Having a smartphone has pretty much become a necessity for the vast majority of people nowadays. It can be used for work, organisation, communication, entertainment, and plenty more. It’s one of those items that you can’t imagine doing without, as you come to rely on it. So, when your current smartphone is showing serious signs of wear and tear and it is quickly becoming obsolete, it’s time to invest in a new device.
If you’re in the market for a new Android smartphone, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the options. It’s great to have so many devices to choose from, but how do you know which is the best Android phone for you? To help make the selection process smoother, here’s a look at some of the best Android smartphones available right now, all of them unique with a list of pros and cons.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – Perfect for the Top Android Games
Samsung is a brand that consistently makes the ‘best of’ lists when it comes to Android phones. You’re pretty much guaranteed consistency and good quality devices; it tends to come down to the specific features you want, screen size, storage and budget when choosing which Samsung device is best.
An absolute stellar option for most people is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It’s a device that ticks off the must-have boxes for most people and then packs a whole load of impressive additional features into the mix. Standout features of the device include a 6.8″ QHD OLED display, rear and front camera, storage that ranges from 128GB to 1TB, 8GB/12GB RAM and the Android 13 OneUI 5.1 operating system. This one is incredibly sleek-looking and user-friendly, and its display has excellent picture quality.
If you happen to be a gamer who relies on your phone to access the top Android games, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers superior performance when stacked against many other devices.
The only negatives with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are that it doesn’t charge fast, and compared to other devices, it can seem a little pricey, so it probably won’t work for those who are working within a tight budget. With that said, anyone who is wondering what’s the best Android phone to buy, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra should be one of the top contenders.
Honourable mentions of other Samsung smartphones that could be your perfect device include the Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung Galaxy S22, and the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G.
What’s the Best Android Phone? Google Pixel 7
If there is one smartphone that seems to get a lot of buzz, it’s got to be the Google Pixel 7, but is the buzz warranted? The short answer is a resounding yes. The Google Pixel 7 is loaded with impressive features but is truly designed with photographers in mind. If you’re the type who relies on your smartphone to take fabulous pictures, you simply can’t beat the quality of the Google Pixel 7. Android smartphones all come with cameras, but let’s be honest, they aren’t all equal. The Google Pixel 7 pretty much blows the competition out of the water.
Breaking down the specifics, this device features rear cameras that are 50MP wide and 12MP ultrawide. The front camera is 8MP. Choose between the 128GB or 256GB storage for storing all those fabulous photos you’ll be taking. The display is 6.3″ FHD OLED and the operating system is Android 13. Another notable feature here is the fact that the device features all the editing tools you’ll need to perfect your photos. It also has a high refresh rate, and the price is surprisingly competitive.
How about the negatives? Some people find the battery life isn’t the best, which means you may be charging it more often than you thought. Also, the processing power of the smartphone doesn’t stand up to some of the others on the list, such as the above-mentioned Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It’s all about weighing the pros and cons and identifying what your priorities are.
Best Android Smartphones – Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
There are many features worth pointing out when it comes to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 but the top of the list has to be the price. This is ideal for those who are on a budget but don’t want to make sacrifices where features and user experience are concerned. You’ll often forget that this device isn’t one of the popular high-end models, as it performs impressively.
Some of the features you can expect with this smartphone include a 6.43″ display, 5oMP, 8MP wide camera, Android 11 operating system, 128GB storage, and a sleek-looking display. Even the camera offers some rather sharp-looking features that ensure your photos turn out great.
The fact that it’s using an older operating system can be a negative, since it will eventually become an issue, and the performance can feel a bit clunky in comparison to more expensive models.
This could easily be the best Android smartphone for you after analysing the specs.
Best Android Smartphone – OnePlus Nord 2T
This is another device that is perfect for those on a budget. The OnePlus Nord 2T gives users lots to get excited about and is worth a second glance.
Specifications include the Android 11 operating system with OxygenOS 11.3, a 6.43″ FHD AMOLED display, 128GB/256GB storage, 8GB/12GB RAM, a front camera 32MP selfie, and more. For anyone familiar with the original version of the Nord, this is much the same but with a revamped looked and updated specs. What comes as a surprise is that the charging speed is so fast despite its lower price point. This is a feature you only tend to see in higher-priced smartphones.
In terms of the negatives, not much can be said about the refresh rates, which are fixed, making it below average, and the fact that you only get two years’ worth of guaranteed software updates. Should you have the device longer than two years, you’ll be taking a chance as it may no longer support updates that keep it running optimally and securely.
Best Android Phone – Nokia C21 Plus
Nokia also makes the best of the list with the Nokia C21 Plus smartphone. This one is incredibly well-priced, making it the most budget-friendly on the entire list. It is often described as a starter smartphone thanks to its user-friendly features. Because of that, don’t expect any impressive high-tech specs, it’s very basic but still does the job.
This phone looks just like any other smartphone out there in terms of size, so you’d never know it’s a starter device. If you’re purchasing for a tween or teen, this could be the perfect first smartphone. The fact that it is so budget-friendly also means you won’t be as upset should they damage it or worse yet, lose it.
The Nokia C21 Plus uses the Android 11 Go operating system, has a 6.52″ display, 32GB storage, 13MP, 2MP (depth) camera and a 1.6GHz processor.
Be Specific About Your Requirements
Finding the best smartphone isn’t just about reading reviews and comparing prices; it’s also about identifying your requirements. Just because a particular model is a favourite of your friends, doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same. Your device needs to be able to handle your demands and how you plan to use it.