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Best Android phones 2024: our top 15 Android phones ranked

iPhones might dominate the headlines, but Android is by far the most popular smartphone platform in the world. These are the 15 best you can buy right now.
Joe Svetlik author headshot
Written by Joe Svetlik, Mobiles and Tech Expert Contributor
Updated on 14 October 2024
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Woman sitting in park happily looking at her phone

Google-powered phones account for around 70% of all smartphones globally – as you can imagine, there’s a huge number of different models available, so you’re not short of choice.

Our list includes everything from the most premium to bang-for-buck bargains, best camera phones, mobile movie machines, flagship killers and many more. So whatever your needs, chances are there’s an Android phone for you.

1 - Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The best Android smartphone

Samsung S24 Ultra - best Samsung camera phone

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specifications

  • Display: 6.8-inch QHD OLED (3120x1440; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
  • Rear cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 10MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom)
  • Front camera: 12MP 
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Operating System: Android

Samsung S24 Ultra - Pros and cons

Pros

  • Great AI features

  • Excellent camera

  • Typically brilliant build quality



Cons

  • Expensive

  • Less powerful zoom than its predecessor

  • S Pen stylus lacks innovation

Every year, the Ultra is the biggest and best model in the Galaxy S range, and this year it certainly lives up to its name. It’s an absolute powerhouse of a phone – a big, brash device that commands attention every time you take it out. It’s certainly not subtle, but in terms of power, specs and performance, it’s the best Android phone you can buy.

At 6.8 inches, the AMOLED screen is huge, and will undoubtedly be too big for some. But one glance at its dazzling brightness and ultra-sharp edges, and you’ll be sold. It makes watching movies a joy, and thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate, even the fastest games and most frantic sports matches run without any blur.

Some big and powerful devices feel fragile in the hand, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra is built to last. Its titanium chassis is strong yet light, while the Corning Gorilla Armor screen will withstand the rigours of everyday use. It’s a remarkably premium-feeling package as well – as you should expect at this price, you might think, but to balance luxury with practicality in such a way is quite an achievement.

It runs Android 14 – the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system – and, as ever, has Samsung’s One UI user interface on top. These ‘skins’ can sometimes feel clunky and bloated, with lots of unnecessary apps (will anyone use a third-party calendar app when Google’s is so good?), but Samsung has stripped this back in recent years, which makes it more responsive and easier to navigate.

The S24 Ultra offers some genuinely useful artificial intelligence (AI) features. Draw a circle around either text or an image, and you can automatically search for it using Google. It can also summarise your notes and translate different languages on-the-fly. These are still first-generation AI experiences, but they’re much more than a gimmick and provide a tantalising glimpse into the future of how we’ll use our phones.

The S Pen stylus is as useful as ever, though it could do with some new features. And the camera is excellent, producing fantastically detailed shots with breathtaking clarity. It’s immensely versatile too – with four rear camera lenses to choose from – but much simpler to use than some rival smartphone shooters.

With options up to 1TB of storage, it can hold plenty of videos, photos, games and music, and the 5,000mAh battery is good for a full day of heavy use. It is expensive, but if it’s the best Android phone you want, this is it.

Want more information? Check our Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review.

Samsung S24 Ultra deals

Check out all our latest deals on our top-voted Android smartphone.

2 - Google Pixel 9 – the best mid-range Android phone

backview image of the Google Pixel 9

Google Pixel 9 specifications

  • Display: 6.3-inch OLED (2424x1080; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Google Tensor G4
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 128GB/256GB
  • Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide with Macro Focus (2x optical zoom)
  • Front camera: 10.5MP
  • Battery: 4,700mAh
  • Operating System: Android

Google Pixel 9 - Pros and cons

Pros

  • Great AI photo editing

  • Bright screen

  • Premium design


Cons

  • Pricer than predecessor

  • Fast charging could be faster

First, the bad news: Google’s Pixel 9 is more expensive than its predecessor, though it is still more affordable than flagship models. But it’s worth every penny, with improvements throughout and a build quality and user experience that can compete with the best Android phones around.

In terms of design, it’s a cut above—it’s all straight edges and sharp angles, with a glossy back complementing the matte metal sides. The signature camera bar is present and correct and helps distinguish the phone from competitors (it’s become like Google’s trademark design feature). It comes in a range of colourful finishes.

The screen is super bright, so you can still read it even in direct sunlight. The camera system has seen a real upgrade, boosting the ultrawide sensor to 48 megapixels – results are sharper and more detailed, and it has a wider field of capture for landscape shots. And the AI editing tools mean even the worst photographers can still produce impressive results.

As ever, Google’s Pixel phones run pure Android with no ‘skin’ user interface placed over the top, meaning a cleaner, bloat-free experience. You also get seven years of operating system and security updates, giving you peace of mind if you don’t want to upgrade anytime soon.

Add in all-day battery life, Google’s latest Tensor G4 processor to keep things running smoothly, and the fact you’ll be at the front of the queue when the latest version of Android arrives, and you’ve got a mid-range marvel that’s ahead of the pack.

Google Pixel 9 deals

Check out all our latest deals for the Google Pixel 9.

3 - OnePlus Open – the best folding Android phone

Best Android phones 2024 - (Image module 3)

OnePlus Open specifications

  • Display: 7.8-inch AMOLED (2268x2440; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 512GB
  • Rear cameras: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto
  • Front camera: 32MP 
  • Battery: 4,805mAh
  • Operating System: Android

OnePlus Open - Pros and cons

Pros

  • Huge screens

  • Great design

  • Best cameras of any foldable phone


Cons

  • Bulky

  • Could use more features

The OnePlus Open is the foldable phone for people who don’t like foldables. Fold it closed and it looks more like a ‘normal’ phone than any foldable on the market today. It might sound like a small thing, but it actually makes a big difference.

Of course, you’ll be using this phone opened up a lot of the time, and in that mode, it absolutely shines. Its screen is a sight to behold—big, bright, and beautiful, with one of the subtlest folding creases we’ve ever seen on a phone. It’s easy to open, too, making it seem like it’s only too happy to oblige.

Its cameras are the best of any foldable, producing snaps with bags of detail and spot-on colours. The downside is that OnePlus has had to add a whacking great camera bump onto the back to achieve this, which does make it a bit bulky. But it’s worth the tradeoff.

Despite all this, the OnePlus Open remains impressively light and has an all-day battery life, both of which are staggering achievements. It doesn’t have quite as many software features as some rivals, but in terms of hardware, it’s the best folding Android phone around.

Read our OnePlus Open review

4 - OnePlus 12 – the best Android phone for fast charging

Best Android phones 2024 - (Image module 4)

OnePlus 12 specifications

  • Display: 6.8-inch ProXDR (3168x1440; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 256GB/512GB
  • Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 5,400mAh
  • Operating System: Android

OnePlus 12 - Pros and cons

Pros

  • Incredible fast charging

  • Cool design

  • Unique design


Cons

  • Lacks AI features

  • Could be more durable

The OnePlus 12 is an absolute beast when it comes to the battery. Not only does it pack more battery power than most (pricier) rivals – it’s not unusual to get two days of use from a single charge – it also charges faster than them. You can get fully topped up using a wired charger in just 30 minutes, while even the wireless charger is faster than most wired rivals (15 minutes for around 30 per cent charge). If you often charge up in a hurry before dashing out the door, this is the Android phone for you.

Of course, there’s a lot more to it than just a big battery. It’s one of the coolest-looking smartphones around, with a unique design. Its cameras are excellent, producing photos of real quality. In general use, it’s blazingly fast thanks to its cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and the screen is incredibly bright.

Downsides? It’s not as durable as some rivals. It doesn’t come with as many years of software updates. And the camera system won’t be for everyone. But for a super fast-charging phone that goes the distance while helping you stand out from the crowd, look no further.

5 - Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – the best Android phone for AI

Best Android phones 2024- (Image module 5)

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specifications

  • Display: 6.8-inch OLED (2992x1344; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Google Tensor G4
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
  • Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide with Macro Focus, 48MP telephoto (5x optical zoom)
  • Front camera: 42MP 
  • Battery: 5,060mAh
  • Operating System: Android

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - Pros and cons

Pros

  • Huge screen

  • Beautiful design

  • Super-quick AI


Cons

  • Expensive

  • Fast charger not included

When it comes to Google’s biggest and best Pixel phone for 2024, AI is the name of the game. Artificial intelligence really is baked into everything you do with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, be it writing messages or checking the weather. And given this phone’s awesome power – a whopping 16GB of RAM paired with Google’s Tensor G4 processor – it all runs beautifully smoothly. If you want a peek at how we’ll use our phones in the near future, the Pixel 9 XL Pro is where it’s at.

On paper, its cameras aren’t a big upgrade on the previous year’s Pixel 8 Pro XL, but what matters is performance, and these snappers deliver. There’s an abundance of detail, colours are accurate, and it outperforms plenty of its rivals in low light. AI gives you plenty of picture editing tools to play with, too – it’s a tweaker’s funhouse.

The battery will last you all day, even using the processor-heavy AI feature, and it charges faster than ever. It is one of the biggest, baddest, and most forward-thinking Android phones available.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL deals

Check out our Google Pixel 9 Pro XL deals

6 - Google Pixel 8a – the best value Android phone

Best Android phones 2024 - (Image Module 6)

Google Pixel 8a specifications

  • Display: 6.1-inch OLED (2400x1080; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Google Tensor G3
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB/256GB
  • Rear cameras: 64MP main, 13MP ultrawide
  • Front camera: 13MP
  • Battery: 4,492mAh
  • Operating System: Android

Google Pixel 8a - Pros and cons

Pros

  • Great performance for the money

  • Sensible size

  • AI on the cheap


Cons

  • Sub-par battery life

  • Not the best camera

One of the best things about Android is the sheer range of different phones available. Hence just one manufacturer – in this case, Google – can offer a powerhouse like the Pixel 9 Pro XL next to a plucky underdog like the Pixel 8a.

For the money, the Pixel 8a is the best Android phone you can buy. Sure, it only has half as much RAM as Google’s range-topper, runs the older Tensor G3 chip and only has two cameras. But it offers plenty of the same AI features as its much more expensive sibling and offers a sublime experience all of its own.

Because it’s a Google-made phone, you get the pure Android experience, as well as seven years of updates. The processor might be older, but it’s powerful enough to run this phone smoothly. The cameras and battery life are certainly bettered elsewhere, but not for the money. And that’s what it boils down to – bargain hunters, take note.

Google Pixel 8a deals

See the best Google Pixel 8a deals

7 - Nothing Phone (2) – the best Android phone for design

Best Android phones 2024 - (Image module 7)

Nothing Phone (2) specifications

  • Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED (2412x1080; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • RAM: 8GB/12GB
  • Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
  • Rear cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 4,700mAh
  • Operating System: Android

Nothing Phone (2) - Pros and cons

Pros

  • Unique design

  • Great battery life

  • Plenty of storage and RAM options


Cons

  • So-so cameras

  • Software could be better

Nothing is like OnePlus for a new generation – another plucky upstart looking to disrupt the Android market by offering something different for less money than the competition. Both this and its predecessor, the Phone (1), feature a cool transparent design that’s like nothing else you’ll see. They also feature a Glyph interface, which uses flashing LEDs to alert you to notifications.

The design of this second-gen model has been finessed a little, and it really shines—you can now personalise the Glyph notifications, for example, which makes the phone feel a bit more special. The Nothing OS also lets you apply the firm’s trademark black-and-white visual style across every app, which, again, is certainly unique.

The cameras are bettered by other, more mainstream phones, but if you want to stand out from those owners, the Nothing Phone (2) will definitely help you.

8 - Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – the best Android flip phone

Best Android phones 2024- (Image Module 8)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 specifications

  • Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED (2640x1080; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Rear cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide
  • Front camera: 10MP
  • Battery: 4,000mAh
  • Operating System: Android

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 - Pros and cons

Pros

  • Powerful  

  • Sturdy design

  • Useful AI features


Cons

  • Susceptible to the elements

  • Poor battery life   

  • Mediocre cameras

A flip phone? In this day and age? Yes, really. Because while the Z Flip 6 might take its styling from The Matrix-era mobiles, it’s packed with cutting-edge tech, including Samsung’s Galaxy AI artificial intelligence smarts and one of the most powerful processors currently available. There’s also nothing quite as satisfying as flipping the phone shut to hang up a call.

It’s a beauty to behold, so much so that it’s tempting just to use it in its folded state. And that’s despite the titchy front screen. Flip it open and – while the screen crease is still visible – it looks even more glorious, with much, much more screen real estate to play with.

And ’play’ is the operative word. This phone is so bursting with AI that there’s plenty to experiment with, including autofilling in writing suggestions and messing about with your photos. Which you may well want to do, given the decidedly average cameras.

The battery life is also a bit underwhelming, and it could do with some dust proofing, but that’s about it for the negatives. The Z Flip 6 has oodles of power, comes with seven years of Android updates and is a joy to whip out and use. Trust us, you’ll flip for it.

For more, check out Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6: everything you need to know

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 deals

The best deals on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.

9 - Samsung Galaxy S23 – the best affordable Android phone

Best Android phones 2024 - (Image module 9)

Samsung Galaxy S23 specifications

  • Display: 6.1-inch AMOLED (2340x1080; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
  • Rear cameras: 50MP main, 10MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 3,900mAh
  • Operating System: Android

Samsung Galaxy S23 - Pros and cons

Pros

  • Good battery life

  • Awesome screen

  • Superb cameras


Cons

  • Old design

  • No big advances

We know, we know, you could buy the Galaxy S24 FE, which is a stripped-down version of the more modern S24. But the S23 is cheaper, and there’s not much difference between this and the S24 FE – the latter has a slightly larger screen, slightly bigger battery and a little more power. And that’s it.

The S23 was one of the best phones of 2023, and it still stands up today. The AMOLED screen is bright and sharp, with incredible contrast meaning bags of detail in both the dark and bright parts of the picture. The S Pen stylus is as handy as ever, and now that it comes with Samsung’s artificial intelligence features, you’ll find yourself using it more than you might think.

But the real highlight is the camera system. Samsung’s smartphone cameras have long been some of the best around, and for a flagship handset, it really pulls out all the stops. Even a year on, snaps are impressive, crisp, colourful, and full of detail. The 3x optical zoom is great for faraway shots, though if you want the 10x optical zoom, you’ll have to pay extra for the S23 Ultra.

The downsides? The processor isn’t the most cutting-edge—though the phone still runs super quickly—and the design looks a little old. But in terms of performance-per-pound, this takes some beating.

Samsung Galaxy S23 deals

The best Samsung Galaxy S23 deals.

10 - Sony Xperia 1 V – the best Android phone for films

Sony Xperia 1 V front and back

Sony Xperia 1 V specifications

Display: 6.56-inch AMOLED FHD (2376 x 1080; 120Hz)

Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G

RAM: 12GB

Storage: 256GB 

Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 13MP telephoto, 13MP ultrawide

Front camera: 32MP 

Battery: 4,200 mAh

Operating System: Android 11 with FunTouch 11.1

Sony Xperia 1 V - Pros and cons

Pros

  • Incredibly cinematic picture 

  • Sleek design

  • 4K visuals


Cons

  • Unusually tall screen won't be for everyone

  • Not the latest model

We could have picked the latest model in this range, the Xperia 1 VI, but for our money, this model remains superior. That’s because it has some unique features that make it stand out as the cinephile’s phone of choice.

The screen is unusually tall in order to give it a 21:9 aspect ratio. That means films appear in proper widescreen, without those unsightly black bars above and below the picture. This does give the handset unusual proportions, and might make it awkward to fit in your pocket or bag. If you foresee that being an issue, you might be better served by its successor, which has a shorter, more ‘normal’ screen.

It’s also one of the few remaining handsets with a 3.5mm headphone jack (since Apple dumped this from the iPhone, it’s becoming rarer and rarer on rival handsets). That means you can plug in a standard pair of headphones without having to buy a wireless pair. It supports hi-res audio too, giving you better-sounding tracks when played from a suitable source.

The Xperia 1 V has plenty of power, and its 4K screen delivers the best visuals around (the Xperia 1 VI drops this to ‘standard’ HD resolution). If you’re serious about movies on the move, it’s the Android phone for you.

Read our full Sony Xperia 1 V review

Sony Xperia 1 V deals

The best Sony Xperia 1 V deals

11 - Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro – the best Android phone for gaming

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro front and back

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro specifications

  • Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED (2400x1080; 165Hz)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 512GB
  • Rear cameras: 50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 5,500mAh
  • Operating System: Android

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro – Pros and cons

Pros

  • Immense battery life

  • So much power

  • Water resistant


Cons

  • Poor cameras

  • Expensive

Gamers have long favoured Android phones, and this is probably the ultimate portable gaming machine. It’s a more mainstream proposition than most gaming phones and will appeal to far more people than just the gaming hardcore, though it has to be said its cameras are bettered elsewhere. But for incredible power and battery life, the ROG Phone 8 Pro takes some beating.

For starters, it has a water-resistant design, making it much more practical for using out and about. It has a much more muted design than some gaming phones (not feeling the need to shout about its gaming credentials) and features pleasingly slim bezels, which are much less distracting and put the focus very much on the screen.

Which is a good thing, as it’s a beauty. It supports 120Hz – like plenty of other phones – but can also go as high as a 165Hz refresh rate for certain games, meaning even less blur. Colours are accurate, and there’s plenty of detail, which could give you a crucial advantage come game time.

It also has a headphone jack for plugging in a standard pair of headphones, which is useful for keeping your gaming private rather than sharing your exploits with everyone on the bus.

Check out our Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro review

12 - Sony Xperia 5 V – the best budget Android phone for films

Best Android phones 2022 - (Image Module 11)

Sony Xperia 5 V specifications

  • Display: 6.1-inch OLED (2520x1080; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Rear cameras: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide
  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Operating System: Android

Sony Xperia 5 V – Pros and cons

Pros

  • D

  • Great cameras

  • Massive battery


Cons

  • Average performance

  • MIUI 12 won’t be for everyone

  • No 5G support

If you want the most eye-catching features of the Sony Xperia 1 V without the price tag, this is the phone for you. It’s a movie watcher’s dream, but because of its slightly lesser spec sheet, it costs much less. It’s the indie breakout hit to the Xperia 1 V’s Hollywood blockbuster.

Flagship specs include the same 21:9 aspect ratio, so widescreen films look their best (though the screen isn’t 4K this time, and it’s smaller than the Xperia 1 V’s). It still has a 3.5mm headphone jack for plugging in a standard pair of wired headphones.

All of which makes it a portable media machine. Picture quality is superb; it is able to go brilliantly bright but then pitch black as well. It also gives plenty of depth to the image, making for a more immersive viewing experience. Sound quality is also excellent, though you’re better off listening through headphones as the built-in speakers are a little underpowered.

In short, it’s a smaller, more practical and more affordable take on the best Android phone for movies. Break out the popcorn.

Read our Sony Xperia 5 V review

Sony Xperia 5 V deals

See the best Sony Xperia 5 V deals

13 - OnePlus 12R – the best Android phone for battery life

Best Android phones 2024 - (Image module 12)

OnePlus 12R specifications

  • Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED (2780x1264; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Rear cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro (2x optical zoom)
  • Front camera: 16MP
  • Battery: 5,500mAh
  • Operating System: Android

OnePlus 12R - Pros and cons

Pros

  • Great screen

  • Excellent battery life

  • Lots of features


Cons

  • No wireless charging

  • Cameras could be better

If you want a phone that goes the distance, the OnePlus 12R is for you. With a massive 5,500mAh battery (the largest ever found in a OnePlus phone), it’s one of the most long-lasting Android smartphones around.

But it’s not just the size of the battery that impresses, but the technology involved as well. Its 100W fast charging tech means it can go from zero to full battery in around half an hour. That means even if your phone has died overnight, you can put it on to charge in the morning and have full capacity by the time you’ve got ready.

It will last you in the long term, too. OnePlus claims it will take 1,600 cycles for the battery capacity to degrade to around 80 percent of its original total—that’s around four years of use—more than three times longer than some rivals.

Battery aside, the screen is phenomenal, it has plenty of power, and the cameras—while bettered elsewhere—do a fine job. This is the Ironman of Android phones.

14 - Google Pixel 9 Pro – the best Android camera phone

Best Android phones 2024 - (Image module 12)

Nokia 8.3 specificationsGoogle Pixel 9 Pro specifications

  • Display: 6.3-inch OLED (2856x1280; 120Hz)
  • Chipset: Google Tensor G4
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
  • Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto (5x optical zoom)
  • Front camera: 42MP
  • Battery: 4,700mAh
  • Operating System: Android

Google Pixel 9 Pro – Pros and cons

Pros

  • Excellent camera  

  • Decent battery life

  • Impressive AI


Cons

  • Expensive

  • Not as powerful as some rivals

The Pixel 9 Pro isn’t quite Google’s flagship Android phone – that’s the Pixel 9 Pro XL – but they have the same camera set-up, so for our money the standard Pro is the better buy. (And really, who needs a 6.8-inch screen?)

Its arrangement includes a 48MP ultrawide, 50MP main and a 48MP telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom – most high-end camera phones top out at 3x. (Admittedly, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra does have a more powerful 200MP main camera, but the Pixel 9 Pro performs better overall.) But it’s not just great on paper – it delivers stunning real-world results, even in low-light conditions or with lots of motion. That 5x optical zoom isn’t the end of the story, either – it actually uses technology to achieve the equivalent of 10x optical zoom while the digital zoom extends to 30x.

And this is all before we get to the myriad of artificial intelligence features that let you play around with your photos. Put simply, if you can’t take great snaps with this, give up now.

Google Pixel 9 Pro deals

Check out the best Google Pixel 9 Pro deals

15 - Xiaomi 13T Pro – the best Android flagship killer

Best Android phones 2024 - (Image Module 13)

Xiaomi 13T Pro specifications

  • Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED (2712x1220; 144Hz)
  • Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 9200+
  • RAM: 12GB/16GB
  • Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
  • Rear cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (2x optical zoom)
  • Front camera: 20MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Operating System: Android

Xiaomi 13T Pro – Pros and cons

Pros

  • Decent cameras

  • Attractive design

  • Smooth performance


Cons

  • Confusing operating system

  • Fast charging could be faster

At this price, these specs are simply phenomenal. You get 120W fast charging (though it does take a little longer to juice up fully than the OnePlus 12R’s 100W charging), a huge screen with a 144Hz refresh rate (higher than most) that makes it ideal for gaming with no blurring, and IP68 water- and dust-resistance. It also has three rear cameras and a ridiculously over-specced selfie taker. And all for the price of a mid-range phone.

The fast charging means it juices up from zero to full in little over half an hour. The cameras take great snaps in all sorts of conditions, and the screen is a joy to behold for movies, games and anything else you care to display on it.

The only downside is the operating system, which is far from as intuitive as plain Android or most third-party skins. But there had to be a compromise to keep the price down, and this is it. Superb hardware, then, just a shame about the software. But if you want to slay a flagship, this is the Android phone to do it.

FAQs

What is the best Android phone?

We rate the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra as the best Android smartphone you can buy right now. It has a big, bold screen, fantastic cameras and Samsung’s awesome artificial intelligence features. It’s not cheap, but if it’s the best Android phone you want, it’s the one for you.

What Android phone should I get 2024?

It depends on your needs. The Google Pixel 8a is tough to beat for value for money, but for cameras, it’s the Pixel 9 Pro. Foldable fan? You can’t beat the OnePlus Open as a straight foldable or the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 as a flip phone. Check out our list above and see what fits your needs.

Best Android phone under £200?

Sadly no phones under £200 made our list, but there are some decent options available. The Samsung Galaxy A15 gives you a taste of Samsung’s flagship Androids for a fraction of the price, while the Motorola Moto G14 sells for under £100. But generally speaking, the more you spend, the more capable the phone you can get.

Best Android phone for gaming?

We rate the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro as the best Android phone for gaming. It’s a lot more subtle than most gaming phones, yet packs a fantastic screen and enough power to run even the most demanding of games without any stuttering or blurring.

Are Androids better than iPhones?

It really depends on personal preference. Some people find iPhones easier to use, while others think Android phones give you far more choice and take a more open approach to adding different features, which means greater innovation. iPhones are usually more expensive than Androids (though there are exceptions), and both iPhones and Android phones can offer superb cameras, depending on the model.

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Woman charging smartphone
Best battery life phones 2024: the top 10 phones for battery life rankedLooking for phones with the best battery life? Uswitch ranks the best battery life phones ..
“Samsung’s premium line of handsets offers superb specs and features.”
Best Samsung Phones in 2024: Which Samsung phone should I buy?Are you a Samsung fan? The Android smartphone has a wide range of truly amazing smartphone ..
Mobile network coverage guide - woman on mobile phone
Best mobile network coverage in the UKWhich network offers the best mobile coverage 2024? We take a look at the major mobile pho ..