The best Android smartphones for 2024 are affordable powerhouses

If you're shopping for a new smartphone, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. Should you opt for a traditional touchscreen-centric Android phone, or one of the newer, more experimental models feature folding displays? You might be tempted by a familiar brand like Samsung over a lesser-known option like OnePlus, but that means you'll need to dig deeper in your research. Much like buying a tablet or a TV, there are also specs that you'll want to consider. 

Whatever your budget or need, our in-house smartphone experts have rounded up the year's best smartphones. After doing all the research and hands-on testing, we've discovered the best Android phones from Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus and Asus. Below, you'll find an easy-to-parse list of each model, along with a quick-jump link to each model for quick and easy buying.

The 10 best Android smartphones for 2024

Not all Android smartphones are created equal. Some models are the cream of the crop, but others can still work for you, depending on your budget. 

Either way, we've rounded up the very best Android smartphones, including models from Samsung, Google, and OnePlus. 

• Best Android smartphone overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Best compact Android smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
  
• Best folding Android smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Best Google smartphone: Google Pixel 8 Pro
• Best older Google smartphone: Google Pixel 7 Pro
• Best mid-range Android smartphone: OnePlus 11
• Best Android smartphone under $250: 2022 Moto G Stylus
• Best alternative to Galaxy Z Fold 5: OnePlus Open
• Best smaller-size Android smartphone: Asus Zenfone 10
• Best Samsung/Google alternative smartphone: Nothing Phone 2
  

Keep in mind that there's no one smartphone manufacturer that stands tall above all the rest. Even though we've crowned the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra the best overall smartphone, that doesn't necessarily mean that Samsung phones are the best Android smartphones you can buy. It's up to you to determine which phone works best for you. 

Best Android smartphone overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Operating system: Android 14 | Display size: 6.8 inches | Display type: Dynamic OLED 2x | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | RAM: 12GB | Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.11 x 0.34 inches | Weight: 8.22 ounces | Charging options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: S Pen included | Front camera: 12MP | Rear camera: 200MP Wide-Angle, 12MP Ultra-Wide, 10MP Telephoto, 50MP telephoto | Water resistant rating: IP68 | Max. screen brightness: 2,600 nits

For smartphone users who are fans of Android and need a higher-end phone with plenty of processing power, you can't go wrong with Samsung's newest, top-of-the-line Galaxy S24 Ultra. This phone features a stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x touchscreen display and is one of the few to include a stylus that allows users to handwrite or draw directly on the screen.

We're huge fans of the phone's main, rear-facing camera, which offers a whopping 200MP resolution. This allows you to capture breathtaking still images or video, while take advantage of the up to 2x and 10x optical zoom, or up to 100x digital zoom that's offered by this phone's rear-camera setup.

When it comes to viewing your own video, as well as movies, photos, or any type of animated graphics on the display, you get an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, along with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. Thanks to the phone's titanium housing and IP68 rating, the S24 Ultra is durable and water resistant. And as you'd expect, for wireless connectivity, it supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. You also get a choice of seven colors. 

This latest edition of the phone is loaded with new features and functions. The circle-to-search feature lets you draw a circle around anything onscreen. Within seconds, you'll learn all about it. This feature uses advanced AI and works in conjunction with Google. Also, for the first time, the phone offers real-time language translation during calls and texts. The note assist feature generates a text summary of a recording or document. Record a meeting, lecture or conversation and have the phone compose an easy-to-review, bulleted list of key points.

Key features of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:

• Its main, rear-facing camera boasts a remarkable 200MP resolution.
• The new titanium is more durable and more visually appealing.
• The S Pen allows you to handwrite or draw directly on the screen or annotate documents, based on the app you're using.
• One of its standout features is the Adaptive Display, which adjusts automatically to provide an optimal viewing experience.
• This smartphone is powered by a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery.

Best compact Android smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Outside display size: 3.4-inch Super AMOLED | Inside display size: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x Infinity Flex display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB or 512GB | Battery: 3,700mAh | Dimensions: 3.25 x 2.83 x 0.59 inches (closed), 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 inches (open) | Weight: 6.6 ounces | Charging options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: No | Front camera: 10MP | Rear cameras: 12MP (wide), 12MP (ultra-wide) with 10x digital zoom

The most popular flip-style smartphone on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, got an eye-catching upgrade for its 5th generation. It now includes the new Flex Window. It's a 3.4-inch AMOLED screen located on the outside of the phone that can easily be used for one-handed operation when the phone is shut.

This outside window is one of the most convenient features this versatile smartphone offers. It gives you a way to check messages, interact with apps, see alerts or incoming messages, plus interact with others without having to open the phone. 

The other main upgrade here is its processor -- the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 are both powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This means you can count on fast and reliable performance. If you're looking for a powerful smartphone that can easily fit in a pocket, check out the Galaxy Z Flip 5. Oh, and you can now choose between eight handset colors, so pick one that matches your personal style.

Key features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5:

• It has an interior 6.7" AMOLED FHD+ screen with a120Hz refresh rate and an interior 3.4" AMOLED Flex Window with a 60Hz refresh rate.
• Choose between 256GB or 512GB for internal storage.
• It boasts a high-capacity 3,700mAh battery.
• Its main camera array includes a 12MP wide camera and 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 10x digital zoom.
• It's IPX8 rated, so it's waterproof and durable.
  

Best folding Android smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Outside display size: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display | Inside display size: 2x 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED Infinity Flex Display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |  Battery: 4,400mAh | Dimensions: 6.24 x 5.06 x 0.26 inches (open), 6.24 x 2.66 x 0.52 inches (closed) | Weight: 8.9 ounces | Charging options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: S Pen included | Front camera: 10MP (cover screen), 4MP (under display, main screen) | Rear cameras: 50MP (wide), 12MP (ultra-wide), 10MP Tele 2x optical zoom (30x space zoom)

Samsung's higher-end folding phone also got an update in 2023, although its design changes are more subtle. This phone is now powered using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, so you get better-than-ever performance. 

It boasts a stunning 7.6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. There is a small fold line visible down the middle, but it's barely noticeable and provides a gorgeous way to view TV shows or movies. The screen also provides a generous workspace for a single app. Or the two screens can be used separately to run two apps simultaneously for true multitasking. 

The Fold 5 is also a powerful smartphone for photography and videography. It has three rear-facing cameras with a 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto lens that offers 3x optical and up to 30x digital zoom. And with its 4,400mAh battery, it will help you power through your day. We also like that this phone has an IPX8 waterproof rating.

If you're looking for another good reason to upgrade to the Galaxy Z Fold 5, consider the included S Pen stylus. It can be used for handwriting, sketching, annotating files or simply navigating. It feels silky smooth to use, with no noticeable lag.

Key features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5:

• It has an internal 7.6-inch AMOLED 2x Infinity Flex display screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.
• Choose between 256GB, 512GB or 1TB for internal storage (all with 12GB of RAM)
• Its 4,400mAh battery is great for all-day use. 
• Its rear-facing camera array includes a main 50MP wide-angle lens.
• The phone has IPX8 waterproof protection.

Best Google smartphone: Google Pixel 8 Pro

Display size: 6.7-inches | Processor: Google Tensor G3, Titan M2 Security Coprocessor  | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Battery: 5050mAh | Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.01 x 0.35 inches | Weight: 7.51 ounces | Charging options: Wired or Wireless | Stylus: No | Front camera: 10.5MP | Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto

Google has done an excellent job taking its Android system and creating a smartphone that makes use of its features in ways other phones can't match -- especially when it comes to photos, videos and customizing the phone.

Google has also taken a bunch of steps to protect user privacy and enhance online security. The Google One VPN is integrated into the OS for added online security when using Wi-Fi hotspots, plus, you get features like malware blocking and phishing protection. 

Battery life of the Pixel 8 Pro is up to 24 hours, or 72 hours in "extreme battery saver" mode. Of course it has wireless charging capabilities. While new versions of the Pixel smartphones debut yearly, Google has committed to supporting the Pixel 8 Pro with OS and security updates for seven years. So, if you're looking for a feature-packed, user-friendly and nicely designed Android-based smartphone, we recommend the Google Pixel 8 Pro. We think it's one of the best smartphone options out there. It's also very affordable, compared to competing phones with similar capabilities.

Key features of the Google Pixel 8 Pro:

• Pixel 8 Pro makes full use of Android OS in ways other smartphones do not.
• You get a handful of security and privacy tools integrated into the smartphone.
• Battery life is excellent (up to 24 hours).
• The camera setup and related photography and video apps are top-notch.

Best older Google smartphone: Google Pixel 7 Pro

Display size: 6.7-inch AMOLED | Processor: Google Tensor G2  | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Dimensions: 6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 inches | Weight: 7.48 ounces | Charging options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: No | Front camera: 10.8MP | Rear cameras: 50MP (main) with 30x digital zoom, 5x optical zoom

The Google Pixel 7 Pro, powered by the Tensor G2 processor, offers raw speed and impressive performance via the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. When it comes to photography, we love the innovative photo-unblur and enhanced night-sight features -- both exclusive to the Pixel smartphone lineup.

The Pixel 7 Pro relies on a three-camera rear setup, with a 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and 48-megapixel telephoto lens. The ultra-wide lens is 20% wider than the prior model and offers stronger autofocus. The cameras also offer clearer photos using up to a 30x digital zoom.

The phone boasts a 6.7-inch OLED display. It also uses a 5,000mAh battery to provide all-day use. We also love the phone's customizability options and how it makes full use of the Android operating system. If you don't need the cutting-edge technology built into the newer Pixel 8 Pro, this one-year-older version of the phone offers a really good value for the money.  

Key features of the Google Pixel 7 Pro:

• It's powered by the Tensor G2 processor.
• You get photography features, like Photo Unblur and enhanced Night Sight. 
• It has a crisp, 6.7-inch OLED display.
• The robust 5000mAh battery means longer use time than previous models.
• Its rear 50MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide rear cameras are complemented by a 48MP telephoto lens camera. 

Best mid-range Android smartphone: OnePlus 11

Display size: 6.7-inch Super Fluid AMOLED | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | RAM: 8GB/16GB LPDDR5X | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Dimensions: 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.53 mm | Weight: 205g | Charging options: Wired | Stylus: No | Front camera: 16MP | Rear cameras: 50MP main (Sony IMX890), 48MP ultra-wide (Sony IMX581), 32MP portrait tele (Sony IMX709)

The OnePlus 11 impresses with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which serves up souped-up performance, even at its somewhat lower price than some of its competitors. It might be a lesser-known contender, but that doesn't make it any less of one. 

Its 6.7-inch Super Fluid AMOLED display, with QHD+ resolution, ensures a stunning visual experience. Its versatile camera system, featuring a 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, and 32MP portrait tele camera, is perfect for capturing detailed images, whether you're snapping photos at the beach or in low light situations. Its circular camera array is also eye-catching enough to make it a great conversation starter. 

Plus, the 5,000mAh battery, which supports 80W fast charging, means you can go all day without having to stop for a charge. It comes with up to 16GB RAM and up to 256GB storage, all housed in an elegantly designed body. 

Key features of the OnePlus 11:

• Its high-performance Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor can handle just about anything. 
• The 6.7-inch Super Fluid AMOLED display is perfect for more immersive viewing.
• The phone's triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor makes for powerful and versatile photography.
• Its long-lasting 5,000mAh battery with fast charging capabilities means less waiting around for a charge.
• It has ample storage and memory options so you can worry about what's important, not storage space. 

OnePlus recently announced the OnePlus 12 (with an $800 starting price), which will eventually be a replacement for the OnePlus 11. The company also announced plans to release the OnePlus 12R - a slightly scaled down version of the OnePlus 12 that'll be priced around $500.

Best Android smartphone under $250: 2022 Moto G Stylus

Display size: 6.8-inch IPS LCD | Processor: MediaTek Helio G88  | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB, expandable with microSDXC | Battery: 5,000mAh | Dimensions: 6.70 x 2.99 x 0.37 inches | Weight: 7.62 ounces | Charging options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: Yes | Front camera: 16MP | Rear cameras: 50MP 

The Moto G Stylus (2022) offers not only a wide range of features, but also a price that's friendlier to the wallet compared with many other smartphones. It's about six times cheaper than the latest and greatest from Samsung, which makes it an exceptional value. 

This smartphone comes with all the bells and whistles you're likely accustomed to as an Android user, complete with a Mediatek Helio G85 processor and 8MP front-facing selfie camera. There's also a rear-facing main camera with a 50MP lens. Overall, this phone is slim, rugged and feels great in the hand. And for this price, the included and highly functional stylus is a useful bonus when it's used with compatible apps. 

Writing with the stylus feels smooth and comfortable, with no input lag when handwriting, sketching or annotating. Plus, the phone's battery life ensures it can serve as a reliable companion all day. 

No matter how you plan to use the Moto G Stylus, this is your best bet if you need a new Android smartphone, but you don't want a budget-breaking premium price tag. 

Key features of the Moto G Stylus (2022): 

• It's powered by a Mediatek Helio G85 octa-core processor. 
• Its 6.8" Max Vision FHD+ (1080x2460 pixel) IPS display is sufficiently bright and crisp. 
• The 8MP front-facing selfie camera and 50MP rear main camera allow for great photos and videos.
• The 5,000mAh battery ensures all-day use. 
• It's attractively priced for budget-conscious buyers wanting an Android smartphone.

Best alternative to Galaxy Z Fold 5: OnePlus Open

Display size: 6.31" (outside display), 7.83" inside displays | Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Battery: 4805mAh | Dimensions: 6.04 x 5.63 x 0.23 inches (open), 6.04 x 2.89 x 0.46 inches (closed) | Weight: 8.43 ounces | Charging options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: Yes | Front camera: 20MP | Rear cameras: 49MP (main), 64MP (telephoto), 48MP (ultra-wide)

The OnePlus Open offers the processing power of a tablet, multiple large touchscreen displays and a camera system co-designed by high-end photography company Hasselblad.

You get access to two stunning Pro XDR touchscreen displays that support Dolby Vision. You can either use these screens together to run a single app with plenty of on-screen real estate, or utilize each screen separately to multitask and runs two apps at once. For sound, the phone has a spatial audio speaker system that supports Dolby Atmos.

Even with all of the tech packed into the Open, the folks at OnePlus have managed to keep the body of the phone relatively compact and lightweight. The outside Super Fluid AMOLED touchscreen display is 6.31 inches. It offers 2K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. Inside the phone are two Flexi-Fluid AMOLED HDR displays that unfold to offer a 7.83-inch screen with a maximum brightness of 2,800 nits.

While the OnePlus Open is fully compatible with Android apps, it actually runs the OxygenOS 13.2 or later operating system (which is very similar to Android). This is a beautifully designed smartphone for people who need to get work done on the go, without relying on a tablet or laptop computer.

Key features of the OnePlus Open:

• It features a folding design with two inside AMOLED displays (2,440 x 2,269 pixel resolution) and one outer 6.31-inch AMOLED display.
• You get a powerful camera system co-designed by Hasselblad.
• The phone supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity.
• The Open supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to provide excellent sound and video
• OxygenOS 13.2 is based on Android 13.

Best smaller-size Android smartphone: Asus Zenfone 10

Display Size: 5.9-inches | Storage: 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | Battery: 4300mAh | Dimensions: 5.77 x 2.68 x 0.37 inches | Weight: 6.07 ounces | Charging options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: No | Front camera: 32MP | Rear cameras: 50MP (main), 13MP (ultra-wide)

Many recent Android smartphones offer super-fancy bells and whistles. But for those who want a more down-to-earth smartphone that still offers impressive tech, check out the Asus Zenfone 10.

This phone is on the smaller side. It offers a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 1,100 nits. 

The base configuration of the phone is equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage -- more than enough power for the average user. You also get 5G LTE cellular connectivity, plus a 32MP front-facing camera. The two rear-facing cameras offer 50MP and 13M resolution. 

The Zenfone 10 runs Android 13 and is considerably less expensive than high-end Android-based phones. And you can choose between five colors.

While this is a perfect smartphone everyday use, Asus also offers two high-end versions, the ROG Phone 7 and ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, designed specifically for mobile gamers. These two phones are incredibly powerful, a bit on the expensive side and very hard to find in stock. They do, however, offer unparalleled mobile gaming.

Key features of the Asus Zenfone 10:

• The Zenfone 10 offers a more compact design and is lightweight.
• This phone runs Android 13 (or later) using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
• You can choose between 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of internal storage.
• The 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display offers an impressive and zippy 144Hz refresh rate.

Best Samsung/Google alternative smartphone: Nothing Phone 2

Display Size: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | RAM: 8GB/12GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB | Battery: 4700mAh | Dimensions: 162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm | Weight: 201.2 g | Charging options: Fast charging (up to 45W), Qi Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | Stylus: No | Front camera: 32MP | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide

Samsung, Google, OnePlus -- who needs 'em? You can always opt for a different brand of Android phone. The Nothing Phone 2 is a sleek blend of hardware and unique design elements. It features a 6.7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels and a high 120Hz refresh rate, all powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. Like most other smartphone brands, that's paired with options of 8 or 12 GB of RAM and on-board storage choices of 128, 256, or 512 GB.

The Nothing Phone 2 is also equipped with a dual rear-camera setup, both 50 MP, with a main and an ultra-wide lens. It supports 4K video recording at 60fps and 1080p at various frame rates. It can run as long as you need it to, thanks to a battery capacity of 4700 mAh. You'll take photos and view them as much as you want.

Interestingly, the device runs on Nothing OS 2.0, which is based on Android 13, and is expected to receive three years of Android updates and four years of security updates. It's going to be a bit different for some users, but sometimes, different is great. 

Key features of the Nothing Phone 2 include:

• Its 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is eye-poppingly gorgeous. 
• Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor is powerful enough for most tasks. 
• The phone's dual 50 MP rear cameras and a 32 MP front camera ensure fantastic photos. 
• It includes a 4700 mAh battery with both fast and wireless charging options. 
• The phone runs on Nothing OS 2.0, based on Android 13, so it will seem more familiar to other phone model users.

Your buying guide for the best Android phones for 2024

Still not sure how to pick the best phone for you? Check out our phone buying guide to get answers to your most common smartphone shopping questions.

Which is the best Android phone in 2024?

Cutting-edge tech like Samsung's own Galaxy S24 Ultra makes that model one to watch if you're looking to adopt a new phone from the ubiquitous brand. Android loyalists can also look to the Google Pixel 8 Pro and its impressive specs. Folding phones also continue to innovate, with eye-catching foldable interfaces giving traditional touchscreens a run for their money. 

Which one is best for you? Consider lifestyle choices, what you ultimately want from a phone, and price before declaring a favorite. All of them offer enough power to handle everyday adventures and after-hours escapades There are standouts in multiple styles, brands and form factors.

Should you buy an Apple iPhone or Android phone?

In truth, most buyers simply prefer to stick to the operating system they're already familiar with.

Android offers more room to make the device your own through customization. You can tweak everything from home screens and icons to deeper system settings. The interface is open and allows for more personal touches. iPhone keeps things simpler and more consistent out of the box. But that works well for those wanting an easy user experience right away. Both platforms have pros in this area depending on your preferences.

Cost is another factor to consider. A wide range of Android prices means there's an option for every budget. iPhone definitely leans more high-end, which isn't feasible for some. However, their resale value stays strong for those who like to upgrade regularly.

Overall both iOS and Android have strong followings. Both get the job done in the end.

If you're thinking about switching from one operating system to the other, test out the interface for yourself to see if you like it. You may need to buy some of the apps you use on a regular basis, as those that are available on iOS may not be guaranteed to be available on Android devices. 

Which Android phone has the best camera? 

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is undoubtedly the Android smartphone with the best camera right now, and to be fair, it's difficult to beat. Its 200-megapixel main (rear-facing) camera is absolutely fantastic when it comes to resolution. Though there's a clear winner here, however, most top-tier Android phones have great cameras and easy-to-use software that can help transform the photos you take, even if you end up with low lighting, blurry shots, or photos with subjects you'd like to remove entirely. 

How long will an Android phone last?

An Android phones' longevity tends to land somewhere in the two- to three-year range. But manufacturers continue to march toward sturdier builds. Samsung, for one, designed its flagship S24 Ultra with resilience in mind, vowing four years of updates. Not to be outdone, Google shines in terms of longevity for its Pixel 8 Pro, pledging seven years of security and support for its phone. As manufacturers compete when it comes to better hardware and extended support, smartphone buyers can find peace of mind in knowing most devices and offer quite the bang for the buck.