Top-Rated Android Phones

If you’re in the market for a new Android phone, the breadth of options can be overwhelming. But choice is probably the greatest thing about Google’s mobile OS. Android guarantees a similar user experience across many makes and models of phones, while letting you prioritize the features you want. Whether it’s a long-lasting battery you need or a headphone jack, there’s bound to be at least one Android phone out there that will satisfy your needs.

We’ve tested dozens of Android phones of all shapes, sizes and prices here at Tom’s Guide, and Google’s Pixel 3 has risen to the top of the heap thanks to its cutting-edge software and class-leading camera. But it’s hardly the only Android device that’s worthy of your consideration.

Those hoping to save a bit more cash would be well advised to look into OnePlus’ fast and smooth 6T. Top budget picks include Nokia’s Android One-backed 7.1 and the Moto G6. Additionally, we'd be remiss if we didn't recognize Samsung's juggernaut Galaxy S10 looming on the horizon, preparing for a Feb. 20 release.

Here are the best Android phones available right now.

Credit: Tom's Guide


1. Google Pixel 3

Screen Size: 5.5 inches | Android Version: 9 Pie | Processor: Snapdragon 845 | Cameras: 12.2 MP (Rear), Dual 8 MP (Front) | RAM/Storage: 4 GB/64, 128 GB

The Pixel 3 is our favorite Android handset because it offers the latest, greatest and most secure Android software, the best cameras we’ve ever used in a phone and a gorgeous OLED display all in a well-built and attractive package. Google has delivered some truly novel features with its latest generation flagship, like Call Screen, which will ensure you never get duped by another telemarketer or robo caller again, and Night Sight, which single-handedly rescues low-light shots other phones struggle to capture.

The relatively small 5.5-inch Pixel 3 might be off-putting to those accustomed to bigger phones; to those customers, we recommend the Pixel 3 XL (so long as you can ignore its big honking notch). Additionally, Google jacked up prices on both models from the Pixel 2, without making any gains in battery life to show for it. In all other respects, however, they’re the absolute best Android phones on the market today.

2. OnePlus 6T

Screen Size: 6.4 inches | Android Version: 9 Pie with Oxygen OS | Processor: Snapdragon 845 | Cameras: Dual 16 MP and 20 MP (Rear), 16 MP (Front) | RAM/Storage: 6, 8, 10 GB/128, 256 GB

OnePlus has mastered the art of building affordable phones that still manage to outperform their most expensive counterparts in the Android space, and the OnePlus 6T is further proof of that. The base model starts with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, but still costs hundreds of dollars less than comparable phones from Samsung, LG and others. Buyers also get a Snapdragon 845 chip — the best among current Android CPUs — a stunning AMOLED display and in-screen fingerprint sensing. That last one is something you can’t even find on iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices yet.

OnePlus did receive some flak for nixing the headphone jack — and deservedly so — after repeatedly assuring us they wouldn’t. Some luxuries, like wireless charging and water resistance, are missing here as on all OnePlus handsets that preceded the 6T. But for what you’re paying, those omissions are more than reasonable.

3. Samsung Galaxy S9+

Screen Size: 6.2 inches | Android Version: 8.1 Oreo with Samsung Experience | Processor: Snapdragon 845 (US)/Exynos 9810 (WW) | Cameras: Dual 12 MP (Rear), 8 MP (Front) | RAM/Storage: 6 GB/64, 128, 256 GB

We love the Galaxy S9 because simply put, Samsung’s phone can do it all. It’s one of a rapidly shrinking group of phones with wireless charging, water resistance, a headphone jack and microSD slot for expandable memory. Besides Samsung, only LG’s devices include all of those features, but the Galaxy S9 also offers one of the best OLED panels you’re likely to find in any handset, a timeless design with its iconic Infinity curves and a camera that can capture phenomenal photos in low light, thanks to clever image processing and Samsung’s dual-aperture technology.

Both the Galaxy S9 and S9+ have fallen considerably in price since being released relatively early in 2018, and for that reason we recommend the 6.2-inch S9+, which doubles up the rear lenses and adds 2GB of RAM on top of the stock 4GB in the 5.8-inch model for better overall performance. Still, Samsung’s indefensible lack of urgency in updating its phones to the latest version of Android means at the time of this writing, users are sadly stuck on 2017’s Android 8 Oreo — one of the S9’s lone downsides.

4. Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Screen Size: 6.4 inches | Android Version: 8.1 Oreo with Samsung Experience | Processor: Snapdragon 845 (US)/Exynos 9810 (WW) | Cameras: Dual 12 MP (Rear), 8 MP (Front) | RAM/Storage: 6 GB/128, 512 GB

Samsung kickstarted the phablet trend with the original Galaxy Note in 2011. In the years since, big phones have become the norm, so the Note 9’s 6.4-inch panel doesn’t seem quite so unique anymore. However, the latest Note is still every bit the uncompromising workhorse its predecessors were, thanks to refinements to the S Pen, new AI algorithms to improve images from the camera and DeX Mode optimizations that allow you to use your Note 9 as a desktop PC without the need for an expensive dock.

That said, at a starting price of $949 for the 128GB version, the Note 9 is definitely expensive. And Bixby continues to be upstaged by Google Assistant and Alexa, despite Samsung’s insistence on making it a prominent factor of its smartphones. Nevertheless, if you want handset that will help you get things done, the Note 9 is unrivaled.

5. Nokia 7.1

Screen Size: 5.8 inches | Android Version: 9 Pie | Processor: Snapdragon 636 | Cameras: Dual 12 MP and 5 MP (Rear), 8 MP (Front) | RAM/Storage: 4 GB/64 GB

Unable to shell out flagship dollars for a flagship handset? No worries — the Nokia 7.1 is all the phone you need for under $350. But unlike most cheap phones, it isn’t woefully underpowered or unimpressive from a design standpoint. The Snapdragon 636 processor and 4GB of RAM inside the Nokia 7.1 are more than powerful enough to handle most apps and even some demanding games. It’s the only device in its class with an HDR-compliant display, and its aluminum and glass build is positively stunning in its steel-and-copper colorway.

But what we love most about the Nokia 7.1 is actually its software experience. Thanks to Android One, this budget handset is already running the latest version of Google’s mobile OS — and a stock installation at that, offering an experience on par with that of the Pixel family. The only thing working against the Nokia 7.1 is its relative inaccessibility on CDMA carriers like Verizon and Sprint.

6. Samsung Galaxy S8+

Screen Size: 6.2 inches | Android Version: 8.1 Oreo with Samsung Experience | Processor: Snapdragon 835 (US)/Exynos 8895 (WW) | Cameras: Dual 12 MP (Rear), 8 MP (Front) | RAM/Storage: 4 GB/64 GB

Samsung’s Galaxy S9 is a fantastic phone, but much of what makes it great was already present in the Galaxy S8. That’s good news for you, because it means you can snag an excellent Android flagship that’s still plenty fast, extremely well made and capable of taking fantastic photos on the cheap.

The Galaxy S8’s design is nearly indistinguishable from that of the Galaxy S9, save for the awkwardly placed fingerprint sensor on the older model. If you can get past that, however, Samsung’s 2017 flagship is a great value nowadays, especially because even prices for the newer S9 are already falling. We recommend you spring for the 6.2-inch S8+ for its roomier display, which can be had for hundreds under MSRP from some retailers, like B&H and Amazon.

7. Google Pixel 2 XL

Screen Size: 6 inches | Android Version: 9 Pie | Processor: Snapdragon 835 | Cameras: 12.2 MP (Rear), 8 MP (Front) | RAM/Storage: 4 GB/64, 128 GB

Google’s software is what really makes the Pixel 3 special, and fortunately many of those clever features, like Call Screen and Night Sight, have arrived for Pixel 2 and 2 XL owners. That means you can spring for last year’s model, which has been heavily discounted, and still get many of the same perks that make the Pixel 3 our favorite Android phone.

That said, you do lose a few advantages by opting for the older generation. Wireless charging isn’t present, and the display on the 2 XL in particular has its fair share of issues with brightness, color reproduction and viewing angles. However, the larger variant looks brilliant compared to the 3 XL with its dopey notch face, especially in its dapper white-and-black colorway — ensuring you’ll still get some style, even if you save.

8. Moto G6

Screen Size: 5.7 inches | Android Version: 9 Pie | Processor: Snapdragon 450 | Cameras: Dual 12 MP and 5 MP (Rear), 8 MP (Front) | RAM/Storage: 3 GB/32 GB

Motorola knows how to make cheap phones that don’t feel like cheap phones, and the Moto G6 is an example of that. While it lacks the out-and-out performance of more expensive models, it still gives you a spacious full-HD+ display, and a super-pocketable design that hits the Goldilocks sweet spot in terms of proportions. The software, which was recently updated to Android Pie, is pretty stock aside from Motorola’s added shortcuts, which actually make the phone easier and more pleasant to use.

Of course, if gaming is your thing, a midrange handset like this won’t get you very far. Also, we would have liked Motorola to include near-field communication for mobile payments through Google Pay. But aside from those foibles, the Moto G6 is a fantastically well-rounded inexpensive handset, and our go-to recommendation for anyone who needs to save the absolute most on a new device, but doesn’t want to skimp on features that truly matter.

9. Nokia 6.1

Screen Size: 5.5 inches | Android Version: 9 Pie | Processor: Snapdragon 630 | Cameras: 16 MP (Rear), 8 MP (Front) | RAM/Storage: 3 GB/32 GB

Like the Moto G6, the Nokia 6.1 checks all the boxes for a competently-built budget phone, but adds Android One software for streamlined and speedy software updates from Google. While its huge bezels are a little dated by 2018 standards, the quality of the materials used to make the phone are top notch. In the black aluminum and copper color scheme, the Nokia 6.1 absolutely dazzles.

Really, the biggest issue working against the Nokia 6.1 is that it isn’t compatible with all carriers, given that it’s wired exclusively for GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile. However, if you happen to belong to one of those carriers, it’s a savvy choice for a low-cost Android phone with flagship ambitions.

10. Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

Screen Size: 5 inches | Android Version: 9 Pie | Processor: Snapdragon 845 | Cameras: 19 MP (Rear), 5 MP (Front) | RAM/Storage: 4 GB/64 GB

The emergence of the Pixel 3 unfortunately limits the Xperia XZ2 Compact’s appeal these days, but Sony’s pint-sized powerhouse is still as adorable as it is fast. At a time when phones are getting larger and larger, this diminutive 5-inch handset employs Snapdragon 845 power for an experience on par with the fastest devices on this list. You sacrifice almost nothing by opting for the small size, save for wireless charging — and you save a good chunk of cash as well.

Aside from being so damn cute, the Xperia XZ2 Compact has a solid HDR-capable LCD display that helps it last quite a while on a charge. It’s also just a refreshing change of pace from the big, brash and bold flagships of today. It certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and the tiny display does make it a bit difficult to type on. But small phone lovers and iPhone SE devotees especially should be very satisfied.

Honorable Mention: Huawei Mate 20 Pro

Screen Size: 6.4 inches | Android Version: 9 Pie with EMUI | Processor: Kirin 980 | Cameras: Triple 40 MP, 20 MP and 8 MP (Rear), 24 MP (Front) | RAM/Storage: 6, 8 GB/128, 256 GB

Huawei has thrown everything and the kitchen sink into the Mate 20 Pro. Between its in-display fingerprint sensor, massive 6.4-inch OLED display, trio of cameras, blistering-fast Kirin 980 chipset, 3D facial recognition and reverse wireless charging, it’s hard to stumble upon a feature that this phone doesn’t have. Then again it should do it all, because the Mate 20 Pro also happens to be one of the most expensive phones money can buy.

However, you can’t buy it in the U.S., which makes it tough to recommend for our American readers. Importing one is a bit arduous too, because the device doesn’t support every band that wireless carriers in the States tend to use. If you happen to live in any other part of the world, though, the Mate 20 Pro is likely available to you. If you can afford it, it’s well worth a look.