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Nestor Beltran
Whether you're looking for a big or small phone, entry-level or top-of-the-line, Android offers options for everyone. And unlike Apple's rigid release cycle, Google's hardware partners unleash an endless stream of new devices year-round. And therein lies the problem: With so many options, how do you settle on the right one? Lucky for you, we test and review nearly every smartphone available from all the major US carriers.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra scratches two specific itches: It has a built-in S Pen stylus (like the now-defunct Galaxy Note) and a 10x optical zoom camera, with 100x digital zoom. Although other stylus-compatible phones are available, none has flagship specs, let alone a camera that can match the Samsung's zoom power. Rounding out the package is a terrific screen and class-leading cellular reception.
If you think you will use the stylus or the super-zoom camera, don't bother looking at other phones. Artists who want a digital drawing platform and photographers who work at telephoto distances should both find appeal here.
Folks whose taste outpaces their budget. Google's Pixel phones aren't the best-selling Android models (Samsung phones are more popular), but many people still prefer them because of their clean software and highly capable cameras.
The Google Pixel 8 currently strikes the best balance of power, connectivity, and price among Android phones. With an excellent dual-camera setup that supports tons of AI-enhanced editing features, a bright 6.2-inch OLED screen, and a smooth Tensor G3 processor, it's the mainstream leader. It also exudes class thanks to its compact aluminum frame and inviting color options.
This is the no-brainer choice if you want a high-quality Android phone for under $800 right now. And it's a particularly good option if you like to keep your phone for a long time given that Google is committing to seven years of OS updates.
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G easily justifies its very affordable price. You get a big 6.6-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, good performance, and many years of updates to keep your phone current. We also like that the phone still features both a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot.
If you need to keep to a strict budget or get your kid their first smartphone, this is your best bet. Yes, kids will probably ask for iPhones, but it's your wallet and they should adjust to Android quickly.
If you have trouble operating a big phone, this is our favorite small Android model with flagship specs. It isn't actually a small phone, but it's your best bet if you want something pocketable and powerful.
We love that the Galaxy Z Flip 5 lets you access quick bits of information, widgets, and key notifications from the outer screen without even opening the phone. And when you do open it, you get access to a large screen with the full Samsung Galaxy experience. It also features the latest software from Google and Samsung, and the top specs available.
This handset is perfect for a person who would love to have a big 6.7-inch Android phone in a tiny package. It's also great if you want to take creative selfies because the folding screen works as a tripod of sorts.
The Android release cycle is perpetual, and a new set of flagship phones arrives practically every month. For instance, we saw updated Samsung Galaxy S hardware in February, new Motorola folding phones in June, fresh Galaxy Z hardware in July, and the upgraded Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro in October.
Support for 5G has now become standard on any phone that costs more than $200. Devices below that threshold might not work on every band, but don't worry too much; 4G networks are robust, still offer excellent performance, and will continue to do so for years.
Speaking of bands, if you want the best network speeds in the US, look for a phone with C-band (band n77). On AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, C-band 5G offers several times the speed of 4G. The number of phones with C-band support is growing quickly, but you should confirm that the particular phone you're considering supports it. We detail whether a phone supports C-band in each of our reviews to make the process easier.
This list has phones that cost anywhere from below $200 to nearly $2,000. On the low end, Motorola, OnePlus, and Samsung models tend to be excellent values for the money. Carrier-branded phones that don't mention the name of the manufacturer often aren't very good and you should avoid them.
Most of the phones available in the US cost $600 or more because most people buy them on monthly payment plans that hide the cost over 24 to 36 months. But there's also a thriving market, mostly in the prepaid space, of phones that cost $300 or less. Take a look at lower-end OnePlus phones or models from Motorola and Samsung at prepaid carriers for decent quality at a low price.
There's been a dramatic shift in Android phone shapes and sizes over the last few years. Many manufacturers have started to make their phones taller and narrower, resulting in one-hand-friendly models with improbably large screen sizes.
You can find Android phones with stated screen sizes from 3 inches (the Unihertz Jelly 2E) to over 7 inches (the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5). With the new designs, though, it's important to look at the width of the phone A tall, narrow phone can be much easier to handle than something wider, but it's also a less common aspect ratio for apps to use.
Whatever you do, don't buy a phone that comes with anything below Android 12; the older the Android software version, the more likely it is to have security flaws. Also, check how many rounds of full operating system upgrades and security patches the manufacturer promises. Google is now offering seven years of software updates for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, though Samsung is also excellent in this regard. Other competing phone makers are still catching up.
We don't cover three of the world's five biggest smartphone makers (Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi) because they don't sell phones in the US (at least, via carriers) and we primarily serve US consumers. In the cases of Oppo and Vivo, it's because they've ceded the US market to their sibling brand OnePlus (Oppo and OnePlus have now essentially merged). Xiaomi has said several times that its business model, which relies heavily on advertising revenue and subscription services baked into its phones, won't work in the US. Huawei, once near the top of the list, has been battered by sanctions that prohibit the company from using US components or software in its smartphones. The same is mostly true for ZTE, once a mainstay of US prepaid carriers. Honor, a former subsidiary of Huawei, is now making a more global push, particularly in Europe, but has yet to commit to selling phones in the US.
We do not recommend importing foreign phones for use in the US because they often perform poorly on US carrier networks. When we tested the Oppo Find X5 Pro, for example, we couldn't get it to connect to T-Mobile's 5G system, even though it theoretically should have worked.
Carrier-sold phones still dominate the US market, but buying your phone direct and unlocked gives you more freedom to switch carriers. Unlocked phones don't feature carrier bloatware and are something you buy upfront, so you don't have to worry about monthly payments.
You can buy every phone on this list directly without any carrier involvement. But most people still buy their phones through carriers, which offer a single point for service and support and monthly payment plans that dramatically lower the upfront price. Many even offer increased trade-in values on phones, further cutting the price.
You should also make sure your carrier (especially if you're using an MVNO) supports a phone fully before buying it. Although you can always hop between MVNOs without penalty, if you're happy with your current carrier, it's best to make sure the phone you buy works on that network.
With all that in mind, choosing Android as your mobile operating system is only half the battle; you still need to pick the right phone. If you're still on the fence, check out our list of the best phones, regardless of OS.
6 Based on third-party research funded by Google LLC in June 2022 comparing Android 12 and iOS 15. Evaluation based on no-cost smartphone features enabled by default. Some features may not be available in all countries.
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.
If you want a no-compromises best-of-the-best kind of smartphone, then look no further than Samsung's 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 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 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 reason to buy Pixel phones is the smart software features, like Call Screen, which thwarts robocalls and now even lets you respond to people without having to answer the phone. The Pixel 8 series focuses on smart image-editing software. With tools like Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, and Best Take, you get a powerful suite of features to easily change up your photos and videos, whether that's by erasing unwanted objects in the background, removing annoying sounds in your videos, or just switching someone's face in a group photo to one where they're not blinking. It's nuts, kind of disconcerting but also fun, and it can be genuinely helpful. I just wish the battery life on these phones could stretch closer to two days. Be sure to check out our Best Pixel Phones, guide, where we've got case and accessory recommendations.
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