The Best Android Phones
Finding the absolute best Android phone to meet your needs is hard work. It's easy to get swayed by a pretty handset design or a convincing price. Carriers might tempt you with a discount or a 24-month payment plan. But before you make a rash impulse buy, read up. From the bottomless pit of phone choices, we bring you our favorites—including our top pick, the Pixel 4A.
All the phones we've selected here have their own advantages, and we've laid them out as honestly as we can based on our own extensive testing. Be sure to check our other buying guides, including the Best iPhones, Best Cheap Phones, Best Cheap Phone Plans, and How to Pick a Better Cell Phone Carrier, for more mobile recommendations.
Updated April 2021: We've added the OnePlus 9 series and the Asus ROG Phone 5.
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Photograph: SamsungFirst, Some Advice
Buy Your Phone Unlocked (and Ignore 5G!)We recommend unlocked phones in this guide. When a phone is sold as "unlocked," it means the phone can be used on multiple wireless carriers and networks. When you buy a phone directly from your wireless carrier, usually on a payment plan, it often comes locked to that network. Carriers are legally required to unlock a phone upon request so you can switch networks, but it's a big hassle. Try to pay full price for your phone, or make sure it specifically says it's unlocked. If you feel it's too expensive to buy outright, that's a good sign you should find a cheaper model. Buy it from the manufacturer directly, or investigate your carrier's policies for unlocking phones if they're bought on a payment plan that requires you to use its network.
Verizon tips: Buying an unlocked phone is smart (it is!), but even if you do the smart thing, networks like Verizon will put up hoops for you to jump through. If you insert your SIM card but still have trouble receiving text messages or something else, contact customer service and have them enable "CDMA-Less roaming." This OnePlus 6T guide may help. The steps should be similar for other phones.
Why we don't care about 5G: You'll see lots of ads encouraging you to upgrade to a 5G plan and buy a 5G phone. Yes, you do need a new phone that supports 5G to make use of a 5G network (we have a guide that explains it all), but at the moment 5G coverage is still sparse. If it is available in your area, chances are it's not dramatically faster than 4G LTE (yet). Our advice? Think about 5G for the phone you buy next time, in a year (or more). For now, it's not a reason to upgrade (though most new phones are 5G-ready).
Photograph: GoogleBest Overall
Google Pixel 4A and Pixel 4A 5GThe Pixel 4A (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is many things: It's the best cheap phone, the best small phone, the best budget camera phone, and the best Android phone, period.
What does all of that cost you? Only $350. Yep. The successor to our previous favorite Android phone is $50 cheaper and better in every way. It has the same great main camera from the flagship Pixel 4, so you can snap excellent photos even at night with Google's Night Sight mode. It runs very smoothly, the battery lasts a full day, and the 5.8-inch OLED screen looks fantastic—especially since Google shaved off the bezels around it. It feels pretty compact too, given the size of the screen.
The Pixel 4A 5G for $500 is another great choice, but only if you want a bigger phone. It's a small step up in performance and has an additional ultrawide camera, plus support for sub-6 5G (the more accessible type). The polycarbonate bodies make these two more durable than all-glass phones. Not to mention they have headphone jacks! They'll get monthly security updates and Android version upgrades directly from Google for three years (most phones don't). The only downsides: There's no water resistance, no wireless charging, and no storage expansion, so you'll have to make do with the rather generous 128 gigabytes of internal storage.
Works on all three major US networks
Update April 2021: We still think you're fine getting a Pixel 4A right now, but Google has confirmed that a Pixel 5A is coming later this year. We aren't sure precisely when, but we're betting on the August–September 2021 timeframe.
Photograph: SamsungRunner-Up
Samsung Galaxy S21Samsung's Galaxy S21 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a little more than double the price of our top pick, but brings a host of improvements, like near-flawless performance due to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip inside, a 120-Hz screen refresh rate, as well as perks like wireless charging, water resistance, robust 5G support, and so much more. You even get a bevy of cameras to play with—a 12-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 64-megapixel zoom—and the results are similar to what you'll see with phones like the Google Pixel 5 and the iPhone 12. The back is made of matte plastic (it doesn't feel cheap), which means you only have to worry about one side shattering if you drop it.
Its 6.2-inch screen size is excellent; it's not too small or big. Best of all, Samsung will issue four years of Android version upgrades and security updates, surpassing Google's Pixel phones. You do miss out on some features that have been staples on predecessors, like a MicroSD card slot for expanding on the base 128 gigabytes of storage, MST technology for contactless payments anywhere that takes credit cards, and a power adapter or earbuds in the box, just like the latest iPhones. Battery life is just OK too, lasting about a day.
Works on all three major US networks
Photograph: SamsungBest Camera
Samsung Galaxy S21 UltraIf you need the best camera on a smartphone, you'll have to pay up. The Galaxy S21 Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the new camera king, thanks to its five excellent shooters that perform well during the day and at night (with the dedicated Night mode). Most notable are the two 10-megapixel telephoto cameras that allow for high-quality optical zoom at 3X and 10X magnification, respectively, meaning you can get closer to your subjects and still get crisp zoomed shots. The ultrawide camera makes it more versatile, and the bigger 108-megapixel sensor can snap some wonderfully detailed shots. That's without talking about video—yes, you can film in 8K, but you don't need to. The quality of 4K HDR clips here is among the best.
The rest of this phone is very similar to the S21 above, except it's all glass, and it supports the new Wi-Fi 6E standard. It also has a much bigger 6.8-inch screen that has a higher resolution and uses new OLED tech to make it more power-efficient. Battery life will still just get you through a full day, though.
Works on all three major US networks
★ Google's Pixel 5 Is a Cheaper Alternative ($700): The Google Pixel 5 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is your next best bet if your budget is limited. The main camera lets you snap well-lit photos at any time of day—put it on a tripod in a dark area and you can even capture a starry sky—and the ultrawide sensor gives it additional versatility. It can best the S21 Ultra in some areas, like portraits. Not bad for nearly half the price.
Photograph: OnePlusAnother Great Phone
OnePlus 9 and 9 ProThe OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are OnePlus' most expensive phones yet, but they finally improve a component that has long plagued the company's predecessors: the camera. Thanks to a partnership with esteemed camera brand Hasselblad, the photos these phones capture have more natural-looking colors. This, paired with improved image sensors, make for a surprisingly respectable camera system for photos and video (the ultrawide camera on both is one of the best around).
The OnePlus 9 Pro's image quality has a sizable lead over the standard OnePlus 9, but photos still aren't as consistent as our picks above, nor are they dramatically better. The rest of the hardware is excellent as usual, with solid battery life, wonderfully bright 120-Hz AMOLED displays, the ability to recharge the phone to 100 percent in 29 minutes (plus speedy wireless charging), and impressive performance. However, neither phone has a real standout feature—they don't have the smarts of Pixel phones or 10X zoom like on the S21 Ultra. And they still only get two years of Android security and version updates. They're just good, expensive phones.
Works on all three major US networks (no 5G support on AT&T yet)
Photograph: NokiaBest for $250 or Less
Nokia 5.4If your smartphone use is limited to checking a few apps, sending messages and emails, and playing the occasional mobile game, you really don't need to spend much at all. The Nokia 5.4 is a perfectly good phone for not a lot of money (it's very similar to the Nokia 5.3, which you can read about here). Unlike many cheap phones, it will get three years of security updates and two years of Android version upgrades, and it even includes NFC so you can use services like Google Pay.
The screen and performance are decent, the battery runs for a little more than a full day, plus there's a fingerprint reader, a MicroSD card slot to expand on the 128 gigs of storage, and a headphone jack. Unfortunately, as is the case with most cheap phones, the cameras are subpar, especially at night. Another thing that may be an issue is the lack of 5-GHz Wi-Fi support—this didn't give me any trouble, but it may mean no Wi-Fi connectivity if you only have a 5-GHz router.
Works on AT&T and T-Mobile
Photograph: MotorolaMultiday Battery Life for Cheap
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)Need the longest possible battery life for the least amount of money? Go for Motorola's new Moto G Power (the 2021 model). The 5,000-mAh battery inside will stretch its life-span between charges to almost three full days. The rest of the phone isn't a drastic improvement over the 2020 version, but the cameras perform slightly better in low light thanks to a new Night mode in the app. The screen has a lower resolution and is dim outdoors, but it's still fine for watching videos and shows. And it's powerful enough to run most apps and games without much trouble. A headphone jack and MicroSD card slot to add more to the 64 gigs round out the feature set.
The flaws from its predecessor are unchanged, such as the lack of NFC for contactless payments and only one promised upgrade to Android 11 (though it will still get two years of security updates). If that doesn't outweigh your need for a cheap long-lasting phone, then you'll find no better.
Works on all three major US networks
Photograph: SonyFor the Niche
Sony Xperia 5 II (and Xperia 1 II)Sony's first great phone in years is the Xperia 1 II (8/10, WIRED Recommends), but the company also has a more compact version called the Xperia 5 II. It's pronounced Xperia "Five Mark Two"—yes, the name's silly, but both of these phones do almost everything really well. The 6.5-inch Xperia 1 II has a 4K OLED screen, while the 6.1-inch Xperia 5 II sticks with a Full HD+ OLED panel (it still looks great). The 5 II also goes a step further with a 120-Hz screen refresh rate, making everything look and feel super smooth. Sony is using a stripped-down version of Android, so what you get is a fairly simple, stock experience. Plus, both have headphone jacks, are water-resistant, and let you expand the storage with a MicroSD card.
The surprise hit is the triple-camera array (both share the same system, but the Xperia 5 II lacks the depth sensor). These cameras can take really strong photos, even at night (though you really need to stand still). They're not as reliable as the Galaxy S21, especially with high-contrast scenes, but it's a great camera system nonetheless. That's without mentioning the two special apps Sony offers that give you more granular control over the camera for both photos and videos. The settings can get complicated, but if you love tweaking a camera's manual mode, you'll have fun here. The Xperia 5 II is the better buy, but both are still very expensive, and neither offers wireless charging. You should know that Sony also announced successors, the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III, and they'll arrive this summer.
Works on all three major US networks
Photograph: AsusFor Gamers and Audiophiles
Asus ROG Phone 5If you spend a lot of time on your phone playing mobile games, then you might benefit from using Asus' latest gaming phone. It has two touch-sensitive buttons on the edges you can use to map to any game, so you don't need to tap the screen and block it with your fingers. Alternatively, use Asus' Kunai 3 Gamepad—or an Xbox, PlayStation, or Stadia controller—to map physical buttons to all your games. It makes for a much more ergonomic mobile gaming experience.
That's just the tip of the iceberg. It's one of the most powerful Android phones around, especially when you toggle on X Mode, which enhances performance. It has excellent speakers, not to mention a Quad DAC for the headphone port so you can get high-quality audio with your favorite headphones. It also does a great job of dissipating heat and keeping the phone cool; if you buy Asus' Aeroactive Cooler 5, you can comfortably game for even longer. And the 6,000-mAh battery allows the phone to keep up.
It has the usual gaming phone flaws, like a camera system that won't knock your socks off. It also lacks wireless charging, is not supported on Verizon, and is bulky and heavy. But if you're a veritable mobile gamer and you wish more phones had headphone jacks, the ROG Phone 5 is for you. Asus hasn't confirmed a US launch date or pricing yet, but it'll likely sit somewhere between $800 and $1,000.
Works on AT&T and T-Mobile
Photograph: SamsungThe Phone With a Stylus
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 UltraThe Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the biggest Android phones you can get right now with its ginormous 6.9-inch screen, but it's also the only high-end phone that comes equipped with a Bluetooth stylus. Pull the so-called S Pen out from the bottom and you can use it to take notes, draw, remotely snap photos, and even control your favorite apps by waving it around in the air. Samsung has made the stylus more responsive as a writing implement this time around, so it feels more natural to scribble with it than ever before.
The rest of the phone is equipped with top-notch features, from a beautiful AMOLED screen with a 120-Hz refresh rate and powerful performance to more than a full day of battery life and three extremely capable rear cameras. This is the phone for power users, and it costs a hefty $1,300. You can find it for less on other retailers, or use Samsung's trade-in program to knock several hundred dollars off the price tag. If you don't care for the stylus but still want a Samsung phone, stick with our Galaxy S21 recommendation above.
Works on all three major US networks
Photograph: SamsungHonorable Mentions
Other Phenomenal PhonesThere are a lot of Android phones. If you haven't yet done so, check out our Best Cheap Phones guide for more options. Meanwhile, here are other standouts to consider.
- ★ Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition ($600): This is a trimmed-down version of last year's Galaxy S20. Compared to the S21, you lose extras like 8K video recording, and the camera quality is a small step down. But you get great performance with the Snapdragon 865, wireless charging, water resistance, a 120-Hz screen, and even a MicroSD card slot. The battery lasts a full day, and while the screen is bigger at 6.5 inches and not as colorful, it's still excellent. It usually dips to $600, so wait for a sale.
- OnePlus 8 for ($499): OnePlus often discounts its older phones when a new model arrives, and this is a great new price for the OnePlus 8 (though it's unclear how long it'll be discounted for). It has good cameras, speedy performance, 5G support, a great 90-Hz screen, and OK battery life. Read more in our review.
- Motorola One 5G Ace ($400): Motorola phones have some of the best battery life around, and the new Ace takes the cake in this price range. It bests the competition like the Pixel 4A and the Nord N10 with two-day battery life, and you get better performance, 5G connectivity, NFC for contactless payments (rare on a cheap Moto), plus a large 1080p display. Unsurprisingly, the cameras are the weak link here; they suffer in low light.
- OnePlus Nord N10 5G ($300): A 90-Hz screen? 5G connectivity? These features are usually not found in phones this cheap, but it's apparently an easy feat for OnePlus. The Nord N10's Snapdragon 690 is powerful enough to handle most tasks, and it has a sprawling and smooth 6.5-inch screen, plus a decent camera system. The Pixel 4A is still the better phone, but this is a good, slightly cheaper alternative if you favor bigger phones or want a 90-Hz screen.
Photograph: LGAvoid These Phones
Half-Hearted EndorsementsThere are many phones we've previously recommended that are right on the edge. They're either getting old (two-plus years) or their internals are too weak. We worry they won't have software support beyond this year, or that the next Android update will render them too sluggish. We've also added to this list some newer phones that we just can't recommend after testing.
The LG G8, Pixel 4, Nokia 7.2, Samsung Galaxy S10, and Moto G (2020) are all usable, but we think you're better off with the devices listed above or in our Best Cheap Phones guide. In fact, you should avoid buying any LG phones, as the company is officially shutting down its mobile division (RIP). Other phones we've tested and don't recommend include the Nokia 8.3 and Samsung's Galaxy A51, none of which measure up to their price.
