Whether you’re looking for a large or small phone, entry-level or top-of-the-line, Android has options for everyone. Unlike Apple’s strict release cycle, Google’s hardware partners deliver a steady stream of new devices throughout the year. Herein lies the problem: with so many options, how do you determine the right one? Fortunately, we’ve tested and reviewed just about every smartphone available on all major US carriers.
Keep in mind that you can buy most unlocked phones and use them with multiple US carriers, although some of the devices listed here may not show your carrier of choice. Read on to find out what to look for, as well as our top picks for Android phones.
This week’s best Android phone deals*
- Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB Unlocked Phone (Black) — $699.99 (list price $799.99)
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Black) — $374.99 (list price $449.99)
- OnePlus 10 Pro 5G 128GB Unlocked AMOLED Phone — $449.99 (list price $549.99)
- Motorola Moto G 5G 256GB Unlocked Phone (Moonlight Gray) — $199.99 (list price $399.99)
- Motorola Edge 256GB Unlocked Phone (Mineral Gray) — $349.99 (list price $599.99)
When is the best time to buy a new Android phone?
The Android release cycle is perpetual, with a new set of flagship phones launching almost every month. So far in 2023, for example, we’ve seen new Galaxy S hardware from Samsung in July, and new phones from OnePlus shortly thereafter. A slew of new and innovative phones debuted at Mobile World Congress in March, and we recently tested the Asus ROG Phone <> Ultimate.
Our point is that there’s almost always a new Android phone available, and there’s never a bad time to buy one.
The best 5G Android phones
Support for 5G is now standard on any phone that costs more than $200. Devices below that threshold may not work on every band, but don’t worry too much; 4G networks are robust, still, deliver great performance, and will last for years.
Speaking of bands, if you want the best internet speeds in the US, look for phones with C-band (band n77). On T-Mobile and Verizon, C-band 5G offers several times the speed of 4G. The number of phones that support C-band is growing rapidly, but you should check to see if the particular phone you’re considering supports it. We detail whether or not a phone supports C-band in each review to make the process easier.
What is the cheapest Android phone?
This list includes phones priced from under $200 to nearly $2,000. At the low end, Motorola, OnePlus and Samsung models tend to be great value for money. Worth noting: Carrier-branded phones (without mentioning their manufacturer’s name) are generally not very good, and you should avoid them.
Most cell phones in the US cost $600 or more because most people buy them on a monthly payment plan with hidden costs for 24 to 36 months. But there’s also a thriving market, mostly in the prepaid space, for $300 or less. Check out low-end OnePlus phones or models from Motorola and Samsung for decent quality at cheap prices on prepaid carriers.
What size Android phone is right for you?
The shape and size of Android phones has changed dramatically over the past few years. Many manufacturers have started making their phones taller and narrower, resulting in one-hand-friendly models with impossibly large screen sizes. We covered the evolving form factors in more detail in our article on how we now need to measure phone screens.
You can find devices ranging from 3 inches ( Unihertz Jelly 2E ) to over 7 inches (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4). However, for new designs, it’s important to look at the width of the phone and the width of the screen. Tall, narrow phones may be easier to handle than wider ones, but it’s also a less common aspect ratio for apps to use.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of handling a wide variety of options in person at your local wireless store. And check out our small phone roundup for your best compact options.
Which is the best Android version?
Generally speaking, the latest version of Android is the best version of Android. As of this writing, Android 13 is the latest version of Google’s mobile platform. Android 13 is currently available on many phones, but some still don’t.
Whatever you do, don’t buy any phone below Android 11; the older the Android software version, the more likely it is that there will be security holes. Also, check for OS upgrades and security patches promised by the manufacturer; Google and Samsung tend to lead the way with multi-year upgrades, but some competing phone makers are catching up.
Finally, keep in mind that not all experiences on Android are created equal. If you want a pure Google experience, go for the Pixel devices — they’re the first models Google has upgraded. Motorola and Nokia also offer a largely clean Android interface, though both companies lag behind in long-term software support. Samsung, OnePlus, TCL, and other phone makers offer skins in their phones that change the way Android looks and functions in a way.
What about OPPO, vivo or Xiaomi?
Three of the world’s top five smartphone makers don’t sell phones in the U.S. (at least through carriers), and PCMag primarily serves U.S. consumers. In the case of OPPO and Vivo, it’s because they’ve ceded the US market to their sibling brand OnePlus (Oppo and OnePlus are now largely merged ). Xiaomi has repeatedly said that its business model, which relies heavily on advertising revenue and mobile phone subscription services, will not work in the United States. Huawei, once near the top of the list, has been hit by sanctions that bar the company from using U.S. components or software in its smartphones. The same goes for ZTE, once a mainstay of prepaid carriers in the US. Honor, the former subsidiary of Huawei, is now making a global push, particularly in Europe, but has yet to commit to selling phones in the United States.
We don’t recommend importing foreign phones for use in the US, as they often don’t perform well on US carrier networks. For example, when we tested the Oppo Find X5 Pro , we couldn’t get it to connect to T-Mobile’s 5G system, even though it should theoretically work.
Is it better to buy an unlocked Android phone or through a carrier?
Carrier-sold phones still dominate the U.S. market, but buying a phone outright and unlocking it gives you more freedom to switch carriers. Unlocked phones come without carrier bloatware and are something you buy up front so you don’t have to worry about monthly payments.
You can buy every phone on this list outright without any carrier involvement. But most people still buy phones through carriers, which offer a la carte service and support and monthly payment plans that greatly reduce the upfront price. Many even offer higher trade-in values on the phone, further reducing the price.
You should also make sure that your carrier (especially if you’re using an MVNO) fully supports the phone before buying one. While you can always jump between MVNOs without penalty, if you’re happy with your current carrier, it’s best to make sure the phone you buy will work on that network.
With all of this in mind, choosing Android as your mobile operating system is only half the battle;
