Previously, there have been a number of smartphone working programs to select from. In the present day’s world is proscribed to iOS and Android, with some customized working programs additionally in improvement in some components of the world.
Google’s Android OS is clearly the dominant platform of alternative, with firms like Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, Google, TCL, Sony, and others making {hardware} powered by Android. Google’s Pixel {hardware} usually runs a ‘inventory’ model of the Android OS, nonetheless, whereas others use overlays to supply a custom-made Android expertise to their customers.
As an illustration, Samsung has OneUI, OnePlus has Oxygen OS, and different firms tweak issues to optimize the Android software program powering its {hardware}. Whether or not you are in search of pure Android or simply the best smartphone cash should buy, here’s a have a look at the highest Android telephones accessible proper now.
You possibly can learn extra telephone shopping for ideas and how we make our recommendations right here.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G
Serves as a very capable smartphone and small tablet
Important show: 7.6 inches (2,208 x 1,768-pixel decision) Dynamic 120Hz AMOLED | Cowl display: 6.2 inches (2268 x 832-pixel decision) AMOLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 12GB LPDDR5 | Inside Storage: 256GB/512GB, UFS 3.1 | Rear cameras: 12MP rear f/2.4 telephoto, 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle, and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide cameras (123-degree field-of-view) | Entrance cameras: 10MP f/2.2 on the quilt show and 4MP beneath show digital camera on the primary show | Weight: 271g
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the very best general telephone for my wants. The addition of S Pen assist and an IPX8 waterproof design makes the Z Fold 3 the right telephone and mini pill I may ask for, and it is extremely nicely optimized for getting work finished on the go.
Given the wonderful pre-launch gives and trade-in offers, I bought a 512GB mannequin to function my each day driver. Along with the {hardware} enhancements, Samsung made the acquisition a bit simpler with a $200 worth reduce in comparison with the earlier Z Fold 2.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 serves as a really succesful smartphone and small pill, offering a particularly sturdy and quick 5G connection in each modes. The surface show gives a typical 6.2-inch smartphone expertise with the addition of 120Hz refresh price assist this yr. The massive 7.6-inch essential show is beautiful with a 120Hz refresh price, Samsung’s beautiful AMOLED know-how, and particular S Pen assist. What might be extra excellent for a Word and foldable fan?
See the total overview: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 review
You get the quickest RAM and inside storage speeds accessible, S Pen assist, water resistance, triple rear cameras, a 10MP front-facing digital camera, a singular 4MP under-display digital camera, and way more. The 4,400mAh battery simply will get you thru a full day, even when utilizing the big essential display.
Execs
- Beautiful engineering marvel
- Unbelievable AMOLED shows
- S Pen assist
- IPX8 water resistance
- Software program optimizations for foldable and huge show utilization
Cons
- Costly
- No S Pen assist on cowl display
- Not the very best Samsung cameras on the again
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Google’s best smartphone with its own new processor
Show: 6.7 inches (3,120 x 1,440-pixel decision) LTPO OLED | CPU: Google Tensor with Titan M2 safety coprocessor | RAM: 12GB | Inside Storage: 128/256/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP rear f/1.85 large, 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide (114-degree field-of-view), and 48MP telephoto with 4x optical | Entrance digital camera: 11.1MP f/2.2 | Weight: 210g | Mud/water resistance: IP68
Google’s Pixel 6 Professional is the very best smartphone at present accessible from Google. The Pixel 6 has most of the similar specs, with one much less digital camera on the again and a barely smaller show. The Pixel 6 and 6 Professional sport Google’s new Tensor processor.
The Pixel 6 Professional is a flagship competitor and begins at $899 for the 128GB mannequin with the 512GB mannequin priced at $1,099. You should buy one in Stormy Black, Cloudy White, or Sorta Sunny with some limitations on storage capability with the completely different coloration choices.
The cameras are clearly the main focus of the Pixel 6 Professional with Google’s wonderful software program, mixed with main {hardware}, to create arguably the very best smartphone digital camera expertise accessible at the moment.
See the total overview: Google Pixel 6 Pro review
Along with the digital camera prowess, the telephone is assured of receiving common and well timed software program and firmware updates for years, just like what Apple gives to iPhone house owners. The telephone can also be powered by Android 12 with a number of optimizations for a personalised expertise.
Execs
- Improbable digital camera experiences
- Optimized Android 12 interface
- Well timed updates and assist for years
- Distinctive {hardware} design
Cons
- Common battery life
- RF efficiency inferior to Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
One of the best overall smartphones today
Show: 6.8 inches (3,088 x 1,440-pixel decision) 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | RAM: 12GB/16GB LPDDR5 | Inside Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 10MP rear f/4.9 telephoto with 10x optical zoom and second 10MP f/2.4 telephoto with 3x optical zoom, 108MP wide-angle digital camera, and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide digital camera (120-degree field-of-view) | Entrance digital camera: 40MP f/2.2 under-display digital camera | Weight: 229g | Mud/water resistance: IP68
Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Extremely is among the finest general smartphones at the moment and the very best that Samsung has to supply for digital camera efficiency. With the S Pen now being included into the telephone, the Word lives on within the S22 Extremely so Word followers can lastly rejoice in figuring out a contemporary Word is now accessible.
In case your job requires you to zoom into topics from distant, no different telephone beats the S22 Extremely when it comes to telephoto functionality and high quality. Zooming as much as 30x gives good high quality photographs, however even past this zoom stage, there are sensible causes to see particulars of the themes you might be taking pictures.
See the overview: Galaxy S22 Ultra review
Whereas the digital camera {hardware} is similar because the S21 Extremely, Samsung labored to enhance low-light taking pictures. A full leisure show can also be now accessible with the front-facing digital camera transferring beneath the show. Don’t fret, this digital camera seems to be higher than the primary era UDC discovered on the Z Fold 3.
Execs
- Prime quality and succesful quad-camera system
- Greatest telephoto shooter accessible
- Full built-in S Pen assist
- Unbelievable AMOLED show
Cons
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Where are the compromises? There really aren’t any
Show: 6.5 inches (3×200 x 1×440-pixel decision) 120Hz AMOLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 6-8GB LPDDR5 | Inside Storage: 128-256GB storage (with microSD card) | Rear cameras: 8MP rear f/2.4 telephoto, 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle digital camera, and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide digital camera (123-degree field-of-view) | Entrance digital camera: 32MP f/2.2 digital camera | Weight: 177g | Mud/water resistance: IP68
Whereas the Galaxy S22 sequence present compelling choices, they’re flagship telephones priced within the $800 and better vary. So as to supply clients one other different, Samsung launched the. Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Version) telephone. The S21 FE is out there in 4 distinctive colours to fit your type.
Priced at $699.99, you could assume Samsung compromised lots to supply a robust 5G telephone. Nevertheless, we see a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED show with 120Hz dynamic refresh price, high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, massive capability 4500mAh battery, 6 or 8GB of RAM, 128 or 256GB storage with a microSD card slot, IP68 mud/water resistance, three rear cameras (one with 3X optical and 30x super-resolution zoom), and a excessive decision 32MP entrance digital camera.
See the total overview: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G review
The place are the compromises? Precisely, there actually are no and but the $700 worth is the place we see telephones within the higher mid-range with much less succesful specs seem. The S21 FE challenges Google’s new Pixel 6 and different telephones.
Execs
- Full Samsung expertise
- Inexpensive and colourful
- Excessive stage of mud/water resistance
- Good high quality cameras
Cons
- Plastic again panel
- Google Pixel 6 is a critical challenger
Google Pixel 5a with 5G
Get 5G with Google’s software and regular updates
Show: 6.34 inches (2,400 x 1,080-pixel decision) OLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | RAM: 6GB | Inside Storage: 128GB | Rear cameras: 12.2MP rear f/1.7 and 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide (118.7-degree field-of-view) | Entrance digital camera: 8MP f/2.0 | Weight: 183g | Mud/water resistance: IP67
Google’s Pixel 5a with 5G checks the bins wanted for a aggressive smartphone. In contrast to previous Pixel telephones, it’s not designed to compete with the high-end flagships from Apple, Samsung, and others, nevertheless it gives the necessities together with Google’s software program chops.
Google’s previous Pixel telephones at all times lacked some options and could not compete with Apple and Samsung flagships — so this strategy makes way more sense. Priced at simply $449 ($399 at present for Black Friday), the Pixel 5a is a superb choice for getting 5G into your fingers with Google’s software program and reliance on common updates for years.
See the total overview: Google Pixel 5a review
It’s accessible solely in black coloration with one storage capability choice. The again is aluminum, and we additionally see the return of a rear fingerprint sensor, which is a fan favourite.
Execs
- A really reasonably priced mid-range smartphone
- Well timed updates and assist for years
- Excessive stage of water resistance
- Excellent digital camera efficiency, largely as a consequence of Google software program
Cons
Microsoft Surface Duo 2
Updated design, still with limited target market
Shows: Two-5.8 inch (1,892 x 1,344-pixel decision) AMOLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 8GB | Inside Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB | Cameras: 12MP f/21.7 large, 12MP f/2.4 telephoto with 2x optical, and 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide (110-degrees field-of-view). 12MP f/2.0 front-facing digital camera | Weight: 284g
The unique Floor Duo suffered from previous and lacking fundamental specs whereas launching a singular type issue that was way more than only a smartphone. Microsoft listened to suggestions and gives vital enhancements within the specs this yr in order that the Floor Duo 2 matches different flagship smartphones in 2021.
Nevertheless, the give attention to this telephone continues to be on productiveness, and it’s excellent for individuals who multi-task and want to make use of two apps on the similar time. The problem for Microsoft is whether or not or not there’s a sustainable marketplace for a tool match for these particular clients.
See the total overview: Microsoft Surface Duo 2 review
The story is just not about simply the improved {hardware}, although, and this smartphone’s functionality rests within the software program enhancements supplied by Microsoft. There have been a number of updates for the unique Duo, however that machine nonetheless runs Android 10, with Android 12 now current on the most recent smartphones. The $1,500 beginning worth is hard to swallow, however perhaps we’ll quickly see fireplace gross sales on this second era as we noticed with the primary era.
Execs
- Excessive-quality {hardware}
- Succesful software program for multi-tasking experiences
- Intuitive gestures
- Stylus assist
Cons
- Costly
- A poor historical past of software program updates
- Common digital camera efficiency
OnePlus 9 Pro
Higher-priced flagship challenging Samsung
Show: 6.7 inches (3,216 x 1,440-pixel decision) 120Hz AMOLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 8GB/12GB LPDDR5 | Inside Storage: 128GB/256GB | Rear cameras: 8MP rear f/2.4 telephoto, 48MP f/1.8 wide-angle digital camera, and 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide digital camera, 2MP monochrome digital camera | Entrance digital camera: 16MP f/2.4 digital camera | Weight: 197g
OnePlus was the “flagship killer” model however has since developed into higher-priced flagships straight difficult the likes of Samsung and Apple. In comparison with Samsung, OnePlus gives an expertise that’s free from adverts and bloatware whereas additionally now offering some attention-grabbing options equivalent to reverse wi-fi charging and adaptive 120Hz shows.
The OnePlus 9 Professional is priced at about $200 lower than Samsung’s S21 Extremely, which is critical on condition that Samsung’s worth can also be $200 lower than its launch worth in 2020. For lower than $1,000, the OnePlus 9 Professional is a critical flagship smartphone to think about.
See the total overview: OnePlus 9 Pro review
The Hasselblad digital camera partnership was a serious space that was offered and lined on the launch occasion however understands that solely software program enhancements are current on this first machine with the Hasselblad branding on it. That stated, digital camera efficiency has been nice and clearly improved over what OnePlus supplied up to now.
One space that OnePlus leads the pack in is the charging functionality of its telephones. Warp Cost 65T assist and Warp Cost Wi-fi 50 assist are supplied within the OnePlus 9 Professional. This implies you’ll be able to cost up your telephone from 1% to 100% in simply 29 minutes. The wi-fi charging even achieves this charging efficiency in 43 minutes, which is quicker than wired charging of most different telephones.
Execs
- Beautiful, high-quality design
- Extremely-fast wi-fi and wired charging functionality
- Excellent specs
- Succesful cameras
Cons
- Costly
- Hasselblad partnership in its infancy
- Water-resistance stage not licensed
Sony Xperia 1 III
Stunning Android with advanced manual camera performance
Show: 6.5 inches (3,840 x 1,644-pixel decision) 120Hz AMOLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 12GB LPDDR5 | Inside Storage: 256GB with microSD card slot | Rear cameras: 12MP rear f/1.7, 12MP twin focal size f/2.3 and f/2.8 telephoto, and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide digital camera (124-degree field-of-view) | Entrance digital camera: 8MP f/2.0 digital camera | Weight: 187g | Mud/water resistance: IP68
The Sony Xperia 1 III, spoken because the “one mark three,” was just lately introduced by Sony and shall be accessible in October for an MSRP of $1,299.99. It brings some options hardly ever seen in smartphones at the moment, together with a 3.5mm audio port and microSD card slot. It additionally has a devoted digital camera shutter button, making this extra of a complicated digital camera with telephone components.
The brand new Sony Xperia 1 III is concentrated on the media expertise with a 3.5mm audio port, true front-facing stereo audio system, three rear cameras, and Sony gaming options.
Sony is offering this telephone for these trying to discover the digital camera expertise with three digital camera functions and plenty of components from the Sony Alpha digital camera sequence included within the telephone. Zeiss optics are calibrated for the Xperia telephone. It’s not optimized for easy level and shoot with auto mode solely however is bound to please the imaging fan with superior software program and a devoted digital camera shutter {hardware} button simply the place you want it to seize content material.
Execs
- Prime quality and succesful digital camera system
- 4K show
- IP68 mud/waterproof
- Audio port and microSD card
Cons
- Costly
- Targeted on superior photographers
TCL 20 Pro 5G
A lovely, affordable 5G phone
Show: 6.67 inches (2400 x 1080-pixel decision) | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G | RAM: 6GB LPDDR4 | Inside Storage: 256GB with microSD card slot | Rear cameras: 48MP rear f/1.7 essential, 16MP f/2.4 ultra-wide digital camera, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor | Entrance digital camera: 32MP digital camera | Weight: 190g
TCL has been making smartphones for years, together with the final BlackBerry and Alcatel telephones. TCL first launched its own-branded smartphones in 2020 with the TCL 10 Pro after which launched the 20 sequence in 2021. The TCL 20 Pro 5G is a improbable mid-range Android telephone accessible for simply $500.
The telephone helps wi-fi charging, has an IP52 mud/waterproof score, gives a 3.5mm audio port, and even packs in an IR blaster. These are options present in $1,000 flagships or faraway from telephones at the moment.
Provided that we give attention to the show the vast majority of the time spent with a smartphone, you’ll not be upset by what TCL gives within the TCL 20 Professional. The cameras carry out nicely, particularly with the 64MP lens providing pixel binning to seize nice element.
Execs
- Attractive design and coloration choices
- Beautiful, vivid AMOLED show
- Inexpensive $500 worth
- Ample storage and microSD card assist
- Wi-fi charging
- 3.5mm audio port
Cons
- Restricted US service assist
- Single speaker
How did we select these smartphones?
The method to make our smartphone picks contains testing the telephones for weeks, studying opinions from different web sites and publications, researching reviewer guides and producer web sites, speaking with colleagues and different customers who’ve hands-on expertise with the smartphones, after which selecting the right from all the accessible selections.
Over the previous yr, we examined new telephones from Google, Samsung, OnePlus, Sony, TCL, and a number of other others. We cannot see new telephones launched till the 2022 season begins in February or March.
Which Android telephone is best for you?
All of those telephones run the identical base working system, however the person interface ranges from inventory Android to extra elaborate choices so that you first want to determine which inserts your wants finest.
Digicam efficiency throughout the board is stable from nearly each telephone within the listing, however some are higher than others so should you plan to seize images as your main perform then you must look to Google, Samsung, Sony, or OnePlus.
For those who plan to spend $1,000 or extra then you may additionally need your telephone to final for at the very least a few years so then you must think about firms with monitor document of standard updates, notably Google and Samsung.
What’s your each day driver and why?
After testing out many telephones over the previous couple of years, my each day driver stays the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 as a result of it’s a productiveness workhorse that has cameras that present what I would like even when they don’t seem to be the very best cameras accessible. The massive essential show, assist for the S Pen, dependable aspect fingerprint sensor, software program optimized for multi-tasking, flawless efficiency, and wonderful engineering persuade me each day that the Z Fold 3 is the right machine for me.
It is a huge telephone so I do not run with it, however fortunately wearables have developed over time so I can nonetheless run with one thing like my Galaxy Watch 4 with LTE and keep related whereas I’m away from my telephone.
I attempted the Google Pixel 6 Professional, however sent it back after two weeks of testing and it is simply not the telephone for me regardless of its digital camera prowess.
