The Best Android Phones for 2023
Best Black Friday Android Phone Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
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.
Read on for what to look for, as well as our top picks for Android phones.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Best for Artists and Power Users
Why We Picked It
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.
Who It’s For
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.
PROS
- Large, bright display
- Speedy performance
- Excellent cameras
- S Pen integration
- Solid battery life
- Durable hardware
- Strong software update commitment
CONS
- Expensive
- Big, heavy build
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Dimensions | 6.43 by 3.07 by 0.35 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.8 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 3,088 by 1,440 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 10MP; 12MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 13 hours |
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Best Foldable Phone
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 works out all the major kinks that were present in the Z Fold 4. The lighter package and more compact body make it a lot easier to carry around this incredibly powerful machine. Moreover, it finally loses the wedged shape when folded and closes flat. It costs a lot of money, but Samsung justifies it with lots of features, such as multitasking, S Pen stylus support, the latest 5G and Wi-Fi radios, and speedy performance.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for one device to replace your phone, tablet, and maybe even your laptop, the Z Fold 5 is built for you.
PROS
- Incredibly versatile
- Excellent productivity software
- Beautiful screens
- Slimmer, lighter design than previous generation
CONS
- Pricey
- Odd speaker placement
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Dimensions | 6.10 by 5.11 by 0.24 inches |
| Screen Size | 7.6 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,176 by 1,812 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP; 4MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 11 hours, 20 minutes |
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review
Google Pixel 7a
Best Midrange Phone
Why We Picked It
Google’s software is the choice of the techno-elite for its speed, elegance, and simplicity. The Pixel 7a brings you that software—along with years of Android updates before anyone else gets them—at an affordable price. Although the Pixel 7a is available from carriers, we encourage you to look at pairing an unlocked model with an alternative (but still reliable) carrier like Google Fi or US Mobile to save money.
Who It’s For
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.
PROS
- Solid performance
- Above-average cameras
- Unique design
- Wireless charging
CONS
- Wi-Fi disconnection issue in testing
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | Google Tensor G2 |
| Dimensions | 6.0 by 2.8 by 0.4 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.1 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2400-by-1080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 64MP, 13MP; 13MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 13 hours 25 minutes |
Learn More
Google Pixel 7a Review
Google Pixel 8
Best Android Phone for Most People
Why We Picked It
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.
Who It’s For
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.
PROS
- Competitively priced
- Advanced AI features
- Terrific cameras
- Compact
- Excellent build quality
CONS
- Unimpressive battery life
- No telephoto camera
- Storage capped at 256GB
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Google Tensor G3 |
| Dimensions | 5.9 by 2.8 by 0.4 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.2 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2400 by 1080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP / 12MP / 10.5MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 10 hours 20 minutes |
Learn More
Google Pixel 8 Review
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Best Budget Android Phone
Why We Picked It
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.
Who It’s For?
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.
PROS
- Large, sharp display with 90Hz refresh rate
- Good performance for the price
- Excellent software update policy
CONS
- Not protected against dust or water
- Screen is hard to see in sunlight
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | MediaTek Dimensity 700 |
| Dimensions | 6.60 by 3.07 by 0.36 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.6 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 2MP, 2MP; 13MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 9 hours 40 minutes |
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Review
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Most Powerful Camera
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is one of the most advanced Android smartphones available today. Google refined the design so it’s more comfortable to hold and use, the improved screen is far brighter than older models, the new camera hardware—including the 5x optical zoom camera—gives it serious photography chops, and the Tensor G3 processor boosts Google Assistant with artificial intelligence and machine learning. Plus, Google is promising seven years of software upgrades and security updates.
Who Its For
If you’re a fan of pure Android and want the best camera and video experience, the Pixel 8 Pro is a step ahead of the standard Pixel 8 model thanks to its extra telephoto camera and high-end video capabilities.
PROS
- Exclusive Assistant features
- AI-assisted photo and video editing
- Seven years of software support
- Super-bright display
- Excellent build quality
CONS
- Shorter battery life than predecessor
- Inconsistent Wi-Fi
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Google Tensor G3 |
| Dimensions | 6.4 by 3.0 by 0.4 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2992 by 1344 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP / 48MP / 48MP / 10.5MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 9 hours 5 minutes |
Learn More
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review
Motorola ThinkPhone
Best Business Android Phone
Why We Picked It
The powerful Motorola ThinkPhone offers a large 144Hz screen, a long-lasting battery, and a durable IP68 rating that protects it from dust and spills. For business users, the Ready For companion app unlocks a toolbelt full of enterprise features such as app streaming, cross-device copy and pasting, and drag-and-drop file sharing with Windows PCs. Management apps such as ThinkShield, Moto Secure, Moto OEMConfig, and Moto Device Manager should satisfy IT managers as well. Did we mention that it’s tough as nails?
Who It’s For
The ThinkPhone is an ideal work phone with enough power and features to help you succeed in professional environments.
PROS
- Excellent performance
- Speedy 144Hz display
- Above-average battery life
- Resistant to drops and water
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Dimensions | 6.25 by 2.93 by 0.33 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.6 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2400-by-1080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 13MP, 2MP; 32MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 12 hours 05 minutes |
Learn More
Motorola ThinkPhone Review
Samsung Galaxy S23
Best Small Phone
Why We Picked It
The base Samsung Galaxy S23 model hits many of the same high notes as its larger siblings: fast performance, good cameras, and excellent cellular reception. This model is just a bit smaller and more affordable with slightly shorter battery life.
Who It’s For
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.
PROS
- Pocket-friendly size
- Strong performance
- Good battery life
- Respectable cameras
- Reasonable price
CONS
- Slower charging than S23+ and S23 Ultra
- No ultra-wideband (UWB) support
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Dimensions | 5.76 by 2.79 by 0.3 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.1 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 12MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 13 hours 12 minutes |
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy S23 Review
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Best Flip Phone
Why We Picked It
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.
Who It’s For
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.
PROS
- Beautiful design and finish
- Excellent performance
- Sharp screens
- Surprisingly rugged build
CONS
- Outer display functionality is limited by default
- Poor app continuity between screens
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Dimensions | 6.50 by 2.83 by 0.27 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,640 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 12MP, 12MP; 10MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 10 hours, 5 minutes |
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review
Buying Guide: The Best Android Phones for 2023
When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Android Phone?
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.
Our point is that there’s almost always a new Android phone available, and there is no bad time to buy.
The Best 5G Android Phones
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.
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
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.
For more, check out our favorite 5G handsets.
What Is the Best Cheap Android Phone?
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.
For more, see our stories on the best cheap phones, the best cheap phone plans, and our top tips to get the best price on a cell phone.
What Size Android Phone Is Right for You?
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.
Left to right: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
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.
In the end, don’t discount the value of handling several options in person at your local wireless shop. And check out our roundup of small phones for your best compact options.
Which Is the Best Android Version?
Generally speaking, the newest version of Android is the best version of Android. Android 14 is the most recent version of Google’s mobile platform at the time of this writing. Many phones on store shelves still don’t have access to Android 13, though.
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.
Google Pixel 7a (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Last, remember that not all Android versions are the same. If you want a pure Google experience, opt for a Pixel device—they’re the models that Google upgrades first. Motorola and Nokia offer a mostly clean Android interface, though the companies lag on long-term software support. Samsung, OnePlus, TCL, and other phone makers ship their phones with skins that change the look and functionality of Android to some degree.
What About Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi?
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.
Recommended by Our Editors
Oppo Find N2 Flip (Credit: Eric Zeman)
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.
Is It Better to Buy an Android Phone Unlocked or Through a Carrier?
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.
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
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.
Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.