Source: Pixabay Images
Some of the most popular Android phone manufacturers include Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and OnePlus. These manufacturers offer a wide range of Android phones, from budget-friendly models to high-end flagships.
When choosing an Android phone, there are a number of factors to consider, such as your budget, the features that are important to you, and the size and design of the phone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Budget: Android phones are available in a wide range of prices. You can find a good quality Android phone for under $500, or you can spend more on a high-end flagship model.
- Features: Android phones come with a variety of features, such as high-resolution cameras, long-lasting batteries, and fast processors. Consider which features are most important to you when choosing a phone.
- Size and design: Android phones come in a variety of sizes and designs. Some phones have large screens that are great for watching videos and playing games, while others are more compact and easier to carry around.
Here are top 7 best android phones:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – The best overall Android phone. It has the longest-lasting battery ever tested, excellent cameras, and performance that rivals the iPhone.
- Google Pixel 8 Pro – Best camera Android phone and best for battery life. With Google’s Tensor 3 chip, the Pixel 8 Pro is not only fast but also efficient, resulting in long battery life. It also boasts some of the best smartphone cameras on the market.
- OnePlus 12 – Best high-performance flagship with a lower price than Samsung S24 Ultra. OnePlus 12 offers a powerful processor, a beautiful display, and super-fast charging.
- Google Pixel 7 – The best value Android phone. It offers great value for money with a clean software experience, a fantastic camera, and a capable processor.
- Samsung Galaxy A54 – The best budget Android phone. It is an affordable option with a long-lasting battery, a decent camera, and a bright display.
- OnePlus Open – Best foldable Android phone. The first foldable phone from OnePlus offers a large foldable display, powerful specs, and a sleek design.
- Redmagic Pro – Best gaming Android phone. This phone is specifically designed for gamers with a powerful processor, a high refresh rate display, and a built-in cooling fan.
This list is based on what tech experts consider the best all-around Android phones in 2024. When choosing an Android phone, consider your needs and budget. If you are a gamer, you may want to prioritize a phone with a powerful processor and a high refresh rate display. If you are a photographer, you may want to prioritize a phone with a good camera. And if you are on a tight budget, there are still some great Android phones available for under $500.
01. Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – The best overall Android phone. It has the longest-lasting battery ever tested, excellent cameras, and performance that rivals the iPhone.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the latest flagship phone from Samsung, and it looks like it will be a powerhouse. It has a new design with a larger display and a built-in S Pen, making it even more versatile than previous models. Here are some of the rumored specs:
- 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
- 12GB of RAM
- 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage
- Quad-lens rear camera system with a 108-megapixel main sensor, a 60x zoom lens, and improved low-light performance
- 5,000mAh battery with fast charging support
- Built-in S Pen
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is expected to be released in March 2024 and start at $1,134.99. There are different colors available including Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow, Titanium Blue, Titanium Green and Titanium Orange .
Some of the key features of the Galaxy S24 Ultra include:
- A new “Galaxy AI” feature that uses artificial intelligence to improve the phone’s performance in a variety of tasks, such as photography, videography, and battery life.
- An improved camera system with a new zoom lens that offers up to 100x zoom.
- A larger battery with faster charging support.
- A built-in S Pen, which makes the phone more versatile for productivity tasks.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is shaping up to be a powerful and feature-rich phone, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you.
Pros
- Best-in-class display: The S24 Ultra’s display is a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s bright, clear, and smooth, making it great for watching videos, gaming, and browsing the web.
- Top-notch cameras: The S24 Ultra has a quad-camera system on the back, consisting of a 200-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultrawide sensor, a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor with 10x optical zoom, and a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor with 100x Space Zoom. The front-facing camera is 12 megapixels. The camera system is one of the best on the market, and it can take stunning photos and videos in a variety of lighting conditions.
- Powerful performance: The S24 Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which is paired with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. This combination delivers excellent performance, and you’ll be able to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.
- Long battery life: The S24 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery, which is one of the largest batteries in a smartphone. It can easily last a full day on a single charge, and even longer with moderate use.
- S Pen integration: The S24 Ultra supports the S Pen, which is a great tool for taking notes, drawing, and editing photos.
- DeX mode: DeX mode allows you to connect the S24 Ultra to a monitor and use it like a desktop computer. This is a great feature for productivity.
Cons
- Price: The S24 Ultra is a very expensive phone. The starting price is expected to be around $1,200.
- Size and weight: The S24 Ultra is a large and heavy phone. It may not be comfortable to use for everyone.
- No expandable storage: The S24 Ultra doesn’t have a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
Overall, the Galaxy S24 Ultra looks like it will be a significant upgrade over the Galaxy S23 Ultra. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line Android phone with the latest and greatest features, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is definitely worth considering.
02. Best Camera Android Phone: Google Pixel 8 Pro
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
Google Pixel 8 Pro – Best camera Android phone and best for battery life. With Google’s Tensor 3 chip, the Pixel 8 Pro is not only fast but also efficient, resulting in long battery life. It also boasts some of the best smartphone cameras on the market.
The All-Pro Pixel 8 Pro: Super Fast, Powerful, and Secure
- Display: 6.7-inch Super Actua OLED display with a 1344 x 2992 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G3 processor
- RAM: 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
- Camera: Triple rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto sensor; 10.5MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 5050mAh battery with support for 30W fast wired charging and 18W wireless charging
- Price: Starting at $999
The Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s most advanced phone yet. It’s engineered for speed, power, and security, featuring the new Google Tensor G3 chip. This custom-designed chip with Google AI unlocks cutting-edge photo and video features, along with smarter ways to get things done.
Unleash the Power of Choice
This unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the freedom to choose your carrier and data plan. It works seamlessly with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers.
Immerse Yourself in a Flawless Display
The Pixel 8 Pro boasts the most refined design Google has ever offered. The centerpiece is a stunning 6.7-inch Super Actua display that delivers exceptional sharpness. Plus, the refresh rate intelligently adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz for a smooth and responsive experience.
03. Best Alternative Flagship Phone: OnePlus 12
4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
OnePlus 12 – Best high-performance flagship with a lower price than Samsung S24 Ultra. OnePlus 12 offers a powerful processor, a beautiful display, and super-fast charging.
The OnePlus 12 is a high-end phone that was released in October 2023. It has a large 6.82-inch AMOLED display with a 1440 x 3168 resolution, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor. The phone also has a long-lasting 5400mAh battery and supports 100W fast charging.
The OnePlus 12 is available in two RAM/storage configurations: 12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB. The base model starts at $899.99, which is quite competitive for a phone with these specs.
Here’s a summary of the OnePlus 12 specs:
- Display: 6.82-inch AMOLED, 1440 x 3168 resolution
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM: 12GB or 16GB
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB
- Rear Camera: Triple-lens system with 50MP main sensor
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 5400mAh
- Charging: 100W fast charging
If you’re looking for a high-end phone with a great display, powerful performance, and a long-lasting battery, the OnePlus 12 is a great option to consider. However, keep in mind that there are other great phones on the market, so be sure to shop around before making a decision.
The OnePlus 12 is getting a lot of positive attention from reviewers, who consider it to be a strong contender for the title of best phone of 2024. Here’s a quick rundown of the key points:
Pros:
- Excellent Performance: The OnePlus 12 boasts the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with improved cooling, making it blazing fast and smooth for any task.
- Top-notch Camera: This is the area where the OnePlus 12 sees the biggest improvement over previous models. The new Sony 50MP LYT-808 sensor with customized low-light capabilities takes fantastic photos and videos, rivaling other flagships.
- Long Battery Life: The OnePlus 12 prioritizes battery life over squeezing out the absolute peak performance, resulting in a phone that will last you a full day on a single charge.
- Fast Charging: OnePlus continues to be a leader in fast charging with the OnePlus 12, offering the fastest charging speeds available in the US.
- Clean Software: OxygenOS is a bloatware-free and near stock Android experience that’s praised for its speed and customization options.
Cons:
- Curved Display: While some users love the look of curved displays, others find them prone to accidental touches and glare.
- No IP Rating: The OnePlus 12 lacks an official IP rating for water resistance, so you’ll need to be extra careful around water.
- Average Fingerprint Sensor: The in-display fingerprint sensor is considered average compared to other aspects of the phone.
Overall, the OnePlus 12 is a powerful and feature-packed phone with a great camera, long battery life, and super-fast charging. While there are a few minor drawbacks like the curved display and lack of IP rating, most reviewers feel they are outweighed by the phone’s strengths.
04. Best Value: Google Pixel 7
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
Google Pixel 7 – The best value Android phone. It offers great value for money with a clean software experience, a fantastic camera, and a capable processor.
The Google Pixel 7 starts at $599 for the 8GB/128GB variant and $699 for the 8GB/256GB variant. Here’s a summary of its specs:
- Display: 6.3-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB (not expandable)
- Camera: Dual rear camera (50MP main + 12MP ultrawide), 10.8MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 4355mAh
- OS: Android 13
If you’re looking for a phone with a great camera, clean software, and long battery life, the Pixel 7 is a great option. However, if you’re looking for the best possible specs or the most affordable price, there are other options out there.
The Google Pixel 7 is a strong contender in the world of smartphones, especially after the price drop following the release of the Pixel 8. Here’s a quick rundown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Excellent Camera: Even without a telephoto lens, the Pixel 7 takes fantastic pictures thanks to its 50MP main sensor and improved image processing. Reviewers especially liked photos taken in low-light conditions.
- Compact Design: If you find bigger phones cumbersome, the Pixel 7 is a great choice with its 6.3-inch display. It’s also comfortable to hold due to its smaller size.
- Clean Software: Pixel phones are known for their clean and bloatware-free software experience. You get regular updates directly from Google, so your phone stays secure and up-to-date.
- More Affordable: With the Pixel 8 out, the Pixel 7 has become more affordable, offering similar features at a lower price point.
Cons:
- Average Battery Life: Some reviewers found the battery life to be just average, especially compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 6.
- No Telephoto Lens: This might be a dealbreaker for users who like to zoom in on distant objects.
- Lower Refresh Rate Display: While the display is bright and crisp, it has a 90Hz refresh rate, whereas some higher-end phones offer a smoother 120Hz refresh rate.
Overall, the Google Pixel 7 is a great choice for those looking for a compact phone with a fantastic camera, clean software, and a more affordable price tag. However, if you need a phone with a telephoto lens or the absolute best battery life, you might want to consider other options.
05. Best Budget Android Phone: Samsung Galaxy A54
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
Samsung Galaxy A54 – The best budget Android phone. It is an affordable option with a long-lasting battery, a decent camera, and a bright display. The Samsung Galaxy A54 is a mid-range phone that offers a good balance of features and price.
The Samsung Galaxy A54 is a mid-range smartphone with a starting price of $178.28 (converted from Philippine peso). It has a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), an Exynos 1380 chipset, 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging.
Here’s a summary of the specs:
- Display: 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED (1080 x 2340 pixels), 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Rear Camera: Triple (50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro) with OIS
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 25W fast charging
- OS: Android 13
If you’re looking for a good mid-range phone with a great display, camera, and battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A54 is a good option.
Pros:
- Display: A bright and vivid 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling.
- Battery life: A large 5,000mAh battery that can last a full day on a single charge.
- Design: A sleek and stylish design that looks more premium than its price tag suggests.
- Software: Samsung’s One UI interface is feature-rich and customizable, and the phone is guaranteed to get software updates for at least a few years.
- Expandable storage: The A54 has a microSD card slot, so you can easily expand the storage if you need more space.
Cons:
- Camera: The camera system is decent, but it’s not the best in its class. Photos can be soft in low light, and the macro lens isn’t very useful.
- Performance: The processor is good enough for everyday tasks, but it can struggle with demanding games and apps.
- No wireless charging: The A54 only supports wired charging.
- Competition: The Google Pixel 6a offers a cleaner software experience and a slightly better camera for a similar price.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A54 is a good option for users who are looking for a stylish and well-rounded mid-range phone with a long battery life. However, if you prioritize camera quality or a clean software experience, you might be better off considering the Google Pixel 6a.
06. Best Foldable Phone: OnePlus Open
4.1 out of 5 Star Rating
OnePlus Open – Best foldable Android phone. The first foldable phone from OnePlus offers a large foldable display, powerful specs, and a sleek design. The OnePlus Open is a foldable smartphone with a high-end price tag. The lowest price I could find is $1,329.99 for the 512GB storage option with 16GB of RAM.
Here’s a summary of its specs:
- Display: 7.82-inch foldable AMOLED display with a 2440 x 2268 resolution
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
- RAM: 16GB of RAM
- Storage: 512GB of storage
- Camera: Triple-lens rear camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto sensor, and a 48MP ultrawide sensor; 20MP dual front-facing camera
- Battery: 4805mAh battery with 67W fast charging
If you’re looking for a foldable phone with top-of-the-line specs, the OnePlus Open is a good option. However, it’s also one of the most expensive foldable phones on the market. The OnePlus Open has been making waves as a serious contender in the foldable phone market. Here’s a quick rundown of the key points from reviews:
Positives:
- Design and Durability: Many reviewers were impressed with the build quality, praising the sleek design, thin metal frame, and a hinge that feels robust with less complexity than competitors. It also has a splash resistant rating (IPX4).
- Cameras: The triple Hasselblad camera system with a new Sony sensor seems to capture clear and detailed photos, including good performance in low light. It also boasts 3x optical zoom and 6x digital zoom.
- Performance: The OnePlus Open comes with the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and plenty of RAM, making for a smooth and fast experience without lag.
- Battery Life: Reviewers were happy with the battery life, especially considering it’s a foldable phone. Plus, the 80W wired charging is incredibly fast.
- Software: OnePlus’s OxygenOS offers some customization options and some reviewers really liked the multitasking features, allowing you to use up to three apps simultaneously on the large unfolded screen.
Negatives:
- No Wireless Charging: While the wired charging is super fast, some reviewers missed having wireless charging as an option.
- Inner Selfie Camera: Compared to the cover screen camera, the inner selfie camera wasn’t quite as strong according to some reviewers.
- First Generation Foldable: While the phone feels polished, being a first-gen foldable phone there’s a chance there could be durability concerns down the line that haven’t been tested by extensive use yet.
Overall:
The OnePlus Open seems to be a strong first entry into the foldable phone market, offering a powerful processor, a great camera system, a beautiful design, and a unique take on multitasking software. That being said, the lack of wireless charging and the unknowns of a first generation foldable are things to consider.
07. Best for Gaming: REDMAGIC 9 Pro
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
REDMAGIC 9 Pro – Best gaming Android phone. This phone is specifically designed for gamers with a powerful processor, a high refresh rate display, and a built-in cooling fan. The RedMagic 9 Pro is a gaming phone focused on delivering top-notch performance at a competitive price point.
The RedMagic 9 Pro is a gaming phone from nubia that was released in January 2024. It has a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 1116 x 2480 resolution and a 168Hz refresh rate. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and comes with 8GB to 16GB of RAM and 256GB to 512GB of storage.
The RedMagic 9 Pro has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. The front-facing camera is 16MP. The phone is powered by a 6500mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging.
Here’s a summary of the specs:
- Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED, 1116 x 2480 resolution, 168Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM: 8GB to 16GB
- Storage: 256GB to 512GB
- Rear Camera: Triple-lens (50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 2MP macro)
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 6500mAh
- Fast Charging: 80W
The RedMagic 9 Pro starts at USD $649 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model. The 16GB RAM + 512GB storage model costs USD $799.
Here’s a quick rundown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Powerful performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and improved cooling system (ICE 13) ensure smooth gameplay without overheating.
- Long battery life: The 6,500mAh battery is great for extended gaming sessions, lasting up to two days on a single charge.
- Fast charging: The included 80W charger gets you back in the game quickly.
- Bright and smooth display: The 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is perfect for immersive gaming.
- Gaming features: Shoulder triggers, a game mode, and customizable LED lighting enhance the gaming experience.
- More affordable than competitors: The RedMagic 9 Pro offers excellent value for money.
Cons:
- Average cameras: While the 50MP main sensor is decent, the ultrawide and under-display selfie camera are underwhelming.
- Design may not be for everyone: The phone has a slightly bulky design with sharp edges, which might not be the most comfortable for extended use.
- Software: While improved, the software isn’t the most polished and can still have some bugs.
Overall, the RedMagic 9 Pro is a great choice for gamers on a budget who prioritize performance and battery life. However, if you’re looking for the best camera or the most premium design, you might want to consider other options.
Conclusion:
Choosing the perfect Android phone depends on what you need it for and your budget. Here’s a breakdown of the key things to consider:
Features:
- Display: Size (bigger for watching videos, smaller for easier handling) and resolution (higher resolution for sharper images) are important.
- Performance: Processor (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon) and RAM determine how smoothly apps run. For basic use, 4GB RAM is okay, while gamers and power users might need 8GB or more.
- Storage: How much space do you need for photos, videos, and apps? 64GB is common, but consider 128GB or more if you take a lot of media. Some phones let you add storage with a microSD card.
- Camera: Quality depends on megapixels (higher is not always better) and features. If you’re a casual photographer, a basic camera will do.
- Battery life: A bigger battery (measured in mAh) means longer life between charges. Consider how often you can charge and your usage habits.
Other factors:
- Price: Flagship phones with top-of-the-line specs cost the most. Mid-range phones offer good value, while budget phones are best for basic use.
- Brand: Popular brands include Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and Motorola. Research their strengths and weaknesses.
- Software: Ideally, get a phone with the latest Android version and guaranteed software updates for a longer lifespan.
Buying tips:
- Read reviews: Tech websites and publications review new phones extensively.
- Compare prices: Don’t just buy from the first store you see. Look for deals and discounts.
- Consider used phones: You can save a lot on slightly used phones. Check the condition carefully before buying.
