The best Android phones 2023
Android phones have a diverse range of options and manufacturers. With so many choices available, finding the perfect Android phone for your needs and budget can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the best Android phones of 2023, catering to different preferences and budgets, ensuring that you find the right device for you.
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Table of Contents
Best Overall Android Phone: Google Pixel 7 Pro
Update: Some Pixel 8 Pro information has started to leak out. See our “A Look at The Leaked Specs” article to see more.
Performance
The Google Pixel 7 Pro isn’t the fastest phone on the market, but its thoughtful software and powerful AI capabilities make up for it. Powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, the Pixel 7 Pro offers advanced machine learning and on-device language recognition, providing a seamless user experience.
Display
The Pixel 7 Pro sports a stunning 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering lifelike colors and smooth visuals for an immersive experience.
Design
The Pixel 7 Pro features a premium design with IP67 water resistance, ensuring durability and protection against the elements.
Cameras
Google’s partnership with Hasselblad shines through in the Pixel 7 Pro’s camera performance, with the device boasting the best overall camera quality of any smartphone currently available.
Battery and Software
With a commitment to providing at least three years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches, the Pixel 7 Pro guarantees long-term software support. The device’s battery life is also impressive, offering all-day longevity.
Best Mid-Range Android Phone: OnePlus 11
Performance
The OnePlus 11 strikes a balance between budget and premium devices, offering a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip that ensures speedy performance.
Display
With a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, the OnePlus 11 provides a visual experience comparable to the more expensive Galaxy S23+.
Design
Although the OnePlus 11’s IP64 rating for dust and water resistance is lower than some competing devices, it still offers decent protection.
Cameras
The OnePlus 11’s camera setup, a result of the company’s partnership with Hasselblad, captures sharp and vibrant images, although its 2x optical zoom lens may feel somewhat limited.
Battery and Software
OnePlus has committed to four years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches for the OnePlus 11, ensuring long-term support. The device also boasts a 5,000mAh battery and 100-watt wired charging, enabling faster charging than many competitors, including Google and Samsung devices.
Best Budget Android Phone: Google Pixel 7a
Performance
The Google Pixel 7a provides exceptional performance at an affordable price, thanks to its Tensor G2 chip and advanced AI capabilities.
Display
Featuring a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, the Pixel 7a delivers stunning visuals without breaking the bank.
Design
The Pixel 7a has a sleek design with IP67 water resistance, ensuring durability and protection against the elements.
Cameras
Google’s partnership with Hasselblad results in impressive camera performance on the Pixel 7a, although it lacks a dedicated zoom lens.
Battery and Software
The Pixel 7a offers a 5,000mAh battery for all-day use and supports wireless charging for added convenience. Google also promises five years of security updates and at least three OS upgrades, ensuring long-term software support.
Best Premium Android Phone: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerhouse of a device, offering top-of-the-line performance with its 6.8-inch OLED display and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Display
The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s display is perfect for gaming, movie streaming, and productivity tasks, thanks to its high resolution and smooth visuals.
Design
The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a premium design with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability and protection against the elements.
Cameras
With a total of five cameras, the Galaxy S23 Ultra captures stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions and offers versatile shooting options.
Battery and Software
The device’s 5,000mAh battery delivers impressive runtime and supports fast charging for added convenience. Samsung also commits to four major OS upgrades and five years of regular security patches, ensuring long-term software support.
Best Foldable Android Phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a unique device that combines the functionality of a phone, tablet, and e-reader, making it a versatile option for users looking for a foldable device.
Display
The Z Fold 4 features a 6.2-inch exterior cover screen and a 7.8-inch flexible display, offering a compact form factor when needed and an immersive viewing experience when desired.
Design
With an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 delivers durability and protection against the elements.
Cameras
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 boasts a solid camera setup, capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
Battery and Software
Samsung’s commitment to software support ensures long-term updates for the Galaxy Z Fold 4, with the device’s battery life providing all-day use.
Best Android Phone for Gaming: Asus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate
Performance
The Asus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate is designed for gamers, offering top-tier performance with its MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset and 16GB of RAM.
Display
Featuring a 6.78-inch full HD OLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate, the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate is perfect for fast-paced gaming.
Design
The device is designed for heat management and durability, ensuring long-lasting performance during extended gaming sessions.
Cameras
While the Asus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate’s camera performance is average, its focus is on providing a top-tier gaming experience.
Battery and Software
The device’s 6,000mAh battery ensures long gaming sessions without the need for constant charging. However, it should be noted that the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate is on the pricier side.
Best Android Phone with a Large Battery: Motorola Edge 30 Ultra
Performance
The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra delivers premium performance with its Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor and a 144Hz refresh rate display, making it perfect for gaming and other power-hungry tasks.
Display
The device’s display is top-notch, offering vibrant colors and sharp visuals for an immersive experience.
Design
The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra features a premium design, offering a fantastic user experience for those seeking a high-quality device.
Cameras
With a 50MP main camera and additional lenses, the Edge 30 Ultra’s camera setup is versatile and capable of capturing stunning photos in various conditions.
Battery and Software
Boasting a 5,000mAh battery, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra ensures long-lasting battery life. The device also supports 125W fast charging, allowing for rapid charging times.
Best Compact Android Phone: Samsung Galaxy S22
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S22 offers flagship performance in a compact package, with a 6.1-inch screen and slim bezels, making it perfect for those who prefer smaller devices.
Display
Featuring an OLED panel with rich colors and a high brightness level, the Galaxy S22’s display is perfect for various tasks and media consumption.
Design
The Galaxy S22 sports a sleek and attractive design, with added features like wireless charging and power-sharing capabilities.
Cameras
While the Galaxy S22’s cameras are not as advanced as those on the Galaxy S22 Ultra, they still provide high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
Battery and Software
With all-day battery life and Samsung’s commitment to software updates, the Galaxy S22 is a reliable and long-lasting device.
Best Clamshell Foldable Android Phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 offers excellent performance in a stylish and compact form factor, making it perfect for those seeking a unique and fashionable device.
Display
With a 6.7-inch foldable display, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 provides a versatile and immersive viewing experience.
Design
The device’s clamshell design ensures a compact and portable form factor, while its IP68 rating for dust and water resistance provides added durability.
Cameras
The Galaxy Z Flip 4’s camera setup captures high-quality photos and videos, offering versatility in various lighting conditions.
Battery and Software
Samsung’s commitment to software updates ensures long-term support for the Galaxy Z Flip 4, while its larger battery compared to the previous model improves overall battery life.
How to Choose the Best Android Phone for You
Screen size and resolution, battery life, power, camera performance, and price are typically the primary considerations when choosing an Android phone. The top models will excel in most or all areas, but often at a high cost. For those on a budget, there are plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly options that still offer excellent performance and features. To make an informed decision, research various models and compare their specifications and features, ensuring that the device you choose meets your specific needs and preferences.
