The Best Android Phones
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The Best Android PhoneGoogle Pixel 7ARead more
Best Flagship PhonesSamsung Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 UltraRead more
Great Value Flagships (and Awesome Cameras)Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 ProRead more
Best Small PhoneAsus Zenfone 9Read 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 our favorite Android handsets, including the Google Pixel 7A, our top pick. All the phones we've selected here have their own advantages, and we've laid them out as best we can based on our extensive testing.
Check our other related product guides, including the Best iPhones, Best Cheap Phones, Best Phones With a Headphone Jack, Best Cheap Phone Plans, and How to Pick a Better Cell Phone Carrier, for more mobile recommendations.
Updated May 2023: We've added the Google Pixel 7A, Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, and Asus ROG Phone 7 to our top recommendations, and we've added the Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola to our Honorable Mentions section.
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- Photograph: Google
The Best Android Phone
Google Pixel 7AThe Pixel 7A (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes very close to being the perfect phone for everybody. It looks gorgeous (especially in the flashy Coral color). It has a flagship processor (Tensor G2) to run demanding games and zip through dozens of apps with ease. It has an upgraded 64-megapixel camera and a 13-megapixel ultrawide that take better photos than most other phones its 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 90-Hz screen too! Then there's wireless charging and the IP67 water resistance rating. Did I mention it costs just $499? Really, it has it all, and it will even last a while, thanks to the five years of security updates and three Android OS upgrades.
OK, it does have some concessions. It lacks a headphone jack and a microSD card slot, so if those are important to you, look elsewhere. 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. And the fingerprint sensor isn't my favorite. But even with these flaws, it's easily the best bang for your buck.
Works on all three major US networks.
- Photograph: Samsung
Best Flagship Phones
Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 UltraIf you want a no-compromises best-of-the-best kind of smartphone, then look no further than Samsung's latest Galaxy S23 range (9/10, WIRED Recommends). Whether you opt for the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23, the 6.6-inch S23+, or the massive 6.8-inch S23 Ultra, these phones are chock-full of high-end features, from the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset that keeps even the most demanding games running beautifully to the wonderfully fluid and bright 120-Hz AMOLED displays. Battery life has improved across the board, with the S23 comfortably lasting more than a day and the S23 Ultra hitting nearly two full days with average use.
The triple camera systems are the highlight, delivering remarkable results whether it's day or night, and there are plenty of modes and controls to get the look you want. They also offer some of the most stable video footage you can capture on Android phones, particularly with the Ultra. Speaking of, the S23 Ultra technically has four cameras—retaining the extra 10X optical zoom camera from its predecessor—providing versatility whether you want to photograph an ant up close or a faraway kid on a soccer pitch. It's the only phone in the trio with the embedded S Pen stylus if you like to doodle. (I like using it as a Bluetooth remote for the camera.) Best of all, the lineup will receive four Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, which is the best you'll find in Android land.
Works on all three major US networks.
- Photograph: Google
Great Value Flagships (and Awesome Cameras)
Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 ProGoogle's Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are the most refined Pixels yet, and they remain the best values you can get in Android. For just $599, the Pixel 7 gives you practically everything you'd want, from wireless charging to a 90-Hz screen refresh rate. It's actually overshadowed by the new Pixel 7A that's a little cheaper, though the Pixel 7 does have a slightly larger 6.3-inch OLED screen. The Pixel 7 Pro is even bigger with a 6.7-inch screen and it has a 120-Hz refresh rate. Both feature Face Unlock, but this isn't as secure as a fingerprint, so you can only use it to unlock the phone. In typical fashion, there are several smart software features powered by the Tensor G2 chip, like audio message transcriptions in Android Messages, and Photo Unblur, which deblurs old photos in Google Photos, even if they were captured on an old point-and-shoot.
Cameras are a big part of Pixels, and the Pixel 7 Pro outshines its sibling with an upgraded ultrawide with autofocus, enabling a new Macro Focus mode for close-ups. Its telephoto camera has also improved, with excellent 5X optical zoom. Updated Super Res Zoom image-processing algorithms also mean you get sharper photos whether you're shooting at 2X or 30X zoom. They're hard to beat at these prices, and it helps that they're regularly on sale too (try not to pay full price). These Pixels will receive five years of security updates, which is great, but only three OS upgrades, which is not as good as what Samsung offers.
Works on all three major US networks.
- Photograph: Asus
Best Small Phone
Asus Zenfone 9Itching to go back to a time when phones were … small? Or when they had headphone jacks? Fear not! Asus is here to save the day with the Zenfone 9 (7/10, WIRED Recommends). It's one of the tinier Android phones I've seen in recent memory with its 5.9-inch AMOLED screen. It has a wonderfully textured back that makes it a joy to hold too. And it's powerful—inside is the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset from 2022, meaning the Zenfone can tackle any game with ease. The display supports a 120-Hz screen, and in my testing, the 4,300-mAh battery comfortably lasted well into a second day on a single charge. Dual stereo speakers round it out with—yep—a headphone jack. It's a shame there's no microSD card slot, but hey, you can't have everything.
The dual-camera system is reliable, and Asus' special gimbal system helps deliver smooth stabilization for videos that comes close to matching the iPhone 14. As for photos, it's no Pixel, but I was generally happy with the results it usually captured. Sacrifices? There are a few. There's no wireless charging, which you can probably live without, but carrier compatibility is the big one. It'll work on T-Mobile and AT&T just fine, but it won't work on Verizon. Asus also has a lackluster software update policy—it's only committing to two years of OS upgrades and security updates, which is one of the worst around for a phone this price.
Works on T-Mobile and AT&T. Doesn't work on Verizon.
- Photograph: Samsung
A Midrange Alternative
Samsung Galaxy A54 5GSamsung also has a great A-series phone, the Galaxy A54 5G (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It's a nice alternative to the Pixel. The 6.4-inch AMOLED screen can ratchet up the brightness like crazy, so you never have to squint, and the screen reacts more smoothly thanks to the 120-Hz refresh rate. It matches the Pixel on security updates but it offers an extra year of OS upgrades for a total of four. The reason it's not our top pick? Performance is good, but things can get a little stuttery when you try to juggle many apps at once; the Pixel 7A easily beats it in speed. But the A54's battery can last more than a day, sometimes close to two depending on usage, and the camera system holds its own, though the Pixel has an edge.
There's no headphone jack on the phone, no wireless charging, nor is there a charging brick in the box, but you do get a microSD slot if you want to expand the 128 GB of included storage.
Works on all three major US networks.
- Photograph: Samsung
Best Under $200
Samsung Galaxy A14 5GLooking to save as much as possible? You'll be surprised at what you get with Samsung's $200 Galaxy A14 5G (9/10, WIRED Recommends). There's surprisingly good performance—enough to run most apps without any annoying stutters—two-day battery life, and a camera that can capture decent photos. Unlike most sub-$200 phones in the US, this one has 64 GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot to expand space if you need it, a headphone jack, and even an NFC sensor, so you can use it to make contactless payments at retail shops. It's remarkable! The cherry on top? Samsung is promising two Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates, which is almost unheard of on a phone this cheap.
Works on all three major US networks.
- Photograph: OnePlus
For Fast Charging Speeds
OnePlus 11 5GThe OnePlus 11 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) might be a speed demon, but it isn't my first choice, nor is it my second. It feels tremendously fluid and responsive, thanks to the top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset inside (and all the other optimizations), and it recharges so quickly with the included adapter and cable—you can go from 0 to 100 in roughly 20 minutes. Wowza. It's got a stunning 120-Hz 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, nice stereo speakers, and a reliable battery that easily lasts more than a full day. Even the Hasselblad-tuned cameras produce some nice results, and OnePlus is now matching Samsung with a promise of four years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates (though these are bimonthly instead of monthly).
It's not all rosy though. There's no wireless charging, no support for millimeter-wave 5G, and the water resistance is only IP64 when nearly every phone at this price has an IP67 rating (rated to survive submersions). The overall software interface also isn't my favorite. But hey, at least it's pretty!
Works on all three major US networks.
- Photograph: Asus
Best Gaming Phone
Asus ROG Phone 7Most phones will do a perfectly fine job running the latest games, but the Asus ROG Phone 7 is one of the only handsets that elevates mobile gaming. (I tested the Ultimate variant.) It's a massive phone, with a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen and a 165-Hz screen refresh rate, and it's powerful thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and a whopping 12 gigabytes of RAM. (In a lot of ways, it's total overkill.) There are two programmable touch-sensitive buttons on the “shoulders” of the phone that you can use in any game! These top-tier specs get you some of the smoothest gaming performance available in a phone, especially if you pair it with Asus' AeroActive Cooler 7 to keep the phone as cool as possible. The screen pops, the haptic vibrations are sensational, and the speakers get loud.
I was able to pair it with Asus' ROG Kunai 3 controller, even if it's not officially compatible anymore. It lets you use the phone as a Nintendo Switch of sorts (or as a regular controller). Use Asus' in-game software to map virtual buttons to physical keys, drastically improving the experience of playing any mobile game. Best of all, the 6,000-mAh battery lasts me two full days with average use (less when you sprinkle in some gaming). There's even a headphone jack for when you don't want to futz about with Bluetooth, and a second USB-C port to charge it while gaming in landscape mode. Sadly, there's no Verizon support and no wireless charging, the IP54 water-resistance rating is lackluster for the price, and the cameras are just OK. Asus is promising two Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates—which is better than before but still behind its peers. The ROG Phone 7 goes on sale in the second quarter of this year.
Works on T-Mobile and AT&T. Doesn't work on Verizon.
★ An alternative: The Asus ROG Phone 6 ($800) from 2022 is still available and is identical in a lot of ways to the newer model for a little less. It's totally fine to buy if you want a powerful gaming phone.
- Photograph: FairPhone
Best Eco-Friendly Phone
Fairphone 4The humble Fairphone 4 is almost perfect. This eco-conscious Android phone earned a rare 10 out of 10 on iFixit's repairability rankings. It's made of post-consumer recycled materials, like the 100 percent recycled plastic back cover, and 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 these parts will be available until 2027. It's the only smartphone certified as Fairtrade Gold, meaning workers in conflict-free mines follow eco-friendly guidelines on metal extraction and have fair wages and rights. Fairphone is electronic-waste-neutral too—for every phone sold, it recycles an equivalent amount of e-waste. It promises two Android OS updates (and hopes to deliver two more). Did I mention the five-year warranty?
I've had a perfectly fine time using the Fairphone 4. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G inside is very snappy—I rarely saw stutters. Battery life easily extends well into the second day on a single charge. The problems? The camera is OK. It can take some passable photos, but it doesn't quite compare to its peers at this price. And this phone is not sold in the US. You can import it, but you won't get full network compatibility. I tried it on AT&T, and while I was able to access sub-6 5G and even send and receive texts, phone calls wouldn't work. Still, I wish more manufacturers followed Fairphone's lead.
Not fully compatible with US carriers.
- Photograph: Samsung
These Phones Fold Up
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4No one needs a folding phone. But they're fun! If you have the cash, Samsung's two latest foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), are better than ever. They look spiffy, are more durable, and are water resistant. The Android operating system now has some nice enhancements to make the software work better on folding screens. The pair will also get four OS upgrades and five years of security updates.
The Flip4 delivers a more traditional smartphone experience. Just think of the phone in your hand right now, but you can fold it exactly in half. You get a big-screen phone that feels more like a stack of Post-Its in your pocket. How can you hate that? The 1.9-inch Cover Screen is more useful now—you can use tap to pay without having to open the device and send quick replies.
The Fold4 is all about multitasking. Open it up like a book to reveal a 7.6-inch screen and you can easily run multiple apps side by side, no app juggling required. There's now a permanent taskbar that lives at the bottom of the screen, which makes it really intuitive to use. It's genuinely improved the way I use my phone, though the price is quite steep.
Works on all three major US networks.
- Photograph: Nothing
A Great Midrange Phone (Outside the US)
Nothing Phone (1)It's an absolute shame that the Nothing Phone (1) (8/10, WIRED Recommends) isn't sold in the US. The number of good midrange phones here is really small, whereas you have endless options across the Atlantic. Nevertheless, if you're in a market where it's available, this first-gen phone from the relatively new brand is pretty darn great. It has smooth performance, a 120-Hz screen, wireless charging, day-long battery life, and a slick interface. Even the main camera is capable, though it can struggle with any kind of motion. Nothing promises three OS upgrades and four years of security patches, which is pretty nice, and so far, its updates have been on point.
It's the snazzy lights on the back of the phone that make it (literally) stand out. These Glyph lights illuminate when you get a notification alert, or you can use them as a fill light for the camera instead of a harsh flash. It's somewhat gimmicky, but it's also fun and makes the phone look cool.
Note: A Nothing Phone (2) is on the way this summer, and it'll be sold in the US.
Not fully compatible with US carriers.
Photograph: SamsungHonorable Mentions
Other Good PhonesWe 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 guide for more.
Google Pixel 6A for $349: Google's continuing to sell last year's Pixel 6A (8/10, WIRED Recommends) at a marked-down price. It's still excellent value and a worthy purchase. It's powered by Google's first-gen Tensor chip, which means you're getting some of the best performance for the money, and it supports all the same great (and helpful) software smarts as the flagship Pixel 6 series. It's got an OLED screen, a decent camera system, and lengthy software support. There's no wireless charging and it has a 60-Hz screen.
Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola for $699: This new Motorola phone is a collaboration with Lenovo's ThinkPad department, maker of the famed business laptops with the little red nubs. It's a pretty good phone all-around (7/10, WIRED Recommends), with features like flagship performance, two-day battery life, and an OLED 144-Hz screen, but it just doesn't measure up to its peers.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Series for $700+: Yes, last year's flagship Samsung phone lineup is totally fine to still buy (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It consists of the S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra. They're quite similar to the Galaxy S23 series up above, though battery life isn't as nice (still pretty good). They'll keep getting software updates for a really long time too. Just try to buy them during sale events, where I expect prices to dip even lower now that there's a successor on the market.
OnePlus 10 Pro for $450: OnePlus' 2022 flagship phone is good but not great (7/10, WIRED Recommends), though it's a smart buy at this price. It's spiffy and has powerful hardware, including a 120-Hz AMOLED screen that gets bright, speedy performance, and some of the fastest wired and wireless charging you'll find in the US. (Yes, unlike the new OnePlus 11, the predecessor has wireless charging support). It'll get two more OS upgrades and three years of security updates. You should know that there's no millimeter-wave 5G here, just sub-6, which is odd for a flagship.
Motorola Edge 2022 for $350: A Motorola smartphone with contactless payment support, 5G, wireless charging, plus a promise of three OS upgrades and four years of security updates? Say it ain't so! The Motorola Edge (7/10, WIRED Review) finally matches its peers on several counts and exceeds them in some ways. It has a bright 144-Hz OLED screen, it's lightweight, and its 5,000-mAh battery nearly lasts two days. It's also the first Moto that comes in 100 percent recycled packaging. The downsides? The cameras are lackluster, and it's rated at only IP52 for water resistance. Its MSRP is $600 but it's been on sale for $350 for a while.
Photograph: SamsungBefore You Buy
Buy Your Phone UnlockedWe 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. If you feel it's too expensive to buy outright, that's a good sign you should find a cheaper model. 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.
Verizon tips: Buying an unlocked phone is smart, but even if you do the smart thing, networks like Verizon will put up hoops for you to jump through. If you insert your SIM card but still have trouble receiving text messages or something else, contact customer service and have them enable "CDMA-Less roaming." This Motorola guide may help. The steps should be similar for other phones.
Sub-6 or millimeter wave 5G? Most new smartphones these days support 5G, the latest 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. The technology comes in two primary flavors: sub-6 and millimeter wave (mmWave). The latter is often exclusive to flagship devices, but even then, not every pricey Android phone supports it. We have a guide that explains it all, but in short, mmWave lets you access super-fast 5G speeds, though its range is severely limited and the areas you'll find it in are rare (think stadiums and airports, plus some spots in major cities). Sub-6 is much more commonplace, the type of 5G you'll run into most often. It has a broader range and delivers faster speeds over 4G LTE (but nowhere near as fast as mmWave). Coverage still isn't as widespread as LTE. It's ideal if the phone you're buying supports both (especially if you're paying $700 or more), but having sub-6 alone is also totally fine.
The best way to switch phones is to follow the standard 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, 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.
Photograph: Peak DesignMobile Accessories You Might Need
Kit Out Your New PhoneWe have case recommendations for a few popular devices, like Samsung's Galaxy S23 and S22 range or Google Pixel phones. 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 Nano 3 20-Watt Charger for $23: This tiny charger will be all most people need to charge most smartphones. It's compact, reliable, cheap, and the prongs fold up.
Satechi 108-Watt USB-C Charger for $75: A single-port charger can be annoying. This one from Satechi is slim enough to tote everywhere (with folding prongs), but it can fast-charge practically any Android phone at the highest speeds possible and still have enough power to juice up a laptop or tablet. If you want a USB-A and USB-C port, I like this 65-watt model from Nimble.
Nimble PowerKnit USB-C to USB-C Cable for $23: These are by far the most attractive cables I have ever used. They feel durable, support up to 60 watts of power delivery, are BPA- and PVC-free, and are made from certified recycled plastic and aluminum, so they're more eco-friendly than most cables out there. You can choose from three size options.
Peak Design Samsung and Pixel Everyday Case for $40: 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 months 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 $47: 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.
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.
Photograph: LGAvoid These Phones
Half-Hearted EndorsementsThere are many phones we've previously recommended that are right on the edge. They're either getting old (two-plus years) or their internals are too weak. We worry they won't have software support beyond this year or that the next Android update will render them too sluggish. We've also added to this list some newer phones that we just can't recommend after testing.
Avoid LG phones. The company has shut down its mobile division (RIP), and while it promises to support its existing phones for a few years, buying one is risky and there are better options. We also no longer recommend the Pixel 5, Samsung Galaxy S20, OnePlus 8T, Nokia 5.3, Moto G 2020 Series, and Moto G 2021 series. They're all usable, but you're better off with the devices listed above or in our Best Cheap Phones guide. We also don't recommend the Moto G Play 2023 or the Moto G Power 2022—they're just too slow. Other phones we've tested and don't recommend include the Nokia G400 5G, Doogee S89 Pro, Nokia G20, Nokia 8.3, Mode Earn Phone, Samsung Galaxy A51, and OnePlus Nord N200.
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