$439 at Amazon
Nothing Cellphone 1
A flashy, reasonably priced cellphone (Replace: Low inventory)
Present extra (5 gadgets)
Apple’s iPhone is not the one alternative in case you’re out there for a brand new cellphone. Android has a number of benefits over iOS, and one of many greatest is the sheer number of units you possibly can selected from. From the supersize Galaxy S23 Extremely to the extra modest and reasonably priced Pixel 6A, Android telephones can be found in an enormous vary of sizes and costs. However this sprawling number of telephones could make it tough to know which of them are price your hard-earned cash. For those who aren’t certain the place to start out, you are in the fitting place: We have examined and researched all the very best Android telephones you should purchase in 2023.
A terrific cellphone ought to have high-quality cameras, lengthy battery life, compelling software program options and 5G assist. We thought of these elements when placing collectively our checklist of the very best Android telephones in 2023, which you’ll be able to try under. CNET’s workforce updates this checklist periodically as we assessment new merchandise.
James Martin/CNET
Like:
Quick performanceExcellent principal cameraBright screenIncluded stylusDouble the storage within the base modelFour generations of Android OS updates
Do not like:
Excessive pricePhotos do not at all times 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 digicam’s decision (200 megapixels in contrast with 108 megapixels), coloration tones and dynamic vary, whereas retaining the identical edgy design and big 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 sooner efficiency in contrast with the Galaxy S22 Extremely.
It could be an understatement to name this cellphone costly: It begins at $1,200. However individuals keen to pay extra for a large display and a high-quality, versatile digicam will not be dissatisfied. Learn our full assessment of the Galaxy S23 Extremely.
Like:
• Refreshed design seems nice
• Very good cameras
• Clear and satisfying interface
Do not like:
• Battery life might 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 12 months. But it surely’s taken that successful system and made some key tweaks to virtually each ingredient, leading to an outstanding cellphone that is bliss to make use of. The refreshed digicam can take beautiful photographs too, incomes its spot among the many greatest flagship telephones round. It sometimes sells for $899, however Google at present has it on sale for $150 off.
Learn our Google Pixel 7 Professional assessment.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Like:
• Smooth design
• Nice worth
• Essential digicam is Google’s greatest
Do not like:
• Battery life is nice however not nice
• Not as a lot Android model assist as Samsung
At round $600, the Google Pixel 7 provides an effective way to place a few of Google’s greatest tech in your pocket with out emptying your financial institution steadiness within the course of. It undercuts the fully-specced 7 Professional mannequin by a way, however nonetheless packs the identical Tensor G2 processor, a wonderful display and an ideal principal digicam.
Just like the 7 Professional, it is had a refreshed design which seems stylish and classy, whereas its Android 13 software program is clutter-free and straightforward to make use of. The battery life might be higher, however with cautious use you will get via a day on a cost. It lacks the telephoto zoom and a few the opposite bells and whistles of the 7 Professional, however in case you’re after a strong on a regular basis cellphone at a good value, then the bottom Pixel 7 is a superb choice.
James Martin/CNET
Like:
Longer battery lifeAttractive designFour generations of Android OS updatesFast efficiency
Do not like:
Cameras are principally the identical as final yearExpensiveNo enhancements to quick chargingNo improve to base storage
Android followers in search of a petite cellphone haven’t got a lot to select from. However the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 supplies a compelling choice for many who desire a cellphone that feels compact however nonetheless supplies sufficient display house. The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a contemporary 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 digicam. But it surely’s the Galaxy S23’s bigger battery that makes it price recommending. Learn our full assessment of the Galaxy S23.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Like:
• Good display
• Speedy efficiency
• IP67 waterproof
• Reasonably priced value
Do not like:
• No wi-fi charging
The subsequent-gen Pixel 6a is out there now, and in order for you 5G on a budget the smartphone is a strong alternative. This Pixel cellphone has a high-end chipset, nice rear cameras, a very good show, and common battery life. It is likely one of the least expensive good 5G smartphones you should purchase proper now.
Learn our Google Pixel 6A assessment.
Like:
Unimaginable efficiency for gamingSlick, refreshed designHyper-fast chargingFive years of safety assist
Do not like:
Cameras are good however not greatBetter waterproofing on rivals
The $700 OnePlus 11 is a robust cellphone that is properly geared up to deal with gaming, video streaming and different frequent duties. In typical OnePlus vogue, this cellphone can also be cheaper than the $800 Galaxy S23 and $900 Pixel 7 Professional. The cameras aren’t the very best, however they’re superb for informal photographers who simply wish to seize their subsequent trip or an evening out. What units the OnePlus 11 aside from lots of its rivals is its blazing 100-watt quick charging, which might 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). General, the OnePlus 11 is good for individuals who desire a highly effective cellphone that expenses shortly and will not break the financial institution. Learn our full assessment of the OnePlus 11.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Like:
• 120Hz cowl display
• Water resistance
• Enhanced pill expertise
• Software program enhancements for multitasking and Flex Mode
Do not like:
• $1,800 remains to be costly
Foldable telephones have not actually hit the mainstream, remaining as a substitute solely within the attain of these keen to spend high greenback on the most recent in cell innovation. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the very best folding cellphone round, providing top-notch efficiency, an ideal digicam setup and quite a lot of tweaks to its folding know-how that make this Android smartphone extra fascinating than its predecessor.
Samsung
Like:
Higher battery life than beforeStill the very best flip cellphone to get into foldablesWater resistance
Do not like:
Similar cameras because the Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is an iterative replace but it surely packs a punch for the $1,000 price ticket. With a greater battery life because of a extra energy environment friendly processor and a much bigger battery, the Flip is lastly price investing in as a flagship gadget.
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
Do not like:
Value is excessive, limiting its slim appeal2020 specs and Android 10Wished it recorded video through 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 in search of professional-level digicam cellphone options, you possibly can’t go improper. The Xperia Professional is actually 4 merchandise in a single: a cellphone, a digicam monitor, a speedy picture file switch gadget and a 5G machine appropriate for broadcasting and livestreaming.
Learn our Sony Xperia Professional assessment.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Like:
• Flashing design
• Strong efficiency
• Reasonably priced value
Do not like:
• Cameras are solely OK
• Not but obtainable within the US
The Nothing Cellphone 1’s reasonably priced value, strong efficiency and good-enough digicam setup already make it a strong choice to contemplate in case you’re in search of an Android cellphone on a funds. However this cellphone takes the pizzazz up a notch with its suite of flashing LED lights on the rear, which actually make it stand out towards its opponents.
It is an ideal cellphone, which we loved reviewing, however there’s a draw back: As of proper now, there are no plans to launch the cellphone broadly within the US. You will get it unlocked on Amazon, but it surely’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 12 months.
How we take a look at telephones
Each cellphone that seems on this checklist has been totally examined by CNET’s professional opinions workforce. Which means truly utilizing the cellphone, testing the options, enjoying video games on it, and taking pictures with it. No advertising guarantees are taken at face worth, and if we discover one thing we do not like, be it battery life or construct high quality, we’ll let you know all about it.
Testing a cellphone means testing each ingredient of the gadget. Is the show vivid, sharp, vibrant? Does the design really feel good to carry? Is it heavy? Does it really feel properly made? Is it water-resistant? We take a look at the processor efficiency utilizing standardized benchmark instruments like GeekBench and 3DMark, together with our personal anecdotal observations whereas navigating the interface or enjoying demanding video games.
All of the cameras (each back and front) are examined in quite a lot of circumstances, from vivid daylight via to darkish scenes (for any obtainable night time modes), and we examine our findings towards equally priced fashions. We conduct battery checks, operating them down from full to see how lengthy they’re more likely to hold going on the market in the true world.
We consider extra options like 5G, fingerprint or face scanners, styluses, quick charging, versatile shows, or different extras that may be helpful. And we after all steadiness all this towards the worth, to provide the verdict on whether or not that cellphone, no matter value it’s, truly represents good worth.