Top Android Phones for 2025 Revealed

If you're on the hunt for the best Android phone, you're diving into a world of diverse options that go far beyond just being iPhone alternatives. From folding behemoths like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 that blur the line between smartphone and tablet, to devices that focus on gaming performance with extra buttons and air-cooled components, the Android market is where innovation thrives. There's no shortage of compelling choices, including the new Galaxy S25 lineup that's already available for order. Many of these options offer excellent value, so you don't necessarily have to spend over $1,000 to get a top-notch phone.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Android Phones:

Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

0See it at Amazon### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

0See it at Amazon### Poco X5 5G

0See it at Amazon### RedMagic 10 Pro

0See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic### Google Pixel 8

1See it at AmazonWith years of hands-on experience with Android phones since 2012, I've tested a wide range of devices—from budget-friendly options to the first 5G phones, gaming phones with unique features, and various folding and flipping models. My colleagues and I have personally tested what Samsung and Google offer as their best, as well as devices from lesser-known brands that often surprise with their innovations. Whether you're looking for top-tier performance or a budget-friendly gem, we've got you covered with insights into the best Android phones and smartphones available.

The Android market is fast-moving, so if you don't find the perfect fit right away, keep checking back. Unlike iPhone users, you won't have to wait a year to see what the next round of devices brings.

Contributions by Jackie Thomas, Danielle Abraham, and Georgie Peru.

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best Android Smartphone

Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

0Experience a massive 6.8-inch AMOLED screen on a phone powered by a processor robust enough to handle multiple apps, video editing, gaming, and stunning camera performance. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size6.8 inchesRear cameras4Front cameras1ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)Battery life5,000mAhStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TBMStarting price$1,299.99PROSIncredible performanceExceptional camera systemCONSTitanium makes the device big and heavySince Samsung started appending "Ultra" to its products, these models have represented the peak of the brand’s capabilities and design. Our Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review confirmed its worthiness for the top spot in 2024. This phone brings so much to the table, it's no wonder it's the best Android phone out there.

Starting with the display, you'll find a 6.8-inch 1440p AMOLED screen offering high brightness, extreme contrast, and fluid motion with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz. The S24 Ultra also maintains S Pen support for precise input when a fingertip just won't do. Samsung uses a new blend of Gorilla Glass for durability and wraps the phone in a titanium frame, ensuring water and dust resistance.

Under the hood, you get a top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC that's ready to run the latest apps, handle top-tier games at max settings, and keep the phone running smoothly for years. Samsung promises seven years of operating system updates, matching Google’s commitment to its latest Pixel phones.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

5 ImagesSamsung equips the Galaxy S24 Ultra with five lenses in total. The main sensor is a 200-Megapixel shooter capable of incredible detail. For wider shots, there's a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and for zooming in, you have both a 3x and 5x lens.

You can enhance your photography with AI tools, allowing you to search for objects in photos or edit and adjust images with AI.

With top-tier performance, exceptional design, travel-worthy cameras, and long-term software support, the Galaxy S24 Ultra brings more to the table than nearly any other Android phone. Until another phone can challenge Samsung on all fronts, the S24 Ultra remains the top choice.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Foldable Android Phone

### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

0The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an incredibly fast and beautifully designed smartphone, though its unfolded aspect ratio can feel unusual. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen7.6-inch 2160 x 1856 AMOLED (Main); 6.2-inch 968 x 2376 AMOLED (Cover)ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Camera50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 10MP frontBattery4400mAhWeight239g (0.52 lb)PROSStunning displays, inside and outExtremely powerfulCONSAspect ratios can be weirdLarge and in charge, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 we reviewed is a beast of a phone with dual natures. When folded, it features a tall but narrow 6.2-inch display. Unfolded, it reveals a 7.6-inch screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, transforming from smartphone to tablet in an instant. Both displays utilize AMOLED panels, ensuring vibrant colors and deep contrast.

Samsung didn't skimp on performance for the Galaxy Z Fold 6. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which offers a significant performance boost over its predecessor (up to 22% in our tests). Whether you're multitasking with a split-screen setup, using DeX to run the phone like a desktop, or enjoying the latest games like Wuthering Waves or Zenless Zone Zero, the Z Fold 6 has the muscle to handle it all.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos

6 ImagesIn the camera department, the Z Fold 6 doesn't disappoint. It boasts a 50MP main camera, an ultra-wide sensor, and a zoom lens with 5x optical magnification that can reach up to 30x digital zoom. Like the S24 Ultra, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 utilizes Samsung’s AI tools for photo editing. With an S Pen, you can also achieve precise editing on the internal display.

The versatility of the Z Fold 6 makes it the top choice for the best folding Android phone. Samsung also offers a smaller alternative, the Z Flip 6, which we reviewed as well, trading some camera and multitasking capabilities for a more compact design.

Check out our list of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 cases if you choose this Android phone.

3. Poco X5 5G

Best Budget Android Phone

### Poco X5 5G

0An ultra-affordable phone with 5G, smooth performance, and a crisp display, though its cameras and gaming capabilities may not meet expectations. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.8-inch OLED, 1116x2480, 400 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading VersionCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 16-Megapixel SeflieBattery6,500mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSBrilliant display for gaming and entertainmentExcellent sustained gaming performanceStylish designCONSShorter software supportUnderwhelming camera systemPoco has a knack for packing impressive features into budget smartphones. The Poco X5 5G I personally reviewed was a fantastic value when it launched in 2023 at about $220, and it remains a great buy at its current price.

The standout feature of the Poco X5 5G is its display. While other budget phones might stick to basic LCDs, Poco equips the X5 5G with a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen boasting a 1080x2400 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. This means you get vivid colors, deep contrast, and smooth visuals for games on a reasonably sized screen.

Powered by the Snapdragon 695G SoC, the X5 5G delivers solid performance for its price range. Though it doesn't match the speed of the Tensor G2 in the Pixel 7a, it handles tasks well and can even run Genshin Impact at medium settings smoothly. Its large 5000mAh battery ensures long-lasting power, capable of streaming Netflix for nearly 20 hours even at max screen brightness.

Poco X5 5G – Photos

9 ImagesUnique to the Poco X5 5G are features like an IR blaster for universal remote control functionality and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which are rare in the US market.

As with any budget device, there are trade-offs. The Poco X5 5G may not receive long-term software support, having launched with Android 12 and updated to Android 14. Its camera performance is also underwhelming. However, if you're after a device with a great screen and enough performance for enjoying content, browsing the web, and staying connected, the Poco X5 5G is a solid choice.

4. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Android Phone

### RedMagic 10 Pro

0The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional performance and sustain in a package designed for gamers. See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagicProduct SpecificationsScreen6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportWhile other phones may be more well-rounded, the RedMagic 10 Pro stands out for its superb gaming performance, as noted in my review. It's powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which is a powerhouse. Additionally, RedMagic's active cooling system ensures better performance sustain compared to phones with passive cooling. This means stable frame rates even during long gaming sessions at max settings, allowing you to ignore those warnings about high settings in mobile games.

The RedMagic 10 Pro boasts a 6.85-inch display that's perfect for gaming. Its bright AMOLED panel offers a sharp, fast 144Hz refresh rate, and the selfie camera is hidden under the screen for an uninterrupted gaming experience. The phone also features two capacitive shoulder buttons, providing more control over in-game actions, such as moving, aiming, and shooting simultaneously in FPS games. The touchscreen's enhanced polling rate ensures prompt input registration.

Though the RedMagic 10 Pro's camera system doesn't match some competitors, and it doesn't promise as many software updates as Samsung, Google, or OnePlus, it offers a powerful package at a starting price of just $649. The savings can be invested in a quality mobile phone controller, making it a formidable rival to devices like the Steam Deck.

5. Google Pixel 8

Best Midrange Android Phone

### Google Pixel 8

1Powered by the G3 Tensor chip, the Pixel 8 offers solid cameras, smart AI functions, and a vibrant OLED display at an affordable price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.2-inch OLED, 1080x2400, 428 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G3 Camera50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10.5-megapixel selfieBattery4,575 mAhWeight187g (0.41lb)PROSWonderfully responsive screenSeven years of updates and OS supportImpressive cameraCONSRAM upgrade reserved for Pro modelThe Pixel 8 may not be the latest model—I even reviewed the Pixel 9 myself—but it remains a great phone. Its slightly older status means you can often find it at a significantly reduced price, making it an excellent value. There's little reason to opt for the Pixel 8a when you can get the full Pixel 8 for just $100 more.

Google introduced several enhancements with the Pixel 8, including the new Tensor G3 SoC, which performs faster and cooler than its predecessor. The phone is also slightly smaller, making it more pocket-friendly and easier to use one-handed. Despite its size, the 6.2-inch display is impressive, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. It delivers excellent visuals for games, movies, and more, complemented by decent stereo speakers.

One of the standout features of the Pixel 8 is its seven-year commitment to operating system updates, security patches, and new features. While it may not receive every new feature Google rolls out, it won't be left vulnerable to outdated security risks.

The Pixel 8's camera system is another highlight. The main sensor excels in low-light conditions and captures sharp, richly colored photos. While the ultra-wide camera isn't as impressive, it offers a very wide field-of-view, allowing you to capture expansive scenes. Getting such great cameras on a phone for around $500 is a fantastic deal.

What to Look for in an Android Phone

Choosing the right phone can be challenging, but we've outlined key factors to consider.

Storage space is vital, especially if you plan to record videos, play games, or store lots of music. Few phones still offer Micro SD slots for expandable storage, so you might need to spend more for higher internal storage. Our top picks offer up to 1TB, which should suffice for most users. Alternatively, you can use cloud storage to free up space on your device.

RAM is essential for smooth operation. While 4GB is adequate for everyday use, more RAM is necessary for heavy gaming and multitasking. All our recommended phones come with at least 6GB of RAM, ensuring robust performance.

The processor is crucial for your phone's performance. The number of cores and clock speed determine how quickly your phone can run processes. Snapdragon processors are common in Android phones, while Google's Tensor chips power Pixel devices. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Tensor G4 are currently among the best processors available.

Best Android Phones FAQ

What is the difference between an Android phone and a smartphone?

Android phones are a type of smartphone. Since the iPhone kickstarted the smartphone trend in 2007, Google has been competing with its Android operating system. An Android phone runs Google's Android OS, and with a few exceptions, any device running Android qualifies as a smartphone.