If you’re an Android fan in search of a new smartphone, then allow us to find the perfect partner. Here are the best Android phones at various prices.
When purchasing a new Android phone, several essential factors must be considered. Do you prefer a large screen for watching videos and playing games? How important is camera performance, especially if you enjoy taking high-quality photos? Are you someone who enjoys gaming on your phone and requires a device with excellent performance? Or do you need long-lasting battery life to keep up with your busy schedule?
This article aims to help you find the best Android phone that meets your specific needs in 2024. We have compiled a comprehensive list of Android phones catering to everyone’s requirements, including those prioritizing screen size, camera quality, gaming performance, and battery life.
If you’re also open to non-Android devices, check out our list of the best phones. Otherwise, keep reading for our best Android phones 2024 picks.
OnePlus 12The best Android phone overall
Why you should buy this: The flagship killer has become a flagship, but it’s still delivering incredible specs for the price.
Who is it for?: Anyone who wants the very best Android phone money can buy.
Why we picked the OnePlus 12:
Formerly known as the “flagship killer” for offering killer specs at a lower price, OnePlus has since shifted its products up the price scale. But it hasn’t lost sight of what made its phones great to begin with, and as a result, the OnePlus 12 is a flagship smartphone that can take on much more expensive smartphones at their own game.
The OnePlus 12 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the latest processor from Qualcomm, which is likely to find itself at the heart of most Android flagships in the coming year. It’s a monster of a chip, and it’s happily trounced any test we’ve put it through. Even the most demanding 3D games can barely faze it, and it’s backed up by some other impressive specs too. RAM starts at 12GB, the same that you’ll find in the S24 Ultra, and rises to 16GB. That’s more than a smartphone needs in 2024, and shows just how committed OnePlus is to making sure its phones are some of the most powerful around.
That drive is also evident in the display and design. The OnePlus 12 is a striking phone. It’s similar-looking to OnePlus’ previous phones, but its identity is so distinct from every other phone brand, and it just looks fabulous. The display is a huge 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 1Hz to 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, 1440p resolution, and a crazily bright maximum brightness of 4,500 nits. Again, that peak brightness is way beyond anything you’ll ever need, but it really highlights OnePlus’ philosophy.
The camera setup has similar high numbers, with a 50-megapixel main camera, a 64MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. There’s also a 32MP selfie lens around the front. The actual performance doesn’t live up to the strong numbers though, and it’s not the camera king of this list for sure. However, it’s still a solid performer that consistently creates good looking images and videos.
The 5,400mAh battery is capable of going for two days on a single charge, and wired charging of 80 watts also means it won’t sit on the charger for long when it finally does run down. There’s also 45W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging, that go far beyond what the competition is offering.
At a price of just $800, there’s no doubt the OnePlus 12 offers an enormous amount of bang for your buck, with performance that’s more than able to duke it out with the $1,300 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — and come out on top. It’s the best Android phone you can buy in 2024.
Google Pixel 9 ProThe best Android phone runner-up
Why you should buy this: This is the best Android phone not made by OnePlus, case closed.
Who it’s for: It’s for anyone who wants an Android phone, but for whatever reason doesn’t want one from OnePlus.
Why we picked the Google Pixel 9 Pro:
Our reviewer is absolutely in love with this phone and has even contemplated making the switch from her long-time iPhone to the world of Android. That’s saying something.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro ticks all the boxes for a premium smartphone. Firstly, it boasts a beautiful compact size with a luxurious feel that screams quality. The exceptional camera system, complete with 5x optical zoom, is very impressive. Not to mention, the stunning Rose Quartz color option is a cherry on top.
Regarding the display, the Pixel 9 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s available in striking color options such as Hazel, Obsidian, and Porcelain. What’s particularly noteworthy is the newly designed camera bar, which adds a unique touch to the phone’s aesthetic without compromising the iconic Pixel look we’ve all come to love.
But wait, there’s more! Unlike its predecessors, the Pixel 9 Pro has won praise for its long-lasting battery life, offering about 24 hours between charges while efficiently handling everyday tasks. The super-fast 27W wired charging means you can get a 55% charge in just 30 minutes and a full charge in just over an hour.
The Pixel 9 Pro comes with one free year of Google Gemini Advanced and an impressive promise of seven years of software updates. Google has also released the Pixel 9 Pro XL for those who prefer a larger display. It retains all the fantastic features of the regular Pro model but boasts a larger 6.8-inch Super Actua display and offers wired charging of up to 37W.
Ultimately, the Pixel 9 Pro delivers a pro-level experience without compromising on the aspects that small-phone lovers cherish. It’s a device that’s hard to ignore.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XLThe best big Android phone
Why you should buy this: You want a capable phone with plenty of screen real estate.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a great phone that’s also on the larger side.
Why we picked the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL:
After a four-year hiatus, Google dusted off the XL title for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. And it’s safe to say it’s worth the wait. This device isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a game-changer that sets a new benchmark for what a premium smartphone should be.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s sleek, flat frame, refined camera bar, and impeccable build quality make it a true design triumph. But it’s not all about looks. Under the hood, this powerhouse boasts the Tensor G4 chip, an impressive 16GB of RAM, and Google’s renowned camera technology. It captures breathtaking low-light photos to crisp ultrawide landscapes and powerful zooms. AI-powered features like Auto Frame and Add Me further elevate your photography, ensuring every shot is frame-worthy.
And the brilliance doesn’t stop there. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 6.8-inch Super Actua Display has vibrant colors and incredibly smooth visuals. Whether you’re gaming or streaming, the experience is truly immersive. Plus, with exceptional battery life and rapid charging, you can power through your day without worry.
While we’re primarily impressed, we did have a few minor concerns. We found the Pixel Studio app to be somewhat disorganized. Additionally, the charging speed, while decent, needed to match our expectations based on the specs. Lastly, the base storage option of 128GB is limited today. We’d love to see Google and other manufacturers move toward a minimum of 256GB.
Overall, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a masterclass in smartphone innovation. It’s sleek, powerful, and has features that redefine the flagship experience.
Google Pixel 9The best small Android phone
Why you should buy this: It’s a smaller version of everything that makes the Pixel 9 series awesome.
Who is it for?: Anyone who wants a small but exceedingly powerful smartphone.
Why we picked the Pixel 9:
The entry-level Google Pixel 9 packs a powerful punch, offering an impressive Android experience at a price point that’s easier on the wallet than many competitors.
Our reviewer was genuinely impressed, praising the Pixel 9’s stunning design and exceptional camera quality. While Google initially highlighted the phone’s AI features, the hardware truly shines. The combination of elegance and functionality makes this device a standout.
The sleek metal frame and vibrant glass back make the Pixel 9 a visual treat, but it’s more than just a pretty face. The exceptional build quality adds a premium feel. Beyond aesthetics, the Pixel 9 boasts impressive battery life and lightning-fast performance, thanks to its Tensor G4 processor. It easily handles multitasking and demanding apps.
As ever with a Pixel phone, the camera is a true highlight, capturing vibrant photos that elevate your social media game. Whether you’re shooting landscapes or portraits, the Pixel 9 delivers outstanding results.
While the AI features are noteworthy, the core functionality truly sets the Pixel 9 apart. It’s a beautifully designed smartphone that excels at the essentials. Priced at $799, it’s an attractive option for those seeking a high-end Android experience in a compact package.
OnePlus 12RThe best value Android phone
Why you should buy this: It’s not often you come across a phone this good for just $500.
Who it’s for: Anyone who appreciates a real cut-price king.
Why we picked the OnePlus 12R:
We’ve already highlighted how the OnePlus 12 isn’t really a flagship killer anymore since it’s actually a flagship now. But there’s another OnePlus smartphone on the prowl, and it really is a flagship killer. The OnePlus 12R is basically a 2023 flagship smartphone, but priced at $500, and that makes it an unmissable bargain.
The root of this lies, as ever with OnePlus, in the spec sheet. Last year’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 can be found inside the 12R — and it’s the very same processor you’ll find in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, OnePlus 11, and other flagship phones from last year. Combine that with a very respectable 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and the OnePlus 12R flies through tasks and games alike. Performance looks even faster thanks to the 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate on the 6.78-inch AMOLED display, and the resolution is clean and crisp with 450 pixels per inch.
It’s not let down with a bad design either. The 12R evokes the same design spirit as the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 11 before it, and it looks great as a result. It even has an alert slider and an IR blaster, which are things you’d be hard-pressed to find on any phone these days.
The camera is technically a triple-lens setup, but it’s better that you only think of it as having the single 50MP main lens. The 8MP ultrawide lens is OK, but nothing special, and the 2MP macro lens is so awful it might as well not have been included. Thankfully, the 50MP main lens is good, even if it struggles with movement and sometimes returns slightly off colors.
The 5,500mAh battery is the biggest OnePlus has ever used, and it shows its size with some very strong battery life. Two days is more than possible with this phone, and moderate use may see it stretch to a third. It has the same 80W fast charging as its more expensive cousin, so you can give it a fast 10-minute charge and be sure of having hours of extra juice.
A phone this good shouldn’t cost $500, but it does. Admittedly, OnePlus’s phone don’t come with a lot of extra features, which makes a lot of this possible, but considering how easy it is to live without even the best special features out there, the OnePlus 12R is a real steal.
Samsung Galaxy A35The best midrange Android phone
Why you should buy this: It offers an excellent experience for just $400.
Who it’s for: Anyone who loves a bargain.
Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy A35:
Samsung has been on a roll with its midrange offerings lately, and the Samsung Galaxy A35 is no exception to that trend. An excellent $400 smartphone, the Galaxy A35 has a lot to offer, to the point where it’s capable of usurping a place in this list from the more expensive Galaxy A54 — and deservedly so.
The body of the phone is made from plastic, but for once, that’s not a negative. The plastic build means it’s more comfortable in the hand than some of Samsung’s other midrange phones — like the Galaxy A55 — and it’s relatively lightweight too, while still feeling substantial. Gorilla Glass Victus+ covers the gorgeous 6.6-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz screen, but there’s only regular old glass on the phone’s back.
