Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world. However, unlike Apple's iOS, it's found in multiple different device brands, including Samsung, Google Pixel, and Motorola.
With dozens of devices and brands running Android, you may be wondering which one is best. The good news is, you can generally find one that will meet your needs and budget.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the best Android for most customers. It offers excellent performance, the newest in Galaxy AI technology, and all the fancy camera features you could ever want. For foldable devices, our top pick is the Galaxy Z Flip7. That said, both of these are expensive devices. The Google Pixel 9a is best for customers on a budget as it provides excellent features at an affordable price.
Whether you're looking to switch from an iPhone or upgrade to a new Android, we can help you make the right choice for your next device.
Best Androids: Quick guide
| Samsung Galaxy S25 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 | Google Pixel 9a |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Overall experience | Foldable devices | Budget device |
| Cameras | Triple array | Dual array | Dual array |
| AI software | Galaxy AI Gemini |
Galaxy AI Gemini |
Gemini |
| Starting MSRP | $799 | $1,099 | $499 |
| Learn more | View on Amazon | View at T-Mobile | View on Amazon |
What to know before you buy a new Android
With so many different options, buying a new Android might seem complicated. However, it doesn't have to be hard if you consider your needs and budget before making a decision.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Budget: Androids come in multiple price ranges. Customers needing a cheaper phone should look at budget models like the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy A16. If you can afford a tricked-out model, consider a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Google Pixel 9 Pro.
- Model year: There is nothing wrong with buying an Android device that was released last year. The pricing is often lower, and they often have many of the same features as the current lineup.
- Camera specs: The camera is often the most important feature in a smartphone for users. If you’re not a major photographer, you can get by with a less expensive device. People who need the best hardware for the perfect picture should aim for a Pro model.
- Deal timing: The best deals on Androids are typically when the newest models come out. You can get upgrade deals on the newest series or discounts on last year’s model.
- Consider refurbished: You may be able to save even more by purchasing a refurbished (renewed) Android from a third-party retailer like Amazon. These retailers often have more choices than carrier stores, and the devices are cleaned and tested to ensure they work properly.
Best Androids
Picking the best Android for you depends on your needs are budget. Here are our favorite Androids for maximum performance, camera quality, size, cost, and everyday use.
Best Androids: Full specs
| Samsung Galaxy S25 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 | Google Pixel 9a |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.2” |
6.5” cover 8.0" inner |
6.3” |
| Cameras | 50MP wide 10MP telephoto 12MP ultrawide 12MP selfie |
200MP wide 12MP ultrawide 10MP selfie |
48MP wide 13MP ultra-wide 13MP selfie |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Google Tensor G4 |
| Storage | 128GB 256GB 512GB |
256GB 512GB |
128GB 256GB |
| AI software | Galaxy AI Gemini |
Galaxy AI Gemini |
Gemini |
| 5G support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Starting MSRP | $799 | $1,999 | $499 |
| Learn more | View on Amazon | View at T-Mobile | View on Amazon |
Best Android overall: Samsung Galaxy S25
- Display: 6.2"
- Cameras: Rear-50MP, 10MP, 10MP; Front-12MP
- Galaxy AI and Gemini
For most customers, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is the perfect device to meet their needs. It includes some of the top features that Samsung has to offer, from an excellent camera system to powerful AI software. Its triple-camera array includes a 50MP main camera that takes crisp photos and is excellent in low-light photography.
As for software, the Galaxy S25 runs the latest Android OS on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This means you'll have access to Galaxy AI and its top features like real-time translation and image editing, not to mention access to Google Gemini for all your browsing needs.
Best of all, the Galaxy S25's starting MSRP is $799. That's an excellent price to pay for a top-tier flagship smartphone, but you may get it for cheaper from a carrier deal or Amazon offer.
View at AT&T View at T-Mobile View at Verizon View at AmazonBest foldable Android: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
- Display: 6.5" cover / 8.0" inner
- Cameras: Rear: 200MP, 12MP, 10MP; Front: 10MP
- Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor
We think the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the best foldable Android you can buy right now. It opens up to a full 8-inch tablet-sized display, which makes it a standout choice for multitasking, media, and anything where screen real estate matters. The cover screen has also been redesigned with a 21:9 aspect ratio, so it actually feels like a normal phone when the device is closed.
On the hardware side, the Z Fold 7 is a serious upgrade. Samsung packed in a triple rear camera system headlined by a 200MP wide-angle sensor, along with a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It also runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and ships with Android 16 and One UI 8, with seven years of OS and security updates promised.
The catch is the price. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999 for the base 256GB model, which puts it firmly in premium territory. That said, it's one of the slimmest and lightest foldables ever made, and carrier trade-in deals can take a significant chunk off that sticker price at launch.
Before you make the leap to a foldable, check out our guide to foldable quirks that nobody tells you about to see if it's something you'll like.
View at AT&T View at T-Mobile View at VerizonBest budget Android: Pixel 9a
- Display: 6.3"
- Cameras: Rear-48MP, 12MP; Front-13MP
- Google Tensor G4
The Pixel 9a is the best Android you'll find with a starting MSRP for under $500. It offers many of the same features as the regular Google Pixel 9 at a much friendly price point. This includes Google's AI features and the same Tensor G4 processor. The phone also includes an excellent 50MP main camera, which is a much nicer lens than is typically found on budget devices.
With a starting MSRP of $499, the Pixel 9a narrowly fits into the budget Android category. While there are cheaper Androids out there (like last year's Pixel 8a), it's difficult to find one with this many premium features at a lower price point.
View at AT&T View at T-Mobile View at Verizon View at AmazonOther Android options
While these Androids don't technically qualify as the best, they're still excellent devices. If you can find them on sale, it's worth considering them as alternatives to the phones above.
Top runner-up: Google Pixel 9
- Display: 6.3"
- Cameras: Rear: 48MP, 13MP, 10.8MP; Front: 10.5MP
- Google Tensor G5 processor
As Google's newest flagship, the Google Pixel 10 is a great alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S25 if you prefer Google's clean Android interface or want a phone that punches above its price.
The Pixel 10 steps up to a triple rear camera system for the first time on a base model, pairing a 48MP wide lens with a 13MP ultrawide and a 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. It's powered by the Tensor G5 chip, Google's most capable processor to date, and comes loaded with Gemini AI features like Magic Cue and Voice Translate.
The starting MSRP is $799, which is a competitive price for a flagship Android. If you're looking to save a bit more, carrier deals and third-party retailers like Amazon regularly knock the price down further.
View at AT&T View at T-Mobile View at Verizon View at AmazonBudget runner-up: Samsung Galaxy A16
- Display: 6.7"
- Cameras: Rear-12MP, 5MP, 2MP; Front-13MP
If you need an ultra-cheap device, the Samsung Galaxy A16 with an MSRP of $199 is one of the best options you'll find. While it doesn't come with all the bells and whistles of the Pixel 9a, it's still a respectable Android.
The Galaxy A16 offers a triple-camera array with a 50MP main camera. Its ultrawide and macro cameras are considerably smaller at 5MP and 2MP, respectively. The device is also guaranteed six years of software updates, meaning it will last a long time for value-conscious customers. That said, as a less powerful phone, it lacks processing power and only offers limited AI features and photo editing.
View at AT&T View at T-Mobile View at Verizon View at AmazonBest Android deals
The best way to save on a new Android device is by taking advantage of a carrier deal. We track all the best deals on Samsung Galaxy devices and Google Pixels from carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, so you're sure to find a device and plan to fit your budget.
Keep in mind that carrier deals come in many flavors. One of the most popular types are trade-in deals that let you switch out your old phone for a brand-new Android. You may also score a switching deal for joining a new carrier and buying a new device. Finally, you may also qualify for a discounted phone by picking a specific plan or switching carriers at the right time. Remember, virtually all carrier deals are tied to device installment plans that last from 24–36 months.
You'll also find current Android deals attached to the popular devices below:
Moto G 5G (2026) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Galaxy A26 5G
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Edge (2025) 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP, 10MP
- Front Camera: 50MP
Galaxy A37 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Pixel 10a 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Best Androids: FAQs
How long are Androids supported?
Most Android devices will receive at least 5 years of updates when purchased new during their release year. However, Samsung and Google have extended the support timeline for some of their devices to seven years.
When is the best time to buy an Android?
The best time to buy an Android is when the newest series is released. That time of year is typically during August for Google Pixels and February for Samsung Galaxies.
Which Android has the best camera?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has one of the best cameras of any Android smartphone. It offers a 200MP quad-camera array with up to 5x optical zoom capability.
Why are some Androids cheap?
Android is an open-source operating system, meaning it's found on many more brands of devices than iOS. While some smartphone brands like Samsung and Google offer premium models, other companies use Android on budget models at much lower prices. These are typically phones from brands like Motorola and OnePlus in the United States.
Methodology: Picking the best Androids
Our dedicated team of mobile experts curated the best Androids by performing hours of hands-on testing, leveraging proprietary research data, and analyzing real-world user reviews. We selected the top Androids considering price, performance, and camera quality. Furthermore, we looked at battery life, display technology, and groundbreaking features. In addition to comparing Androids to one another, we compared the devices to iOS iPhones for a comprehensive market assessment.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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