Recent updates
December 3: We've tidied up this guide post-Black Friday, and will be looking to update it again soon to lock in the final line-up of the top Android phones for 2024.
There's always a lot of choice among the best Android phones. But we guarantee the devices on this list are all winners; it just depends on your preferences and budget. How do we know? Because our team have decades of combined experience covering and testing the latest and best phones.
We think the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands head-and-shoulders above other Android phones thanks to its AI powered features, excellent cameras, and best-in-class performance. But if the S24 Ultra's $1,299 starting price is too much for you, perhaps you'll prefer more affordable phones like the OnePlus 12R and Google Pixel 8a.
Speaking of Google, its Pixel 9 lineup continues to show off the incredible power of AI — even if the Tensor G4 is a little underpowered. Personally we think the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one to go for, but if you dislike larger screens the smaller Pixel 9 Pro is otherwise identical.
Check back to see how those models compare to the best Android phones from Samsung, Google, OnePlus and others, particularly when it comes to AI features and mobile photography. In the meantime, these are the Android phones we currently recommend based on our extensive testing and hands-on experience.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers the longest-lasting battery we’ve ever tested on a flagship, performance that rivals the iPhone and excellent cameras. Impressive Galaxy AI capabilities round out the improvements to this premium Android device.
It may be more appealing to those of you on a budget, but the Google Pixel 8a proves it's capable of capturing outstanding photos and video with its cameras. And like the rest of the Pixel 8 family, a Tensor G3 chip powers some impressive AI features, particularly on a sub-$500 phone.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a part of phones and no other one has more of it than the Pixel 9 Pro XL. You'll be delighted by the AI features it offers to help save you time.
The OnePlus 12 can match any Android phone's performance with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. What's more, OnePlus’ fast charging technology continues to impress. And the cameras can now compete against Galaxy and Pixel flagships.
Don't underestimate the Pixel 9 because despite being lower on the totem pole in Google's lineup, it actually has a lot of premium features found in the pricier Pixel 9 Pro XL.
OnePlus' never settle philosophy is on full display with the OnePlus 12R, proving you can get premium features in a phone under $500 with minimal compromises.
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Driven by its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is one of the fastest phones we've benchmarked for graphics processing and supports the same Galaxy AI features as the S24 Ultra.
With the biggest screen of any notebook-style foldable — and a lower price — the OnePlus Open tops other well-regarded devices from Samsung and Google.
The Motorola Razr Plus (2024) features an even larger cover display than its predecessor, a brighter interior screen and a new camera setup that includes a dedicated telephoto lens. But you're also paying the same $999 starting price for this phone that the 2023 edition cost.
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Best Android phone overall
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t make major hardware changes from past Samsung flagships, instead putting most of its focus on new AI-powered features. These Galaxy AI capabilities are both practical and easy to use, allowing you to do things like get real-time translations on phone calls where someone speaks another language; automatically summarize and organize your notes; and search for things just by circling them.
The hardware changes may be modest, but they’re welcome — the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset powering the phone delivers performance that actually beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max on some speed tests. (That’s the first time we’ve seen that happen.) Power management features on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also contribute to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s epic battery life, with the phone last nearly 17 hours on one charge in our testing.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra swaps out one of its telephoto lenses for a higher resolution sensor with less of an optical zoom, and that feels like a step back — so much so that we feel like it loses out the best camera phone title to Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max. Still, the cameras continue to produce excellent photos overall. Nevertheless, we tested its camera performance out in our Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max, S24 Ultra vs. OnePlus 12, and S24 Ultra vs. Pixel 8 Pro photo shootouts.
The bigger consideration is the $100 price hike Samsung instituted. Not everyone is going to be able to afford a $1,299 smartphone, but those that pay up for the Galaxy S24 Ultra will get a premium device in return. With seven years of software and security support provided by Samsung, this is a device clearly built to last a long time.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review.
Best Android phone value
The Google Pixel 8a is a great device to get if you're on a limited budget. For just $499 (the same price as its predecessor), you can get a phone that still packs in some premium features like a 120Hz display, wireless charging support and the same Tensor G3 processor found in the Pixel 8 flagships. In many ways, it's impossible to tell the budget Pixel 8a from the more premium Pixel 8. What's amazing is that the Pixel 8a is also treated to the same seven years of support just like with the Pixel 8.
Even though there's not a major camera upgrade, which still uses a 64MP main shooter and a 13MP ultrawide lens, it holds up nicely in our 200 photo shootout with the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8. The AI features of the Pixel 8a carry a lot more of the weight because they're helpful. For example, it gains the same Magic Editor and Best Take features from the Pixel 8. We also like that the battery life on the Pixel 8a is much improved over its predecessor, albeit with the fast-refreshing display feature disabled.
Read our full Google Pixel 8a review.
Best Android AI phone
Following up on the dizzying amount of AI features that its predecessor introduced, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the AI phone to beat with its handful of helpful features powered by artificial intelligence. From its impressively quick image generations with features like Pixel Studio and Reimagine, to the handy note taking and summarizing abilities of Note Assist, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the best Android phone that showcases the incredible power of AI.
If that's not enough to convince you, it receives big upgrades to its display and battery life. In fact, it sets a record for the brightest screen we've tested at an astonishing peak brightness output of 2,469 nits with its 6.8-inch Super Actua display. Meanwhile, the Tensor G4 chip's power efficiency extends its battery life to a time of 14 hours and 37 minutes — which is much improved over the Pixel 8 Pro's 10 hours and 3 minute time.
You're going to pay a bit more for the Pixel 9 Pro XL since it cost $100 more than its predecessor, but all of its AI features could be the incentive for you to make the compromise.
Read our full Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review.
Fast-charging Android phone
It’s time to start including OnePlus in the same breath as Samsung and Google when talking about top Android phone makers, and the OnePlus 12 is a good example why. This phone has everything its rivals offer — a top performing processor, a distinct design and top-performing cameras. That last bit comes after years of improvements and a team-up with lens specialist Hasselblad to improve hat had been the weakest area of OnePlus flagships. With the OnePlus 12, cameras are now a strength evident in our 200 photo shootout between the OnePlus 12 and Galaxy S24 Ultra.
It’s power management where the OnePlus 12 continues to excel. Our battery tests reveals an impressive time of 17 hours and 41 minutes, making it one of the longest lasting phones we've tested. The OnePlus 12 continues to benefit from fast-charging technology, with support for 80W wired charging in the U.S. (It’s even faster elsewhere.) Wireless charging support returns to this model — a sign OnePlus listens to customer feedback.
The OnePlus 12 is more expensive than its predecessor by $100, but you can eliminate that extra cost through a trade-in program at OnePlus. With those savings, the OnePlus joins the Pixel 8 as an attractively priced flagship — and OnePlus offers a telephoto lens on its entry-level flagship. We just wish OnePlus could match the seven years of support Samsung and Google offer with their flagships, as the OnePlus 12 comes with a more limited four years of support.
Read our full OnePlus 12 review.
Best affordable Pixel flagship
Sure, it's receives a price increase over its predecessor, but the $799 starting price for the Google Pixel 9 still makes it the best affordable Pixel flagship. That's because it benefits from nearly the same set of new AI features found in the pricier 'Pro' models — like Add Me, Pixel Studio, and Call Assist.
It's also powered by the same chip, the Tensor G4, which carries along better power efficiency to propel the Pixel 9 to new heights. Specifically, it manages to clock in a time of 13 hours and 18 minutes, which is a substantial improvement over the Pixel 8's time of 9 hours and 43 minutes. This modestly sized phone packs just as strong of a punch as its 'Pro' siblings.
And since it's a flagship Pixel model, it get the same outstanding 7 years of major Android and security updates to bring even more features to the experience.
Read our full Google Pixel 9 review.
Best budget Android phone alternative
You don't have to pay flagship prices to get a top Android phone. For $499, the OnePlus 12R reaches new heights where no other sub-$500 priced Android has gone with its epic battery life. Paired with a bright display and cameras that are the surprisingly decent in a budget phone, the OnePlus 12R is every bit worth of being one of the best Android phones on a budget.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 inside the OnePlus 12R isn't exactly a powerhouse, but it can handle most mobile apps with aplomb. You'll also appreciate the colorful 6.78-inch panel on the OnePlus 12R and its ability to ramp up its refresh rate to 120Hz when on-screen activity would benefit from smoother scrolling. That's an awful lot of impressive features for a phone that won't put too big of a dent in your wallet. The only minor scratch in its otherwise pristine value is the rather short 3 years of software and security updates that OnePlus promises with the phone.
What's most astounding is its battery life. With a time of 18 hours and 42 minutes, it's the runner-up in our best phone battery life list.
Read our full OnePlus 12R review.
Most affordable Samsung flagship
Despite being overshadowed by its bigger, more expensive siblings, the best things about the Galaxy S24 is that it packs a lot of muscle power in such a compact design.
Specifically, the Galaxy S24 runs on the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset that powers more expensive S24 models. That not only means a performance boost over previous Galaxy S phones, it also helps the S24 turn in a time on our battery test that tops the average smartphone.
The Galaxy S24 offers a telephoto lens — not something you always find on a phone at this price. And all the cameras on the Galaxy S24 impress, as they benefit from Samsung's effort to improve low-light photography. However, the biggest incentive to get the S24 over other phones is its handful of Galaxy AI features. Some of them are practical and intuitive to use, saving you time to do other stuff. Aside from that, the Galaxy S24 delivers the best of Samsung's flagship lineup in a more affordable package.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S24 review.
Best foldable Android phone
Competition is heating up in the world of foldable phones, but the OnePlus Open emerges from the crowd by going big. Its cover display and interior screen are the largest out there for notebook-style foldables, and it boasts the best battery life of any foldable, too. Even the built-in storage — 512GB — is more than you may be used to. Cameras are the weakest part of the phone, especially when stacked up against the superior camera output produced by the Galaxy Z Fold 5. While the more recent Galaxy Z Fold 6 narrows the gap, we still would recommend the OnePlus Open over Samsung's foldable.
About the only thing OnePlus didn't supersize is the price of the Open. AT $1,699, it's $200 less than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and $100 cheaper than the Pixel Fold. Maybe that's not a big difference, but it gives the OnePlus Open an edge that its impressive specs and feature set take advantage of. Four years of software support plus another year of security updates should help your OnePlus Open stay current.
In the camera department, it impresses with its improved performance in our 200 photo shootout between the OnePlus Open and Galaxy Z Fold 6. Additionally, a variant of the phone, the Apex Edition, offers a more sophisticated vegan leather casing with more storage and RAM.
Read our full OnePlus Open review.
Best flip-phone foldable
The best thing about the 2024 edition of the Motorola Razr Plus is something that didn't change from last year — the price. The Motorola Razr Plus (2024) still costs $999 at a time when the rival Galaxy Z Flip 6 raised its price to $1,099. That just might give Motorola the edge when comparing these two very similar folding flip phones.
But the Razr Plus has other things going for it, too, including upgraded rear cameras. Not everyone will like exchanging an ultrawide lens for a dedicated telephoto lens, but it will mean sharper zooms for the Razr Plus (2024).
A bigger cover display adds more functionality to that outer screen, and the main 6.9-inch display is twice as bright as its predecessor. Battery life continues to impress, as the new Razr is one of the longest-lasting foldables we've tested. We're also impressed by the camera performance when we took over 200 photos against the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Read our full Motorola Razr Plus (2024) review.
How to choose the best Android phone for you
The first place to start when shopping for the best Android phone for you is your budget. And there are essentially a few tiers. The cheapest Android phones cost under $200 and offer mostly the basics for using apps, taking pictures and staying connected. We chart the best cheap phones under $300, though honestly, you'll make a lot of compromises to get a phone priced that low.
As you move up to under $450, you'll find more compelling handsets, touting better processors, higher-grade materials and more camera lenses. Right now, the best value phones on our list are the Pixel 8a and OnePlus 12R. Our main guide to the best cheap phones for less than $500 goes into greater depth on these devices.
Jump into the $700-and-up range, and the best phones offer flagship-caliber performance along with cutting-edge computational photography and special features. You'll start to see features like telephoto lenses appear at this level of phone.
The most premium Android phones offer foldable designs and big price tags. The Motorola Razr+ joins the Galaxy Z Flip 6 on the cheap end of foldable phones with a $999 starting price. The best foldable phone is the OnePlus Open, which starts at $1,699, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 will set you back at least $1,799 and $1,899, respectively.
What you look for in the best Android phone also depends on what you plan to use your handset for. To that end:
- For mobile gaming: Make sure you're getting a phone with a top-performing processor. As of this writing, that would be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, though any recent Snapdragon 8 series system-on-chip would do the trick. Good gaming phones also have lots of RAM — at least 8GB — and a display that ramps up the refresh rate to at least 120Hz for smoother graphics. A phone with a long battery life won't die on you mid-session, either.
- For mobile productivity: As with gaming, a fast processor is helpful, and you'll want a phone with lots of storage capacity. Bigger screens are usually more helpful for performing tasks on the go, which is why foldable phones and their extended screens are of interest here. Foldable phones also have unique multitasking features that let you run multiple apps at once.
- For mobile photograhy: Nearly every phone will offer a main camera plus an ultrawide shooter, but more expensive models also tend to include telephoto lenses. Just as an important as the camera hardware is the software — check out what kind of computational photography features a phone might have. Google's Pixels excel in this area, but Samsung and OnePlus also perform well.
How we test the best Android phones
The same method we use to test the best phones applies to the dozen or so Android phones we evaluate each year. Every smartphone Tom’s Guide evaluates is tested for several days in real-world use cases and benchmarked with a gamut of performance-measuring apps. In terms of performance, we used Geekbench 5 to measure overall speed and 3DMark Wild Life to measure graphics performance.
We also use our own video editing test in the Adobe Premiere Rush app to see how long it takes to transcode a clip, which we run on both Android phones and iPhone to compare performance. (This test is not always available for all phones we test due to app compatibility issues.)
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Geekbench 5 (single-core / multicore) | 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited (FPS) |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra | 2300 / 7249 | 123.5 |
| Pixel 8a | 1581 / 4093 | 53.7 |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | 1929 / 4747 | 55.6 |
| OnePlus 12 | 943 / 4859 | 117.2 |
| Pixel 9 | 1758 / 4594 | 55.71 |
| OnePlus 12R | 1553 / 5135 | 84.4 |
| Galaxy S24 | 2235 / 6922 | 120.4 |
| OnePlus Open | 1087 / 4203 | 84.8 |
| Motorola Razr Plus | 1834 / 4848 | 73.7 |
To measure the quality of a phone's display, we perform lab tests to determine the brightness of the panel (in nits), as well as how colorful each screen is (DCI-P3 color gamut). In these cases, higher numbers are better. We also measure color accuracy of each panel with a Delta-E rating, where lower numbers are better and score of 0 is perfect.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | sRGB (%) | DCI-P3 (%) | Delta-E |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra | 139 (Vivid) / 119 (Natural) | 98.5 (Vivid) / 84.9 (Natural) | 0.25 (Vivid) / 0.23 (Natural) |
| Pixel 8a | 126.5 (Adaptive), 108.9 (Natural | 89.6 (Adaptive), 77.2 (Natural) | 0.24 (Adaptive), 0.29 (Natural) |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | 105 (Natural), 116.9 (Adaptive) | 74.4 (Natural), 82.8 (Adaptive) | 0.28 (Natural), 0.24 (Adaptive) |
| OnePlus 12 | 111.3 (Natural) | 78.9 (Natural) | 0.20 (Natural) |
| Pixel 9 Pro | 106.6 (Natural), 119.4 (Adaptive) | 75.5 (Natural), 84.5 (Adaptive) | 0.2 (Natural), 0.3 (Adaptive) |
| OnePlus 12R | 113.2 (Natural) / 160.7 (Vivid) | 80.2 (Natural) / 113.8 (Vivid) | 0.21 (Natural) / 0.39 (Vivid) |
| Galaxy S24 | 137.5 (Vivid) / 120.8 (Natural) | 97.4 (Vivid) / 85.5 (Natural) | 0.22 (Vivid) / 0.24 (Natural) |
| OnePlus Open | 111.8 (Natural) / 169.7 (Vivid) | 79.2 (Natural) / 120.2 (Vivid) | 0.14 (Natural) / 0.29 (Vivid) |
| Motorola Razr Plus (2024) | 98.1% (Natural) | 69.5% (Natural) | 0.23 (Natural) |
One of the most important tests we run is the Tom's Guide battery test. We run a web surfing test over 5G (or 4G if the phone doesn't have 5G support) at 150 nits of screen brightness until the battery gives out. In general, a phone that lasts 10 hours or more is good, and anything above 14 hours makes our list of the best phone battery life.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Battery life (Hrs:Mins) |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra | 16:45 (adaptive) |
| Pixel 8a | 11:21 |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | 14:37 |
| OnePlus 12 | 17:41 |
| Pixel 9 | 13:18 |
| OnePlus 12R | 18:42 |
| Galaxy S24 | 13:28 |
| OnePlus Open | 11:45 |
| Motorola Razr Plus (2024) | 14:13 |
Last but not least, we take the best phones out in the field to take photos outdoors, indoors and at night in low light to see how they perform versus their closest competitors. We take shots of landscapes, food, portraits and more, and also allow you to be the judge with side-by-side comparisons in our reviews and 200 photo head-to-head shootouts.
For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide.
