Android smartphones come in all shapes, sizes, and form factors, offering a wide range of unique devices that cater to users' needs—and many will be on sale for Prime Day. We havefoldable smartphones, and evencompact devicesthat let you take on even more challenging tasks, or make using your phone easier when your other hand is full.
While the choice of premium high-end devices is vast, there is a fairly small list of phones that we recommend for their unique attributes.
We have a list of the best Android smartphones that money can buy, including devices from Samsung, Google, Motorola, and many more. We included the best top-of-the-line devices that offer beautiful displays, great battery life, solid performance, and capable cameras.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Google Pixel 9a
Samsung Galaxy S25+
Moto Razr (2025)
OnePlus 13R
OnePlus 13
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Top-reviewed Android phones
Best choice for most
The Google PIxel 9 Pro takes our top spot for best overall with its blend of great performance, fantastic battery life, and excellent camera. It sports a 6.3-inch Super Actua display refreshing at 120Hz. Google also added more RAM, giving the Pixel 9 Pro 16GB to aid in AI functions.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is everything fans of Pixel phones have been waiting for. Google shed much of its past baggage by delivering a phone that addressed many of our prior misgivings.
It earns our badge of the best overall with its excellent performance, premium build quality, and gorgeous display. It builds on many improvements made with thePixel 8 Pro, with additional measures taken to control heat and improve battery life.
The Pixel 9 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED display that refreshes at 120Hz. Google increased the maximum brightness to 3,000 nits for 2024. The display is vibrant and easily readable outdoors.
Google also improved its Tensor G4 chipset, making it more power and heat-efficient. In addition, Google fitted the Pixel 9 Pro with a vapor chamber, helping with heat dissipation.
Review: The Pixel 9 Pro is Google’s Goldilocks flagship
Not too big, not too small; just right
Google promises seven years of software support for the Pixel 9 Pro, including major Android upgrades. It’s impressive support, and we’re glad Google is sticking with it.
The Pixel 9 Pro’s software features Google’s latest and greatest AI enhancements, including Gemini Live. Gemini Live allows you to have natural, free-flowing conversations with your voice assistant, making it ideal for brainstorming.
Pixel Studio is a fun way to generate images from just a few words. Fan favorites like Now Playing and Call Screening are still around.
Then there are the versatile Pixel cameras. The Pixel 9 Pro has a 50MP primary sensor, a 48MP 5x optical periscope zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide.
Images from its camera are consistent and exactly what you’d expect from Google’s computational photography. Night Sight is excellent, producing crisp and detailed low-light photos.
While some criticize its iPhone-like appearance, the Pixel 9 Pro is the company’s best design to date, with clean lines and a fantastic feel in the hand. It sports Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, with a polished aluminum frame.
All told, if you pick up a Pixel this year, you won’t be disappointed.
We’re a fan of the entire Pixel 9 series this year. ThePixel 9 Pro XLis an excellent choice if you’re looking for a larger screen experience, and the more affordablePixel 9gives you a great display, Tensor G4 performance, and 12GB of RAM for less cash.
The Google Pixel 10 is right around the corner, but until it arrives, the Pixel 9 Pro is the best choice for most.
Best Samsung you’re able to buy
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra leaves the Note-like design behind for the very first time. With flat edges, curved corners, and a massive 6.9-inch display, this is a modern flagship through and through — and yes, that S Pen is still here too.
It’s difficult to talk about premium smartphones without mentioning the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra near the top of the list. Samsung didn’t wow us with the design in 2025, but the S25 Ultra carries all the specs you’d expect for a high-end flagship device.
It features a stunning 6.9-inch Super AMOLED display with a QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It’s not just the specs that make the Galaxy S25 Ultra display excellent. It has an anti-reflective layer that significantly reduces glare outdoors, making content look fantastic even under bright conditions.
Samsung packs what you’d expect under the hood of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, including a Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) and 12GB of RAM. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is one of the most impressive chipsets I’ve used in a long time, with its mix of raw performance and power efficiency.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra easily handles whatever I throw at it, and it’ll be some time before you notice the phone slowing down.
Samsung’s software underwent a major visual overhaul with One UI 7, but it also introduced practical improvements. I love that we now have a scrolling app drawer, and the Now Bar is proving useful for media controls and turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps.
As expected, Samsung promises seven years of One UI upgrades and security updates for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, an impressive amount of support.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s cameras are solid, featuring an upgraded 50MP ultrawide lens. Samsung has done an excellent job improving its computational photography, and I prefer the slightly warmer tone of its images compared to those of the Google Pixel devices.
Samsung didn’t increase the battery size or adopt newer silicon-carbon technology. Still, the 5,000mAh battery in the Galaxy S25 Ultra does the job, providing a full day of use on a single charge.
If you’re in the market for a premium flagship and love Samsung’s software, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is worth a look.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra no longer lives up to its name
A straight-B student
Pound-for-pound champion
Google’s Pixel 9a takes everything that was great about the Pixel 8a and looks to modernize it. With an all-new Pixel 9-inspired look and no camera bump, this might be the best $500 smartphone we’ve seen yet.
The Google Pixel 9a is one of the best pound-for-pound value devices in years, and it’s currently the best $500 you can spend on a smartphone. It’s a device with few weaknesses for the money, and if you want a phone that does a little bit of everything, the Pixel 9a is your choice.
Google increased the display size to 6.3 inches for 2025, but it doesn’t compromise the compact feel people loved about the Pixel 8a.
Its Actua screen is vibrant, with excellent colors and a max brightness of 2,700 nits, resulting in easy outdoor viewing. Google has shipped significantly better displays in the last few years, and I’m glad that extends down to its midrange device.
Even if you don’t think the Tensor G4 is a flagship chipset, it’s hard to argue about its performance when you’re only paying $500. The Pixel 9a is silky smooth and punches well above its weight.
The software experience is also excellent, and I’m excited to see whatMaterial 3 Expressivebrings to the Pixel 9a later this year. Google promises seven years of software support for the Pixel 9a, so it won’t be obsolete anytime soon.
The Google Pixel 9a features a 5,100mAh battery, which provides the best battery life of any Pixel device I’ve used in recent memory. I can easily get two full days of mixed use on a single charge, and while recharging speeds still leave much to be desired, I can’t complain.
Best of all, it’s a Pixel, so point-and-shoot photography is fantastic, and the low-light performance is the best you’ll find on a phone sub-$500. The Pixel 9a is the best A-series phone to date, and if you love a good value, it’s the top choice.
Google’s Pixel 9a is the best $500 you can spend on a smartphone right now
This is how you nail your essentials
Best Samsung choice for most
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is the middle offering in the company’s lineup. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset powers it, and it has 12GB of RAM, and either 256 or 512GB of storage. Samsung didn’t increase the battery size for 2025, leaving it at 4,900mAh, although a more efficient chipset has resulted in better battery life. It’s thin and lightweight, at just 7.3mm and 190g, respectively.
Even though the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best overall Samsung you can buy, the Galaxy S25+ is the smartest pick you can make. It’s the middle child of the company’s flagship lineup, and it’s the phone I recommend for most Samsung fans.
It features the same stellar Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with 12GB of RAM as its more expensive sibling, with a gorgeous 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED QHD+ panel.
Everyone talks about how thin theGalaxy S25 Edgeis, but the S25+ is only 7.3mm thick and feels fantastic in the hand, thanks to its premium construction.
Daily performance and gaming are top-notch, and Samsung promises the same seven years of software support and security updates as the other phones in its flagship lineup.
One UI 7 runs smoothly, and I’m eager to see the advancements that come with One UI 8. Even Now Brief is getting some updates.
Samsung didn’t increase the battery size for 2025, but thanks to the efficiencies of theSnapdragon 8 Elite, I still get over a day’s worth of use from its 4,900mAh battery.
The phone’s 50MP primary sensor produces fantastic photos, and I’ve come to appreciate Samsung’s slightly warmer color science in its photography. Pair all this with some of the ridiculous deals I’ve seen on the Galaxy S25+, and it makes it a hard phone to beat in 2025.
The Galaxy S25+ proves the Samsung you love is long gone
Good enough is the new standard
Moto knows how to make a clamshell
Motorola’s most affordable Razr gets a glow-up for 2025. With new colors, a more powerful processor, and all sorts of AI tools, this might be the most exciting $700 folding phone you’ve ever seen.
I’m a huge fan of the Motorola Razr series, as the company has done an excellent job of making phones fun again.
Moto understands why people buy clamshell foldables, and the Motorola Razr 2025 is a prime example. It’s not the most powerful smartphone available, but for only $700, it’s the flip phone I recommend for most people.
Motorola nailed the design, as the Razr 2025 is sleek and stylish, with vibrant colors to choose from. Its 3.6-inch cover screen is more usable than you think, and I love that I don’t need Samsung’s Good Lock or other third-party software to get my favorite apps working on the outer display right away.
Under the hood, its Dimensity 7400X chipset does the job, delivering smooth performance and decent gaming. It’s a midrange chipset, but that’s all I’m looking for from a clamshell phone under $700.
The Razr 2025 features a 4,700mAh battery, which provides a full day of mixed use on a single charge. Moto also improved durability for 2025, and the Razr is now IP48-rated for dust and water resistance, featuring an enhanced hinge.
If you’re in the market for a flip phone that’s fun, the Motorola Razr 2025 should be your first look.
The Motorola Razr 2025 is the folding phone I’ve been waiting for
Best $700 you can spend
Gaming on a budget
The OnePlus 13R takes one of our favorite midrange phones from last year a step further. It still features a gorgeous 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, OnePlus added a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with 12GB of RAM for 2025, with faster UFS 4.0 storage. The OnePlus 13 is a great performer, all for $600.
There’s no bigger tech enthusiast flex than sporting a OnePlus 13R. It means you know how to get the most for your money, with near-flagship power and performance, a premium build, and a gorgeous display, all for under $600.
I absolutely loved using mine when I reviewed it, and it’s the best performance-for-price you can currently buy.
The OnePlus 13R sports a vibrant 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s rich and saturated. Media content and games look amazing on the OnePlus 13R. Its glass and aluminum construction feels fantastic in the hand, and it’s hard to tell you’re not holding a $1,000 flagship.
It’s powered by the still-impressive Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, paired with 12 or 16GB of RAM, meaning you’ll get outstanding performance. I can game on max graphics settings without issue, and it’ll be a long time before the OnePlus 13R starts to feel sluggish.
OxygenOS 15 is improved, and the company promises four major Android upgrades.
The OnePlus 13R features a massive 6,000mAh battery, allowing me to easily get through two full days of mixed use without needing a recharge. When it’s time to recharge, few do it faster than the OnePlus 13R, which boasts 80W wired charging — easily the best for under $600.
If you’re an enthusiast who wants all the power without the wallet-punishing price, you should pick up a OnePlus 13R.
The OnePlus 13R will make you forget you’re using a sub-$600 phone
Impressive performance at great value
Excellent flagship value
The OnePlus 13 is a beast of a phone. With a refreshed design, a mostly curveless display, and a massive 6,000mAh battery capable of getting you through a day without breaking a sweat, this could be the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphone to beat in 2025. And hey, it’s got a pretty great camera system, too.
If you’re an enthusiast who is comfortable spending a few more dollars, the OnePlus 13 is worth every penny.
OnePlus nailed the design on its 2025 flagship, as I love the feel of the phone in the hand. Its 50/50 weight distribution is a small touch but noticeable, and I appreciate that OnePlus put that kind of effort into its design.
You can’t be disappointed with the phone’s performance. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with 12 or 16GB of RAM. It absolutely chews through anything I throw at it.
OnePlus regained its swagger in 2025, offering powerful phones at a decent value. Spending $900 on a smartphone is still a commitment, and I understand that most people will want to save even more. However, if you’re already spending flagship bucks, the OnePlus 13 is an excellent choice.
Its 6.82-inch AMOLED screen is gorgeous, and I get a solid two days of battery life from its 6,000mAh silicon-carbon cell. The OnePlus 13 is also capable of 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Its wireless charging speeds are faster than the wired speeds of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
If you’re an enthusiast who likes a true flagship in your pocket, the OnePlus 13 is worth picking up in 2025.
The OnePlus 13 is good enough to make you say goodbye to Samsung
A true daily driver candidate
Great value for under $200
The Samsung Galaxy A16 features a large 6.7-inch display in a slimmer design and now comes with an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. Just like Samsung’s flagships, it offers 6 years of OS and security updates. Under the hood, it’s powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 1330 chipset. The budget smartphone also retains key features from its predecessor like a 5,000 mAh battery, microSD slot, and triple-lens camera.
It’s not perfect, but the Samsung Galaxy A16 is hard to beat for only $200. Samsung improved the screen on this year’s device. It still features a 6.7-inch OLED screen with 1080p resolution, but it’s more color-accurate than its predecessor.
I’m pleased to see that quality displays are making their way into budget devices, and Samsung fitted the Galaxy A16 with an excellent screen.
Performance is in line with what you’d expect from a budget phone. Its Exynos 1330 chipset handles basic tasks effectively, but if you attempt to play a more intensive mobile game, you’ll notice slowdowns.
I wish Samsung gave the Galaxy A16 more than 4GB of RAM here in the US, but I’m pleased with the performance for the price.
What makes the Galaxy A16 particularly impressive is the promised software support. Samsung is committed to updating the A16 for six years. I don’t know what One UI will look like six years from now on a budget Galaxy A16, but I’m glad Samsung is trying.
I get ample battery life from the phone’s 5,000mAh cell, and photos in good lighting from its 50MP primary sensor aren’t awful. If your budget is $200, it’s hard to beat the Galaxy A16.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 delivers where it counts — without punishing your wallet
A gorgeous display with decent performance
What are the most important things to look for in an Android phone?
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the specifications and features thrown around in a phone’s product listing or reviews. Ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, 100x zoom cameras, S Pen stylus support, UWB, and the list goes on, but what do you actuallyneed, and what’s just icing on the proverbial cake?
There are four key features you should look at in a new phone — after you decide on your budget:
While the camera might not be the most important feature for some buyers, it’s a good indicator of overall speed, performance, and quality.
For example, if a review mentions that the camera takes too long to open or too long between shots when snapping multiple photos in succession, that’s a hint that the phone’s long-term performance might be more sluggish than what initial reviews indicate.
Most phones today come with screens in the 6.4 to 6.8-inch range. However, aspect ratio plays a role in how wide, narrow, tall, or short a phone feels in your hand.
If you prefer more petite devices, be prepared for a difficult search if you want to go smaller than the 6.2-inch Samsung Galaxy S25.
There are three other screen features to consider: curved screens, high refresh rates, and maximum brightness. Curved screens can look lovely, but it’s often harder for tempered glass screen protectors to fit on them, and they can be harder to grip without accidental touches.
Meanwhile, when it comes to refresh rates, the higher, the better. 60Hz is the classic rate, but 90Hz and 120Hz are becoming more common, even among midrange and budget phones like the Samsung Galaxy A16. You’ll get a smoother experience with a high refresh rate display, but often at the cost of battery life.
Finally, ensure you pay attention to your phone’s screen brightness if you spend time outdoors. If a screen doesn’t get very bright, it’ll be hard to read outside.
The brighter your screen, the more power it consumes. However, a battery is more than just a number on a spec sheet. Read the reviews and see how that battery performs in actual use in the reviews.
While a good power bank or afast phone chargercan somewhat offset a smaller battery, nothing can replace getting a phone with a proper battery life from the start.
Software and updates
When it comes to software, you’ll want to look for features you care about, crossed with a reliable update schedule.
Some users can’t stand how One UI behaves towards most third-party launchers or how over-stuffed Samsung’s apps and features are, flocking instead to the Pixel 9 series and its cleaner design. Others prefer how flexible One UI can be compared to the competition, especially with add-ons like Good Lock.
When looking at a phone’s promised updates, it’s important to remember a few things. Platform updates are updates to the features and Android level of your phone. The Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 series will get seven years of OS upgrades and security patches.
Picking the best Android smartphone
Android phones have received various quality-of-life improvements over the years, such as improved battery life, longer and faster software and security updates, more features, and added craftsmanship to improve the overall feel and durability.
With all of these combined, it’s easy to see why some phones have come close to costing over $1,000, although there are other factors at play.
With all that said, our choice for the best Android smartphone goes to the Google Pixel 9 Pro, the best combination of performance, features, and software support.
The Pixel 9 Pro has a quality camera setup on both the front and back, a long battery life, lots of advanced Pixel and advanced AI features, and many accessories to further personalize your experience.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is another excellent choice, offering even more personalization and customization options, the same excellent level of software and security, and one of the best-performing camera setups on the market.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is also the best phone for those who like to doodle and make notes, thanks to its built-in S Pen stylus.
Last, but not least, the Google Pixel 9a is a true flagship-killer, offering advanced features from Google’s Pro-branded high-end flagships. It’s remarkably affordable, and it has the fast Google Tensor G4 chipset, a responsive display, and all the usual features you’d expect from a highly capable device.
Best blend of performance and software
The Google Pixel 9 Pro gives a consistent experience across the board, with its great camera, fantastic battery life, and gorgeous display. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protects the front and back with a premium polished aluminum frame along the edge. If you’ve been on the fence about Google phones, the Pixel 9 Pro is the best in years.
