If you’re in the market for a new phone, you’ll find far more variety in size, shape, price, and capabilities from Android devices than you will from Apple’s iPhones. PCMag can help you narrow down the options if you aren’t quite sure where to start. We’ve been writing about phones for more than three decades, so you can trust our analysis and that our selections are worth your attention. Among our top picks are the affordable Google Pixel 10a, the high-end Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the stylish Motorola Razr flip phone, and the powerful RedMagic 11S Pro, our Lab Award winner for fastest Android phone. But these aren’t the only phones we recommend, so read on for more top models, followed by buying advice on all things Android.
Overview
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
The Best Android Phones for 2026
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Your Selections
| Our Pick | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 |  Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
 Google Pixel 10a |
 Samsung Galaxy A17 5G |
Motorola Razr (2026) | Google Pixel 11 |  Samsung Galaxy S26 |
Samsung Galaxy A37 5G | Redmagic 11S Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Google Pixel 10a |
| Rating | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 3.5Good | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent |
| Best For | Best Foldable Phone | Best for Artists and Notetakers | Best Midrange Phone | Best Phone Under $200 | Best Flip Phone | Best for Android Purists | Best Small Phone | Best Phone Under $500 | Fastest Android Phone | Best Foldable Phone | Best for Artists and Notetakers | Best Midrange Phone |
| Operating System | Android 17 | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 17 | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 17 | Android 16 | Android 16 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Google Tensor G4 | Samsung Exynos 1330 | MediaTek Dimensity 7450X | Google Tensor G6 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Samsung Exynos 1480 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Google Tensor G4 |
| Dimensions | 4.88 by 3.22 by 0.38 inches folded, 4.88 by 6.35 by 0.18 inches unfolded | 6.61 by 3.37 by 0.35 inches | 6.06 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches | 6.47 by 3.07 by 0.30 inches | 6.74 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open and 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.63 inches closed | 6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches | 5.91 by 3 by 0.37 inches | 6.3 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches | 6.45 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches | 4.88 by 3.22 by 0.38 inches folded, 4.88 by 6.35 by 0.18 inches unfolded | 6.61 by 3.37 by 0.35 inches | 6.06 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches |
| Screen Size | 7.6 | 6.9 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.85 | 7.6 | 6.9 | 6.3 |
| Screen Resolution | 1,848 by 2,448 pixels | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels | 2,424 by 1,080 pixels | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels | 2,640 by 1,080 pixels | 2,424 by 1,080 pixels | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels | 1920 by 1080 pixels | 2688 by 1216 pixels | 1,848 by 2,448 pixels | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels | 2,424 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 50MP; 10MP, 10MP | 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP | 48MP, 13MP; 13MP | 50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP | 50MP, 50MP; 32MP | 48MP; 13MP, 10.8MP; 10.5MP | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP | 50MP, 12MP; 8MP | 50MP, 50MP, 2MP, 16MP | 50MP, 50MP; 10MP, 10MP | 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP | 48MP, 13MP; 13MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 16 hours, 30 minutes | 15 hours, 5 minutes | 12 hours, 15 minutes | 15 hours, 45 minutes | 19 hours, 10 minutes | 19 hours | TBD | 10 hours 35 minutes | 16 hours, 30 minutes | 15 hours, 5 minutes | 12 hours, 15 minutes |
Buying Guide: The Best Android Phones for 2026
When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Android Phone?
The Android release cycle is perpetual, and a new set of flagship phones arrives practically every month. Samsung updates its Galaxy S line in February, while Motorola refreshes its folding phone line in the spring. Summer brings Samsung’s newest foldables and Google’s latest Pixels. Our point is that there is almost always a new Android phone coming to market, and there is never a bad time to buy one.
The Best 5G Android Phones
Support for 5G has become standard on any phone costing more than $200. Devices below that threshold might not work on every band, but you shouldn’t worry too much. 4G networks still offer excellent performance and will continue to do so for years.
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Speaking of bands, if you want the best network speeds in the US, look for a phone with C-band (band n77). On AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, C-band 5G offers several times the speed of 4G. We detail whether a phone supports C-band in each of our reviews to make the process easier.
For more, check out our favorite 5G handsets.
What Is the Best Cheap Android Phone?
This list includes phones that cost anywhere from $200 to nearly $2,000. On the low end, Samsung models tend to be excellent values for the money. Carrier-branded phones that don’t mention the manufacturer’s name often aren’t very good, and you should avoid them.
Many of the phones available in the US cost $600 or more because most people buy them on monthly payment plans that hide the cost over 24 to 36 months. But there’s also a thriving market of phones that cost $300 or less.
For more, see our stories on the best cheap phones, the best cheap phone plans, the best eSIM, and our top tips to get the best price on a cell phone.
What Size Android Phone Is Right for You?
Android phones come in a variety of sizes and shapes. You can find them with stated screen sizes from 3 inches (Unihertz Jelly Star) to 8 inches (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7). With the new designs, however, it’s essential to consider the width of the phone. A tall, narrow phone can be much easier to handle than one that is wider, but it’s also a less common aspect ratio for apps to use.
In the end, don’t discount the value of handling several options in person at your local wireless shop. And check out our roundup of small phones for your best compact options.
Which Is the Best Android Version?
Generally, the latest version of Android is considered the best. Right now, that means Android 16 for most devices, though Android 17 has started to appear on the latest from Google and Samsung. Whatever you do, avoid buying a phone that runs an Android version older than 14; the older the Android software, the more likely it is to have security flaws. Also, check how many rounds of full operating system upgrades and security patches the manufacturer promises to provide. Google offers seven years of software updates for the Pixel series, and Samsung does the same for its Galaxy S and latest Z Flip and Fold devices. Other phone makers are still catching up.
Last, remember that not all Android versions are the same. If you want Android as Google intends it, opt for a Pixel device—they’re the models that get upgrades first. Motorola offers a mostly clean Android interface, though the company lags in long-term software support. Samsung, OnePlus, TCL, and other phone makers ship their phones with skins that change the look and functionality of Android to some degree.
What About Honor, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi?
We don’t cover some of the world’s largest smartphone manufacturers (Honor, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi) because they don’t sell phones in the US (at least not via carriers), and we primarily serve US consumers. In the cases of Oppo and Vivo, it’s because they’ve ceded the US market to their sibling brand, OnePlus (Oppo and OnePlus merged). Xiaomi has stated several times that its business model, which relies heavily on advertising revenue and subscription services integrated into its phones, will not be effective in the US. Honor is working hard to make up ground in Asia and Europe, but has largely still avoided selling in the US. The same is mostly true for ZTE, once a mainstay of US prepaid carriers.
We don’t recommend importing foreign phones for use in the US because they often perform poorly on US carrier networks—if they work at all.
Is It Better to Buy an Android Phone Unlocked or Through a Carrier?
Carrier-sold phones still dominate the US market, but buying your phone directly and unlocked gives you more freedom to switch carriers. Unlocked phones don’t feature carrier bloatware and are purchasable up-front, so you don’t have to worry about monthly payments unless you opt into financing.
You can buy every phone on this list directly without any carrier involvement. However, most people still purchase their phones through carriers, which offer a single point of service and support, as well as monthly payment plans that significantly lower the up-front price. Many even offer increased trade-in values on older phones, further cutting the price.
You should also ensure that your carrier (especially if you’re using an MVNO) supports the phone fully before purchasing it. Although you can always switch between MVNOs without penalty, if you’re satisfied with your current carrier, it’s best to ensure the phone you buy is compatible with that network.
With all that in mind, choosing Android as your mobile operating system is only half the battle; you still need to pick the right phone. If you’re still on the fence, check out our list of the best phones, regardless of OS.
