Apple might have actually kicked off the smartphone period, however Google-powered Android telephones nonetheless dominate the market – particularly exterior the US.
That’s no shock when you think about the vary of various producers producing Android handsets throughout an enormous unfold of costs, which means there’s most likely an Android on the market to enchantment to only about any style.
Samsung is by far the most important Android producer within the international market, and US consumers will even have the ability to select from Motorola, Sony, OnePlus, and naturally Google’s personal Pixel telephones. Outdoors North America there’s much more competitors from massive Chinese language manufacturers together with Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and extra.
Which means there’s loads of selection on the market – way over you get from the handful of iPhones launched annually. Android customers even have the choice of novel type elements just like the wave of recent foldable telephones hitting the market proper now, led by Samsung however with competitors catching up.
Since Android is so open, it’s straightforward to maneuver between manufacturers, so simply since you presently use a Samsung you shouldn’t really feel the necessity to keep it up. Even should you’re presently an iPhone proprietor, it’s simpler than ever to change from iPhone to Android, so don’t let that put you off.
Right here at Tech Advisor we independently check every telephone completely so we will deliver you the easiest choices at any given second. Clicking by way of to our in-depth critiques will assist, as we now have detailed benchmarks, check pictures, and extra. These are our ten favourites proper now, however hold checking again as we replace this listing recurrently.
Greatest Android telephones 2023
1. Google Pixel 7 Professional – Greatest total
Execs
- Very good show
- Unbelievable, versatile cameras
- Sturdy battery life
- Unique software program options
Cons
- Divisive design
- Huge and heavy
- Sluggish charging
Value When Reviewed:
From $899
Pixel telephones have all the time been in regards to the digicam, and the 7 Professional’s digicam – whereas not fairly our favorite proper now – is completely unbelievable, with versatility due to the inclusion of an ultrawide and a periscopic telephoto.
The larger edge to the telephone is Google’s software program although. The 7 Professional runs the most effective model of Android round, with the clear simplicity of inventory Android plus all of Google’s wonderful Pixel-exclusive upgrades, now powered by the corporate’s second-gen in-house Tensor chip.
You’ll must put up with sluggish charging (and purchase your individual charger besides), and settle for the truth that this can be a massive telephone with a divisive design – it’s possible you’ll nicely adore it, however there are lots on the market who don’t. The common Pixel 7 is somewhat smaller (and cheaper), however lacks that telephoto digicam and has a barely extra fundamental show.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 7 Professional overview
2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely – Greatest for a stylus
Execs
- Outstandingly quick
- Excellent cameras
- Wonderful battery life
- S Pen stylus assist
Cons
- Huge
- Costly
- Slower charging
- Disappointing selfie digicam
Value When Reviewed:
From $1,199
The Galaxy S23 Extremely is one other Samsung Extremely telephone that does nearly all the things – together with distinctive S Pen stylus assist – providing as a lot telephone as you would ask for.
The digicam is likely one of the finest in any telephone, with a 200Mp most important shooter backed up by an ultrawide and two telephoto lenses at totally different zoom ranges. The 12Mp selfie digicam is a let down although – skip this if that’s a precedence.
The expansive 6.8in LTPO AMOLED show delivers each excessive WQHD+ decision and adaptive refresh fee as much as 120Hz, and with S-pen stylus assist it comfortably fills the productiveness area of interest of the previous Word telephones.
Throw in prime efficiency from the personalised Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip inside and all-day battery life, and you’ve got an entire lot of telephone – fairly actually, as aside from the excessive value, the principle draw back is its sheer measurement, which received’t be for everybody.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely overview
3. Google Pixel 6a – Greatest mid-range
Execs
- High drawer efficiency
- Smaller measurement
- Spectacular digicam
- Assured software program updates
Cons
- Rear plastic scratches simply
- Expenses sluggish and sizzling
- Solely 60Hz show
Value When Reviewed:
$449
In case you can’t afford the Pixel 7 Professional or 7, then Google has an alternative choice for you: the decidedly reasonably priced Pixel 6a.
This mid-range telephone packs the same flagship Tensor chip to its larger brothers, together with a well-known design. But it surely’s a a lot smaller telephone, and produced from plastic somewhat than glass.
There are draw back, after all. The digicam specs aren’t fairly the identical, although it nonetheless impresses. You’ll additionally get slower charging and solely a 60Hz refresh fee on the show. In case you can stay with these downsides although, this is a superb choice for the worth.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 6a overview
4. OnePlus 11 – Greatest for efficiency
Execs
- Quick efficiency
- Aggressive value
- Sturdy cameras
- 5 years of software program assist
Cons
- No wi-fi charging
- Not absolutely waterproof
Value When Reviewed:
$699
If you would like an Android smartphone with prime specs in 2023 that’s designed to remain quick and can have software program assist until 2028, the OnePlus 11 is a good alternative. It’s additionally one of many least expensive high-end telephones to supply this.
The absence of wi-fi charging shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most individuals. In spite of everything, this telephone has a wonderful display, prime cameras, good battery life and really quick charging, and a number of the finest efficiency in any Android telephone due to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. The dearth of full waterproofing is extra annoying to us.
The OnePlus 11 is a advantageous flagship and probably the greatest telephones you should buy for a value that undercuts many competing merchandise.
Learn our full
OnePlus 11 overview
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 – Greatest foldable
Execs
- Beautiful design
- High specs
- Waterproof
- Reasonably priced (for a foldable)
Cons
- No telephoto digicam
- Sturdiness nonetheless a doubt
Value When Reviewed:
From $999
Samsung’s first few makes an attempt at foldables had been enjoyable, however generally felt like novelties. With the Galaxy Z Flip 4, the Korean tech big has unequivocally obtained it proper.
Core specs are top-tier all through, with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in tow, and the 12Mp most important digicam is as succesful as nearly any round – although it’s possible you’ll miss having a telephoto lens.
Even battery life is now spectacular, comfortably lasting a full day’s use when its predecessors merely couldn’t. You’ll simply must be keen to take an opportunity that the folding display will final so long as Samsung says.
If you would like one thing larger, the Z Fold 4 is fairly nice too, however the greater value, dodgy under-display digicam, and software program quirks make it much less of a home-run than its smaller sibling.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 overview
6. Motorola G62 – Greatest funds
Execs
- Tidy {hardware} & software program
- 120Hz show
- Sturdy battery life
- Nice worth
Cons
- Barely sluggish efficiency
- Sluggish 15W charging
- Digital camera struggles in lower than optimum lighting
Value When Reviewed:
Unavailable within the US
Not each telephone must value the world, and you’ll typically get lots by spending much less. However even should you’re taking a look at funds telephones, you may battle to search out one other telephone that provides you precisely what the Moto G62 does.
Whereas it fails to face out in anybody explicit space, the mix of a 120Hz show, a reasonably present Snapdragon 480+ processor, 5G connectivity, and an reasonably priced price ticket is surprisingly troublesome to return by. Its stamina is great, and Motorola’s light-touch UI continues to be the most effective on the reasonably priced telephone scene.
The foremost downside here’s a acquainted one. With margins so tight at this finish of the market, 5G connectivity seems like a luxurious. It’s one which takes an inevitable toll on efficiency, storage, and charging speeds.
If you would like extra energy for the worth, look to the 4G-only options. However should you insist on 5G connectivity, the Moto G62 is one among your finest bets on the value.
Learn our full
Motorola Moto G62 overview
7. Samsung Galaxy S23+ – Good all-rounder
Execs
- Vibrant, sharp, flat display
- Nice battery life
- 5 years of software program assist
- Stable, versatile cameras
Cons
- Costly
- 45W charging somewhat sluggish
- Software program takes some tweaking
Value When Reviewed:
From $999
The Galaxy S23+ isn’t the most effective telephone in the marketplace at anybody factor. But it surely’s an awesome telephone at nearly all the things, with few flaws as long as you possibly can handle the pretty steep value.
A slick, easy design is paired with prime Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 efficiency, lengthy battery life, and a flexible triple rear digicam array. Throw in Samsung’s promise of 5 years of software program assist and this begins to seem like an extremely sensible alternative.
In addition to the worth the principle draw back is the 45W wired charging, which is okay, however slower than different choices on the value. The smaller Galaxy S23 is somewhat cheaper, however barely more durable to suggest due to even slower charging and shorter battery life, although it’s possible you’ll discover these trade-offs price it for the smaller measurement.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus overview
8. Xiaomi 13 Professional – Greatest most important digicam
Execs
- Class-leading efficiency
- Wonderful most important digicam
- Spectacular 120W charging
- Stable battery life
Cons
- Unintuitive software program
- Enormous rear digicam module
- Costly
The Xiaomi 13 Professional is a top-tier flagship, however what stands out most is its most important rear digicam, that includes an infinite 1in sensor that captures extra mild for beautiful outcomes.
That most important shooter would be the standout, however the entire Leica lenses impress, although the trade-off is placing up with an infinite rear digicam bump.
The software program expertise might be irritating too – we don’t love Xiaomi’s MIUI – however efficiency from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is completely unbelievable, with its improved energy effectivity and a bigger battery delivering vital battery life enhancements.
Learn our full
Xiaomi 13 Professional overview
9. Asus Zenfone 9 – Greatest compact flagship
Execs
- Distinctive, compact design
- Unbelievable battery life
- Wonderful low mild pictures
Cons
- Overheating points
- Solely two Android updates promised
- No mmWave assist
Value When Reviewed:
From $699
The Zenfone 9 is a full-force flagship in a small measurement, and with remarkably few compromises for it.
The 5.9in show makes this one of many smallest telephones in the marketplace, particularly on the Android aspect, and comfortably the smallest with specs this robust.
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and as much as 16GB of RAM mark this as a severe efficiency telephone, although cooling issues do depart that energy barely throttled. The 8+ Gen 1 can also be partly to thank for the superb battery life nonetheless, which places different compact smartphones to disgrace.
The gimbal-stabilised most important digicam impresses, particularly at night time, although with just a few visible glitches and points in vivid environments it’s clear Asus has some software program tuning to do. Some might also miss the variability provided by rivals, particularly the shortage of a telephoto lens right here.
Given the telephone is so good, it’s irritating that Asus is barely promising two years of assist, so this may solely go well with those that know they’re on a daily improve schedule. The general expertise is great although, with sensible software program and welcome touches just like the IP68 score and headphone jack.
Learn our full
Asus Zenfone 9 overview
10. Oppo Discover N2 Flip – The opposite flip telephone
Execs
- Sturdy, gapless hinge design
- Wonderful most important digicam
- Huge cowl show
- Good battery
Cons
- No water-resistance
- No wi-fi charging
- Unreliable Bluetooth
Value When Reviewed:
Not accessible within the US
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 should pip it for the most effective foldable proper now, however Oppo’s Discover N2 Flip comes remarkably near de-throning it.
The Oppo telephone packs a bigger and extra helpful exterior display, a greater pair of cameras, and sooner charging. It doesn’t look fairly as fashionable as Samsung’s providing, however the improved hinge design permits the Discover N2 Flip to shut fully flat and really feel extra stable consequently.
It’s additionally cheaper than the Samsung – at the very least within the UK – however due to that you just’ll have to surrender niceties like wi-fi charging and waterproofing. We’ve additionally discovered Bluetooth efficiency somewhat spotty.
With somewhat extra polish, this might be the flip telephone to beat. As it’s, it’s a worthy different to the Z Flip 4 and an awesome choice for many who prioritise efficiency.
Learn our full
Oppo Discover N2 Flip overview
Shopping for recommendation for Android telephones
Which model of Android is the newest?
The newest model of Android proper now’s Android 13, which launched in late 2022. Nevertheless, it typically takes a while for Android manufacturers to replace their telephones, so many telephones launched in 2022, and even some cheaper 2023 fashions, will nonetheless be working Android 12. The following model, Android 14, ought to launch later this 12 months, however will take a while to roll out to handsets.
Do all Android telephones run the identical software program?
Sure and no. All of them run Android after all, however there are variations inside that. Each producer tweaks Android to provide its personal model – typically referred to as an ‘Android pores and skin’.
For instance Samsung telephones run One UI, OnePlus telephones are on OxygenOS, and Xiaomi telephones run on MIUI. Telephones that run software program near Google’s personal are sometimes described as working ‘inventory’, however in reality even the Google Pixel telephones run their very own distinctive spin on the software program. Every of those presents a singular aesthetic and a variety of particular options, so you need to all the time try to be taught somewhat a couple of model’s software program earlier than you decide to a telephone.
It’s additionally necessary to do not forget that not each Android telephone will get equal updates. Each producer guarantees a totally different variety of updates for his or her units – normally separated into Android function updates and safety patches – and customarily talking dearer telephones are supported for longer than cheaper units. On the time of writing, the most effective manufacturers on this regard are Samsung and Google, providing as much as 5 years of software program assist, however rivals are quick catching up.
Which specs matter probably the most?
With extra Android telephones on the market, there are additionally extra specs to choose between. There’s no hard-and-fast rule about what issues most, so as an alternative take into consideration your priorities.
Do you care most about quick and clean efficiency? Maybe you prioritise longer battery life, or sooner charging speeds? Perhaps a succesful digicam is the principle factor you search for?
Most Android telephones will supply some mixture of the above – and extra – however there’ll all the time be sure specs the place they compromise. Deciding in your priorities is step one in selecting a telephone.
Are Android telephones higher than iPhones?
This argument has waged for over a decade, and it received’t finish any time quickly. For now, let’s simply say that every has its benefits.
There’s extra selection in Android telephones, giving customers much more alternative – together with uncommon choices like foldable telephones or units designed for gaming.
Sure {hardware} options additionally are usually higher on Android. Nearly all of fashionable Android telephones charger sooner – typically a lot sooner – than even the newest iPhones, and quick refresh fee shows have additionally develop into frequent. Look to the actually prime finish and also you’ll additionally discover that by and huge the most effective digicam telephones run Android, although Apple nonetheless has the sting with regards to recording video.
Then again, Apple’s rigorously managed ecosystem means iPhones typically have fewer bugs and inconsistencies than Android units, and there’s a degree of polish to each the software program and {hardware} that few Android rivals match. Apple’s long-term software program assist additionally outstrips even the most effective of Android.
Why isn’t each Android telephone accessible the place I stay?
This can be a sophisticated query, and each producer approaches it in another way. In case you stay in Europe or Asia, you’ll possible discover that almost all – albeit not all – Android telephones launch the place you reside. Markets like Africa and South America get a barely totally different choice, whereas in North America there are solely only a few manufacturers, with nearly not one of the Chinese language producers.
Finally every producer has to resolve which markets will likely be worthwhile for them, which comes all the way down to a mixture of market sizes, native rules, and the facility that networks have – within the US, for instance, it’s the strict management carriers exert that retains most Chinese language corporations out.