s an excessive amount of. Portrait images are glorious, although, notably with the 3x telephoto lens. Battery life is sweet sufficient to get via a full day, however if you happen to plan to do plenty of gaming or different processing-intensive actions, you would possibly want a noon recharge. Small telephones, small batteries, and many others.
It might not qualify as really small, however as different cellphone makers push extra options to their greater, higher-end fashions, the Galaxy S23 stands out as a well-equipped virtually small cellphone. Simply don’t point out it to an iPhone Mini fan — it’s too quickly.
Learn my full assessment of the Samsung Galaxy S23.
Greatest cellphone with every little thing however the kitchen sink
The Galaxy S23 Extremely provides an enormous 6.8-inch display, built-in S Pen stylus, two telephoto cameras, and a top-notch Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It’s dear, however there’s nothing else fairly prefer it available on the market.
Display screen: 6.8-inch 1440p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy / Cameras: 200-megapixel principal with OIS, 10-megapixel 10x telephoto with OIS, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: 5,000mAh / Charging: 45W wired, 15W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IP68
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. It’s dear, beginning at $1,199, and because of a 6.8-inch display, it’s large. It’s additionally probably the most highly effective Android cellphone you should purchase within the US proper now, with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, S Pen stylus help with a built-in silo for storage, and two — depend ’em, two — telephoto cameras on the rear panel. It’s form of laborious to think about what else Samsung may probably stuff into this cellphone.
The display on the heart of this spec monster is a 6.8-inch OLED with a variable refresh fee as much as 120Hz and 1440p decision. It’s beautiful, and the even higher information is that it’s extra battery-efficient than final 12 months’s mannequin. Between that and the brand new chipset, the S23 Extremely will get via a full day of heavy use with just a little extra wiggle room than its predecessor may.
The S23 Extremely’s digicam system is a significant purpose to think about placing within the further money for this mannequin reasonably than the S23 Plus. There’s nothing fairly prefer it out there on every other flagship cellphone: there’s each a 3x and 10x telephoto digicam plus an ultrawide and, oh yeah, a 200-megapixel principal digicam.
The 200-megapixel factor is simply partially a stunt — more often than not, you’ll be getting a 12-megapixel file from it, however the further knowledge from all these pixels appears to assist the system provide you with some improbable photos. It sometimes makes some bizarre judgments or turns the HDR as much as 11, but it surely’s typically excellent and, right here and there, is even able to beautiful “I can’t believe it’s not a ‘real’ camera” images.
Our complaints about Samsung software program stand, sadly, and its faults are much more obvious on a really dear cellphone. Why the spammy clickbait hyperlinks within the climate app? And who on earth desires push notifications from the Samsung Galaxy retailer? You don’t get that form of factor on a Pixel cellphone. Nonetheless, there are sufficient spectacular issues in regards to the S23 Extremely that it’s price some minor software program annoyances.
Learn my full assessment of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely.
Greatest foldable cellphone
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 appears loads like its predecessor, but it surely now folds flat because of a brand new hinge with fewer shifting components. It maintains the 7.6-inch internal show and slim 6.2-inch cowl display, but it surely now makes use of the identical Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor present in Samsung’s Galaxy S23 telephones.
Display screen: 7.6-inch 2176p 120Hz OLED internal display, 6.2-inch 2316p 120Hz OLED cowl display / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 / Cameras: 50-megapixel F/1.8 principal with OIS, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10-megapixel selfie (cowl display), four-megapixel under-display selfie (internal display) / Battery: 4,400mAh / Charging: 25W wired, 15W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IPX8
Samsung’s flagship foldable isn’t the one present on the town anymore, but it surely’s nonetheless the only option for most individuals in search of a folding cellphone. Its multitasking capabilities are second to none, and it’s lighter and simpler to wield than Google’s Pixel Fold. The slim dimensions of the duvet show make it just a little awkward to make use of for normal cellphone stuff, however that’s an inexpensive tradeoff contemplating every little thing that the Fold 5 can do.
There are some essential issues to think about, although, beginning with the $1800 worth. That’s what the Pixel Fold prices, too, but it surely doesn’t matter the way you have a look at it — that’s loads to pay for a cellphone. The Fold 5 isn’t dust-resistant, both, so that you’ll wish to be considerably cautious together with your funding.
The Fold 5 isn’t precisely teeming with technological enhancements over final 12 months’s mannequin, both. There’s a brand new hinge that folds flat reasonably than with a spot between the 2 halves of the cellphone, and that’s about it. A few software program updates that it provides will come to older Fold units sooner or later, so there’s not a lot purpose to hurry out and commerce in your Fold 4 for a Fold 5.
When you’re a loyal Pixel fan or averse to the Fold 5’s slim type issue when closed, Google’s foldable may be a better option. However for most individuals, the Galaxy Fold 5’s versatility and good latest monitor file for sturdiness make it a greater guess.
Learn my full assessment of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Greatest various to Google and Samsung
The Nothing Telephone 2 embraces a sure retro-infused aesthetic that’s in contrast to the rest you’ll discover available on the market. It’s not licensed to work on Verizon, and its rear-panel LED gentle strips are extra fashionable than practical, but it surely’s a superb various to the large Android manufacturers.
Display screen: 6.7-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 / Cameras: 50-megapixel F/1.9 principal with OIS, 50-megapixel ultrawide, 32-megapixel selfie / Battery: 4,700mAh / Charging: 45W wired, 15W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IP54
The Nothing Telephone 2 doesn’t supply the perfect worth proposition in its upper-midrange class. For sheer ROI, the Pixel 7 is the higher choose. But when it’s model you’re after and one thing just a little totally different, then the Telephone 2 is a simple choose.
It provides a superb 6.7-inch display, nice every day efficiency and battery life, and a succesful digicam system. However that’s the same old stuff — what’s uncommon in regards to the Telephone 2 is its set of LED gentle strips on the again panel. They illuminate in mixtures known as “glyphs,” and you may set them to warn you to sure notifications. It’s neat however in the end isn’t as useful because the system’s customizable always-on show.
On the draw back, the Telephone 2 is simply splash-resistant reasonably than totally immune to water submersion like nearly all different telephones over $500. It’s additionally not totally supported on Verizon’s community, which takes it out of rivalry for lots of the US inhabitants.
If neither of the above is a deal-breaker, and the Telephone 2’s styling appeals to you, then it’s a wonderful selection. One factor’s for certain — it undoubtedly stands out from the group.
Learn my full assessment of the Nothing Telephone 2.
Different Android telephones price contemplating
There are lots of extra nice Android units that weren’t coated right here, and some are price calling out that didn’t fairly make the lower for a advice.
There’s the Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung’s clamshell-style foldable. It’s far more helpful than its predecessors, because of a much bigger 3.4-inch cowl display that means that you can sort out texts and emails on a full QWERTY keyboard. It’s not as versatile because the Fold 5, but it surely additionally prices a way more affordable $999. One other flip cellphone price contemplating: the Motorola Razr Plus. It’s not as sturdy because the Flip 5, and its cowl display widgets aren’t as helpful, but it surely runs full apps on the outer show extra simply. And it’s simply plain enjoyable, gosh dang it.
On the opposite aspect of the foldable spectrum, the OnePlus Open is a welcome addition to the combo with the most effective display format on a book-style folding cellphone. It’s skinny and light-weight, and the software program contains some considerate approaches to multi-tasking — a vital a part of the folding cellphone expertise. At $1,700, it’s simply $100 shy of the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 5 and misses a few key options that each of these different choices embrace: wi-fi charging and an IPX8 score. But when these omissions don’t hassle you and the shape issue appeals, it’s a stunning gadget to make use of.
There’s yet another Pixel cellphone to think about: the Google Pixel 7A. It’s $499 and has the identical Tensor G2 processor because the Pixel 7 and seven Professional. The 7A is certainly the most effective cellphone digicam you will get for the cash, and it comes with good creature comforts not often seen in funds units, like wi-fi charging. It’s on the dear aspect of the “budget” class, but it surely’s designed to go the space.
Replace October twenty second, 2023, 1:20PM ET: Changed the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus with the Google Pixel 8 as the most effective Android cellphone total. Eliminated the Google Pixel 7 and added the Samsung Galaxy S23 as the most effective small flagship cellphone. Eliminated the Google Pixel 7 Professional as an also-consider and added the OnePlus Open.