The best Android phone to buy in 2023
2023 was a landmark year for Android phones. We saw the rise of powerful foldables, the dominance of Google’s Pixel lineup in the camera department, and the continued refinement of classic flagships from Samsung and OnePlus. With so many great options on the market, choosing the best Android phone for you can be tough. But worry not, I’m here to help!
Best Overall: Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro is the new king of Android. It boasts a stunning camera system with unmatched software processing, a beautiful and smooth display, and the latest and greatest in terms of internal hardware. The battery life is solid, and you’re guaranteed timely software updates from Google for years to come. Of course, all of this comes at a premium price, but for those who demand the best, the Pixel 8 Pro is the clear winner.
Best Value: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Galaxy S23 FE is a fantastic phone that offers almost everything the flagship S23 Ultra does, but at a fraction of the price. You still get a top-notch processor, a gorgeous display, and a versatile camera system, all wrapped in a sleek and stylish design. While the build quality isn’t quite as premium as the Pixel 8 Pro, it’s still excellent, and the software experience is one of the best in the Android world. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, the Galaxy S23 FE is the phone to beat.
Best Foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the undisputed king of foldable phones. It’s thin, light, and durable, and the unfolded display is a massive and immersive canvas for work or play. The cameras are excellent, the performance is top-notch, and the software is surprisingly mature for a foldable. Of course, all of this comes at a sky-high price, but for those who want the ultimate in mobile technology, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the only choice.
Best for Photography: Google Pixel 8 Pro
As I mentioned earlier, the Pixel 8 Pro has the best camera on any Android phone. It takes stunning photos in all lighting conditions, and the software processing is unmatched. The Pixel 8 Pro also excels at video, making it a great choice for content creators.
Best for Performance: OnePlus 11
The OnePlus 11 is a speed demon. It has the latest and fastest processor from Qualcomm, paired with plenty of RAM. This means that the phone can handle anything you throw at it, from gaming to editing photos and videos. The battery life is also excellent, making the OnePlus 11 a great choice for power users.
Best for Battery Life: Asus ROG Phone 7
The ROG Phone 7 is a gaming phone, and that means it has a monster battery. You can easily get a full day of use, even with heavy gaming, on a single charge. The ROG Phone 7 also has a fast charging system, so you can juice it up quickly when you’re on the go.
Best for Design: Nothing Phone 2
The Nothing Phone 2 is a head-turner. It has a transparent back that shows off the internal components, and it’s lit up by LED strips that can be customized. The phone also has a unique glyph interface that uses the LEDs to communicate notifications and alerts. If you’re looking for a phone that’s as stylish as it is functional, the Nothing Phone 2 is the one for you.
Best Budget: Google Pixel 7a
The Pixel 7a is the best budget phone on the market. It has a great camera, a clean and smooth software experience, and timely updates from Google. The battery life is solid, and the performance is good enough for everyday tasks. If you’re looking for a great Android phone that won’t break the bank, the Pixel 7a is the way to go.
Conclusion
No matter what your needs or budget are, there’s an Android phone out there that’s perfect for you. I hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the best phone for your needs.