The Best Android Phones, Tested and Reviewed
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
The best Android phone means something different to everyone—it's hard to find one that caters to every need. But chances are there's a smartphone that comes close to what you're looking for. From the bottomless pit of phone choices, these are my favorite Android handsets, including the Google Pixel 8A, WIRED's top pick. All the phones we've selected have advantages, and I've laid them out as best as possible based on extensive testing.
See our other mobile buying guides for more, like Best iPhones, Best Cheap Phones, Best Samsung Phones, Phones With a Headphone Jack, Best Pixel Phones, and Best Folding Phones.
Updated November 2024: We've added the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and notes about the upcoming release of the OnePlus 13 and Galaxy S25 series.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
Before You Buy
We recommend unlocked phones in this guide. When a phone is sold as unlocked, that means it can be used on multiple wireless carriers and networks. When you buy a phone directly from your wireless carrier, usually on a payment plan, it often comes locked to that network. Carriers are legally required to unlock a phone upon request so you can switch networks, but it's a big hassle. Try to pay full price for your phone, or make sure it specifically says it's unlocked. Buy it from the manufacturer directly, or investigate your carrier's policies for unlocking phones if they're bought on a payment plan that requires you to use its network. It's less of a hassle when you travel and want to switch to a local SIM card too.
The best way to switch phones is to follow the setup prompts when you first boot up your new device—make sure you transfer data from an old phone via a cable. Some manufacturers, like Samsung, will suggest you download a proprietary data transfer app on your old device, like Smart Switch, and you should. It means less work for you—whether it's fewer apps you need to sign into or fewer icons you need to rearrange. Check out our tips on setting up your new Android phone for more, and our steps on how to back up an Android.
What to Look for When Shopping
If none of the below smartphones strike your fancy and you want to keep looking, here are a couple of things to keep in mind as you shop.
- Display size: You hold a smartphone all the time, so make sure whatever you pick is the right size for your palms. Most small Android phones are around 6.1 to 6.3 inches (measured diagonally), whereas larger phones typically top out at 6.8 inches.
- Processor: Most smartphones are powered by a Qualcomm or MediaTek processor. Google phones use the company's in-house Tensor chip, and some Samsung phones utilize Samsung's Exynos processor in select markets. It's difficult to say how reliably a processor will perform without looking at reviews and benchmark results, so do your research. For Qualcomm, try to stick to its Snapdragon 7 series or higher, and for MediaTek, the Dimensity 7000 series or higher is a good place to start.
- RAM: You'll at the very least want a phone with 6 GB of RAM, though 8 GB would be better. This will let you juggle multiple apps much more seamlessly.
- Cooling: Good-performing phones can be ruined if they get too hot because then the processor gets throttled, causing slowdowns. This mostly applies to folks who game a lot, but it's worth checking whether there's a dedicated cooling system on the phone. You'll want to look for language like “heat pipes” or “vapor chamber cooling.”
- Refresh rate: Most phones used to come with 60-Hz refresh rates, meaning the display refreshed 60 frames per second. Nowadays, even cheap phones offer 90- or 120-Hz screens. The more frames refreshed in a second, the more fluid everything looks and feels. It might sound small, but it can make a big difference in your smartphone feeling buttery smooth. We have a broader guide that explains this technology further.
- Battery capacity: Smartphone batteries are measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). A big battery doesn't necessarily mean better battery life, because much depends on the size of the screen and other technologies the phone is powering. That said, most phones should have 4,000-mAh cells or higher, and you typically won't see anything higher than 5,500 mAh.
- Charging speeds: Most Android smartphones can charge fast, but certain companies offer shockingly fast recharge times. That's usually because they have a proprietary charging brick you'll need to use. You can find charging speed information on a phone's product spec page. OnePlus phones are famous for recharging fully within around 30 minutes.
- Software updates: Software support is crucial. It means your phone will stay secure for longer and you'll get new features over time. The gold standard in Android is seven years right now, thanks to Samsung and Google. However, if you have a cadence of replacing your phone every two or three years, then the lesser update policies of other Android phone makers might not be as big of a deal to you.
- Cameras: Camera specs are very misleading. A phone with a 108-megapixel sensor doesn't mean it will take better photos than a phone with a 50-MP sensor. The only way to really know is to look at reviews. What you can do, if the camera is important to you, is check if there's a versatile system. The best camera phones offer a primary wide camera, an ultrawide, and a telephoto zoom (usually at 5X zoom).
- Extra features: It's important not to overlook the smaller features you may expect. Does the phone have a near-field communication sensor (NFC) so you can make contactless payments? Does it have a good IP rating that can survive a drop in the pool? Is there wireless charging? What about a microSD card slot or headphone jack? Make sure you vet the phone's tech specs if you're after something specific.
- 5G service: Most new smartphones support 5G now, the current generation of network connectivity. If the phone you're looking at doesn't support 5G—don't fret! 4G LTE isn't going anywhere yet. Don't feel pressured to upgrade to a 5G phone or plan. That said, you do need a 5G-enabled smartphone if you want to make use of 5G speeds. It's available in phones as cheap as $200.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy?
Yes, for the most part. The exception is OnePlus and Samsung. Both companies are expected to launch their new flagship Android phones, the OnePlus 13 and the Galaxy S25 range, at the start of the new year. That said, it does mean you can score good deals on the perfectly capable OnePlus 12 or Galaxy S24 series.
How We Test Smartphones
I put my personal SIM card in every smartphone I test, and typically use it for a week if not two or three. I stress test performance by playing mobile games and running benchmark tests, and I often do camera testing by bringing a competing phone along and analyzing photos side by side on a larger, more color-accurate screen. I've been reviewing smartphones for close to a decade—not just the flagship devices either. I'm always testing cheap phones to see what innovations are trickling down.
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
The Best Android Phone Overall
Google Pixel 8AThe Pixel 8A (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes very close to being the perfect phone for everybody. It looks gorgeous (especially in the flashy Aloe color). It has a powerful processor—Tensor G3—to run demanding games and zip through dozens of apps with ease, with access to nearly all the same smart software features that make Pixels such a joy to use. The 64-MP camera and a 13-MP ultrawide capture better photos than most other phones at this price (and some pricier ones too). The 6.1-inch OLED screen is a nice size that's not too large and not too small, and it gets decently bright. Don't forget the smooth 120-Hz screen too! Then there's wireless charging and the IP67 water resistance rating. Google also has two modes of biometric authentication here: fingerprint or face unlock, and both can be used to access sensitive apps. Did I mention it costs less than $500? It will even last a while, thanks to a whopping seven years of software updates.
It does have some drawbacks. The battery life is just OK; on average it can last a day, but you'll need a power bank if you're a power user. Also, I had some issues with Real Tone, which is Google's imaging algorithm designed to more accurately capture darker skin tones. The results weren't as good as prior models. But if you can make do with those flaws, this is the best smartphone for the money.
Specs Display: 6.1 inch, 120-Hz, OLED Processor and RAM: Tensor G3 with 8 GB RAM Storage: 128 and 256 GB options Battery: 4,492 mAh Cameras: 64-MP main camera, 13-MP ultrawide, 13-MP selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): Seven years of software updates Extras: Wireless charging, IP67, fingerprint and secure face unlock, NFC Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks - Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
The Smartest Smartphones
Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XLGoogle's Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are the smartest Android phones. From instant transcriptions and summaries of recordings and calls to finding information from a long-lost screenshot you captured ages ago, these phones are chock-full of AI features that make a small difference in day-to-day use. These flagships are Google's most polished models to date, with a sleek new pill-shaped camera visor, a flat display, and flat edges for easier grip. They share the same features across both sizes, save for screen and battery size. The Pixel 9 Pro XL will last a bit longer, but neither phone will get much more than a day with heavy use.
The Pixel 9 Pro series has a vapor chamber cooling system that dissipates heat better, so you can run graphics-intensive games for longer periods without running into stutters or dealing with a super hot phone. But it's the cameras and photos that really make them shine. From the 5X optical zoom to the 42-MP selfie camera, you'll be satisfied with the results, as they deliver some of the best mobile photography. You can take things further by employing Google's AI camera features, like Reimagine, which lets you type text to generate things into existing images. Add a large moon in the background of your photo, make it look like it was raining, or change the lighting to golden hour. It's scary how good it is.
You can find more details in our dedicated Google Pixel Phone buying guide and our review, but the Pixel 9 Pro models have an excellent blend of smart software, polished hardware, and brawny internals that make them an easy recommendation to anyone looking to spend this much on a smartphone.
Specs Display: 6.3 inch and 6.8 inch, 120-Hz LTPO, OLED Processor and RAM: Tensor G4 with 16 GB RAM Storage: 128, 256, 512, and 1 TB options Battery: 4,700 and 5,060 mAh Cameras: 50-MP wide, 48-MP ultrawide, 48-MP telephoto (5X), 42-MP selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): Seven years of software updates Extras: Wireless charging, IP68, fingerprint and secure face unlock, NFC, VPN, Video Boost, Google One AI Premium Plan Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best Flagship Phones
Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 UltraNote: Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S25 series in January or February 2025. If you want the latest, it's worth waiting.
Samsung's smartphones are the crème de la crème of the Android world, with top specs, refined hardware, and excellent software support. Seriously, the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends) will all receive seven years of software updates, so you can hold on to your phone for longer (just like the Pixel 9). They're powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for smooth and powerful performance, especially when gaming, and the AMOLED screens are sharp and extremely bright with 120-Hz screen refresh rates. The batteries in all three should last you more than a day with average use. I break down the differences between all three models in this story, but suffice it to say that if you prioritize battery life, you should stick with the S24+ or S24 Ultra; the S24 is the smallest and best for anyone who prefers a tiny phone. The Ultra has the S Pen embedded inside, so it's a must-have for stylus stans.
The triple-camera systems on the S24 and S24+ are reliable and versatile, and the selfie camera remains one of the sharpest on the market. The S24 Ultra has an extra fourth camera—a 5X optical zoom that replaced the old 10X optical zoom. I miss it, but 5X is still a nice option to have. These phones also capture some of the smoothest and most detailed videos in the world of Android, so if you film a lot on your phone, the S24 series is right for you. There is also now a bevy of smart AI features, some of which are genuinely useful, though they're still not quite as smart as Pixel phones. Once you have your Samsung in hand, read my recommendations on what settings to change to get the most out of it. And I have case and accessory recommendations here too. Read our Best Samsung Galaxy Phones guide for more.
Specs Display: 6.2 inch, 6.7 inch, 6.8 inch, 120-Hz LTPO, AMOLED Processor and RAM: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with 8 GB | 12 GB RAM on S24+ and S24 Ultra Storage: 128, 256, 512 GB, and 1 TB options Battery: 4,000, 4,900, and 5,000 mAh Cameras: S24 and S24+ have a 50-MP main camera, 12-MP ultrawide, 10-MP telephoto, and 12-MP selfie cameras | S24 Ultra has a 200-MP main, 12-MP ultrawide, 10-MP telephoto (3X), 50-MP telephoto (5X), and 12-MP selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): Seven years of software updates Extras: Wireless charging, IP68, fingerprint unlock, NFC, S Pen stylus integrated on S24 Ultra Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks - Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
A Midrange Alternative
OnePlus 12RNote: We'll likely see the OnePlus 13R arrive early next year now that the company launched the OnePlus 13 in China. It may be worth waiting if you want the latest and greatest.
OnePlus reconnected with its roots in 2024, offering killer specs at surprisingly low prices. The OnePlus 12R isn't its flagship phone—that would be the OnePlus 12—but this handset has 2023's top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, offering excellent performance for just $500. If you're a heavy mobile gamer on a modest budget, buy this phone. The 6.78-inch AMOLED has a variable 120-Hz screen refresh rate and gets plenty bright too. The software feels slick, the primary camera does a decent job keeping up with the Pixel 8A, and the 5,500-mAh battery will last roughly two days with average use. You can recharge it very quickly too with the included charger (100 percent in about 30 minutes!).
So why isn't the OnePlus 12R our top overall pick? Sadly, it only has an IP64 water-resistance rating, meaning it'll be fine in the rain, but not so much if you drop it in a pool. Its secondary cameras, the ultrawide and macro, are a bit lackluster. It doesn't have wireless charging, a convenience available on the Pixel 8A. OnePlus is also promising only three Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates, which isn't as good as its Pixel competitor. Still, this is an excellent midrange smartphone if those limitations don't bug you (and they might not!).
Specs Display: 6.78 inch, 120-Hz LTPO, AMOLED Processor and RAM: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with 8 GB RAM Storage: 128 and 256 GB options Battery: 5,500 mAh Cameras: 50-MP main camera, 8-MP ultrawide, 2-MP macro camera, 16-MP selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): Three OS upgrades, four years of security updates Extras: IP64, fingerprint unlock, ultra-fast wired charging, NFC Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best Cheap Android Phone
CMF Phone 1CMF—a sub-brand from Nothing—has delivered a remarkable smartphone for just $239 (originally launched at $199). Sure, you can swap out the back to a different color via the screws and the included screwdriver. And it has a fun system that lets you attach various accessories via the thumb screw on the back corner of the phone, like a lanyard, kickstand, or wallet. But this Accessory Point is just the cherry on top. What's impressive is the sheer hardware itself. The CMF Phone 1 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best-performing phone you'll find for the money, with a surprisingly good camera system and two-day battery life with average use. The screen gets decently bright and is sharp and smooth too.
There are some caveats though. First, this phone is only available via a beta program in the US, so you'll need to sign up, and once accepted, you can purchase it. It also has spotty carrier compatibility. It'll work best on T-Mobile, and I had no issues on AT&T, but you might not get the best 5G coverage. CMF doesn't recommend you use it on Verizon. My only other gripe is the lack of NFC, meaning you can't tap to pay with this phone. Still, this is the best value in Android today.
Specs Display: 6.67 inch, 120-Hz AMOLED Processor and RAM: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 with 8 GB RAM Storage: 128 and 256 GB options Battery: 5,000 mAh Cameras: 50-MP main camera and portrait sensor, 16-MP selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): Two OS upgrades, three years of security updates Extras: IP52, fingerprint unlock, microSD, Accessory Point system Carrier compatibility: Works on T-Mobile and AT&T with spotty 5G coverage; not recommended on Verizon - Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best Folding Android Phone (It's Small!)
Motorola Razr+ (2024)Folding flip phones are the solution for folks who hate big-screen devices and want tiny things that can fit in the smallest pockets. This year's standout is the Razr+ 2024 (7/10, WIRED Recommends). It has a large, 4-inch cover screen that lets you launch any app, scroll through widgets like a calendar and weather, and even play fun mini-games designed for the compact form. My favorite is the ability to see the camera preview on this screen, so you can take high-quality selfies and make sure everyone is in the shot.
Open it up and you get a pretty normal Android phone experience with the 6.9-inch internal AMOLED display. Performance was more than satisfactory, even if this phone uses the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a slightly lesser version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in other top-end Android phones. Battery life won't wow you—heavy users may have to top up before the day's end. But at least Motorola has improved its camera system thanks to a new image processing algorithm, though processing time does take a few more seconds than I'd like. Still, this is a well-performing flip phone and one of the only smartphones around that comes in hot pink.
Specs External display: 4 inch, 165-Hz LTPO, pOLED Internal display: 6.9 inch, 165-Hz LTPO, AMOLED Processor and RAM: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 with 12 GB RAM Storage: 256 GB Battery: 4,000 mAh Cameras: 50-MP main camera, 50-MP telephoto (2X), 32-MP selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): Three OS upgrades, four years of security updates Extras: Wireless charging, IPX8, fingerprint unlock Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks
-Closed-Exterior-Screen-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg)
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best Under $300
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024)Motorola's 2024 Moto G Power is the best it's ever made (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It doesn't feel like it costs only $300. The faux leather back exudes luxury, and it's nice and slim. The performance is smooth thanks to a MediaTek Dimensity 7020 inside with 8 gigs of RAM. You'll see some slight hiccups here and there but it should handle most apps and games just fine. The cameras are solid, and the 6.7-inch LCD screen has a 120-Hz screen refresh rate and gets plenty bright. Best of all, Motorola has enabled the NFC sensor, so you can make contactless payments (about time), and the company has surprisingly brought wireless charging to this handset, making it one of the only sub-$300 phones with the convenience.
Sadly, it'll only get one Android OS update (to Android 15), but Motorola is promising three years of security updates. There's also a fair amount of bloatware on this phone, but thankfully, you can remove most of it.
Specs Display: 6.7 inch, 120-Hz LCD Processor and RAM: MediaTek Dimensity 7020 with 8 GB RAM Storage: 128 GB Battery: 5,000 mAh Cameras: 50-MP main camera, 8-MP ultrawide, 16-MP selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): One OS upgrade, three years of security updates Extras: Wireless charging, fingerprint unlock, NFC, headphone jack Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks - Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best Folding Phone
Google Pixel 9 Pro FoldThe Pixel 9 Pro Fold has some hardware differences from the flagship Pixel 9 Pro (despite both phones having “Pro” in their name, there are a few missing or lesser features on the Fold), but this is one of my favorite booklike folding phones at the moment (6/10, WIRED Recommends). It's remarkably thin—so much so that you'll keep using the 6.3-inch external screen and forget that you have a folding device in your hands. Open it up and you get one of the largest inner displays available, and it's great for playing games and watching YouTube. It's also wonderful for split-screen apps, allowing you to juggle multiple tasks without feeling constrained by the size of your screen.
This Pixel more or less has all the aforementioned smart software features as the Pixel 9 series, including the fun new camera features. You can read more in our Best Folding Phones and Best Pixel Phones buying guides.
Specs External display: 6.3 inch, 120-Hz OLED Internal display: 8 inch, 120-Hz LTPO, OLED Processor and RAM: Tensor G4 with 16 GB RAM Storage: 256 and 512 GB options Battery: 4,650 mAh Cameras: 48-MP main camera, 10.5-MP 5X telephoto, 10.5-MP ultrawide, 10-MP front camera, 10-MP inner selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): Seven years of software updates Extras: Wireless charging, IPX8, fingerprint and secure face unlock, NFC Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
For the Aesthetic
Nothing Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) PlusNothing is all about style, and this is reflected not just in its phone hardware design but also in its slick Nothing OS interface. If you feel like every phone looks and acts the same, you should check out the Nothing Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus (9/10, WIRED Recommends)—they will feel like a breath of fresh air. Yes, there's also the more widely available Nothing Phone (2), which goes for $699, but these handsets do nearly as much as their flagship sibling at around half the cost. Most notable are the Glyph LED lights on the back, which illuminate when you get notifications, but you can also set them to work with other apps—you can set a timer and the LED bar will decrease as the timer runs out.
I barely had any issues with performance on these smartphones—though this is the main area where they differ. The Phone (2a) Plus has a slightly more powerful processor, but both handled games and apps excellently. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screens have 120-Hz screen refresh rates that are sharp, bright, and fluid; there's NFC and an in-display fingerprint sensor; plus Nothing is promising three Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates. That's pretty good for sub-$400 phones.
Seriously, I used the Phone (2a) as my daily driver when I was covering the Mobile World Congress 2024 trade show, and it performed flawlessly. However, cameras and connectivity are its weaknesses. The photos you snap on this phone will be decent but nothing to write home about, though the Phone (2a) Plus does capture nicer selfies. Sadly, there's no Verizon support. You also have to enroll in Nothing's developer program to purchase the phone in the US; once you're accepted, you can buy it.
Specs Display: 6.7 inch, 120-Hz, AMOLED Processor and RAM: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro with 8 GB or 12 GB RAM; Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G with 12 GB RAM Storage: 128 and 256 GB options Battery: 5,000 mAh Cameras: 50-MP main camera, 50-MP ultrawide, 32-MP selfie camera; 50-MP selfie camera on Phone (2a) Plus Updates (from date of manufacture): Three OS upgrades, four years of security updates Extras: IP54, fingerprint unlock, NFC, Glyph lights Carrier compatibility: Works on T-Mobile and AT&T. Doesn't work on Verizon. - Photograph: Fairphone
Best Eco-Friendly Phone
Fairphone 5The Fairphone 5 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) isn't the most exciting smartphone, and it doesn't support all the cell networks in the US, but it's the best choice for eco-conscious consumers. It has received a rare 10 out of 10 on iFixit's repairability rankings and the company has B Corp certification. The Fairphone 5 is manufactured ethically, and it's made of post-consumer recycled materials, like the 100 percent recycled plastic back cover. The battery is removable and replaceable, as are the camera, speaker, earpiece, USB-C port, screen, and more. You can replace all of these yourself (you need a screwdriver), and each phone has a five-year warranty. The company also promises to deliver five Android OS upgrades and eight years of security updates. Wowza. If you hate the idea of constantly upgrading your phone, this phone's for you.
The downside? Performance is just OK and the cameras are middling. It's not sold in the US, either. You can import it, but you won't get full network compatibility. I wish more manufacturers followed Fairphone's lead.
Specs Display: 6.46 inch, 90-Hz, OLED Processor and RAM: Qualcomm QCM 6490 with 8 GB RAM Storage: 256 GB options Battery: 4,200 mAh Cameras: 50-MP main camera, 50-MP ultrawide, 50-MP selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): Five OS upgrades, eight years of security updates Extras: IP55, fingerprint unlock, NFC, microSD, repairable, five-year warranty Carrier compatibility: Not fully compatible with US carriers
-LEFT-Nothing-Phone-(2a)-Plus-(RIGHT)-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg)
- Photograph: Simon Hill
For Camera Lovers (Outside the US)
Xiaomi 14 UltraWIRED reviewer Simon Hill says the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the best camera phone he's ever used. It's not a major leap from the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, touting a similar design with a big round camera module and fake leather back, but the screen is flat with only a very slight curve on the glass. Performance is slick, battery life is solid, the screen is sharp and bright, and it charges very fast. Because it’s a global version, you have access to all your Google apps and services; his banking apps and Android Auto work on it (often a problem with Chinese phones).
But the key reason to buy this phone is the 50-MP primary camera and its 1-inch sensor. That's positively massive compared to the sensors on all the other smartphones in this guide. A bigger sensor means it can absorb more light, resulting in sharper details, brighter low-light images, and less grain. You can also buy a photography kit, which adds a grip with a battery and physical controls, to further fuel your photography kick.
Specs Display: 6.73 inch, 120-Hz LTPO, OLED Processor and RAM: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with 16 GB RAM Storage: 512 GB Battery: 5,000 mAh Cameras: 50-MP main camera, 50-MP telephoto (3.2X), 50-MP telephoto (5X), 50-MP ultrawide, 32-MP selfie camera Updates (from date of manufacture): Four OS upgrades, five years of security updates Extras: Wireless charging, IP68, fingerprint unlock, NFC, Leica tuning Carrier compatibility: Not officially supported in the US
Other Phones to Consider
We test a ton of Android phones. We like the ones below, but you'll be better off with one of the options above. If you haven't yet done so, check out our Best Cheap Phones and Best Folding Phones guides for more.
Google Pixel 9 for $799: The Pixel 9 is a really great smartphone (9/10, WIRED Recommends), but between the Pixel 8A and the Pixel 9 Pro series, it struggles to stand out. It shares many features with its pricier siblings, but you can get a very similar experience with the Pixel 8A, all while saving hundreds of dollars. If you love the design and want the new smart software features, don't let me stop you! But there's a good chance the Pixel 8A will get many of the same perks via a software update soon.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE for $650: Samsung's Galaxy S24 FE is in a similar boat as the Pixel 9. It's too close in price to the flagship Galaxy S24 series, which you can find on sale for not much more, and there are cheaper phones that are just better value. It's a perfectly capable smartphone with a triple-camera array (including a 3X telephoto camera), and it delivers good performance. It has wireless charging, is IP68 water resistant, and has solid day-long battery life. It's a shame the design’s a bit drab.
Google Pixel 8 for $499 and Pixel 8 Pro for $719: The Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2023 are still available to buy and they're great devices with lots of life left in them. Just make sure you don't spend more than $500 or $700. Anything more and you should just buy from the new Pixel 9 series.
Honor Magic V3 for £1,799: If you're outside the US, the Magic V3 might be the best folding phone right now; it's certainly the world's thinnest folding phone (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It has great battery life, a wide external screen that feels like a normal phone, and an expansive inner screen when unfolded. Even the cameras are versatile, though the ultrawide isn't great, and the phone's overall software can induce some annoyances.
OnePlus 12 for $650: Now that OnePlus has launched the OnePlus 13 in China, the only reason to buy the OnePlus 12 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is if you can find it at a good discount. I would say anything under $600 makes it a solid buy, though it should dip even lower than that in the coming months. OnePlus worked closely with Qualcomm to synergize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset inside with the software, crafting an incredibly polished experience that's buttery smooth and fast. As usual, you can recharge the phone very quickly (the charger is included in the box). OnePlus has brought wireless charging support back, and you can also recharge it fast if you use the company's proprietary wireless charger (a separate purchase). What sets it back is the curved glass display, which is dated and not as nice to use as a flat display. It's also only IP65 water-resistant, and while it'll get four Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, that's not as good as the seven years of support from Samsung and Google.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 for $1,900: The Fold6 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is an excellent big-screen folding smartphone. If you're worried about durability and repairability when purchasing a fold, Samsung is your best bet as it has been producing these devices for the longest time. The cameras snap great photos, the displays get shockingly bright, and Samsung promises lengthy software support. The Fold6's exterior screen is slightly wider and much nicer to use than previous iterations, but otherwise, there are not a ton of new changes outside of AI advancements. You can still snag last year's Galaxy Z Fold5 to save some dough.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 for $1,100: The Flip6 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) has some perks over Motorola's new Razr+, like a nicer hinge mechanism, better build quality, stronger cameras, and longer software support. But I still preferred the overall experience on Motorola's flip, mostly due to the larger external screen. Still, the Flip6's 3.4-inch cover screen is handy for glancing through widgets, and you can open it up to get a big-screen Android phone experience. The Galaxy Z Flip5 is a worthy option if you don't mind buying last year's tech at a lower price.
Xiaomi Poco X6 for £319 and X6 Pro for £369: Not in the US? You should take a look at the Poxo X6 or Poco X6 Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommends). These are speedy phones considering the low prices, great displays, and decent battery life, plus the X6 even has a headphone jack! It's a shame there's a lot of bloatware and limited water resistance, and the cameras are lackluster.
Motorola Moto G Play 2024 for $150: On a tight budget? This Motorola phone doesn't have NFC for contactless payments, nor does it support 5G. It'll also only get one Android OS upgrade. That said, performance was pretty good in my time testing it, and the 6.5-inch LCD screen was readable in sunny conditions.
Mobile Accessories You Might Need
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg)
We have case recommendations for a few popular devices, like Samsung's Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, and S22 range or Google's Pixel 9 series. It's smart to slap a case on these glass sandwiches and even a screen protector to keep the display free of scuffs and scratches. Here are a few other noteworthy accessories, including charging adapters, which many phones don't include anymore. Read our Best USB-C Cables guide for other recommendations.
Anker 45-Watt Charger for $20: This tiny charger will be all most people need to charge most smartphones. It's compact, reliable, and cheap, plus the prongs fold up. More smartphones than ever can go up to 45-watt charging speeds, so take advantage with a 45-watt charger.
Peak Design Samsung and Pixel Everyday Case for $50: If you have a Samsung or Pixel phone and you frequently mount your phone to a bike or scooter, you owe it to yourself to snag this case and Peak Design's bike mount. The case snaps perfectly into the mount, is dead simple to release, and has yet to fall off after years of riding. Peak Design also sells several other accessories you can attach to the back of these cases, bringing Android into Apple's MagSafe ecosystem.
Nimble Champ Portable Charger 10,000 mAh for $60: This portable battery is small enough to leave in a bag but has enough power to fully recharge your phone once or twice. There's a USB-C and USB-A port, it delivers 18 watts of power, so it can recharge your tablet or phone, and it's housed in 73 percent post-consumer plastic with plastic-free packaging.
Nomad ChargeKey for $25: When your phone dies, it's almost always when you forget to bring a charger or battery pack. The ChargeKey is a nifty solution—it's like clipping a tiny USB-C charging cable to your keychain. Just plug one end into your phone and the other into any kind of power source (a friend's phone or a charging adapter if you manage to find one), and you can top up your phone. Native Union also has a similar item that's cuter but just as capable.
Choose a Wireless Charger: Our guide to the best wireless chargers includes dozens of models in varying colors, shapes, and materials, and even some designed for specific phones. Not every Android phone supports wireless charging, but it's a luxury you'll want to take advantage of. Take a gander at our guide for our favorites.
