What's the best Android phone? We tested hundreds, here's our top 5

The Android world is confusing, with lots of brands and models that can make it difficult to pick the right phone for you. To help, we’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of devices at Android Authority and picked out the best Android phones you can buy in 2024, starting with a device we think everyone will love.

If you’re not too familiar with smartphone tech, check out our detailed buyer’s guide below to learn what to look out for.

The best Android phone for most people is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is the best smartphone for most people. It might not be the flashiest on paper, but it strikes a satisfying balance between hardware, software, and value that’s difficult to ignore. Notably, the Galaxy S24 Plus is just the latest Plus-line model from Samsung that topped our list. The Galaxy S22 Plus and Galaxy S23 Plus previously held this honor, and we still think both of these devices are still good buys, even in 2024. However, the new model brings just enough enhancements to win us over.

While all Galaxy S24 phones have an array of excellent specs and fantastic cameras, the primary reason we think the Galaxy S24 Plus is the best option in Samsung’s new flagship line is its value proposition. This model saw no price increases in 2024, offering upgraded battery size, a larger display, and an extensive software policy on top of an already great phone.

What makes it stand out

• Versatile cameras: The Galaxy S24 Plus may not see many new camera features, but it uses a tried and trusted array.
• Premium design: Is it similar to its predecessor? Yes. But the Galaxy S23 Plus was a good-looking phone.
• Solid performance: Whether you grab an Exynos or Snapdragon version, we expect performance in spades.
• Gorgeous display: Now slightly larger, the Galaxy S24 Plus has a beautiful display for productivity and pleasure.
• Software support: Samsung’s software support now measures up to Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series promise, with updates through to 2031.

The best-value Android phone is the Google Pixel 9

Google’s base flagship once again makes our list, even if it continues to rise in price. Simply put, the Pixel 9 is one of those Android phones that just keeps getting better over time, allowing you to stretch your value even further after you’ve finished paying it off. Whereas the Pixel 8 felt like a way to introduce Gemini to the world, the Pixel 9 feels like it’s bringing the AI companion into its own.

The Pixel 9 once again launched with one of Google’s in-house Tensor chips, this time the Tensor G4, which continues to perform better while staying cooler than its predecessor. It’s still centered around machine learning and bringing Gemini into even more corners of the Pixel-verse, but it’s a plenty capable chip in day-to-day life. This year, the Tensor G4 is powering an updated set of cameras, with a high-resolution 48MP ultrawide sensor taking the place of Google’s previous 12MP option. It’s a larger sensor with a wider maximum aperture, making the Pixel 9 even more capable in low light than before.

Mix in a continued seven years of Pixel updates, and the Pixel 9 will stay current long after you’re ready to upgrade.

What makes it stand out

• Value: The price is slightly higher than last year, but this phone will last a long time with seven years of updates.
• Excellent photos: The Pixel 9 is a great point-and-shoot camera, mostly thanks to the continued focus on image processing.
• Software smarts: Clever Pixel features like Magic Editor and AI call screening continue to grow and improve over time.

The best premium Android phone is the Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Pixel 9 might offer the best value, but if you want all the bells and whistles, we recommend the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Weighing in at over 230 grams, it strikes a stark shadow over the Galaxy S24 Plus with sharp edges, a 6.8-inch flat display, and an S Pen tucked away in its flank. The stylus is still one of the core reasons to purchase the Ultra model, making jotting down notes a breeze. There are new tricks this year, too. Thanks to Samsung’s AI focus, a new Note Assist feature automates formatting and correcting your messy S Pen scribbles.

So why is this not the best phone you can buy? Well, it probably is if all you care about is specs. But, it’s by no means the pragmatic choice. The Galaxy S24 Ultra will demand an additional $100 this year, pushing it further into the $1,000 bracket. It’s now $300 more expensive than the Galaxy S24 Plus, and we don’t think its value proposition is as convincing as its smaller sibling. Considering the seven-year Android software promise, it’s still a viable long-term investment.

What makes it stand out

• Impressive design: The S24 Ultra has (almost) everything you could want shoved into a smartphone.
• Stellar performance: Wherever you buy it, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy will push those pixels around for you.
• The best camera in the biz: An exciting camera lineup awaits those who value versatility.

The ROG Phone 9 Pro is the best Android phone for gaming

Phones marketed at gamers have always had some glaring omissions or unusual design choices, but the ROG Phone 9 Pro is a welcome exception. It’s not only capable as an everyday companion, but it brings new AI features to the table for a little more flexibility. The latest ROG Phone 9 Pro has rapidly become the best gaming phone you can buy, and it’s done so while escaping the typical pitfalls of niche gaming devices and becoming more like the ASUS Zenfone than ever before.

Perhaps the biggest feather in the ROG Phone 9 Pro’s cap is its power aplenty. If your heart is set on gaming, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is more than enough to grind you through titles like PUBG Mobile with an overpowered X-Mode that maxes out both the CPU and GPU. Oh, and ASUS’s new gaming phone has a whopping 5,800mAh battery that’s brought impressive boosts to both web browsing and video playback in our controlled testing.

What makes it stand out

• One for the gamers: With tip-top performance and new AI features, this is the best gaming phone you can buy.
• Stellar battery life: A massive battery cell will keep this phone chugging for days (or several hours of intense gaming).
• Useful accessories: ASUS created an entire ecosystem of accessories for this phone, from controllers to coolers and more.

The smartest Android flagships are the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL

We’ve already extolled the virtues of the standard Google Pixel 9 above, but now it’s time for the Pixel 9 Pro series to get its time in the limelight. That’s right, there are now two Pixel 9 devices (well, three if you count the Pixel 9 Pro Fold). One of them, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, is Google’s largest and most expensive non-folding flagship, while the other, the Pixel 9 Pro, is the pocket-friendly Pro phone I’ve waited years for.

Since this is the first time Google has come up with two Pro-grade Pixels, I figure it’s easiest to cover their differences rather than similarities. The Pixel 9 Pro is obviously the smaller of the two, offering a flat 6.3-inch display to the XL’s flat 6.8-inch option. It has a slightly smaller battery and slightly slower charging but is actually not as picky about which USB PD PPS charger you plug it into.

Outside of those differences, the two Pixel 9 Pros are almost identical. They have the same trio of high-resolution cameras, pairing a 50MP primary sensor with 48MP telephoto and ultrawide sensors. As always, though, its the features that Google introduces as part of its years of Pixel updates that will make the Pixel 9 Pro series excellent.

What makes it stand out

• Versatile cameras: Google nails a great camera trifecta with improved resolutions and a telephoto lens to boot.
• Gorgeous screen: The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have bright LTPO screens that run from 1 to 120Hz, saving battery life when viewing static images.
• Software smarts: No other smartphone can boast the breadth of software features found on Pixel smartphones, and the gap will only grow over seven years of updates.

Honorable mentions

While we’ve listed the best Android phones we’ve tested above, there are a few more options out there that might better suit your needs. Some are Europe-only, and others are just a bit too niche to earn a top spot on the list. Here are our honorable mentions:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 ($1099.99 at Samsung): Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip line is among the easiest foldables to recommend, and the sixth iteration is the best to date. Its pocketable size and attractive design make it a great pick for most people, and after a few iterations of polish, there are now very few tradeoffs for the Flip’s clamshell-style foldable form factor.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 ($1899.99 at Samsung): If you’re after a full-sized tablet, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers more screen, more power, and more accessories than its Flip sibling. It’s now on par with the Galaxy S series in terms of software support and AI features.
• ASUS Zenfone 10 ($614 at Amazon): If you want a small Android flagship, the Zenfone 10 is the best by far. It’s ready for one-handed use and doesn’t make any compromises in terms of battery life or performance.
• Google Pixel 8a ($499 at Amazon): Not everyone can afford to spend more than $800 on a phone, which is where this budget option comes in. It’s cheaper than the Pixel 8, but uses the same chipset and offers many of the same smarts.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 ($859.99 at Amazon): The Galaxy S24 isn’t as imposing as its larger siblings, but if you want a smaller Android phone, it’s an excellent pick. It shadows the Galaxy S24 Plus in several aspects, but does have less RAM, a smaller battery, and less base storage. A slightly cheaper option is the Galaxy S23 FE, which makes some tradeoffs in build quality but is otherwise a good choice.
• Motorola Razr Plus (2024) ($799.99 at Amazon): Some might argue that Motorola, not Samsung, has the best flip phone in the US right now. The Razr Plus has an interesting wide and telephoto camera pairing, as well as the largest cover screen you’ll find on a flip phone right now.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold ($1799 at Amazon): Google’s take on a foldable device is a little different from Samsung’s opting for a slightly wider overall design. This year, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold even ditches the camera bar, shifting it into a square housing in the top corner.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 FE ($552.54 at Amazon): The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is an all-around excellent mid-range device. It’s as close to Samsung’s flagship lineup as it has ever been, offering more balanced cameras and a better in-house Exynos chipset than previous generations.
• Nothing Phone 2 ($599.99 at Nothing): Nothing made some big improvements in its sophomore smartphone, and the Glyph on the back is still a big selling point. It’s also officially available in the US, making it a great device for anyone who wants a conversation starter.
• HONOR Magic 6 Pro (£1099.99 at Amazon): HONOR seriously stepped up its game with the Magic 6 Pro, and it can finally go toe-to-toe with Samsung and Apple. If you live in the UK or Europe, that is.
• Sony Xperia 1 VI ($1199 at Amazon): If you want hardware that spares no expense, the Xperia 1 VI is it. It finally gains a more flexible camera setup and improved battery life, making for the most practical Xperia flagship in several years — even if it’s tough to get in the US.

What we look for in the best Android phones

Here at Android Authority, we’ve reviewed hundreds of Android phones over the years, but you may have different criteria when selecting the device for you. Here’s a short list of things we consider during our time with each device so you can decide which ones are a priority.

Price and value

Smartphones are now regularly pushing $1,000 or more, but spending more won’t always get you a better device. We look at price in relation to what a phone and its competitors offer, both from a hardware and software perspective. Obviously, in this particular list, we’re looking at the cream of the Android crop so you’ll find mostly flagship devices, but we’ve got a separate list for the best budget Android devices, too.

Performance

When we talk about performance, we’re mostly talking about a phone’s processor or system on a chip (SoC). At this point, even mid-range devices are capable of great everyday performance, but the latest Qualcomm powerhouses are necessary for smooth scrolling on speedy, high-resolution screens or getting the best framerates in demanding games. Other options, like Google’s Tensor, focus on machine learning to unlock things like better photo processing and real-time translation. Another thing we consider is RAM. We recommend at least 6GB of RAM for the best experience, with gains falling off after 12GB.

Cameras

For the best Android phones, we expect more than a single lens to provide more versatility in mobile photography. Megapixel counts play some role here in providing good detail, but nowadays, the biggest determining factor is software. Google has traditionally been the king of photo processing, but others like Samsung, Sony, and OPPO are also top performers. Check out our list of the best camera phones for the best of the best.

Connectivity

5G isn’t quite as ubiquitous as we’d like in 2024, but if you’re buying a new phone, we recommend devices with 5G to futureproof it as much as possible. It’s worth mentioning that there are a few flavors of 5G available: the speedy but short-range mmWave and the slightly less speedy sub-6GHz. Not all phones support mmWave, but unless you live in a major city in the US, odds are you don’t need it.

Build materials

Most premium Android phones are made of some combination of glass and metal, but they vary in how much protection they provide. Gorilla Glass Victus is significantly more resistant than Gorilla Glass 5, for example, although you’ll probably want to slap a case on it regardless. You should also keep in mind that foldable devices are particularly prone to damage, especially in the vulnerable hinge mechanism.

What about iPhones?

You’ve just finished reading about the best Android phones, so we have an idea of where you stand in the iOS vs Android debate. However, nothing is ever set in stone. If you have an iPad or maybe a MacBook, you might decide that it’s best to stick with Apple’s ecosystem. On the other hand, you might be ready to break free and tap into more customization options. You’ll face different app selections on both platforms, but it’s all about your comfort level.

For what it’s worth, the iPhone 16 series is Apple’s current gold standard, but its older models are still well worth considering. Check out more on the long-standing iOS vs Android debate right here.

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