An incredible Android cellphone ought to have high-quality cameras, lengthy battery life and an extended dedication to software program and safety updates. From Samsung’s Galaxy S25 to Google’s Pixel 9 and the 9 Pro XL, there are a lot of unbelievable Android telephones to select from. We’re right here that will help you discover one of the best Android cellphone for you. Whether or not it is telephones like Google’s Pixel 8A or foldable phones just like the Motorola Razr Plus (2024), CNET editors have examined and reviewed each cellphone on this record. Google simply introduced the Pixel 9A, the comply with as much as the Pixel 8A. The Pixel 9A will launch in April and we stay up for testing it.
What’s one of the best Android cellphone?
The $800 Samsung Galaxy S25’s battery life is wonderful. That is not the one cause it is our decide for finest Android cellphone. It will get seven years of main Android updates and the cameras are good (there’s even a 3x telephoto lens for zooming). Then there are all of the AI options: most are simply OK, however Circle to Search is excellent. Samsung tries to set the Galaxy S25 aside by leaning into what’s new (AI), in addition to embracing the acquainted (good cameras and battery life). And we’re positively impressed. There are many different glorious decisions, though the Pixel 8A is one other present favourite.
Learn extra: Best VPN for Android for 2025
Finest Android telephones of 2025
How we check telephones
We check each facet of a brand new cellphone from the battery and processor to the cameras.
We check each cellphone in real-world situations specializing in its options, design, efficiency, cameras, battery life and general worth. We doc our findings in an preliminary evaluation that’s periodically up to date when there are new software program updates or to check in opposition to new telephones from telephones from opponents like Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
Images
Images is a serious focus for many telephones as of late, so we take photos and movies of varied topics in a wide range of settings and lighting situations. We check out any new digital camera modes such because the 4K 120fps gradual movement mode that debuted on the iPhone 16 Professional or the Add Me photograph instrument that launched with the Google Pixel 9 sequence.
Battery life
Battery testing is carried out in a wide range of methods. We assess how lengthy a cellphone lasts throughout a typical day of use, and word the way it performs throughout extra centered periods of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We additionally conduct a video playback check, which is not at all times included within the preliminary evaluation and is added later in an replace.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 largely has the identical digital camera {hardware} because the Z Flip 4. However the brand new chip brings some picture processing enhancements.
Efficiency
We use benchmarking apps to measure the efficiency, alongside our personal anecdotal experiences utilizing the cellphone for our evaluation. Of specific word are how graphics and animations look. Are they clean? Or do they lag or stutter? We additionally have a look at how shortly the cellphone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations and how briskly the digital camera app opens and is able to take a photograph.
We carry out processor-heavy duties like modifying pictures, exporting movies and taking part in video games. We consider whether or not a more recent model of a specific cellphone contains sufficient options to make it price upgrading from older fashions.
Learn extra: How We Test Phones
Components to contemplate when shopping for an Android cellphone
Take a look at final 12 months’s telephones: Firms sometimes preserve earlier fashions round at a reduced value. For instance, whereas you should purchase the $699 Pixel 8 or $999 Pixel 8 Pro for lower than the present Pixel 9 equivalents.
Get extra for much less with low cost telephones: For a fraction of the fee, you will get a stable cellphone that does virtually all the pieces a pricier flagship cellphone can do. The Google Pixel 8A packs digital camera and is often discounted to beneath $400.
Test your Android kind: Some telephones, like Google’s Pixel sequence, run a inventory model of Android. Others, like Samsung’s Galaxy telephones, have their very own software program (OneUI) on prime of Android. Every kind has its personal enchantment and downsides. For those who’ve been rocking a Samsung cellphone for years, you may probably nonetheless be extra at house on a brand new Galaxy cellphone.
Be prepared for Cyber Monday gross sales: The vacations normally deliver massive reductions and gross sales, even on telephones.
Take a look at your cellphone: It is positively price going to a retailer and making an attempt out a cellphone earlier than you shell out a whole bunch of {dollars} for it.
Discover peace of thoughts with a case: You spent all this time selecting a cellphone, now defend it from injury with a case.
Different telephones we examined
The $450 Samsung Galaxy A54 5G proves you will get a cellphone with stable efficiency for a really cheap value. It packs a 6.4-inch show, an octa-core processor that gives sufficient energy for day by day necessities (together with gentle gaming) and a digital camera that does an honest job of dealing with your out-and-about snaps. Its 128GB of storage will probably be sufficient for most individuals, and those that want extra space can increase it with microSD playing cards as much as 1TB in dimension.
Android cellphone FAQ
How dependable is an Android cellphone?
Android telephones are available all styles and sizes. Costs vary from only a couple hundred {dollars} for a fundamental smartphone to $1,800 for state-of-the-art foldable telephones. All of the telephones on this record are sturdy, have an IP score for water and mud resistance and years of software program help.
How lengthy does an Android cellphone final?
Each cellphone on this record varies in what number of years of software program help you get and the way lengthy you’ll be able to lengthen the guarantee, however most ought to final you just a few years if no more.
Extra cellphone and Android suggestions
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