Should you’re out there for a brand new telephone, you will discover much more selection in dimension, form, worth, and capabilities from Android units than you’ll from Apple’s iPhones. PCMag may help you slim down the choices when you aren’t fairly positive the place to start out. We have been writing about cell telephones for at the very least three many years, so you’ll be able to belief our evaluation and that our choices are value your consideration. Amongst our Editors’ Alternative winners are the inexpensive Google Pixel 9a with its sturdy worth, the high-end Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely with its S Pen stylus, and the OnePlus 13 for its excellent battery life. Remember to learn all our in-depth evaluations of every choose beneath to search out which greatest meets your wants, and scroll to the top for some helpful shopping for recommendation about all issues Android.
Deeper Dive: Our Prime Examined Picks
- Class-leading efficiency
- Highly effective AI options
- Glorious cameras
- Sharp, anti-reflective display
- Higher ergonomics than earlier Ultras
- Lengthy software program help window
- Costly
- Much less S Pen performance than earlier era
The Galaxy S25 Extremely is among the most superior—and costly—telephones you should purchase, however it absolutely justifies its excessive worth. Along with an ultra-high-quality show, it delivers top-notch efficiency, has a superb array of cameras, consists of highly effective productiveness software program, and lasts a very long time per cost. It is also fairly powerful and absolutely waterproof. Let’s not neglect about Galaxy AI, which is extra superior than ever and might full advanced, multi-step duties on demand.
The Galaxy S25 Extremely has each characteristic you would need in an Android telephone and features a stylus for drawing and taking notes. It is simply as appropriate for cell professionals as for artists and creators.
Working System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches
Display screen Measurement
6.9 inches
Display screen Decision
3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Going through)
200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
14 hours, quarter-hour
Study Extra
- Highly effective efficiency
- Glorious cameras
- Helpful Google AI
- Seven-year software program help dedication
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- No reverse wi-fi charging
The Google Pixel 9a provides essentially the most compelling options of different Pixel telephones at a extra inexpensive midrange worth. Its glorious pictures are as a result of high quality {hardware} and Google’s computational images algorithms. Its lovely 6.3-inch OLED show is seen even in vivid daylight, due to its most brightness of two,700 nits. It additionally has the identical Tensor G4 processor as its pricier Pixel 9 siblings for swift AI efficiency.
If you’d like the latest telephone tech from Google on the lowest worth, the Pixel 9a is your greatest guess. It is engaging, extremely succesful, and is about to obtain OS and safety updates for seven years.
Working System
Android 15
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.1 by 2.9 by 0.4 inches
Display screen Measurement
6.3 inches
Display screen Decision
2,424 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Going through)
48MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
13 hours, quarter-hour
Study Extra
- Improved, extra sturdy design
- Wider cowl display
- Glorious cameras
- Blazing efficiency
- Vivid shows
- Lengthy software program help window
- Very costly
- Lagging charging speeds
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 improves on the already glorious Z Fold 5 in a number of key methods. With a lighter and extra compact design, as an example, this highly effective productiveness machine is simpler to hold round than ever. Its bigger cowl display is extra helpful than earlier than, too. The telephone is costly, however Samsung justifies the fee with glorious multitasking options, S Pen stylus help, the newest 5G and Wi-Fi radios, and speedy efficiency.
In case you are on the lookout for one gadget to switch your telephone, pill, and perhaps even your laptop computer, the Z Fold 6 is what you need to get. Furthermore, you’ll maintain onto it for a very long time due to its seven years of software program help.
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.04 by 5.22 by 0.22 inches
Display screen Measurement
7.6 inches
Display screen Decision
2,160 by 1,856 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Going through)
50MP, 10MP, 12MP; 10MP, 4MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
11 hours, half-hour
Study Extra
- Glorious cameras
- Helpful and enjoyable AI options
- Good efficiency
- Competitively priced
- Restricted storage
- Would not embody Gemini Stay subscription
The Google Pixel 9 strikes a compelling steadiness of energy, connectivity, and worth amongst Android telephones. With a superb dual-camera setup that helps tons of AI-enhanced enhancing options, a vivid 6.3-inch OLED display, and a succesful Tensor G4 processor, it is the mainstream chief. It additionally exudes class due to its compact aluminum body and alluring shade choices.
That is the no-brainer alternative if you would like a high-quality Android telephone for round $800. And it is a significantly good possibility when you prefer to maintain your telephone for a very long time, provided that Google is committing to seven years of OS and safety updates.
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches
Display screen Measurement
6.3 inches
Display screen Decision
2,424 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Going through)
50MP, 48MP; 10.5MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
11 hours, 45 minutes
Study Extra
- Glorious worth
- Good efficiency
- Above-average cameras
- Splashproof
- Six-year help window
Regardless of its inexpensive worth, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G encompasses a vivid 6.7-inch show with a 90Hz refresh fee, a top quality processor, an expandable storage slot, and an above-average digital camera stack. We additionally like Samsung’s promise to ship six years of OS upgrades to the telephone.
If it’s worthwhile to keep on with a good funds or need one thing cheap in your youngsters, the Galaxy A16 is one in every of your high decisions. It covers all of the fundamentals for an affordable worth.
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1330
Dimensions
6.47 by 3.07 by 0.31 inches
Display screen Measurement
6.7 inches
Display screen Decision
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Going through)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
13 hours 46 minutes
Study Extra
- Inexpensive
- Vibrant OLED show
- Good efficiency
- High quality cameras
- Lengthy battery life
- No mmWave 5G
- No wi-fi charging
Decrease-cost telephones usually do not have nice cameras, however the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G’s 50MP principal imager captures pictures with loads of element and good shade. In any other case, the telephone is highly effective sufficient for on a regular basis use and a few gentle gaming due to its Exynos 1280 processor and 6GB of RAM. It is not a flagship Samsung gadget however will obtain 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of safety fixes.
Should you just like the look of Samsung’s Galaxy telephones and desire a high quality digital camera, the Galaxy A25 covers each bases for an affordable worth.
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1280
Dimensions
6.34 by 3.01 by 0.33 inches
Display screen Measurement
6.5 inches
Display screen Decision
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Going through)
50MP, 8MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
13 hours, 10 minutes
Study Extra
- Class-leading efficiency
- Tremendous-high refresh fee
- Ample reminiscence and storage
- Wealthy audio
- Prime-notch design and construct
- Costly
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- Assist home windows may very well be longer
Asus costs a lofty $1,499.99 for the highest mannequin of its ROG Cellphone 9 Professional Version, however the handset manages to justify that worth with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. In the meantime, the 6.78-inch AMOLED show with a 120Hz adaptive refresh fee is great for gaming. There’s even a secondary show on the rear with 648 mini-LEDs that may present information and even play low-resolution video games. The Professional Version additionally comes with a snap-on exterior cooling fan, so you’ll be able to recreation for longer with out worrying about warmth.
The Asus ROG Cellphone 9 Professional Version is constructed from the bottom as much as fulfill cell players. No different Android telephone we have examined compares for that objective.
Working System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
Dimensions
6.45 by 3.02 by 0.35 inches
Display screen Measurement
6.78 inches
Display screen Decision
2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Going through)
50MP, 32MP, 13MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
14 hours, 35 minutes
- Class-leading battery life
- Vivid, crisp display
- Spectacular efficiency
- Quick wired and wi-fi charging
- Stable construct high quality
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- Shorter software program help window than competing telephones
OnePlus telephones aren’t as frequent as these from Google and Samsung, however they’re value your consideration. The corporate’s newest flagship goes spec-for-spec with mainstream choices by way of its show, battery life, efficiency, and extra. It additionally helps wired charging speeds of as much as 80W by way of OnePlus’ proprietary energy block.
The OnePlus 13 is for individuals who need one thing a bit off the overwhelmed path. OnePlus makes persistently good telephones with genuinely helpful software program that can obtain 4 years of OS upgrades. For the budget-conscious, the OnePlus 13 additionally undercuts comparable choices from Google and Samsung in worth.
Working System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Cell Platform
Dimensions
6.41 by 3.01 by 0.33 inches
Display screen Measurement
6.82 inches
Display screen Decision
3,168 by 1,440 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Going through)
50MP, 50MP, 50MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
24 hours, 28 minutes
Study Extra
- Distinctive efficiency
- Helpful AI options
- Vivid display
- Good battery life
- Glorious construct high quality
- No S Pen or 5x optical digital camera
- Restricted storage choices
- Dated design
The bottom Samsung Galaxy S25 hits most of the identical excessive notes as its bigger, costlier siblings, together with quick efficiency, Galaxy AI instruments, glorious cameras, and dependable mobile reception. This mannequin simply offers up a little bit of battery life and costs extra slowly over a wired connection.
When you have hassle working an enormous telephone, this is among the greatest compact Android fashions in the marketplace with high-end specs. It is not a really small telephone, however it’s nonetheless your greatest guess if you would like one thing pocketable and highly effective.
Working System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Dimensions
5.78 by 2.78 by 0.28 inches
Display screen Measurement
6.2 inches
Display screen Decision
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Going through)
50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
14 hours, quarter-hour
Study Extra
- Vivid shows
- Class-leading battery life
- Highly effective efficiency
- Enjoyable folding type issue
- Middling cameras
- Mediocre AI
The Motorola Razr takes full benefit of each of its outer and internal screens in a method rivals simply do not. The 4.0-inch outer show is massive and vivid, whereas the 7.0-inch internal display offers you loads of area for leisure and productiveness. Motorola’s method to software program means you’ll be able to accomplish nearly something you need on both show; there isn’t any must open the gadget when you do not wish to, which may help you cut back display time. This model additionally has an IP48 ranking, which is a big enchancment over earlier fashions.
Get the Razr Extremely if you would like a flip telephone that may do all of it, no matter whether or not it’s open or closed. It is also fairly fashionable, in case you purpose to make a vogue assertion together with your telephone.
Working System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Cell Platform
Dimensions
3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed, 6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open.
Display screen Measurement
7 inches
Display screen Decision
2,992 by 1,224 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Going through)
50MP, 50MP; 50MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
22 hours, 33 minutes
Study Extra
Get Our Finest Tales!
A Good, Daring Tackle the Wi-fi World
By clicking Signal Me Up, you verify you might be 16+ and comply with our Phrases of Use and Privateness Coverage.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep watch over your inbox!
The Finest Android Telephones for 2025
Examine Specs
Shopping for Information: The Finest Android Telephones for 2025
When Is the Finest Time to Purchase a New Android Cellphone?
The Android launch cycle is perpetual, and a brand new set of flagship telephones arrives virtually each month. As an example, we have already seen up to date Samsung Galaxy S and OnePlus {hardware} this yr, together with contemporary foldables from Motorola. Our level is that there’s virtually all the time a brand new Android telephone coming to market, and no unhealthy time to purchase one.
The Finest 5G Android Telephones
Assist for 5G has now grow to be customary on any telephone that prices greater than $200. Units beneath that threshold may not work on each band, however you should not fear an excessive amount of. 4G networks nonetheless provide glorious efficiency and can proceed to take action for years.
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Talking of bands, if you would like the perfect community speeds within the US, search for a telephone with C-band (band n77). On AT&T, T-Cell, and Verizon, C-band 5G provides a number of instances the pace of 4G. We element whether or not a telephone helps C-band in every of our evaluations to make the method simpler.
For extra, take a look at our favourite 5G handsets.
What Is the Finest Low cost Android Cellphone?
This record consists of telephones that value wherever from $200 to almost $2,000. On the low finish, Motorola and Samsung fashions are typically glorious values for the cash. Service-branded telephones that do not point out the producer’s identify typically aren’t excellent, and you need to keep away from them.
Lots of the telephones accessible within the US value $600 or extra as a result of most individuals purchase them on month-to-month fee plans that conceal the fee over 24 to 36 months. However there’s additionally a thriving market of telephones that value $300 or much less.
For extra, see our tales on the perfect low-cost telephones, the perfect low-cost telephone plans, the greatest eSIM, and our high tricks to get the perfect worth on a mobile phone.
What Measurement Android Cellphone Is Proper for You?
Android telephones are available quite a lot of shapes and sizes. You will discover them with said display sizes from 3 inches (Unihertz Jelly Star) to over 7 inches (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6). With the brand new designs, although, it is essential to have a look at the width of the telephone. A tall, slim telephone might be a lot simpler to deal with than one thing wider, however it’s additionally a much less frequent side ratio for apps to make use of.
Left to proper: Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely, S25+, S25 (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Ultimately, don’t low cost the worth of dealing with a number of choices in individual at your native wi-fi store. And take a look at our roundup of small telephones in your greatest compact choices.
Which Is the Finest Android Model?
As a basic rule, the latest model of Android is the perfect model of Android. Proper now, which means Android 16. No matter you do, do not buy a telephone that comes with something earlier than Android 13; the older the Android software program model, the extra seemingly it’s to have safety flaws. Additionally, verify what number of rounds of full working system upgrades and safety patches the producer guarantees. Google provides seven years of software program updates for the Pixel 9 sequence, and Samsung does the identical for its Galaxy S25 and newest Z Flip and Fold units. Different telephone makers are nonetheless catching up.
Google Pixel 9a (Credit score: Iyaz Akhtar)
Final, keep in mind that not all Android variations are the identical. If you’d like Android as Google intends it, go for a Pixel gadget—they’re the fashions that get upgrades first. Motorola and HMD World provide a largely clear Android interface, although the businesses lag in long-term software program help. Samsung, OnePlus, TCL, and different telephone makers ship their telephones with skins that change the look and performance of Android to some extent.
What About Honor, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi?
We do not cowl a few of the world’s largest smartphone makers (Honor, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi) as a result of they do not promote telephones within the US (at the very least by way of carriers), and we primarily serve US shoppers. Within the circumstances of Oppo and Vivo, it is as a result of they’ve ceded the US market to their sibling model, OnePlus (Oppo and OnePlus merged). Xiaomi has stated a number of instances that its enterprise mannequin, which depends closely on promoting income and subscription providers baked into its telephones, will not work within the US. Honor is working laborious to make up floor in Asia and Europe, however has largely nonetheless averted promoting within the US. The identical is generally true for ZTE, as soon as a mainstay of US pay as you go carriers.
Honor Porsche Design Magic7 RSR (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
We do not suggest importing international telephones to be used within the US as a result of they typically carry out poorly on US service networks—in the event that they work in any respect.
Advisable by Our Editors
Is It Higher to Purchase an Android Cellphone Unlocked or By means of a Service?
Service-sold telephones nonetheless dominate the US market, however shopping for your telephone instantly and unlocked offers you extra freedom to change carriers. Unlocked telephones do not characteristic service bloatware and are purchasable up-front, so you do not have to fret about month-to-month funds except you decide into financing.
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G (Credit score: Iyaz Akhtar)
You should buy each telephone on this record instantly with none service involvement. However most individuals nonetheless purchase their telephones by carriers, which provide a single level for service and help and month-to-month fee plans that dramatically decrease the up-front worth. Many even provide elevated trade-in values on older telephones, additional slicing the value.
You also needs to be sure that your service (particularly when you’re utilizing an MVNO) helps a telephone absolutely earlier than shopping for it. Though you’ll be able to all the time hop between MVNOs with out penalty, when you’re blissful together with your present service, it is best to verify the telephone you purchase works on that community.
With all that in thoughts, selecting Android as your cell working system is just half the battle; you continue to want to select the fitting telephone. Should you’re nonetheless on the fence, take a look at our record of the perfect telephones, no matter OS.
Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.
