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When you buy a new Android phone, we’ve got you covered. We test all the best smartphones on Digital Trends to find out exactly what they are capable of and we like to compare them. We have divided this list into five categories based on different budgets. For each, we offer our first choice and any alternatives we feel are worth mentioning. We chose the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra as the best Android flagship phone ever since it has a host of features and a huge, beautiful display.
If you’re waiting for a sale, check out our forecast for the smartphone deals we’re expecting to see from the Black Friday sales this year. If you’re not happy with an Android phone and want to try an Apple iPhone, check out our tips for buying the best iPhone here.
The best Android smartphones at a glance
Best Android flagship: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Why you should buy this: It’s the best of all worlds, providing a beautiful big screen, good software, loads of features, and a powerful camera.
Who is it for: Anyone who wants to own a single, good-looking phone for productivity, gaming, video, and other niche features like digital art. The Note 20 Ultra has you covered.
Why we chose the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra:
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra lives up to its name and the legacy of the Note phones that preceded it. Being the largest of the series, it is definitely an “ultra” phone, with a huge 6.9-inch dynamic AMOLED screen and a weight of 208 grams that is really heavy. Overcome the overall phone size and you have one of the most powerful and capable phones you can buy today.
It has Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 Plus processor and 12GB of RAM and a gigantic 4,500mAh battery that has enough power for at least a day of heavy use, plus it also has 5G connectivity. The S Pen stylus defines the Note series and is better than ever here, with a low response time of 9 milliseconds and multiple uses, including taking notes, art and even playing and working as a remote shutter for the camera.
That oversized camera module on the back has a 108MP main camera, a 12MP zoom camera, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, plus a new laser autofocus system. It can take 5x optical zoom photos, 8K resolution videos, and you can enjoy Samsung’s Single Shot mode as well. The camera is one of Samsung’s best and you will be pleased with the results no matter the environment.
All of this before we look into the many additional features, from the Wireless DeX mode that connects your phone to a monitor for a desktop-like experience, to the absolutely stunning display and wireless reverse charging to power other gadgets on the move. It is difficult to want much more.
Downsides? Size aside, biometric security systems are frustrating, but that’s about it. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra it’s expensive and you’ll pay at least $ 1,299 to own one, but you’re really getting the best Android phone available right now. Do you want an alternative? The Galaxy S20 Ultra is worth looking at, but you get more for your money with the Note 20 Ultra, and if you’re primarily interested in gaming, the Asus ROG Phone 3 has equally large amounts of power and capacity.
Our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Best Android phone for $ 900: OnePlus 8 Pro
Why you should buy this: The most complete and practical smartphone package available, at a still reasonable price.
Who is it for: If you want the best current technology on your phone, but don’t want to spend more than $ 1,000.
Why we chose OnePlus 8 Pro:
Yes, OnePlus 8 Pro is more expensive than OnePlus 7T Pro and all previous OnePlus phones. There’s a good reason for this: it has all the latest technology inside and some features missing from previous models. For example, OnePlus 8 Pro is the first OnePlus phone to have IP68 water resistance and wireless charging as well. OnePlus has also added 5G connectivity to both of its new phones, which will keep them fresher for longer.
Outside of these new features, the OnePlus 8 Pro excels with its screen. It has a 120Hz refresh rate for super smooth scrolling and gameplay, as well as stunning colors, crisp whites and excellent contrast from the 6.78-inch Fluid AMOLED panel. There are masses of power from the Snapdragon 865 processor and up to 12GB of RAM and fast charging too. The battery has excellent performance and two days with moderate use are possible before it needs to be connected.
The camera is unusual. The 64 megapixel main sensor is excellent. It comes with a wide angle and a telephoto lens, as well as a weird color filter lens. This removes the color from your photos for a very different look. Ignore that and you’re left with a highly capable camera, which we’d say is the best on a OnePlus phone. There are two versions available, and if possible, we recommend paying $ 1,000 for the 12GB / 256GB model, because it will last longer with the additional storage; but the $ 900 8GB / 128GB model is otherwise identical.
OnePlus won’t be launching a “T” version of Pro in 2020, so the 8 Pro It will remain the company’s flagship device until 2021. However, it has launched the $ 749 OnePlus 8T, and while it’s not as technically impressive as the 8 Pro, it’s a little cheaper and still a great buy.
Read our full OnePlus 8 Pro review
Best Android phone for $ 700: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Why you should buy this: It’s a Galaxy S20 at a lower price.
Who is it for: Anyone who wants a compact phone with a lot of power from a famous brand
Why we chose the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE:
When is a Galaxy S20 not a Galaxy S20? When it’s the Galaxy S20 FE, a slightly scaled-down version of Samsung’s pretty flagship phone for 2020, with a different spec and a lower price. The name is confusing, but the S20 FE is probably even better than the standard $ 999 S20. For starters it’s $ 699 and comes in a choice of six different colors and has the same overall design as the S20.
The 6.5-inch, 120Hz Super AMOLED screen is larger but has a lower resolution, while inside is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and 6GB or 8GB of RAM. The module on the back contains three camera lenses: a standard 12-megapixel camera, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP wide-angle lens. It doesn’t have as high specs as the more expensive Galaxy S20, but we liked the results.
The 4,500mAh battery has enough power to last a day, there’s wireless charging and 25W wired fast charging, plus Samsung’s decent One UI 2.5 software on Android 10. The Galaxy S20 FE (FE stands for Fan Edition, by the way, as the phone was created using feedback from Samsung fans) is a high-quality, well-designed smartphone from a desirable manufacturer at a reasonable price.
The Galaxy S20 FE has stiff competition, and we suggest looking at the Google Pixel 5 and OnePlus 8T as well. We used all three of them to see which one was best to live with, and it was a close battle between them. The Galaxy S20 FE is best for most people, but the Pixel 5 and OnePlus 8T have slightly different strengths and may suit you better, depending on your preference.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S20 FE review
Best Android phone for $ 400: Google Pixel 4a
Why you should buy this: A fantastic camera and excellent software, all wrapped up in a low-cost package.
Who is it for: Someone who wants a great all-round mobile experience without breaking the bank.
Why we chose Google Pixel 4a:
The Google Pixel 4a happily fits into our $ 400 category because it costs $ 349, plus there’s a new Pixel 4a 5G version that adds 5G and an upgraded camera for $ 499, making the Pixel 4a family the best phones you can get for. both of these prices. While the design and materials don’t make sense, the camera and software are far from it.
Google’s Pixel cameras are already well known for performing and the Pixel 4a is no exception, but it’s only when you use it that you realize just how capable it really is. At night or during the day, it takes great photos, even if it only has one camera lens, and it’s all thanks to Google’s software prowess.
This capability extends from the camera and into Android software in general. The Pixel 4a and the upcoming Pixel 4a 5G run Android 11 – which no other phone on this list has yet received – and will receive quick updates to new versions for the next couple of years. Pixel 4a’s software is clean, simple, nice, and easy to use.
The only real disappointment is the screen, but it’s anything but terrible, and its modest size helps to increase battery life to around two days with moderate use. For the price, the Google Pixel 4a it’s an amazing phone.
Read our full Google Pixel 4a review
Best Android phone for $ 200: Nokia 5.3
Why you should buy this: It’s a solid choice if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on a new phone.
Who is it for: The budget-conscious buyer who still wants good software, future upgrades, and efficient hardware.
Why we chose the Nokia 5.3:
If the $ 350 Google Pixel 4a is a little out of reach, you can still grab a good Android phone for less money and one with software that rivals the Pixel. Take it one step further with the Nokia 5.3, which costs $ 199 and runs Google’s Android One software, meaning it looks and works like the Pixel 4a and receives timely updates for the next couple of years as well. It is expected to receive an update to Android 11 between now and the end of the year.
This already puts it ahead of the competition, and that’s before we get to the decent 6.55-inch screen to satisfy those who think the Pixel is a bit small, and the low weight of 185 grams too. Surprisingly, it has four camera lenses on the back, and while it doesn’t have the features of a more expensive phone, it still takes decent photos.
A Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor and up to 6GB of RAM means the phone plays most games and is fast enough for everyday use, while the 4,000mAh battery is good enough for moderate two-day use. The Nokia 5.3 it’s a trusted everyday companion for anyone who doesn’t ask too much from their phone, and at $ 199 it’s great value for money.
Read our full Nokia 5.3 review
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