Phone technology is advancing rapidly, with today’s top manufacturers launching innovations faster than ever. Features such as super fast 5G connectivity and Super AMOLED screens are common, with more futuristic technology, such as folding screens, available to those who want the latest technology (and who can afford to pay for them). Samsung’s Galaxy line dominates the Android category, and it probably won’t stop anytime soon. But other companies seek the honor of being the best Android phone – and you, the potential customer, benefit from all of this competition.
There are now several great Android phones available at a variety of prices, ranging from high-end phones to budget devices. We took a look at the best Android options and put together our favorites, which we keep up to date. These phones generally have a long battery life, screens, cameras or all of the above. We also take features like fingerprint sensor, wireless charging and expandable storage into account. Continue reading to see our top options for the best Android phone options and check out our tips on how to buy a new phone, also.
Read More: Best phones of 2021
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What to look for when buying a phone
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Sarah Tew / CNET
As Samsung’s elite flagship phone for 2021, the Galaxy S21 Ultra features a brilliant 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with an ultra-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate that also supports Samsung’s S-Pen, a rear camera incredible with amazing zoom skills and fast 5G data connectivity. This is the best in mobile technology that Samsung has to offer and is the ideal phone if you want to put cutting edge technology in your pocket.
Read our review of the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
If you want a 5G phone that doesn’t cost a lot, the Pixel 4A 5G is one of our main options. The device has a long battery life, fantastic dual rear cameras and robust software support from Google. There is also the Pixel 5, which has a great 90 Hz screen, but costs an additional $ 699 (£ 599, AU $ 999).
Read our review of the Google Pixel 4A 5G.
Angela Lang / CNET
Pixel smartphones have a loyal following and for good reason. Regardless of its price, Google’s Android Pixel 4A smartphone has world-class camera performance that takes brilliant photos. But this Android device is an even better deal, as the cheap smartphone costs $ 349 (£ 349, AU $ 599). The 5.81-inch device also features a headset, 128 GB of storage straight out of the box and better battery life than last year’s Pixel 4.
Read our review of Google Pixel 4A.
Angela Lang / CNET
Although OnePlus is not as well known as Apple or Samsung, the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro smartphone offers a premium experience at a relatively more affordable phone price than its rivals. As the most advanced Android smartphone, the OnePlus 8 Pro has a 120 Hz screen and a telephoto camera. But the OnePlus 8 has a more affordable budget for Android phones and still has 5G, a fast 90 Hz screen and the same top-of-the-line processor.
Read our review of OnePlus 8.
Juan Garzon / CNET
Samsung’s Galaxy S20 FE brings together much of what we expect from its premium line of S phones, including multiple rear cameras, great performance and 5G connectivity, but wrapped in cheaper materials and brought the price for a more affordable phone. It won the coveted CNET Editors’ Choice award, and is the ideal phone if you want a great Samsung phone, but don’t want to empty your bank account to get it.
Read our review of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition.
Angela Lang / CNET
Foldable phones have not yet reached the market, remaining only within the reach of those willing to spend a lot of money on the latest mobile innovations. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the best foldable phone on the market, offering high-level performance, great camera setup and a variety of adjustments to its folding technology that makes it more durable than its predecessor.
Read our review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2.
CNET
The Motorola Edge Plus has just about everything you expect from a premium 5G phone: a Snapdragon 865 chipset, a giant battery, an OLED screen with a high refresh rate, and several rear cameras with robust specifications. Motorola took features found on other top-of-the-line Android phones, put its own Moto touch on them and integrated them into one of our favorite Android phones of the year.
Read our review of the Motorola Edge Plus.