One of the best Android cellphone to purchase in 2023

The Android ecosystem is all about selection. Whereas iPhone house owners have a smaller pool of recent gadgets to select from when it’s time to improve, there’s an enormous vary of recent Android telephones yearly. A few of them even fold in half! You desire a built-in stylus? A flagship processor for much less cash? Possibly even — dare I say it — an unapologetically pink cellphone with matching earbuds? You’ve bought choices on Android.

On the flip facet, all that selection could make for some onerous choices. Right here’s the place I’d like to assist; I’ve examined a complete boatload of current Android telephones, and I believe there are some actual winners within the present crop. It’s all a matter of what you’re in search of, what you’re comfy spending, and what your definition of a “fairly sized cellphone” is. (I’ve my very own, personally.)

Right here’s one thing else to consider: one of many 12 months’s greatest Android cellphone launches is probably going simply across the nook. We’re anticipating Google to announce new Pixels this fall, because it tends to do, and rumors level to some substantial upgrades to the digital camera together with the tip of the curved-edge design, finally. In the event you’re all in favour of a brand new Pixel, it’s value ready some time to see what’s new this 12 months. In any other case, many of the 12 months’s main Android cellphone launches are behind us, and there are some nice choices on the desk.

What I’m in search of

Longevity

An amazing Android cellphone will go the space. I search for indicators that the {hardware} and software program will sustain for a few years to come back, together with a robust IP score for mud and water resistance (IP68 is most popular), sturdy glass panels on the back and front, and a sturdy aluminum body somewhat than plastic. A minimal of three years of Android OS model upgrades is most popular, together with a complete of 4 or 5 years of safety updates.

An amazing display screen

One of the best Android telephones have loads of decision to cowl their giant show space, which suggests 1080p or increased. A quick refresh price of a minimum of 120Hz is most popular — animations and scrolling look tremendous clean at that price — and even higher if it’s variable all the way down to 1Hz to save lots of on battery life.

High quality cameras

Any cellphone can take a good picture in good lighting, however one of the best cellphone cameras can deal with low mild and high-contrast scenes effectively, too. I search for optical (commonest) or sensor-shift (uncommon) picture stabilization, which helps compensate for hand shake and allow slower shutter speeds in low mild to collect extra mild. A telephoto lens is nice to have too, although high-res sensors are beginning to provide higher lossless crop modes that mimic quick 2x lenses effectively.

Wi-fi charging

Most telephones on this checklist provide wi-fi charging, although not all do. Lack of wi-fi charging isn’t a whole deal-breaker, however it’s turning into a necessary function for lots of people because it’s handy for charging many alternative sorts of gadgets.

In the event you dwell within the US, I’ve some unhealthy information concerning the Android market, although. For classy causes having to do with “capitalism” and “geopolitics,” we don’t get almost as lots of the choices as you’ll discover in Asia and Europe — manufacturers like Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo simply aren’t obtainable right here. I’ve restricted this information to the gadgets I’ve personally examined in depth; thus, it’s a pretty US-centric set of suggestions. 

With that in thoughts, it’s additionally value acknowledging that most individuals within the US get their telephones “without cost” from their wi-fi service. In the event you can handle it, shopping for a cellphone unlocked provides you with probably the most flexibility and freedom if you find yourself wanting to alter carriers within the close to future. Telephone producers additionally provide financing and trade-in offers to make fee extra manageable. However in case you’re blissful together with your service and the free cellphone on provide is the one you actually need, by all means, take the free cellphone. Simply be sure to perceive the phrases, particularly if it’s worthwhile to change plans to money in on the deal. 

Nevertheless you go about it, you might have some improbable choices in your subsequent Android cellphone.

Greatest Android cellphone total

$690

The Pixel 8 comes with simply a few key upgrades over the Pixel 7, and it misses out on a number of higher-end options on the 8 Professional, like a telephoto lens. However its mixture of worth, options, and the promise of seven years of OS updates makes it one of the best mainstream Android cellphone to purchase proper now.

Display screen: 6.2-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Tensor G3 / Cameras: 50-megapixel F1.7 major with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10.5-megapixel selfie / Battery: 4,575mAh / Charging: 27W wired, 12W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IP68

There’s extra space between Google’s commonplace and Professional mannequin Pixels within the 8 collection than there’s been prior to now couple of generations. The Pixel 8 will miss out on among the showcase AI applied sciences that the Professional will get within the coming 12 months, besides, it’s a cellphone with plenty of smarts and quality-of-life updates that may make nearly anybody blissful.

Loads has modified right here and there from the Pixel 7, beginning with the dimensions. In an age of huge and greater telephones, the Pixel 8 really shrank just a little 12 months over 12 months, from a 6.3-inch display screen to six.2 inches. This brings the general gadget dimensions down only a smidge, too, making it a extra comfy cellphone to carry one-handed. The display screen has been upgraded with a 120Hz prime refresh price, which has change into the usual for high-end telephones (a minimum of on Android).

The Pixel 8 doesn’t have the largest display screen or probably the most bells and whistles, however it does the fundamentals effectively with significant enhancements over the Pixel 7. Photograph by Allison Johnson / The Verge

Different updates aren’t instantly apparent however make an actual distinction in how you utilize the cellphone in your each day life. Face unlock now works for funds and password managers — not simply unlocking your gadget. Google Assistant is best at understanding pauses and emphasis in pure language, which makes it really feel like a extra useful gizmo basically. The digital camera system is nice as all the time, bolstered this 12 months by the addition of some AI-driven picture modifying instruments which can be creepily good.

Importantly, the Pixel 8 will get the essential stuff proper, too. The battery goes all day, there’s an IP68 score for sturdy mud and water resistance, and wi-fi charging is an choice in case you’re into that. Better of all, Google is promising seven years of OS upgrades, which is a giant enchancment over the three platform updates it provided on earlier fashions. The entire above makes it a winner in case you’re in search of one of the best cellphone to get you thru your day now — and sustain for a very long time to come back.

Learn my full evaluation of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional.

Greatest “small” Android flagship

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 cellphone maintains a 6.1-inch display screen like its predecessor, however it now has a brighter panel with a stronger Gorilla Glass masking for improved drop safety. Design-wise, it eschews the digital camera bump round its three rear cameras, and it additionally has an even bigger battery than the S22.

Display screen: 6.1-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy / Cameras: 50-megapixel F1.8 major with OIS, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: 3,900mAh / Charging: 25W wired, 15W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IP68

The Samsung Galaxy S23 isn’t actually a small cellphone. It’s simply an average-sized cellphone, however common begins trying awfully small when the largest telephones include 6.8-inch screens. It’s just a little bit greater than the Asus Zenfone 10, however its greater 6.1-inch display screen in comparison with 5.9 inches is well worth the tradeoff of a barely taller cellphone. It additionally has all of the conveniences of a real flagship cellphone, too: wi-fi charging, an IP68 score for thorough water and dirt resistance, plus a devoted telephoto lens.

The Galaxy S23 is a smaller sibling to the S23 Plus and an excellent choice in case you don’t desire a huge cellphone. Photograph by Allison Johnson / The Verge

The digital camera system is able to wonderful pictures, although Samsung’s processing actually likes to lean into vivid colours, and generally it’s an excessive amount of. Portrait pictures are wonderful, although, notably with the 3x telephoto lens. Battery life is nice sufficient to get by way of a full day, however in case you plan to do plenty of gaming or different processing-intensive actions, you would possibly want a noon recharge. Small telephones, small batteries, and so forth.

It might not qualify as actually small, however as different cellphone makers push extra options to their greater, higher-end fashions, the Galaxy S23 stands out as a well-equipped nearly small cellphone. Simply don’t point out it to an iPhone Mini fan — it’s too quickly.

Learn my full evaluation of the Samsung Galaxy S23.

Greatest cellphone with every part however the kitchen sink

The Galaxy S23 Extremely affords an enormous 6.8-inch display screen, built-in S Pen stylus, two telephoto cameras, and a top-notch Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It’s expensive, however there’s nothing else fairly prefer it in the marketplace.

Display screen: 6.8-inch 1440p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy / Cameras: 200-megapixel major with OIS, 10-megapixel 10x telephoto with OIS, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: 5,000mAh / Charging: 45W wired, 15W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IP68

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. It’s expensive, beginning at $1,199, and due to a 6.8-inch display screen, it’s big. It’s additionally probably the most highly effective Android cellphone you should purchase within the US proper now, with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, S Pen stylus assist with a built-in silo for storage, and two — depend ’em, two — telephoto cameras on the rear panel. It’s sort of onerous to think about what else Samsung might presumably stuff into this cellphone.

The display screen on the heart of this spec monster is a 6.8-inch OLED with a variable refresh price as much as 120Hz and 1440p decision. It’s pretty, and the even higher information is that it’s extra battery-efficient than final 12 months’s mannequin. Between that and the brand new chipset, the S23 Extremely will get by way of a full day of heavy use with just a little extra wiggle room than its predecessor might. 

The S23 Extremely stands alone. Picture: Allison Johnson / The Verge

The S23 Extremely’s digital camera system is a serious purpose to contemplate placing within the additional money for this mannequin somewhat than the S23 Plus. There’s nothing fairly prefer it obtainable on some other flagship cellphone: there’s each a 3x and 10x telephoto digital camera plus an ultrawide and, oh yeah, a 200-megapixel major digital camera.

The 200-megapixel factor is barely partially a stunt — more often than not, you’ll be getting a 12-megapixel file from it, however the additional information from all these pixels appears to assist the system give you some improbable photos. It sometimes makes some bizarre judgments or turns the HDR as much as 11, however it’s usually excellent and, right here and there, is even able to beautiful “I can’t consider it’s not a ‘actual’ digital camera” pictures.

Our complaints about Samsung software program stand, sadly, and its faults are much more evident on a really expensive cellphone. Why the spammy clickbait hyperlinks within the climate app? And who on earth desires push notifications from the Samsung Galaxy retailer? You don’t get that sort of factor on a Pixel cellphone. Nonetheless, there are sufficient spectacular issues concerning the S23 Extremely that it’s value some minor software program annoyances.  

Learn my full evaluation of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely.

Greatest foldable cellphone

$1799

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 seems to be so much like its predecessor, however it now folds flat because of a brand new hinge with fewer transferring elements. It maintains the 7.6-inch inside show and slender 6.2-inch cowl display screen, however it now makes use of the identical Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor present in Samsung’s Galaxy S23 telephones.

Display screen: 7.6-inch 2176p 120Hz OLED inside display screen, 6.2-inch 2316p 120Hz OLED cowl display screen / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 / Cameras: 50-megapixel F/1.8 major with OIS, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10-megapixel selfie (cowl display screen), four-megapixel under-display selfie (inside display screen) / Battery: 4,400mAh / Charging: 25W wired, 15W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IPX8

Samsung’s flagship foldable isn’t the one present on the town anymore, however it’s nonetheless your best option for most individuals in search of a folding cellphone. Its multitasking capabilities are second to none, and it’s lighter and simpler to wield than Google’s Pixel Fold. The slender dimensions of the duvet show make it just a little awkward to make use of for normal cellphone stuff, however that’s an inexpensive tradeoff contemplating every part that the Fold 5 can do.

There are some essential issues to contemplate, although, beginning with the $1800 worth. That’s what the Pixel Fold prices, too, however it doesn’t matter the way you have a look at it — that’s so much to pay for a cellphone. The Fold 5 isn’t dust-resistant, both, so that you’ll need to be considerably cautious together with your funding.

The Fold 5’s unusually long-and-narrow facet ratio when it’s closed is a flip off for some. Photograph by Allison Johnson / The Verge

The Fold 5 isn’t precisely teeming with technological enhancements over final 12 months’s mannequin, both. There’s a brand new hinge that folds flat somewhat than with a niche between the 2 halves of the cellphone, and that’s about it. A few software program updates that it affords will come to older Fold gadgets sooner or later, so there’s not a lot purpose to hurry out and commerce in your Fold 4 for a Fold 5.

In the event you’re a faithful Pixel fan or averse to the Fold 5’s slender type issue when closed, Google’s foldable is likely to be a better option. However for most individuals, the Galaxy Fold 5’s versatility and good current monitor report for sturdiness make it a greater wager.

Learn my full evaluation of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Greatest various to Google and Samsung

$599

The Nothing Telephone 2 embraces a sure retro-infused aesthetic that’s in contrast to anything you’ll discover in the marketplace. It’s not licensed to work on Verizon, and its rear-panel LED mild strips are extra fashionable than practical, however it’s a superb various to the large Android manufacturers.

Display screen: 6.7-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 / Cameras: 50-megapixel F/1.9 major with OIS, 50-megapixel ultrawide, 32-megapixel selfie / Battery: 4,700mAh / Charging: 45W wired, 15W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IP54

The Nothing Telephone 2 doesn’t provide the easiest worth proposition in its upper-midrange class. For sheer ROI, the Pixel 7 is the higher choose. But when it’s type you’re after and one thing just a little completely different, then the Telephone 2 is a simple choose.

It affords a superb 6.7-inch display screen, nice each day efficiency and battery life, and a succesful digital camera system. However that’s the standard stuff — what’s uncommon concerning the Telephone 2 is its set of LED mild strips on the again panel. They illuminate in combos known as “glyphs,” and you may set them to provide you with a warning to sure notifications. It’s neat however finally isn’t as useful because the system’s customizable always-on show.

The Telephone 2’s UI is on-theme. Photograph by Allison Johnson / The Verge

On the draw back, the Telephone 2 is barely splash-resistant somewhat than absolutely proof against water submersion like just about all different telephones over $500. It’s additionally not absolutely supported on Verizon’s community, which takes it out of rivalry for lots of the US inhabitants.

If neither of the above is a deal-breaker, and the Telephone 2’s styling appeals to you, then it’s a wonderful selection. One factor’s for positive — it positively stands out from the group.

Learn my full evaluation of the Nothing Telephone 2.

Different Android telephones value contemplating

There are lots of extra nice Android gadgets that weren’t lined right here, and some are value calling out that didn’t fairly make the reduce for a advice.

There’s the Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung’s clamshell-style foldable. It’s far more helpful than its predecessors, because of an even bigger 3.4-inch cowl display screen that permits you to sort out texts and emails on a full QWERTY keyboard. It’s not as versatile because the Fold 5, however it additionally prices a way more affordable $999. One other flip cellphone value contemplating: the Motorola Razr Plus. It’s not as sturdy because the Flip 5, and its cowl display screen widgets aren’t as helpful, however it runs full apps on the outer show extra simply. And it’s simply plain enjoyable, gosh dang it.

On the opposite facet of the foldable spectrum, the OnePlus Open is a welcome addition to the combo with one of the best display screen format on a book-style folding cellphone. It’s skinny and light-weight, and the software program consists of some considerate approaches to multi-tasking — an important a part of the folding cellphone expertise. At $1,700, it’s simply $100 shy of the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 5 and misses a few key options that each of these different choices embrace: wi-fi charging and an IPX8 score. But when these omissions don’t trouble you and the shape issue appeals, it’s a stunning gadget to make use of.

There’s yet one more Pixel cellphone to contemplate: the Google Pixel 7A. It’s $499 and has the identical Tensor G2 processor because the Pixel 7 and seven Professional. The 7A is certainly one of the best cellphone digital camera you may get for the cash, and it comes with good creature comforts not normally seen in price range gadgets, like wi-fi charging. It’s on the expensive facet of the “price range” class, however it’s designed to go the space.

Replace October twenty second, 2023, 1:20PM ET: Changed the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus with the Google Pixel 8 as one of the best Android cellphone total. Eliminated the Google Pixel 7 and added the Samsung Galaxy S23 as one of the best small flagship cellphone. Eliminated the Google Pixel 7 Professional as an also-consider and added the OnePlus Open.