$430 at Amazon
Nothing Cellphone 1
A flashy, reasonably priced cellphone (Replace: Low inventory)
Present extra (5 gadgets)
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There is definitely no scarcity of alternative relating to Android telephones, whether or not you like Samsung, Google or OnePlus. Android units are available in all kinds of sizes, shapes and costs, that means there’s one thing for everybody. However having so many choices additionally means the shopping for resolution will be tough. When you aren’t certain the place to begin, you are in the appropriate place: We have examined and researched all the perfect Android telephones you should buy in 2023.
An excellent cellphone ought to have high-quality cameras, lengthy battery life, compelling software program options and 5G help. We thought of these elements when placing collectively our checklist of the perfect Android telephones in 2023, which you’ll take a look at beneath. CNET’s group updates this checklist periodically as we overview new merchandise.
What’s the greatest Android cellphone?
The Google Pixel 7 Professional sits on the prime of our checklist of greatest Android telephones, largely as a result of it has among the greatest cameras discovered on any cellphone bought immediately and represents top-of-the-line values in your greenback on this checklist. The Pixel 7 Professional additionally packs various handy options which might be distinctive to it. There are calling instruments like the power to attend on maintain and notify you when a consultant turns into obtainable. You may also sharpen previous pictures which might be out of focus to make the topic look clearer. After which there’s the power to routinely caption movies, podcasts, cellphone calls and extra.
There are many different wonderful decisions on the market, nevertheless, despite the fact that the Pixel 7 Professional is our present favourite.
Finest Android telephones of 2023
Like:
• Refreshed design seems to be nice
• Very good cameras
• Clear and pleasurable interface
Don’t love:
• Battery life may very well be higher
Google’s newest flagship cellphone, the Pixel 7 Professional, is not an enormous overhaul from the already wonderful Pixel 6 Professional Google launched final yr. Nevertheless it’s taken that successful components and made some key tweaks to nearly each aspect, leading to an outstanding cellphone that is bliss to make use of. The refreshed digital camera can take beautiful photos too, incomes its spot among the many greatest flagship telephones round. It usually sells for $899, however Google presently has it on sale for $150 off.
Learn our Google Pixel 7 Professional overview.
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James Martin/CNET
Like:
Quick performanceExcellent principal cameraBright screenIncluded stylusDouble the storage within the base modelFour generations of Android OS updates
Don’t love:
Excessive pricePhotos do not all the time look naturalNo enhancements to quick charging
The Galaxy S23 is rather a lot, however in a great way. It is greater than most individuals want in a cellphone, however that does not make it any much less spectacular. Samsung made enhancements to the digital camera’s decision (200 megapixels in contrast with 108 megapixels), shade tones and dynamic vary, whereas retaining the identical edgy design and large 6.8-inch display as its predecessor. There’s additionally a brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that is been optimized particularly for Samsung’s telephones, which brings quicker efficiency in contrast with the Galaxy S22 Extremely.
It might be an understatement to name this cellphone costly: It begins at $1,200. However folks prepared to pay extra for a large display and a high-quality, versatile digital camera will not be disenchanted. Learn our Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely overview.
James Martin/CNET
Like:
Glorious cameraMany of the identical options because the Pixel 7 at a less expensive priceAttractive designGains wi-fi charging, face unlock and excessive refresh charge
Don’t love:
Display nonetheless seems to be dim outdoorsHigher value in contrast with Pixel 6A at launchOnly three generations of Android OS updates in contrast with Samsung’s four-generation pledge
Google’s price range cellphone took a leap ahead in 2023 with the Pixel 7A, which affords lots of the identical advantages because the Pixel 7 however at a less expensive value. Just like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A runs on Google’s Tensor G2 processor, that means it has lots of the identical picture enhancing and language translation options as its pricier sibling. The Pixel 7A’s 64-megapixel digital camera additionally takes wonderful pictures that rival the Pixel 7’s in high quality.
Whereas we nonetheless just like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A’s cheaper price makes it a greater deal for most individuals. Solely go for the Pixel 7 in case you actually desire a barely bigger display and are prepared to pay the additional $100 for it. In any other case, the primary variations between the Pixel 7 and 7A come all the way down to the previous’s extra sturdy construct, barely quicker charging and its means to wirelessly cost suitable equipment. The Pixel 7 additionally has a bigger digital camera sensor that is extra delicate to mild, in keeping with Google, however CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco did not discover a lot of a distinction.
Learn our Google Pixel 7A overview.
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James Martin/CNET
Like:
Longer battery lifeAttractive designFour generations of Android OS updatesFast efficiency
Don’t love:
Cameras are mainly the identical as final yearExpensiveNo enhancements to quick chargingNo improve to base storage
Android followers searching for a petite cellphone do not have a lot to select from. However the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 offers a compelling possibility for individuals who desire a cellphone that feels compact however nonetheless offers sufficient display area. The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a recent processor (a model of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that is been optimized for Samsung’s telephones), a barely new design and a higher-resolution selfie digital camera. Nevertheless it’s the Galaxy S23’s bigger battery that makes it value recommending. Learn our Samsung Galaxy S23 overview.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Like:
Good screenSpeedy performanceIP67 water-resistantAffordable value
Don’t love:
The Pixel 6A is a stable alternative if you need 5G and a fantastic digital camera on a budget, particularly at its new $349 value. This Pixel cellphone has the identical Tensor chip that powers the Pixel 6, nice rear cameras with a lot of Google’s capturing and enhancing instruments, a 6.1-inch show and common battery life. At this value, it is the perfect worth you may get from an Android cellphone proper now.
Learn our Google Pixel 6A overview.
Like:
Unimaginable efficiency for gamingSlick, refreshed designHyper-fast chargingFive years of safety help
Don’t love:
Cameras are good however not greatBetter waterproofing on rivals
The $700 OnePlus 11 is a robust cellphone that is effectively outfitted to deal with gaming, video streaming and different widespread duties. In typical OnePlus trend, this cellphone can also be cheaper than the $800 Galaxy S23 and $900 Pixel 7 Professional. The cameras aren’t the perfect, however they’re high quality for informal photographers who simply wish to seize their subsequent trip or an evening out. What units the OnePlus 11 aside from a lot of its rivals is its blazing 100-watt quick charging, which may replenish the battery in simply 25 minutes. (The US model solely helps 80-watt charging, however that is nonetheless an enchancment over the Galaxy S23 Extremely’s 45-watt charging). Total, the OnePlus 11 is right for individuals who desire a highly effective cellphone that expenses shortly and will not break the financial institution. Learn our full overview of the OnePlus 11.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Like:
120Hz cowl screenWater resistanceEnhanced pill experienceSoftware enhancements for multitasking and Flex Mode
Don’t love:
$1,800 continues to be costly
Foldable telephones have not actually hit the mainstream, remaining as an alternative solely within the attain of these prepared to spend prime greenback on the newest in cellular innovation. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the perfect folding cellphone round, providing top-notch efficiency, a fantastic digital camera setup and a wide range of tweaks to its folding know-how that make this Android smartphone extra fascinating than its predecessor. Simply remember the fact that Google shall be launching the Pixel Fold shortly, and Samsung usually releases new foldable telephones across the August timeframe.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Like:
Enjoyable, foldable designHigh refresh-rate display seems to be goodMain digital camera takes good pictures in medium and low mild
Don’t love:
Cowl display wants extra functionalityBattery barely will get by way of a dayUltrawide and selfie cameras are simply averagePrice is excessive
Samsung’s $1,000 Galaxy Z Flip 4 is essentially the most moveable and enjoyable cellphone CNET’s Patrick Holland reviewed final yr. It inherits the perfect components of the Z Flip 3, like its pocketable flip phone-inspired design and Flex Mode, which makes it simpler to make use of the cellphone when it is propped open midway. The Z Flip 4 additionally has a brand new picture sensor, which improves picture high quality in comparison with the Flip 3, together with an even bigger battery and newer processor.
These enhancements handle among the Z Flip 3’s greatest shortcomings, despite the fact that Samsung did not give us all the pieces we needed (like a bigger cowl display). However all instructed, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a good alternative for individuals who desire a cellphone that is extra moveable than nearly the rest you may discover in the marketplace.
Samsung additionally lowered Z Flip 3’s value when introducing the Z Flip 4 final yr. For that purpose, we beforehand advisable the Z Flip 3 over the Z Flip 4 since they share many similarities. However now that the Z Flip 3 is nearly two years previous, it is a sensible thought to put money into newer know-how that may last more if potential. That is very true in case you can rating an excellent trade-in deal on the Z Flip 4.
Learn our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 overview.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Like:
Skilled stage video monitor featuresRobust utilitarian buildLive broadcast streaming over 5GAs a cellphone, it is primarily the Sony Xperia 1 II
Don’t love:
Worth is excessive, limiting its slim appeal2020 specs and Android 10Can’t file video by way of HDMI enter
At a whopping $1,800 checklist value, the Sony Xperia Professional is not for everybody. However in case you’re a photographer or videographer searching for professional-level digital camera cellphone options, you possibly can’t go fallacious. The Xperia Professional is actually 4 merchandise in a single: a cellphone, a digital camera monitor, a speedy picture file switch gadget and a 5G machine appropriate for broadcasting and livestreaming.
Learn our Sony Xperia Professional overview.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Like:
• Flashing design
• Stable efficiency
• Inexpensive value
Don’t love:
• Cameras are solely OK
• Not extensively obtainable within the US
The Nothing Cellphone 1’s reasonably priced value, stable efficiency and good-enough digital camera setup already make it a stable possibility to contemplate in case you’re searching for an Android cellphone on a price range. However this cellphone takes the pizzazz up a notch with its suite of flashing LED lights on the rear, which definitely make it stand out in opposition to its opponents.
It is a fantastic cellphone, which we loved reviewing, however there’s a draw back: As of proper now, there are no plans to launch the cellphone extensively within the US. You may get it unlocked on Amazon, however it’s GSM-only so it will not work on Verizon. The corporate’s subsequent cellphone, the Nothing Cellphone 2, shall be coming to the US later this yr.
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How we take a look at telephones
Each cellphone on this checklist has been totally examined by CNET’s knowledgeable critiques group. We truly use the cellphone, take a look at the options, play video games and take pictures. We assess any advertising and marketing guarantees that an organization makes about its telephones. And if we discover one thing we do not like, be it battery life or construct high quality, we let you know all about it.
We study each side of a cellphone throughout testing:
DisplayDesign and feelProcessor performanceBattery lifeCamera qualityFeatures
We take a look at all of a cellphone’s cameras (each back and front) in a wide range of situations: from outside below daylight to dimmer indoor locales and night time time scenes (for any obtainable night time modes). We additionally evaluate our findings in opposition to equally priced fashions. We’ve got a sequence of real-world battery assessments to see how lengthy a cellphone lasts below on a regular basis use.
We consider further cellphone options like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, quick charging, foldable shows and different helpful extras. And we weigh all of our experiences and testing in opposition to the worth so you recognize whether or not a cellphone represents good worth or not.
Learn extra: How We Take a look at Telephones
Cellphone FAQs
How dependable is an Android cellphone?
Android telephones are available in all sizes and styles. Costs vary from only a couple hundred {dollars} for a fundamental smartphone to $1,800 for state-of-the-art foldable telephones. All of the telephones on this checklist are sturdy, have an IP score for water and dirt resistance and years of software program help.
How lengthy does an Android cellphone final?
Whereas each cellphone on this checklist varies in what number of years of software program help you get and the way lengthy you possibly can prolong the guarantee, most ought to final you a couple of years if no more.