The best Android phone to buy in 2023

The Android ecosystem is all about selection. Whereas iPhone homeowners have a smaller pool of recent units 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 need 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 obtained choices on Android.

On the flip facet, all that selection could make for some exhausting choices. Right here’s the place I’d like to assist; I’ve examined an entire 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 on the lookout for, what you’re snug 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 largest 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 digicam together with the tip of the curved-edge design, finally. Should you’re fascinated about a brand new Pixel, it’s price ready some time to see what’s new this 12 months. In any other case, a lot of the 12 months’s main Android cellphone launches are behind us, and there are some nice choices on the desk.

Should you dwell within the US, I’ve some unhealthy information concerning the Android market, although. For sophisticated 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 units I’ve personally examined in depth; thus, it’s a pretty US-centric set of suggestions. 

With that in thoughts, it’s additionally price acknowledging that most individuals within the US get their telephones “at no cost” from their wi-fi service. Should 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 supply financing and trade-in offers to make fee extra manageable. However if you happen to’re pleased along with your service and the free cellphone on supply is the one you really need, by all means, take the free cellphone. Simply be sure you perceive the phrases, particularly if you’ll want to change plans to money in on the deal. 

Nonetheless you go about it, you have got some implausible choices on your subsequent Android cellphone.

Display screen: 6.6-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy / Cameras: 50-megapixel F1.8 predominant with OIS, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: 4,700mAh / Charging: 45W wired, 15W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IP68

Samsung’s Galaxy S collection telephones have been the go-to high-end Android cellphone for the previous few years — significantly within the US — and there’s a very good cause for that: they’re glorious units. The Galaxy S23 Plus is a minor replace to that successful method, however that also makes it a winner. It neatly checks each merchandise on the checklist of 2023 must-have flagship options: a beautiful, giant 6.6-inch display, a succesful digicam system with a telephoto lens, sturdy climate resistance, and nice battery life. At $999, it’s not low cost, but it surely’s additionally not the costliest flagship cellphone you should buy.

It’s not stunning that the S23 Plus consists of Qualcomm’s newest chipset: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However what is stunning is that every one variations of this cellphone bought throughout the globe use that Snapdragon processor — beforehand, some areas would get a Samsung-made Exynos chip. That’s nice information as a result of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is great, and it makes the S23 Plus sing. Day-to-day efficiency is top-notch, and battery stamina is way improved. There’s a bigger 4,700mAh battery cell within the Plus this 12 months, however the 8 Gen 2 can be well-tuned to preserve battery.

The 50-megapixel predominant digicam, ultrawide, and 3x telephoto cameras that make up the S23 Plus’ imaging system aren’t showstoppers just like the S23 Extremely, however they’re greater than sufficient for many conditions. Sometimes, the S23 Plus takes gorgeous images, significantly in its telephoto portrait mode. However it’s additionally liable to some heavy-handed processing that goes somewhat too exhausting on the HDR typically.

Samsung’s software program isn’t our favourite, both. With somewhat work upfront, you’ll be able to uninstall or at the very least cover a lot of the proprietary apps and companies Samsung insists on downloading, however it could be good to not should tango with Bixby within the first place. However on the brilliant facet, Samsung gives one of many strongest software program help insurance policies from any Android device-maker, with 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of safety updates promised. Even when the preliminary setup takes somewhat work to get proper, at the very least you gained’t should do it yet again in a few years.

Learn my full assessment of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus.

Display screen: 6.3-inch 1080p 90Hz OLED / Processor: Google Tensor G2 / Cameras: 50-megapixel F1.85 with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10.8-megapixel selfie / Battery: 4,355mAh / Charging: 30W wired, 20W wi-fi / Climate resistance: IP68

Up to date August thirtieth, 2023: As famous beforehand, the Pixel 8 appears to be like to be arriving quickly, and except you’re in a pinch, it’s most likely price holding off on shopping for a brand new Pixel cellphone proper now. That stated, if you happen to simply can’t wait otherwise you snag an ideal deal someplace, we gained’t stand in your manner.

Relying on the way you take a look at it, the Google Pixel 7 can go as both a budget-friendly flagship or a premium midrange cellphone. At $599, it’s a bit cheaper than Samsung’s S-series telephones and in addition a bit dearer than the $499 Pixel 7A, a bona fide midrange system. Its specs observe swimsuit: you get the high-quality construct and conveniences of a high-end system, like an IP68 ranking and wi-fi charging, however you miss out on good extras like a telephoto digicam and a 120Hz display. If these issues aren’t tremendous necessary to you, then the Pixel 7 is one heck of a very good deal.

The Pixel 7 and its step-up 7 Professional sibling use Google’s newest customized chipset, Tensor G2. It delivers flagship-level efficiency, but it surely’s additionally a part of the Pixel collection’ particular sauce of Google-exclusive options. They’re typically intelligent however form of a combined bag when it comes to how useful they really are. 

Clear Calling, which is unique to the Pixel 7 collection, is like noise cancellation for cellphone calls that makes it simpler to listen to somebody you’re speaking to after they’re in a loud surroundings. Different options designed to make navigating cellphone bushes and customer support calls much less painful don’t work as properly persistently. However they aren’t actively unhealthy, and Google has confirmed dedicated to supporting its units with updates and new options all through their life spans.

Software program actually is the Pixel 7’s power. It runs a clear model of Android, freed from duplicate assistants and app shops ( you, Samsung) and can be supported properly into the close to future with three OS upgrades and 5 years of safety patches. On the {hardware} entrance, you’ll should dwell with a few concessions Google made to maintain the value down. The 6.3-inch display is simply tremendous, however its 90Hz refresh fee is a bit slower than the super-smooth scrolling 120Hz screens on most telephones at this value. 

The Pixel 7 can be lacking a telephoto rear digicam, although the 2x crop mode from the 50-megapixel predominant sensor does an admirable impression of a real optical telephoto lens. The ultrawide digicam can be a technology behind the Pixel 7 Professional’s. However outdoors of these few drawbacks, you don’t miss out on an entire lot by choosing the Pixel 7 fairly than the 7 Professional — and also you positively get to maintain just a few further {dollars} in your pocket.

Learn my full assessment of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional.

Display screen: 6.8-inch 1440p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy / Cameras: 200-megapixel predominant 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 dear, beginning at $1,199, and due to a 6.8-inch display, it’s enormous. It’s additionally probably the most highly effective Android cellphone you should buy within the US proper now, with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, S Pen stylus help with a built-in silo for storage, and two — depend ’em, two — telephoto cameras on the rear panel. It’s type of exhausting to think about what else Samsung might probably stuff into this cellphone.

The display on the middle of this spec monster is a 6.8-inch OLED with a variable refresh fee 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 somewhat extra wiggle room than its predecessor might. 

The S23 Extremely’s digicam system is a significant cause to think about placing within the further money for this mannequin fairly than the S23 Plus. There’s nothing fairly prefer it obtainable on another flagship cellphone: there’s each a 3x and 10x telephoto digicam plus an ultrawide and, oh yeah, a 200-megapixel predominant digicam.

The 200-megapixel factor is simply partially a stunt — more often than not, you’ll be getting a 12-megapixel file from it, however the further information from all these pixels appears to assist the system provide you with some implausible photographs. It sometimes makes some bizarre judgments or turns the HDR as much as 11, but it surely’s typically excellent and, right here and there, is even able to gorgeous “I can’t consider it’s not a ‘actual’ digicam” images.

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

Learn my full assessment of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely.

Display screen: 7.6-inch 2176p 120Hz OLED internal display, 6.2-inch 2316p 120Hz OLED cowl display / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 / Cameras: 50-megapixel F/1.8 predominant with OIS, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10-megapixel selfie (cowl display), four-megapixel under-display selfie (internal display) / 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, but it surely’s nonetheless your best option for most individuals on the lookout for a folding cellphone. Its multitasking capabilities are second to none, and it’s lighter and simpler to wield than Google’s Pixel Fold. The slim dimensions of the quilt show make it somewhat awkward to make use of for normal cellphone stuff, however that’s an affordable tradeoff contemplating every little thing that the Fold 5 can do.

There are some necessary issues to think about, although, beginning with the $1800 value. That’s what the Pixel Fold prices, too, but it surely doesn’t matter the way you take 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 along with your funding.

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 fairly than with a niche between the 2 halves of the cellphone, and that’s about it. A few software program updates that it gives will come to older Fold units sooner or later, so there’s not a lot cause to hurry out and commerce in your Fold 4 for a Fold 5.

Should you’re a faithful Pixel fan or averse to the Fold 5’s slim kind 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 document for sturdiness make it a greater wager.

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

Display screen: 6.7-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 / Cameras: 50-megapixel F/1.9 predominant 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 supply the easiest worth proposition in its upper-midrange class. For sheer ROI, the Pixel 7 is the higher decide. But when it’s type you’re after and one thing somewhat totally different, then the Telephone 2 is a straightforward decide.

It gives a very good 6.7-inch display, nice each day efficiency and battery life, and a succesful digicam 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 mixtures known as “glyphs,” and you’ll 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.

On the draw back, the Telephone 2 is simply splash-resistant fairly than totally immune to water submersion like just about all different telephones over $500. It’s additionally not totally supported on Verizon’s community, which takes it out of competition 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 superb selection. One factor’s for certain — it positively stands out from the gang.

Learn my full assessment of the Nothing Telephone 2

There are various extra nice Android units that weren’t lined right here, and some are price calling out that didn’t fairly make the minimize for a advice. The Galaxy S23 Plus’ smaller sibling, the Galaxy S23, is a implausible choice in order for you a considerably smaller Android cellphone. Its 6.1-inch display doesn’t put it in “small cellphone” territory, but it surely’s far more pocketable than the opposite two S23 fashions. Battery life has been improved this 12 months on the S23, too, which was a weak level for the S22. 

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

Should you’re all in on Google’s ecosystem, then the Pixel 7 Professional is an efficient (and considerably apparent) step-up choice. It doesn’t supply any important upgrades in comparison with the Pixel 7 however does include a very good 5x telephoto digicam. The display is larger — 6.7 inches in comparison with 6.3 — and it’s additionally somewhat nicer, with a quicker 120Hz high refresh fee. However the Pixel 7 is priced so properly that it’s type of unattainable not to suggest it, and most of the people will discover every little thing they want within the base mannequin.

There’s another Pixel cellphone to think about: 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 the most effective cellphone digicam you may get for the cash, and it comes with good creature comforts not often seen in price range units, like wi-fi charging. It’s on the dear facet of the “price range” class, but it surely’s designed to go the gap.

Replace August thirtieth, 2023, 5:00PM ET: Changed the OnePlus 11 with the Nothing Telephone 2 and changed the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 with the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Changed the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 with the Z Flip 5 and Motorola Razr Plus as also-considers. Eliminated the Motorola Edge Plus as an also-consider.