The Best Android Phones Available
Android phones are some of the most customizable and versatile devices on the market. Whether you’re a photographer, a power user, or just looking for a phone to get the job done, there’s an Android device out there for you. With this wide range of options, it can be quite overwhelming to pick one Android phone for yourself. To help, here are the best Android phones available today.
Google Pixel 4a
Price: $349 (non-5G); $499 (5G)
5G: Only in the 5G version
This mid-range phone by Google boasts a decent camera, sophisticated design, and solid software. It’s an excellent option for gamers and photographers alike who aren’t looking to spend extra on a flagship phone but still want respectable performance.
One of the Pixel 4a’s biggest advantages over its competitors is its three-year software update guarantee. Unlike many other low-priced Android phones, Google offers OS and security updates that extend the life of the phone.
The Pixel 4a comes with features like a native Recorder app, an updated messaging app with an iMessage feel, and an 18W fast-charging adapter in the box. From playing music to pulling up Twitter profiles, Google Assistant provides a quick-and-easy way to get many things done without even unlocking your device.
Specs
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G (non-5G); Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (5G)
Screen Size: 5.8 inches (non-5G); 6.2 inches (5G)
Screen Resolution: 1080 x 2340
Front Camera Resolution: 8MP
Rear Camera Resolution: 12MP dual-pixel (non-5G); 12MP dual-pixel and 16MP ultrawide
Memory: 6GB
Storage Capacity: 128GB
Battery Life: 9 Hours
Motorola Moto G Power
Price: $249
5G: No
With some of the best battery life available anywhere and decent performance, the Motorola Moto G Power is one of the best budget phones you can buy. Its $249 price tag makes it among the least expensive smartphones from the major manufacturers. Better yet, its upgraded design and solid 6.6-inch display mean you get more for your money.
The Moto G Power has 4GB of RAM and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core processor. Although it’s not as powerful as more expensive phones, the phone still performs well when playing games or watching videos.
Specs
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
Screen Size: 6.6 inches
Screen Resolution: 1600 x 720
Front Camera Resolution: 8MP
Rear Camera Resolution: 48MP
Memory: 3GB
Storage Capacity: 32GB, expandable up to 512GB
Battery Life: Up to 3 Days
OnePlus 8 Pro
Price: $799
5G: Yes, with T-Mobile
What really makes the OnePlus 8 Pro stand out is its incredible display quality. Even at the battery-saving 60Hz, this phone’s screen has incredible color-accuracy and brightness. Kick it up a notch to 120Hz, and the 2K AMOLED screen really shines.
Especially considering its powerful screen, the 8 Pro has good battery life. If you do run out, the Warp Charge 30T comes in the box and can fill the battery in less than an hour.
Unlike most other phones at the same price range, the OnePlus 8 Pro does not offer universal 5G compatibility. You can access top 5G speeds if you use T-Mobile, but Verizon and AT&T users are stuck with 4G speeds.
Specs
Screen Size: 6.78 inches
Screen Resolution: 3168 x 1440
Front Camera Resolution: 16MP
Rear Camera Resolution: 48MP
Memory: 8 or 12GB
Storage Capacity: 128 or 256GB
Battery Life: 10 hours
Samsung Galaxy Note20
Price: $999.99
5G: Yes
The Samsung Galaxy Note20 was released as a cheaper alternative to the Ultra version, coming in at just under $1,000. As a result, it doesn’t come with many of the features that the Ultra boasts. Despite that, it retains enough of these features to remain a solid option for those looking to spend a grand on an Android phone.
The Note20 does support the Samsung S Pen. So, if that’s what you’re most invested in, this phone is a cheaper way to get one than the Ultra. Compared to its more expensive sibling, this phone has slightly worse performance, with 8GB of RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset.
It features a respectable camera with two 12MP lenses and a 120-degree ultra-wide lens, making it suitable for most every-day users. Like the Ultra, it can also record video in optically stabilized 8K.
Specs
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+
Screen Size: 6.7 inches
Screen Resolution: 2400 x 1080
Front Camera Resolution: 10MP
Rear Camera Resolution: 12MP ultrawide, 12MP wide-angle, 64MP telephoto
Memory: 8GB
Storage Capacity: 128GB
Battery Life: 12 Hours
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra
Price: $1,299
5G: Yes
The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra was widely crowned as the best Android phone in 2020 and for good reason. With a bright, beautiful display, lightning-fast performance, and the excellent S Pen, the Note20 Ultra is both a phone and an all-in-one productivity tool.
The phone comes with 12GB of RAM, expandable storage, and a Snapdragon 865+ processor. As a result, it’s snappy and easy to use for everything from streaming movies to playing games.
Where the Ultra really shines is in its beautiful display and S Pen compatibility. One of the first phones to adopt a 120Hz screen, it displays detail and color at an incredible level.
Specs
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+
Screen Size: 6.9 inches
Screen Resolution: 3088 x 1440
Front Camera Resolution: 10MP
Rear Camera Resolution: 12MP ultrawide, 108MP wide-angle, 12MP telephoto
Memory: 12GB
Storage Capacity: 128 or 512GB, expandable up to 1TB
Battery Life: 12 Hours
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Price: $1,199.99
5G: Yes
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra justifies its high price tag with a truly impressive array of features. This includes five cameras, universal 5G compatibility, and S Pen support.
Redesigned with a new contour-cut body and five cameras, the S21 Ultra is built to impress. It’s the first Galaxy S phone to offer compatibility with the excellent S Pen, making it an excellent option for artists and notetakers alike.
With a 120Hz 2K AMOLED display, images are bright and color accurate. This feature is especially appreciated when viewing photos taken with the phone’s impressive camera, which offers a zoom of up to 10 times and beautiful contrast, autofocus, and stabilization.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is compatible with a huge range of 5G frequencies, including all current networks and even some that haven’t come into use yet. In that respect, it’s an excellent investment for those who are highly interested in testing out new 5G technology as soon as possible.
Specs
Screen Size: 6.8 inches
Screen Resolution: 3200 x 1400
Front Camera Resolution: 40MP
Rear Camera Resolution: 108MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP wide-angle, two 10MP telephoto
Memory: 12 or 16GB
Storage Capacity: 128, 256, or 512GB
Battery Life: 11.5 Hours