These are the best Android phones you can buy from Google’s Pixel 9 and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 to foldable phones like Motorola’s Razr Plus.
From Samsung’s Galaxy S24 to Google’s Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL, you can choose from many fantastic Android phones. Having such an abundant amount of options can also make the phone-buying process confusing or overwhelming. We’re here to help you find the best Android phone.
A great Android phone should have high-quality cameras, long battery life, compelling software features and 5G support. Whether it’s phones like the OnePlus 12 and Google’s affordable Pixel 8A or foldable phones like the Motorola Razr Plus (2024) and Galaxy Z Flip 6, CNET editors have tested and reviewed every phone on this handpicked list. Below are our picks for the best Android phones you can buy.
What’s the best Android phone?
The $800 Samsung Galaxy S24’s battery life is amazing. That’s not the only reason it’s our pick for best Android phone. It gets seven years of major Android updates and the cameras are good (there’s even a 3x telephoto lens for zooming). Then there are all the AI features: most are just OK, but Circle to Search is outstanding. Samsung didn’t reinvent the phone, but it did take a great phone (the Galaxy S23) and make it better.
There are plenty of other excellent choices, although the Pixel 8 is our current favorite.
Best Android phones of 2024
Best Android phone for most people
Samsung Galaxy S24
What impresses me the most about the Samsung Galaxy S24 isn’t the new Galaxy AI features, brighter screens or solid cameras. It’s the battery life. After testing, I can say the larger battery in the Galaxy S24 has no trouble plowing through a long day of use on a single charge.
The S24 is a wonderful, well-built phone that is excellent right out of the box just as the nearly identical S22 and S23 were before it. This similarity to the S22 and S23 can be viewed as either a strength because the design reflects three years of refinements, or a weakness because features like the camera hardware are essentially identical to what came out in 2022. All of these features are overshadowed by the battery life. you’ll never hear anyone complain about getting too much battery life. Read our Samsung Galaxy S24 review.
Best phone for Android purists
Google Pixel 9
There’s a lot to like about the Pixel 9, from its respectable camera to its classy new design and lengthy 7-year timeline for software updates. Google’s phones have always shined for their clean, slick software, and that once again applies to the Pixel 9 series. Pixels are also among the first to get new software updates, making them an ideal choice for those who want to get their hands on the latest version of Android first. Aside from Android updates, Google also brings new features
Best Android phone under $500
Google Pixel 8A
The Pixel 8A is so good it makes the regular Pixel 8 almost feel irrelevant. It shares so much in common with its pricier sibling, from its selection of AI-powered features like Circle to Search to its cool aesthetic and powerful Tensor G3 processor, that it’s hard to see why anyone would buy the Pixel 8 instead.
The Pixel 8 does offer a marginally better camera system, a slightly larger screen and the ability to charge other phones and accessories wirelessly on the back of
Best phone under $300
Motorola Moto G Power (2024)
The Motorola Moto G Power 5G is the most versatile option in this roundup, offering wireless charging, a 120Hz high refresh rate screen, Google Pay for contactless payments and a fantastic vegan leather design. Combine that with a camera that takes decent photos in bright environments, and a processor that is capable of most daily tasks, and you have a phone that’s both fun to use without cramming itself with the extra bells and whistles we see in higher-priced phones.
Best premium Android phone
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
With a sharper 5x optical zoom, a faster new processor and that familiar giant display and 100x digital zoom, the Samsung’s “Ultra” phone remains a top choice for mobile photographers who want plenty of screen space. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is also one of the first phones with Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features, which include tools for translating text messages and phone calls instantly and Circle to Search, a new gesture that lets you launch a Google search for almost anything simply by drawing a
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Best high performance flagship with a lower price
OnePlus 12
If fast charging, powerful performance and having a large, bright screen matter most to you in a phone, check out the OnePlus 12. OnePlus’ new phone can go from empty to full in less than 30 minutes thanks to its 80-watt charging in the US, a perk that can be helpful if you have a long day ahead and forgot your charger. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which feels swift and zippy whether you’re playing games or just scrolling around the interface. The
Best Google has to offer
Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have a lot going for them, from their shiny new designs and long software support period. It’s the AI skills that really stand out; from the deep integration of the conversational Gemini Live to the new Pixel Studio that creates weird and wonderful images from your text prompts.
The phones aren’t perfect. While the cameras are good and can take excellent photos in bright light, they’re just okay in low light and night mode. The best AI features
Best flip phone for Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
For better or worse, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 foldable is packed with AI. It can take a rough sketch and turn it into artwork or help me have a conversation in French or Korean despite me only knowing a few words of either language. The new autofocus/auto zoom feature lets you prop the phone in a half-open position, the Z Flip 6 will automatically zoom in or out (switching between the main and ultrawide cameras) to get a photo that best suits the moment.
A flashy yet affordable phone
Nothing Phone 2
The Nothing Phone 2 stands out for its unconventional design that incorporates flashing LED lights, a relatively low price and fast performance. Unlike the Nothing Phone 1, you can buy the Nothing Phone 2 in the US, for $699. It’s best suited for those who want a phone with a large, bright screen, powerful processor and a design that makes a statement, all for well below $1,000.
It’s important to remember that Nothing has a lot of competition in this price range. If camera quality is your
