The very best Android telephone to purchase in 2023

The Android ecosystem is all about selection. Whereas iPhone house owners have a smaller pool of recent units to choose 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? Perhaps even — dare I say it — an unapologetically pink telephone with matching earbuds? You’ve bought choices on Android.

On the flip aspect, all that selection could make for some exhausting selections. Right here’s the place I’d like to assist; I’ve examined an entire boatload of latest Android telephones, and I feel 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 comfy spending, and what your definition of a “moderately sized telephone” is. (I’ve my very own, personally.)

And haven’t you heard? It’s sizzling foldable summer season, and there are a bunch of recent folding telephones debuting over the following few months. Motorola’s Razr Plus seems to be actually promising with an enormous cowl display, the Google Pixel Fold is arriving quickly with a likable new kind issue, and OnePlus says it’ll have a (seemingly cheaper) foldable this 12 months. For those who’re interested in foldables, you may need to maintain off for just a few months till all of the choices are on the desk.

For those who 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 accessible 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 “free of charge” from their wi-fi service. For those who can handle it, shopping for a telephone unlocked offers you probably the most flexibility and freedom if you find yourself wanting to vary carriers within the close to future. Telephone producers additionally supply financing and trade-in offers to make cost extra manageable. However in the event you’re comfortable along with your service and the free telephone on supply is the one you really need, by all means, take the free telephone. Simply ensure you perceive the phrases, particularly if it’s essential to change plans to money in on the deal. 

Nevertheless you go about it, you could have some incredible choices to your subsequent Android telephone.

Display: 6.6-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy / Cameras: 50-megapixel F1.8 most important 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 sequence telephones have been the go-to high-end Android telephone for the previous few years — notably within the US — and there’s an excellent purpose for that: they’re wonderful units. The Galaxy S23 Plus is a minor replace to that successful formulation, however that also makes it a winner. It neatly checks each merchandise on the checklist of 2023 must-have flagship options: a beautiful, massive 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, nevertheless it’s additionally not the costliest flagship telephone you should buy.

It’s not stunning that the S23 Plus contains Qualcomm’s newest chipset: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However what is stunning is that each one variations of this telephone offered 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 most important 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 enough for many conditions. Often, the S23 Plus takes gorgeous images, notably in its telephoto portrait mode. Nevertheless it’s additionally vulnerable to some heavy-handed processing that goes a little bit too exhausting on the HDR typically.

Samsung’s software program isn’t our favourite, both. With a little bit work upfront, you may uninstall or not less than cover a lot of the proprietary apps and companies Samsung insists on downloading, however it could be good to not must tango with Bixby within the first place. However on the intense aspect, Samsung presents one of many strongest software program assist 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 a little bit work to get proper, not less than you gained’t must do it over again in a few years.

Learn my full overview of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus.

Display: 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

Relying on the way you have a look at it, the Google Pixel 7 can cross as both a budget-friendly flagship or a premium midrange telephone. At $599, it’s a bit cheaper than Samsung’s S-series telephones and in addition a bit costlier than the $499 Pixel 7A, a bona fide midrange machine. Its specs comply with swimsuit: you get the high-quality construct and conveniences of a high-end machine, like an IP68 score 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 an excellent deal.

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

Clear Calling, which is unique to the Pixel 7 sequence, is like noise cancellation for telephone calls that makes it simpler to listen to somebody you’re speaking to after they’re in a loud setting. Different options designed to make navigating telephone timber and customer support calls much less painful don’t work as properly constantly. 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 energy. It runs a clear model of Android, freed from duplicate assistants and app shops (taking a look at you, Samsung) and will probably be supported properly into the close to future with three OS upgrades and 5 years of safety patches. On the {hardware} entrance, you’ll must dwell with a few concessions Google made to maintain the value down. The 6.3-inch display is simply positive, however its 90Hz refresh charge 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 most important sensor does an admirable impression of a real optical telephoto lens. The ultrawide digicam can be a era behind the Pixel 7 Professional’s. However exterior of these few drawbacks, you don’t miss out on an entire lot by choosing the Pixel 7 quite than the 7 Professional — and also you positively get to maintain just a few further {dollars} in your pocket.

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

Display: 6.8-inch 1440p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy / Cameras: 200-megapixel most important 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 large. It’s additionally probably the most highly effective Android telephone you should buy 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 type of exhausting to think about what else Samsung might presumably stuff into this telephone.

The display on the middle of this spec monster is a 6.8-inch OLED with a variable refresh charge as much as 120Hz and 1440p decision. It’s beautiful, 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 means of a full day of heavy use with a little bit extra wiggle room than its predecessor might. 

The S23 Extremely’s digicam system is a significant purpose to think about placing within the further money for this mannequin quite than the S23 Plus. There’s nothing fairly prefer it accessible on every other flagship telephone: there’s each a 3x and 10x telephoto digicam plus an ultrawide and, oh yeah, a 200-megapixel most important 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 give you some incredible photos. It sometimes makes some bizarre judgments or turns the HDR as much as 11, nevertheless it’s typically excellent and, right here and there, is even able to gorgeous “I can’t imagine it’s not a ‘actual’ digicam” images.

Our complaints about Samsung software program stand, sadly, and its faults are much more obtrusive on a really dear telephone. 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 type of factor on a Pixel telephone. Nonetheless, there are sufficient spectacular issues concerning the S23 Extremely that it’s price some minor software program annoyances.  

Learn my full overview of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely.

Display: 6.7-inch 1440p 120Hz OLED / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 / Cameras: 50-megapixel F1.8 most important with OIS, 48-megapixel ultrawide, 32-megapixel 2x telephoto, 16-megapixel selfie / Battery: 5,000mAh / Charging: 80W wired (100W exterior of US) / Climate resistance: IP64

The US Android market is dominated by Samsung and Google (properly, largely Samsung). However we do have just a few options to these manufacturers, and the OnePlus 11 5G is a standout for somebody who desires a high-performing machine for a bit much less cash. It makes use of the superb Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, however at $699, it’s $300 cheaper than the S23 Extremely with an analogous processor. 

The OnePlus 11 has a few different issues going for it, too, together with a incredible 6.7-inch 1440p show with a prime 120Hz refresh charge. There’s additionally very quick wired charging with the included quick charger — as much as 80W within the US, which is able to take its huge 5,000mAh battery from empty to one hundred pc in lower than half-hour. It’s quick sufficient to make in a single day charging elective. 

On the draw back, there are a few issues lacking right here that you just’ll discover on most different telephones at this value. The primary is wi-fi charging, which can be a deal-breaker in the event you’re already invested in charging your telephone that manner. And the OnePlus 11 is simply rated to IP64, not IP68 like just about each different flagship. Meaning it’s proof against splashes and spray however isn’t constructed to resist full immersion in water for any size of time. 

These two lacking options slim the OnePlus 11’s enchantment. For those who’re not involved about dropping your telephone in a puddle (or bathroom or bathtub or sink or swimming pool) and also you’d quite cost your telephone shortly than on a wi-fi charging pad, then the 11 5G is an effective way to get wonderful efficiency and maintain a little bit additional cash in your pockets.

Learn my full overview of the OnePlus 11 5G.

Display: 7.6-inch 2176p 120Hz OLED internal display, 6.2-inch 2316p 120Hz OLED cowl display / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 / Cameras: 50-megapixel F/1.8 most important 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

There’s nothing fairly just like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 in the marketplace, notably within the US. The Z Fold 4 is Samsung’s tablet-style foldable — you’ve bought a 6.2-inch cowl display on the skin for regular telephone stuff, however on the within, it unfolds to an enormous 7.6-inch display. It’s a stage of versatility you gained’t discover on any conventional slab-style telephone. It’s priced accordingly, too, at a steep $1,799 MSRP.

The Z Fold 4 is as sturdy as foldables come proper now. It’s IPX8 rated, so it’s protected in opposition to full immersion in water. However that “X” means there’s no assure in opposition to mud intrusion, and regardless of Samsung’s finest efforts to strengthen the machine’s resistance to environmental components, long-term sturdiness remains to be a query mark. That’s most likely a leap of religion most individuals gained’t have the ability to take for a $1,800 telephone.

The Z Fold 4 additionally runs up in opposition to one other limitation on the software program aspect: the Android pill app ecosystem. Apps don’t all the time make nice use of the large internal display; they’re typically simply scaled-up telephone apps, leaving a whole lot of unused clean area. Fortunately, Samsung’s UI presents loads of assist to rearrange a number of home windows for multitasking. It may well take a little bit futzing, however you may make use of that huge canvas by displaying a number of apps directly. 

Uncertainty about the way it will maintain up in the long term and the two-hands-on-ness required to benefit from it imply the Z Fold 4 is type of a gadget individual’s gadget. It’s a showcase of {hardware} innovation, and you are able to do issues with it that slab-style telephones can solely dream of. For those who’ve bought the literal and figurative deep pockets for it, you’ll be properly rewarded.

Learn my full overview of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4.

There are numerous extra nice Android units that weren’t coated right here, and some are price calling out that didn’t fairly make the lower for a suggestion. The Galaxy S23 Plus’ smaller sibling, the Galaxy S23, is a incredible possibility if you’d like a considerably smaller Android telephone. Its 6.1-inch display doesn’t put it in “small telephone” territory, nevertheless it’s rather 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 4, Samsung’s clamshell-style foldable. It presents a 6.7-inch internal display that folds in half with a small 1.9-inch cowl display on the skin for heads-up data and notifications. It’s type of like a daily telephone with a smartwatch glued on the entrance. It’s not as versatile because the Z Fold 4, nevertheless it prices a way more affordable $999. I’ve the identical considerations about long-term sturdiness as I do with the Z Fold, and the duvet display might be extra helpful. Nonetheless, it’s a whole lot of enjoyable to make use of, and it folds down sufficiently small to slot in your entrance denims pocket. 

For those who’re all in on Google’s ecosystem, then the Pixel 7 Professional is an effective (and considerably apparent) step-up possibility. It doesn’t supply any important upgrades in comparison with the Pixel 7 however does include an excellent 5x telephoto digicam. The display is greater — 6.7 inches in comparison with 6.3 — and it’s additionally a little bit nicer, with a sooner 120Hz prime refresh charge. However the Pixel 7 is priced so properly that it’s type of unimaginable not to suggest it, and most of the people will discover all the pieces they want within the base mannequin.

There’s yet one more Pixel telephone 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 unquestionably the very best telephone digicam you may get for the cash, and it comes with good creature comforts not normally seen in funds units, like wi-fi charging. It’s on the dear aspect of the “funds” class, nevertheless it’s designed to go the gap.

Lastly, there’s the Motorola Edge Plus (2023). It’s a positive machine for $799, with a pleasant display, nice battery life, a wonderful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and all of the flagship trimmings like wi-fi charging and an IP68 score. It’s an excellent possibility if the OnePlus 11 appeals however you need wi-fi charging and higher water resistance. However we’re not followers of the curved edge display, and the OnePlus 11 comes with a further 12 months of safety updates. In addition to, it doesn’t supply sufficient to face out from the remainder of the sphere to warrant a full suggestion.

Replace June ninth, 2023, 5:25PM ET: Eliminated the Asus Zenfone 9, which will be replaced soon by the Zenfone 10. Eliminated the Google Pixel 6A from the “additionally think about” part and changed it with the Pixel 7A.