Featured in this article
Best Android PhoneGoogle Pixel 10aRead more$499
Amazon
The Smartest SmartphonesGoogle Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XLRead more$799 $599 (25% off).png){kind=tracking}
Amazon (10)
The Best Flagship PhonesSamsung Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 UltraRead more$900 $853 (5% off).jpg)
Amazon (S26)
Best Battery LifeOnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15RRead more$900 $800 (11% off)%2520and%2520OnePlus%252015R%2520(right)%2520back%2520cameras%2520in%2520hand%2520Reviewer%2520Photo%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu.jpg)
Amazon (15)
The best Android phone means something different to everyone—it's hard to find one that caters to every need. But chances are there's a new smartphone that comes close to what you're looking for. From the bottomless pit of phone choices, my favorite Android handsets include the Google Pixel 10a, Pixel 10, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. All the phones we've selected have advantages, and I've laid them out here based on extensive testing.
See our other mobile buying guides for more, like the Best iPhones, Best Cheap Phones, Best Samsung Phones, Phones With a Headphone Jack, Best Pixel Phones, and Best Folding Phones.
Updated March 2026: We've added our final thoughts on the Galaxy S26 series.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronFor the most part. While Google won't have another flagship phone until late summer, it just launched the Pixel 10a. Samsung just debuted the Galaxy S26 series, and Motorola will likely unveil its new Razr phones this spring. Prices of smartphones dip during major sale events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, so those are often the best times to upgrade if you're hunting for a bargain.
Buy an Unlocked Phone
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWe recommend unlocked phones in this guide. When a phone is sold as unlocked, that means it can be used on multiple wireless carriers and networks. When you go into a carrier store and buy a phone, usually on a payment plan, it often comes locked to that network, and they'll try to get you to pay for a host of unnecessary accessories and features.
Carriers are legally required to unlock a phone upon request so you can switch networks, but it's a big hassle, and they may have terms about how long you have to wait to ask. Try to pay full price for your phone, or make sure it specifically says it's unlocked. Buy it from the manufacturer or a third-party retailer directly, or investigate your carrier's policies for unlocking phones if they're bought on a payment plan that requires you to use its network. An unlocked phone is less of a hassle when you travel and want to switch to an international SIM card, too.
Android Specs to Look For
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronIf none of the smartphones in this guide strike your fancy and you want to keep looking, here are a couple of things to keep in mind as you shop.
Display: Gone are the days of shoddy phone displays—almost every smartphone uses an OLED panel now. Cheaper phones still use LCD, which won't have as deep blacks and poppy colors, but even phones under $300 can sport OLED. You'll see some variations, like AMOLED or Dynamic AMOLED 2X, but that's mostly marketing jargon.
Screen size: You hold a smartphone all the time, so make sure whatever you pick is the right size for your palms. Most small Android phones are around 6.1 to 6.3 inches (measured diagonally), whereas larger phones typically top out at 6.8 or 6.9 inches.
Processor: Most smartphones are powered by a Qualcomm or MediaTek processor. Google phones use the company's in-house Tensor chip, and some Samsung phones utilize Samsung's Exynos processor in select markets. It's difficult to say how reliably a processor will perform without looking at reviews and benchmark results, so do your research. If you're after reliable performance, try to stick to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 series or higher, or MediaTek's Dimensity 7000 series or higher. The current flagship chip of 2026 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
RAM: You'll at the very least want a phone with 6 GB of RAM, though 8 GB is better. This will let you juggle multiple apps much more seamlessly. If you want to future-proof your device, opting for 12 or 16 GB will likely allow you to better access new and upcoming artificial intelligence features, though it depends on the manufacturer and how well they support their devices.
Cooling: Good-performing phones can be ruined if they get too hot because then the processor gets throttled, causing slowdowns. This mostly applies to folks who game a lot, but it's worth checking whether there's a dedicated cooling system on the phone. You'll want to look for language like “heat pipes” or “vapor chamber cooling.”
Refresh rate: Most phones used to come with 60-Hz refresh rates, meaning the display refreshed 60 frames per second. Nowadays, even cheap phones offer 90- or 120-Hz screens. The more frames refreshed in a second, the more fluid everything looks and feels. It might sound small, but it can make a big difference with your smartphone feeling buttery smooth. We have a broader guide that explains this technology further. Flagship phones have screens with variable refresh rates that range from 1 to 120 Hz, meaning they're often more battery efficient (look for LTPO or LTPS).
Battery capacity: Smartphone batteries are measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). A big battery doesn't necessarily mean better battery life, because much depends on the size of the screen and other technologies the phone is powering. Most phones should have 4,000-mAh cells or higher, and you typically won't see anything higher than 5,500 mAh. Some phones now have silicon-carbon batteries, a new technology that allows them to be denser but thinner—the OnePlus 15, for example, has a massive 7,300-mAh battery.
Charging speeds: Most Android smartphones can charge fast, but certain companies offer shockingly fast recharge times. That's usually because they have a proprietary charging brick you'll need to use. You can find charging speed information on a phone's product spec page. OnePlus phones are famous for recharging fully within around 30 minutes. Just remember that these days, most smartphones do not come with a charging brick, just a cable. We have more details in this fast-charging guide.
Software updates: Software support is crucial. It means your phone will stay secure for longer and you'll get new features over time. Even if you trade in your phone, that device may end up in the hands of someone else, and a long update policy means the phone will continue to be supported. The gold standard in Android is 7 years right now, thanks to Samsung and Google. However, if you have a cadence of replacing your phone every 2 or 3 years, then the lesser update policies of other Android phone makers might not be as big a deal to you.
Cameras: Camera specs are very misleading. A phone with a 108-megapixel sensor doesn't mean it will take better photos than a phone with a 50-MP sensor. The only way to really know is to look at reviews. What you can do, if the camera is important to you, is check if there's a versatile system. The best camera phones offer a primary wide camera, an ultrawide, and a telephoto zoom (usually at 5X zoom). Cheap phones tend to come with a lot of cameras, many of which are useless.
Extra features: It's important not to overlook the smaller features you may expect. Does the phone have a near-field communication sensor (NFC) so you can make contactless payments? Does it have a good IP rating that can survive a drop in the pool? You'll want IP67 or IP68! Is there wireless charging (Qi2 or Qi?)? What about a microSD card slot, dual-SIM tray, or headphone jack? Make sure you vet the phone's tech specs if you're after something specific.
5G service: Nearly all smartphones support 5G, the current generation of network connectivity. 4G LTE isn't disappearing, and you may still fall back to LTE when 5G isn't available. Avoid smartphones that do not offer 5G at all.
How to Switch Between Phones
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronThe best way to switch phones is to follow the setup prompts when you first boot up your new device—make sure you transfer data from an old phone via a cable. It's much faster than doing it wirelessly, though that's an option too. Some manufacturers, like Samsung, will suggest you download a proprietary data transfer app on your old device, like Smart Switch, and you should. It means less work for you—whether it's fewer apps you need to sign into or fewer icons you need to rearrange. If you're coming from an iPhone, you can use Google's official Android Switch app, though Apple and Google have improved the transferring process to make things smoother.
Check out our tips on setting up your new Android phone for more, and our steps on how to back up an Android and how to factory reset it.
How We Test Smartphones
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronI put my personal SIM card in every smartphone I test and use it for at least a week, if not two or three. I stress-test performance by playing mobile games and running benchmark tests, like Geekbench and Antutu, while also monitoring thermals. I make calls to test the smartphone's microphone quality, since, you know, it's still a phone.
I often do camera testing by bringing a competing phone along and analyzing photos side by side on a larger, more color-accurate screen. I've been reviewing smartphones for close to a decade—not just the flagship devices either. I'm always testing cheap phones to see what innovations are trickling down.
Best Android Phone
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google
Pixel 10a
$499Amazon
$499Best Buy
$499Google Store
Google may not have changed much with the Pixel 10a (8/10, WIRED Recommends) over last year's Pixel 9a—it has the same Tensor G4 processor, battery capacity, and dual-camera system—but it remains one of the best smartphones you can buy for the money, particularly in the US, where there are fewer midrange options.
Performance is great, the battery comfortably lasts a full day with average use (you may need to top up in the afternoon if you're a heavy user), and the 120-Hz 6.3-inch screen is bright, sharp, and colorful. The dual-camera system, which offers a main 48-MP sensor and a 13-MP ultrawide, delivers excellent results in various lighting conditions, and there's a decent 13-MP selfie shooter. It also has the niceties you'd want, like an IP68 water-resistance rating and seven years of software updates.
So what exactly is different from its predecessor? The screen has higher brightness, making it even easier to read in sunny conditions. The glass that protects the display has been upgraded to Gorilla Glass 7i, so it should better handle scratches and accidental drops. There's Satellite SOS to reach emergency services even without a cell signal, and the Pixel 10a supports faster wired and wireless charging speeds. However, unlike the Pixel 10 series below, this phone does not use the Pixelsnap Qi2 magnetic charging system, which is a shame. There are also a few software features available here that aren't yet on the Pixel 9a, like Auto Best Take and Camera Coach, plus the ability to send files and photos to iPhones through Google's Quick Share to AirDrop feature.
Oh, and there is no longer a plastic ring around the camera module, making the back even flatter—great for anyone who hates thick camera bumps. Supposedly, the battery is slightly easier to replace, which is good to know if that's something that needs to be addressed a few years down the road.
Consider the Pixel 9a if you can find it for a good deal less, since it's nearly identical. Otherwise, the Pixel 10a is a handsome handset—especially in the berry color—and is one of the most well-rounded smartphone packages on the market for under $500. This is what I think most people should buy, unless you have specific needs, like better performance for demanding mobile games, a big-screen experience, or a telephoto zoom.
SpecsDisplay: 6.3-inch, 120-Hz, OLEDProcessor and RAM: Tensor G4 with 8 GB RAMStorage: 128 and 256 GBBattery: 5,100 mAhCameras: 48-MP main camera, 13-MP ultrawide, 13-MP selfie cameraUpdates (from date of manufacture): 7 yearsExtras: Qi wireless charging, IP68, fingerprint and secure face unlock, NFCCarrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networksWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Good performance
- Great camera experience with no camera bump
- Brighter screen
- Slick software with lots of smart, helpful features, and 7 years of software support
- Faster charging
- Maybe buy the Pixel 9a on sale?
- Battery life could be better
- No Pixelsnap magnets
The Smartest Smartphones
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google
Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL
$799 $599 (25% off)Amazon (10)
$999 $749 (25% off)Amazon (Pro)
$1,199 $899 (25% off)Amazon (XL)
$799Best Buy
Google's Pixel 10 series (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is an excellent collection of versatile phones with smart features you'll find helpful in your day-to-day. They're a leg up over the Pixel 10a, with a more powerful processor, better (and more) cameras, and they're the first flagship Android phones with native Qi2 wireless charging support, meaning you can use a wealth of MagSafe accessories. There are three devices in the lineup, all powered by the Tensor G5 chipset, which shows a considerable processing boost over the G4 in the Pixel 9 series and Pixel 10a.
The Pixel 10 is a significantly better value than its predecessor and a worthwhile consideration if you're looking for a bit more than what the Pixel 10a offers. There's a 5X optical zoom camera, a rarity at this $799 price, and while the main and ultrawide cameras are similar to the Pixel 10a, there's an improved image-processing pipeline that'll deliver better results. Plus, the front camera has autofocus, so selfies are sharper. The speaker is louder, too. Overall, it's one of the best phones you can buy under $800.
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL step things up with more RAM, displays that can go from 1 to 120 Hz, and a new zoned UFS 4 storage standard for faster app load times and a prolonged lifespan. They have a vapor chamber cooling system for better sustained performance under load. The camera sensors are larger than the Pixel 10, so they deliver sharper, brighter images, and they exclusively feature Pro Res Zoom, which uses generative AI to fill in the gaps of hyper-zoomed-in images for stunning results. The Pro XL model has even louder speakers than before, and it's the only one of the lot to support Qi2 25W, which will recharge the phone faster than standard Qi2, provided you use the right wireless charger.
What makes Pixel phones a joy to use is the software and the many machine learning capabilities. That includes real-time translations over phone calls, where it'll approximate your voice so Grandma can hear you speak in her native tongue; conversational photo editing; and a Camera Coach that'll help up your photo game. That adds to the many existing features, like Call Screen, which dramatically cuts spam and robocalls. You can even AirDrop with iPhones! Read our Best Pixel Phones guide for everything you need to know before buying a Google phone, and we have some suggestions on what settings to change after setup.
Specs: Pixel 10Pixel 10 ProPixel 10 Pro XLDisplay: 6.3-inch, 120 Hz, OLED6.3-inch, 120 Hz LTPO, OLED6.8-inch, 120 Hz LTPO, OLEDProcessor and RAM: Tensor G5 with 12 GB RAMTensor G5 with 16 GB RAMTensor G5 with 16 GB RAMStorage: 128 (UFS 3.1) and 256 GB (UFS 4)128 (UFS 3.1), 256 (UFS 4), 512 GB, and 1 TB (Zoned UFS 4)256 (UFS 4), 512 GB, and 1 TB (Zoned UFS 4)Battery: 4,970 mAh4,870 mAh5,200 mAhCameras: 48-MP wide, 13-MP ultrawide, 10.8-MP telephoto (5X), 10.5-MP selfie camera50-MP wide, 48-MP ultrawide, 48-MP telephoto (5X), 42-MP selfie camera50-MP wide, 48-MP ultrawide, 48-MP telephoto (5X), 42-MP selfie cameraUpdates: 7 years7 years7 yearsExtras: Pixelsnap Qi2 wireless charging, fingerprint and secure face unlock, IP68, NFC, VPNPixelsnap Qi2 wireless charging, Pro Res Zoom, 8K video recording with Video Boost, fingerprint and secure face unlock, IP68, NFC, VPNPixelsnap Qi2 25W wireless charging, Pro Res Zoom, 8K video recording with Video Boost, fingerprint and secure face unlock, IP68, NFC, VPNCarrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networksWorks on all three major US networksWorks on all three major US networksWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Good performance
- Qi2 support
- Solid battery life
- Excellent cameras
- Long software support
- Lots of helpful smart features
- Playful OS redesign
- Generative AI overload
- eSIM only (in the US)
- Secure face unlock still doesn't work in low light
The Best Flagship Phones
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Samsung
Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra
$900 $853 (5% off)Amazon (S26)
$1,100Amazon (S26+)
$1,300Amazon (Ultra)
$900Samsung (All)
If you want top-of-the-line performance from your smartphone—maybe you play a lot of demanding mobile games—then I suggest sticking with the smartphone stalwart, Samsung. The Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ (7/10, WIRED Recommends) are the base models that largely differ in screen size and battery life (there are some minor differences, like faster charging and 5G mmWave support on the S26+). The Galaxy S26 Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the crown jewel, and this year its sparkling feature is the new Privacy Display.
This is a hardware-level change—exclusive to the Ultra—that lets you hide the content on your screen from the people around you, just like a traditional third-party privacy screen protector. It's fairly effective with no major hit to brightness or image clarity, and there's a Max Privacy mode that makes it even tougher for neighbors to sneak a glance. You can set it to turn on automatically for incoming notifications or specific apps, which is more helpful than you'd expect.
Performance is excellent, especially with demanding games; these Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-equipped phones satisfy, even more so than the Pixel 10 series. The Ultra's higher price means you also get extras like the integrated S Pen stylus, better thermals, wider apertures on a few of the cameras for brighter images, and an additional 5X optical zoom camera (yep, it has a quad-camera system!). It also recharges the fastest with a compatible 60-watt charger, hitting 75 percent in 30 minutes. Disappointingly, unlike the Pixel 10 series, you still need a magnetic case to take advantage of faster Qi2 wireless charging speeds and magnetic accessories.
If you want a smaller phone but many of the same great flagship capabilities, the 6.3-inch S26 is the option for you. (Horizon Lock is a great new feature across all three phones that enables excellent stabilization when capturing videos.) The Ultra is for anyone who wants the best of the best from Samsung. However, the S26+ has long sat in an awkward spot—yes, you get a nice big screen, but the price is a little too close to the Ultra. You may as well spring for the crème de la crème and get the extra benefits.
If you need more help choosing, check out our Best Samsung Galaxy Phones guide.
Specs: Galaxy S26Galaxy S26+Galaxy S26 UltraDisplay: 6.3-inch, 120-Hz LTPO, AMOLED6.7-inch, 120-HZ LTPO, AMOLED6.9-inch, 120-HZ LTPO, AMOLEDProcessor and RAM: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with 12 GB of RAMQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with 12 GB of RAMQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with 12 or 16 GB of RAMStorage: 256 and 512 GB256 and 512 GB256, 512 GB, and 1 TBBattery: 4,300 mAh4,900 mAh5,000 mAhCameras: 50-MP main camera, 12-MP ultrawide, 10-MP telephoto (3X), and 12-MP selfie cameras50-MP main camera, 12-MP ultrawide, 10-MP telephoto (3X), and 12-MP selfie cameras200-MP main, 50-MP ultrawide, 10-MP telephoto (3X), 50-MP telephoto (5X), and 12-MP selfie cameraUpdates (from date of manufacture): 7 years7 years7 yearsExtras: Qi2 Ready wireless charging (with magnetic case), IP68, fingerprint unlock, NFCQi2 Ready wireless charging (with magnetic case), IP68, fingerprint unlock, NFCQi2 Ready wireless charging (with magnetic case), IP68, fingerprint unlock, NFC, S Pen stylus, Privacy DisplayCarrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networksWorks on all three major US networksWorks on all three major US networksBest Battery Life
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
OnePlus
15 and OnePlus 15R
$900 $800 (11% off)Amazon (15)
$900 $800 (11% off)OnePlus (15)
$800 $750 (6% off)OnePlus (15R)
If you're tired of your phone's crappy battery life, the OnePlus 15 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) and OnePlus 15R are the battery kings of flagship smartphones right now. They have some of the biggest battery capacities we've seen on a phone in the US—7,300 and 7,400 mAh, respectively—thanks to silicon-carbon battery technology, allowing them to easily last two full days on a single charge with average use. What makes this even better is that you can recharge it incredibly fast with the included proprietary USB-C charger and 80-watt adapter. My OnePlus 15 unit went from 15 to 50 percent in just 15 minutes, and hit 80 percent in 30 minutes.
The phones have fresh designs compared to previous OnePlus phones. It's worth noting that only the Sand Storm and Ultra Violet colors on the OnePlus 15 come with faster RAM. Of these, only the Sand Storm has a micro-arc oxidation finish that apparently makes the phone a little more durable. Word of warning: The Sand Storm model I tested feels slippery, so I recommend using a grippy case.
Good thing that performance matches the price—the OnePlus 15 is one of the first smartphones equipped with Qualcomm's top-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, whereas the OnePlus 15R employs the slightly lesser but still powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. The former crushed benchmark scores. I was able to max out the graphics on the very demanding Genshin Impact mobile game, and the OnePlus 15 had no trouble running it at a smooth 60 frames per second. This is a game that still gives some flagship phones trouble! The OnePlus didn't get annoyingly hot, either. I had no performance issues at all on the OnePlus 15R, and you can totally still play a game like Genshin Impact, but you'll have to knock down some of the graphics settings to keep it running smoothly. I want to point out that while OnePlus advertises a 165-Hz refresh rate for these phones, you're only really going to get that in select games. Most of the time, the phone will hover around 120 Hz, depending on what's happening on the screen.
If you put a lot of stock in your smartphone's camera, these are not the devices to buy. While the triple-camera system on the OnePlus 15 can capture pretty good photos, it doesn't quite match the top dogs. The OnePlus 15R is a step lower, though it can still take some nice photos; the lack of a telephoto camera, considering its $700 price, brings it down another peg. These flaws may not be a big deal for you, so if battery life is top-of-mind, you'll probably enjoy the OnePlus 15 and 15R a lot.
Where they really fall short is the lack of upgrades to the wireless charging system (the OnePlus 15R doesn't have wireless charging at all). The OnePlus 15 is still stuck on Qi charging speeds instead of Qi2. Also, the company's software update policy isn't as good as what's offered by Samsung and Google.
Specs: OnePlus 15OnePlus 15RDisplay: 6.78-inch, 165-Hz LTPO, OLED6.83-inch, 165-Hz LTPS, OLEDProcessor and RAM: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with 12 GB RAM (up to 16 GB RAM)Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 with 12 GB RAMStorage: 256 and 512 GB256 and 512 GBBattery: 7,300 mAh7,400 mAhCameras: 50-MP main camera, 50-MP telephoto (3.5X), 50-MP ultrawide, and 32-MP selfie camera50-MP main camera, 8-MP ultrawide, 32-MP selfie cameraUpdates (from date of manufacture): Four OS upgrades, 6 years of security updatesFour OS upgrades, 6 years of security updatesExtras: Qi wireless charging, IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K, fingerprint unlock, NFC, and fast charging with the proprietary chargerIP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K, fingerprint unlock, NFC, and fast charging with the proprietary chargerCarrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networksWorks on all three major US networksWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Two-day battery life and super-fast charging
- Fantastic performance
- Sharp, responsive OLED screen
- Robust water resistance
- OnePlus 15 has decently reliable cameras
- No Qi2 magnets (not even Qi2 Ready); 15R doesn't have wireless charging
- Software update policy still doesn't match that of Apple, Google, or Samsung
- Cameras are still a step below the top dogs, especially on the OnePlus 15R
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
%2520and%2520OnePlus%252015R%2520(right)%2520front%2520screen%2520wired%2520website%2520Reviewer%2520Photo%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu.jpg)
%2520and%2520OnePlus%252015R%2520(right)%2520back%2520cameras%2520closeup%2520Reviewer%2520Photo%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu.jpg)
%2520and%2520OnePlus%252015R%2520(right)%2520back%2520cameras%2520in%2520window%2520Reviewer%2520Photo%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu.jpg)
Best Budget Phone
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Motorola
Moto G Power 2026
$300Amazon
$300Best Buy
$300Motorola
If you can wait, I suggest holding out for the upcoming Moto G Stylus 2026. It'll be slightly higher priced, but performance will be even smoother, the cameras will be better, and you'll get an integrated stylus (if you care). But if you need a pretty cheap, reliable smartphone right now, I think the Moto G Power 2026 is the best on the market.
Motorola removed a feature from this phone's predecessor—there's no wireless charging anymore. Instead, the 32-MP selfie camera has been upgraded, and there's a larger battery capacity. It makes sense then that battery life is the highlight; with average use, I squeezed two full days out of this phone. While the processor is the same MediaTek Dimensity 6300 with 8 GB of RAM as the 2025 model, performance feels more optimized and smoother. You'll still see some slowness here and there, but it's far more manageable.
You also get nice amenities, like an IP68/69 water-resistance rating, NFC for contactless payments, a microSD card slot to expand storage, and even a headphone jack. The camera system is passable, and you'll only get two Android OS upgrades and 3 years of security updates. That's a shame, but it's better than what Motorola has offered in the past.
SpecsDisplay: 6.8-inch, 120-Hz LCDProcessor and RAM: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 with 8 GB RAMStorage: 128 GB (expandable with microSD)Battery: 5,200 mAhCameras: 50-MP main camera, 8-MP ultrawide, 32-MP selfie cameraUpdates (from date of manufacture): Two OS upgrades, 3 years of security updatesExtras: IP68/69, fingerprint unlock, headphone jack, microSDCarrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networksBest Small Phone (It Folds!)
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Motorola
Razr Ultra (2025)
$1,300 $800 (38% off)Amazon
$1,300 $800 (38% off)Best Buy
$1,300 $800 (38% off)Motorola
Have you been wishing for a small phone? Well, it doesn't get smaller than this. The Razr Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the flagship folding flip phone from Motorola, and it gets a lot right, starting from the gorgeous designs you can choose from. It comes in a wood back, Alcantara, a leather-inspired finish, or a satin-esque look. It's fashionable!
The 4-inch OLED screen on the outside is more useful than ever, as you can add multiple widget panels for glanceable information, and if you open it up, the internal screen is bigger at 7 inches. You get the perks of a big phone but in a super compact design that'll fit any pocket or purse. The Razr Ultra's camera system is also pretty strong, though it's not as great as the cameras on the similarly priced competition. Motorola also doesn't have a great security update policy either. Despite these issues, this compact handset is super unique, fun, and a joy to use.
If you're also considering Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip7, let me just say that, having used both, I prefer the Razr Ultra. (Motorola is expected to unveil a successor in the next month or two.) Read more about it in our Best Motorola Phones guide.
SpecsExternal display: 4-inch, 165-Hz LTPO, pOLEDInternal display: 7-inch, 165-Hz LTPO, AMOLEDProcessor and RAM: Snapdragon 8 Elite with 16 GB RAMStorage: 512 GB and 1 TBBattery: 4,700 mAhCameras: 50-MP main camera, 50-MP ultrawide, 50-MP selfie cameraUpdates (from date of manufacture): Three OS upgrades, 4 years of security updatesExtras: 68-watt wired charging, 30-watt wireless charging, IP48, fingerprint unlock, Gorilla Glass Ceramic, Dolby Vision video captureCarrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networksWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Flip phones remain the best small phone today
- Lovely designs, with many color options
- Useful external screen
- Nice upgrades all around, from performance to screen brightness
- IP48 rated
- Battery life still teeters on a full day, less for power users
- Software update policy is well behind the competition
- AI features are overhyped
.png)
.png)
Best Folding Phone
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Samsung
Galaxy Z Fold7
$2,000 $1,675 (16% off)Amazon
$2,000Best Buy
$2,000Samsung
After a few years of a stale design, Samsung made the right changes with its book-like folding phone, propelling the Galaxy Z Fold7 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) to the top in its category. The Fold7 is shockingly thin, just 8.9 mm when folded and 4.2 mm when unfolded. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.25 mm, and the Z Fold7 is actually lighter than the single-screen iPhone. It's truly a marvel of engineering.
What you get is a svelte experience that is no longer annoyingly cumbersome to hold and use. The front 6.5-inch screen feels very much like a normal smartphone and is primarily where you'll spend your time. But then you have the beautiful 8-inch screen for split-screening apps, watching videos, playing games, or just viewing any app in a larger size. The main camera finally matches the quality of Samsung's flagship candy-bar phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but battery life remains unimpressive. You'll most likely need to top up before the end of the day.
If you're interested in the Galaxy Z Fold7, it's worth noting that Motorola will be launching its own take on a book-like folding phone this summer with the Razr Fold. Also, consider the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. I haven't had a chance to review it yet, and while it's technically on sale in the US, stock has been extremely limited. If you can stomach the $2,899 price, it offers an even greater tablet/smartphone hybrid experience.
SpecsExternal display: 6.5-inch, 120-Hz LTPO, AMOLEDInternal display: 8-inch, 120-Hz LTPO, AMOLEDProcessor and RAM: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12 GB RAMStorage: 256, 512 GB, and 1 TBBattery: 4,400 mAhCameras: 200-MP main camera, 10-MP 3x telephoto, 12-MP ultrawide, 10-MP front camera, 10-MP inner selfie cameraUpdates (from date of manufacture): 7 yearsExtras: Qi2-Ready wireless charging, IP48, fingerprint unlock, NFCCarrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networksWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Super thin and comfortable to hold, and well built
- Front screen feels like a normal phone
- Expands to a big 8-inch screen
- Great performance
- Big, bright screens
- Solid cameras
- Long software support
- Rocks like crazy on surfaces
- Battery life is still unimpressive
- Expensive
Best Aesthetic
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Nothing
Phone (3)
$799 $599 (25% off)Amazon
$799 $599 (25% off)Nothing
Look above, and you'll notice a lot of the same. That's where Nothing's Phone (3) (7/10, WIRED Recommends) stands out. This smartphone doesn't look like any other handset, with a fun grid and tri-column aesthetic, plus an unusual camera layout. Also unique is the Glyph Matrix, a circular display on the back that's an evolution of Nothing's Glyph LEDs. Instead of just lighting up when notifications come in, there are Glyph Toys you can cycle through, like Spin the Bottle, Magic 8 Ball, and Rock, Paper, Scissors. I also like the Essential Notifications feature, which limits what notifications come through when the phone is flipped down—the Glyph Matrix can show a custom image so you immediately know when a message from a loved one arrives.
This is Nothing's flagship phone, and it certainly feels high-end. However, it may not be the best value when you compare it to similarly priced devices like the Pixel 10 Pro or Galaxy S25. If you're chasing specs for money, look elsewhere. But the Phone (3) offers a well-rounded smartphone experience, from great performance to a reliable triple-camera system, and it's gorgeous, quirky, and fun. We need more of that in the world.
Nothing recently showed off the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro, its latest midrange smartphones, but only the latter is available in the US. I'm testing it now. It shares some features with the Phone (3) despite costing hundreds less, and it may be the better buy.
SpecsDisplay: 6.67 inch, AMOLED, 120 HzProcessor and RAM: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 with 12 or 16 GB of RAMStorage: 256 or 512 GBBattery: 5,150 mAhCameras: 50-MP main, 50-MP ultrawide, 50-MP telephoto (3x optical), 50-MP selfie cameraUpdates (from date of manufacture): Five OS upgrades, 7 years of security updatesExtras: 65-watt fast charging, Qi wireless charging, IP68, NFCCarrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networksWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Fun design; Glyph Matrix is quirky and useful
- Clean and unique software interface
- Good performance and day-long battery life
- Solid triple-camera system
- Has wireless charging, NFC, and 256 GB of storage
- Not the best value from a specs-to-price perspective
- No Qi2
.png)
.png)
%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu(2).png)
%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu(4).png)
%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu(5).png)
A Repairable and Sustainable Phone
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Fairphone
(Gen. 6)
€549Fairphone
$749Murena (with /e/OS)
Want to hold onto your phone for several years before upgrading? The Fairphone (Gen. 6) (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the most repairable smartphone, scoring a perfect 10 on iFixit’s scale. There are 12 easy-to-replace parts, from the battery to the camera, and it comes with the necessary screwdriver. Fairphone promises seven Android OS upgrades and 8 years of software updates, and that's without mentioning the 5-year warranty. Oh, and the company doesn’t just think about repairability; it ensures all the necessary components are fairly and ethically sourced. I can wax poetic about Fairphone, but you get the idea.
Good news: The phone's pretty good, too. Performance is flawless, battery life reliably lasted a full day with average to heavy use, and while the cameras may not match the competition, I managed to capture some pleasing shots. You get 256 GB of internal storage, and Fairphone includes a microSD slot, so you can expand that up to 2 terabytes. I did run into some software bugs, but an update fixed most of my issues, and there's a healthy community forum where you can see upcoming bug fixes.
Unfortunately, the Fairphone (Gen. 6) is not officially sold in the US (the company announced first steps in expanding to the US, so this could change in 2026 or 2027). If you import it, you should be able to use it on T-Mobile and its operators just fine (I had no problems on Google Fi), but you're out of luck on AT&T and Verizon. The same is true if you buy the de-Googled version from Murena that runs the /e/OS operating system instead of Android.
SpecsDisplay: 6.31-inch, 120-Hz LTPO, P-OLEDProcessor and RAM: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 with 8 GB RAMStorage: 256 GBBattery: 4,415 mAhCameras: 50-MP main camera, 13-MP ultrawide, 32-MP selfie cameraUpdates (from date of manufacture): 7 OS upgrades, 8 years of security updatesExtras: IP55, fingerprint unlock, microSD, modular accessories, NFCCarrier compatibility: Works on T-Mobile. Does not work on Verizon and AT&TWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Repairable with long software support
- Good performance and battery life
- Nice, bright screen
- Modular accessories are fun
- Distraction-free mode
- Lots of storage (that's expandable)
- Solid cameras
- Still not sold in the US
- Some software bugs
- Camera lags behind peers
- IP55 water resistance
- Mushy power button
%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu(3).png)
%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu(2).png)
%2520distraction-free%2520mode%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu.png)
Other Phones to Consider
We test a ton of Android phones. We like the ones below, but you'll be better off with one of the options above. If you haven't yet done so, check out our Best Cheap Phones and Best Folding Phones guides for more.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Photograph: Julian ChokkattuSamsung Galaxy S25 FE for $650: If Google's Pixel 10 doesn't appeal, you can get a really great Samsung phone for around $500 (it's often on sale around this price!). The Galaxy S25 FE is like a “lite” version of the flagship Galaxy S25, with a bigger 6.7-inch screen, a larger battery, and a triple-camera system that includes a 3X optical zoom lens. Performance isn't as good, but I never had any issues (you may not be able to play the most demanding games at the highest graphical settings). The screen is sharp, bright, and smooth, and this phone is even Qi2 Ready if you use a compatible magnetic case. I don't recommend buying it at its MSRP, but when it's frequently at $500, it's a smart option. It's also worth considering the standard Galaxy S25 series if you can find them on sale.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Photograph: Julian ChokkattuGoogle Pixel 10 Pro Fold for $1,799: I think Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7 takes the cake as the best folding phone designed like a book in 2025, but if you prefer Google's Pixel phones, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (7/10, WIRED Review) isn't a bad option. It's nowhere near as thin, but it does have Qi2 magnets built in, meaning you can attach it to various magnetic accessories, like car docks and phone chargers, or attach magnetic wallets or power banks to the phone. It's also one of the only folding phones with an IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating for peace of mind. The screens look great, battery life is solid, and the camera system is reliable. It's easy to get into split-screen mode, but I think there's more Google can do to improve the multitasking experience.
Google Pixel 9 series
Photograph: Julian ChokkattuGoogle Pixel 9 series for $570+: The Pixel 9 series (9/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2024 is still a great buy if you can find them on sale. The Pixel 9 is similar to the Pixel 9a but with better build quality and larger camera sensors. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL have the 5X optical camera and the vapor chamber cooling, among other perks. The key is to make sure you avoid paying MSRP. These have dipped fairly often in price during sale events, and now, as stock gets cleared, you can probably find a killer deal if you hold out.
.png)
Galaxy Z Flip7
Photograph: Julian ChokkattuSamsung Galaxy Z Flip7 for $1,056: Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip7 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) got some great upgrades over its predecessor, but it wasn't enough to dethrone the Razr Ultra 2025 as my top flip phone pick. Still, it's worth considering if you're shopping for a folding phone of this category, because the cameras are solid, the displays are excellent and larger than ever, and the cover screen is a little more useful (though not as versatile as on Motorola's phone). Battery life is even worse here over the Fold7, so snag a power bank while you're at it.
Minimal Phone
Photograph: Julian ChokkattuMinimal Phone for $450: Having trouble curbing your screen time? Instead of going cold turkey with something like the Light Phone III, try the Minimal Phone (6/10, WIRED Review). This is an e-paper Android phone with a physical keyboard. The goal is to let you access the usual Android apps, but because the screen is ill-suited to videos and most social media, you'll naturally be able to avoid those distractions. It's successful in this task, but the constant screen ghosting and plasticky build dampen the experience.
Mobile Accessories You Might Need
Arc Pulse bumpers for Pixel 10 Pro XL
Photograph: Julian ChokkattuWe have case recommendations for a few popular devices, like Samsung's Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, and Galaxy S23, or Google's Pixel 10 series. It's smart to slap a case on these glass sandwiches and even a screen protector to keep the display free of scuffs and scratches. Here are a few other noteworthy accessories, including charging adapters, which many phones don't include anymore. Read our Best USB-C Cables guide for other recommendations.
Nomad 65W Slim Power Adapter for $55: There are lots of great options if you want a cheap, tiny charger these days, but why not spend a bit more for something versatile? This ultra-slim charger from Nomad is easy to travel with, especially thanks to its folding prongs, and it has enough power to recharge a MacBook, let alone your phone. There are two USB-C ports to boot.
%2520Reviewer%2520Photo%2520SOURCE%2520Julian%2520Chokkattu.jpg)
Photograph: Julian ChokkattuCounterpart Retractable The Charger for $44: It's not the best value, but this design-forward charger has a retractable 4-foot cable that makes it a fantastic two-in-one—no need to pack a separate charger and cable! It outputs 35 watts, which is plenty to fast-charge most phones and tablets, and the prongs fold in for travel.
Peak Design Samsung and Pixel Everyday Case for $50: If you have a Samsung or Pixel phone and you frequently mount your phone to a bike or scooter, you owe it to yourself to snag this case and Peak Design's bike mount. The case snaps perfectly into the mount, is dead simple to release, and has yet to fall off after years of riding. Peak Design also sells several other accessories you can attach to the back of these cases, bringing Android into Apple's MagSafe ecosystem.
Nimble Champ Portable Charger 10,000 mAh for $60: This portable battery is small enough to leave in a bag but has enough power to fully recharge your phone once or twice. There's a USB-C and USB-A port; it delivers 18 watts of power, so it can recharge your tablet or phone, and it's housed in 73 percent post-consumer plastic with plastic-free packaging.
Nomad ChargeKey V2 for $29: When your phone dies, it's almost always when you forget to bring a charger or battery pack. The ChargeKey is a nifty solution—it's like clipping a tiny USB-C charging cable to your keychain. Just plug one end into your phone and the other into any kind of power source (a friend's phone or a charging adapter if you manage to find one), and you can top up your phone. Native Union also has a similar item that's cuter but nearly as capable.
Choose a Wireless Charger: Our guide to the best wireless chargers includes dozens of models in varying colors, shapes, and materials, and even some designed for specific phones. Not every Android phone supports wireless charging, but it's a luxury you'll want to take advantage of. Take a gander at our guide for our favorites.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.
Comments
Back to topTriangle
Julian Chokkattu is Senior Editor, Gear at WIRED, overseeing personal technology, gadgets, and gizmos. He has been reviewing consumer products for a decade, specializing in mobile—from smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to smart glasses and virtual reality. This is his sixth year at WIRED. Previously, he was the mobile and wearables ... Read MoreSenior Editor, GearTopicsShoppingbuying guidessmartphonesAndroidphonesGoogleSamsungWhich Samsung Galaxy Phone Should You Buy?From flagship and budget to flipping and folding, Samsung’s Galaxy range spans the breadth of the smartphone cosmos. WIRED’s here to help you make your choice.Julian ChokkattuThe Best Folding PhonesReady to move on from the traditional glass slab? Introduce a hinge into your life with these folding smartphones.Julian ChokkattuWhich iPhone Should You Buy (or Avoid) Right Now?The iPhone 17e is here. Here are all the details on Apple’s smartphones to help you find the right model, whether that’s the ultralight iPhone Air or the orange iPhone 17 Pro.Julian ChokkattuThe Best Wireless Chargers to Refuel Your Phone (or Watch)Stop fumbling for cables in the dark. These WIRED-tested stands and pads will take the hassle out of refueling your phone, wireless earbuds, and watch.Julian ChokkattuThe Best Pixel 10 Cases and Accessories for Accidental Phone-DroppersSlap a case on your shiny new Pixel, whether you have the Pixel 10a, Pixel 10, or Pixel 10 Pro XL. We also have recommendations for Qi2 chargers and other accessories.Julian ChokkattuWhich Google Pixel Phone Should You Buy?Here’s a guide to all the models—plus Pixel case recommendations and smart software tricks to try.Julian ChokkattuWe Tried a Dozen of the Most Popular Indoor Gardening SystemsGrow a backyard’s worth of greens and vegetables in your house with a vertical hydroponic garden. Here are a few that might be worth the investment.Kat MerckBreathe Easy—We Found the Best Air PurifiersProtect your home against dust, pets, allergies, and more with air purifiers tested firsthand by WIRED.Lisa Wood ShapiroThe Best Espresso Machines, Including—Surprise—the Most-Hyped Pick of 2026The best espresso makers can turn your kitchen into a café and help you hone the art of the perfect shot.Matthew KorfhageThe Best Meal Kits of 2026, Tested by a Former Restaurant CriticHere are the best meal kits in 2026, from Martha Stewart’s meal kit to the best meal delivery on a budget.Matthew KorfhageThe Best Phones You Can’t Buy in the USWondering what you’re missing out on? Here are our favorite smartphones that aren’t officially sold stateside but are available in markets like the UK and Europe.Simon HillThe Best USB Hubs for Connecting All Your GadgetsDitch the dongles. These multiport USB hubs will maximize your connectivity options.Luke Larsen
Wired Coupons
T-Mobile Promo CodeSamsung GS25+ Free With T-Mobile for Business SuperMobile
Squarespace Promo CodeSquarespace Promo Code: 20% Off Annual Acuity Subscriptions
LG Promo CodeLG Discount Code: 10% Off Any Purchase
Dell Coupon Code10% Off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers
.png){kind=logo}
Samsung Promo Code30% Samsung Coupon - Offer Program 2026
Canon Promo Code10% Off Canon Promo Code + Up to 30% Off
