The Best Android Phone Deals This Week*
- Samsung Galaxy S24 128GB Unlocked Phone (Marble Gray) — $724.99 (List Price $799.99)
- Google Pixel 7 Pro 5G 256GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian) — $530.00 (List Price $999)
- Motorola Edge 256GB Unlocked Phone (2023 Model) — $349.99 (List Price $599.99)
- OnePlus 12R 256GB Dual-Sim Unlocked Phone (Iron Gray) — $529.99 (List Price $599.99)
- Google Pixel 7a 128GB Unlocked Phone (Charcoal) — $349.00 (List Price $499)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Whether you're looking for a big or small phone, entry-level or top-of-the-line, Android offers options for everyone. And unlike Apple's rigid release cycle, Google's hardware partners unleash an endless stream of new devices year-round. And therein lies the problem: With so many options, how do you settle on the right one? Lucky for you, we test and review nearly every smartphone available from all the major US carriers.
Read on for what to look for, as well as our top picks for Android phones.
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best for Artists and Note-Takers
Why We Picked It
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the most premium phones you can buy, but it fully justifies its high price. In addition to an ultra-high-quality display, it delivers top-notch performance, has an excellent array of cameras, includes powerful productivity software, and lasts a long time per charge. It's also quite tough and fully waterproof.
Who It's For
The S24 Ultra has every feature you could want in an Android phone and includes a stylus for drawing and taking notes. It's just as suitable for mobile professionals as for artists and creators.
PROS
- Speedy performance
- Beautiful screen
- Terrific cameras
- Useful AI features
- Comes with S Pen stylus
- Long support commitment
CONS
- Big
- Expensive
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Dimensions | 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches |
| Screen Size | 6.8 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 14 hours, 10 minutes |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Best Foldable Phone
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 works out all the major kinks that were present in the Z Fold 4. The lighter package and more compact body make it a lot easier to carry around this incredibly powerful machine. Moreover, it finally loses the wedged shape when folded and closes flat. It costs a lot of money, but Samsung justifies it with lots of features, such as multitasking, S Pen stylus support, the latest 5G and Wi-Fi radios, and speedy performance.
Who It's For
If you are looking for one device to replace your phone, tablet, and maybe even your laptop, the Z Fold 5 is built for you.
PROS
- Incredibly versatile
- Excellent productivity software
- Beautiful screens
- Slimmer, lighter design than previous generation
CONS
- Pricey
- Odd speaker placement
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Dimensions | 6.10 by 5.11 by 0.24 inches |
| Screen Size | 7.6 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,176 by 1,812 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP; 4MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 11 hours, 20 minutes |
Google Pixel 7a
Best Midrange Phone
Why We Picked It
Google's software is the choice of the techno-elite for its speed, elegance, and simplicity. The Pixel 7a brings you that software—along with years of Android updates before anyone else gets them—at an affordable price. Although the Pixel 7a is available from carriers, we encourage you to look at pairing an unlocked model with an alternative (but still reliable) carrier like Google Fi or US Mobile to save money.
Who It's For
Folks whose taste outpaces their budget. Google's Pixel phones aren't the best-selling Android models (Samsung phones are more popular), but many people still prefer them because of their clean software and highly capable cameras.
PROS
- Solid performance
- Above-average cameras
- Unique design
- Wireless charging
CONS
- Wi-Fi disconnection issue in testing
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | Google Tensor G2 |
| Dimensions | 5.98 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.1 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 64MP, 13MP; 13MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 13 hours, 25 minutes |
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Best Affordable Android Phone
Why We Picked It
Despite its affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G features a vivid 6.6-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a quality processor, an expandable storage slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an above-average camera stack. We also like Samsung's promise to deliver four years of OS upgrades to the phone.
Who It's For
If you need to stick to a tight budget or want something inexpensive for your kids, the Galaxy A15 is one of your top choices. It covers all the basics for a reasonable price.
PROS
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Competent cameras
- Excellent software upgrade policy
CONS
- No IP rating
- Plastic build
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Mediatek 6835 |
| Dimensions | 6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.5 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 14 hours, 3 minutes |
Google Pixel 8
Best Android Phone for Most People
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 8 currently strikes the best balance of power, connectivity, and price among Android phones. With an excellent dual-camera setup that supports tons of AI-enhanced editing features, a bright 6.2-inch OLED screen, and a smooth Tensor G3 processor, it's the mainstream leader. It also exudes class thanks to its compact aluminum frame and inviting color options.
Who It's For
This is the no-brainer choice if you want a high-quality Android phone for under $800 right now. And it's a particularly good option if you like to keep your phone for a long time given that Google is committing to seven years of OS updates.
PROS
- Competitively priced
- Advanced AI features
- Terrific cameras
- Compact
- Excellent build quality
CONS
- Unimpressive battery life
- No telephoto camera
- Storage capped at 256GB
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Google Tensor G3 |
| Dimensions | 5.93 by 2.79 by 0.35 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.2 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 12MP; 10.5MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 10 hours, 20 minutes |
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Best AI-Assisted Camera
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is one of the most advanced Android smartphones available today. Google refined the design so it's more comfortable to hold and use, the improved screen is far brighter than older models, the new camera hardware—including the 5x optical zoom camera—gives it serious photography chops, and the Tensor G3 processor boosts Google Assistant with artificial intelligence and machine learning. Plus, Google is promising seven years of software upgrades and security updates.
Who It's For
If you're a fan of pure Android and want the best camera and video experience, the Pixel 8 Pro is a step ahead of the standard Pixel 8 model thanks to its extra telephoto camera and high-end video capabilities.
PROS
- Exclusive Assistant features
- AI-assisted photo and video editing
- Seven years of software support
- Super-bright display
- Excellent build quality
CONS
- Shorter battery life than predecessor
- Inconsistent Wi-Fi
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Google Tensor G3 |
| Dimensions | 6.40 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,992 by 1,344 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 10.5MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 9 hours, 5 minutes |
Samsung Galaxy S24
Best Small Phone
Why We Picked It
The base Samsung Galaxy S24 hits many of the same high notes as its larger, more expensive siblings, including fast performance, Galaxy AI tools, excellent cameras, and reliable cellular reception. This model just gives up a bit of battery life and charges more slowly over a wired connection.
Who It's For
If you have trouble operating a big phone, this is one of the best compact Android models on the market with high-end specs. It isn't a truly small phone, but it's still your best bet if you want something pocketable and powerful.
PROS
- Compact, premium build
- Flagship performance
- Useful AI features
- Seven-year software support commitment
CONS
- Limited RAM and storage offerings
- Can get warm while gaming
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Dimensions | 5.79 by 2.78 by 0.30 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.2 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 12MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 13 hours, 5 minutes |
OnePlus 12
Best Alternative to Google and Samsung
Why We Picked It
OnePlus phones aren't as common as those from Google and Samsung, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider one. The company's latest flagship goes spec-for-spec with more mainstream options in terms of its display, battery life, performance, and more. It also supports wired charging speeds of up to 80W via OnePlus' proprietary power block.
Who It's For
The OnePlus 12 is for those who want something a little off the beaten path. OnePlus makes consistently good phones with genuinely useful software, while a revised update policy makes this model viable for longer than its predecessors. And for the budget-conscious, the OnePlus 12 undercuts comparable options from Google and Samsung in price.
PROS
- Bright, crisp display
- Excellent battery life
- Rapid wired and wireless charging
- Powerful processor
CONS
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- Not as waterproof as competing phones
- No special AI features
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Dimensions | 6.47 by 2.98 by 0.36 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.82 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 3,168 by 1,440 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 64MP, 50MP, 48MP; 32MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 18 hours, 10 minutes |
Motorola Razr+ (2023)
Best Flip Phone
Why We Picked It
The Motorola Razr+ is a high-quality foldable that bends in half at the waist rather than down the spine. It's pocketable, powerful, fun, and stylish. The capable external display lets you use many phone functions without opening the screen fully and take selfies with the main camera.
Who It's For
The Razr+ is for people bored with modern, slab-style smartphones and want something new. It's a breath of fresh air in a market oversaturated with sameness.
PROS
- Excellent display quality
- Highly functional external screen
- Portable, stylish design
CONS
- Unimpressive IP rating
- Dated processor
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Dimensions | 6.73 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.9 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,640 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 12MP, 13MP; 32MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 14 hours |
The Best Phones of the Year
When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Android Phone?
The Android release cycle is perpetual, and a new set of flagship phones arrives practically every month. For instance, we already saw updated Samsung Galaxy S and OnePlus hardware in January. In 2023, Motorola's folding phones showed up in June, fresh Galaxy Z hardware arrived in July, and the upgraded Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro came out in October.
Our point is that there's almost always a new Android phone available and no bad time to buy.
The Best 5G Android Phones
Support for 5G has now become standard on any phone that costs more than $200. Devices below that threshold might not work on every band, but don't worry too much. 4G networks still offer excellent performance and will continue to do so for years.
Speaking of bands, if you want the best network speeds in the US, look for a phone with C-band (band n77). On AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. C-band 5G offers several times the speed of 4G. The number of phones with C-band support is growing quickly, but you should confirm that the particular phone you're considering supports it. We detail whether a phone supports C-band in each of our reviews to make the process easier.
For more, check out our favorite 5G handsets.
What Is the Best Cheap Android Phone?
This list has phones that cost anywhere from $200 to nearly $2,000. On the low end, Motorola, OnePlus, and Samsung models tend to be excellent values for the money. Carrier-branded phones that don't mention the name of the manufacturer often aren't very good and you should avoid them.
Most of the phones available in the US cost $600 or more because most people buy them on monthly payment plans that hide the cost over 24 to 36 months. But there's also a thriving market, mostly in the prepaid space, of phones that cost $300 or less. Take a look at lower-end OnePlus phones or handsets from Motorola or Samsung at prepaid carriers for decent quality at a low price.
For more, see our stories on the best cheap phones, the best cheap phone plans, and our top tips to get the best price on a cell phone.
What Size Android Phone Is Right for You?
There's been a dramatic shift in Android phone shapes and sizes over the last few years. Many manufacturers have started to make their phones taller and narrower, resulting in one-hand-friendly models with improbably large screen sizes.
You can find Android phones with stated screen sizes from 3 inches (the Unihertz Jelly Star) to over 7 inches (the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5). With the new designs, though, it's important to look at the width of the phone A tall, narrow phone can be much easier to handle than something wider, but it's also a less common aspect ratio for apps to use.
In the end, don’t discount the value of handling several options in person at your local wireless shop. And check out our roundup of small phones for your best compact options.
Which Is the Best Android Version?
Generally speaking, the newest version of Android is the best version of Android. Android 14 is the most recent version of Google’s mobile platform at the time of this writing. Many phones on store shelves still don't have access to Android 13, though.
Whatever you do, don't buy a phone that comes with anything before Android 12; the older the Android software version, the more likely it is to have security flaws. Also, check how many rounds of full operating system upgrades and security patches the manufacturer promises. Google is now offering seven years of software updates for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, as is Samsung for the Galaxy S24 devices. Other competing phone makers are still catching up.
Last, remember that not all Android versions are the same. If you want a pure Google experience, opt for a Pixel device—they're the models that Google upgrades first. Motorola and Nokia offer a mostly clean Android interface, though the companies lag on long-term software support. Samsung, OnePlus, TCL, and other phone makers ship their phones with skins that change the look and functionality of Android to some degree.
What About Honor, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi?
We don't cover some of the world's biggest smartphone makers (Honor, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi) because they don't sell phones in the US (at least, via carriers) and we primarily serve US consumers. In the cases of Oppo and Vivo, it's because they've ceded the US market to their sibling brand OnePlus (Oppo and OnePlus have now essentially merged). Xiaomi has said several times that its business model, which relies heavily on advertising revenue and subscription services baked into its phones, won't work in the US. Honor is working hard to make up ground in Asia and Europe, but has largely still avoided selling in the US. The same is mostly true for ZTE, once a mainstay of US prepaid carriers.
We do not recommend importing foreign phones for use in the US because they often perform poorly on US carrier networks—if at all.
Is It Better to Buy an Android Phone Unlocked or Through a Carrier?
Carrier-sold phones still dominate the US market, but buying your phone direct and unlocked gives you more freedom to switch carriers. Unlocked phones don't feature carrier bloatware and are something you buy upfront, so you don't have to worry about monthly payments.
You can buy every phone on this list directly without any carrier involvement. But most people still buy their phones through carriers, which offer a single point for service and support and monthly payment plans that dramatically lower the upfront price. Many even offer increased trade-in values on phones, further cutting the price.
You should also make sure your carrier (especially if you're using an MVNO) supports a phone fully before buying it. Although you can always hop between MVNOs without penalty, if you're happy with your current carrier, it's best to make sure the phone you buy works on that network.
With all that in mind, choosing Android as your mobile operating system is only half the battle; you still need to pick the right phone. If you're still on the fence, check out our list of the best phones, regardless of OS.
Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.
