Best Android Phones of 2026: Tested by Our Experts
SOURCE:CNET|BY:Patrick Holland
From the the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 10 Pro, to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Motorola Razr Ultra, we've tested dozens of Android phones. Here are the best ones for you to buy.
The best Android phones come with great cameras, a powerful processor, long battery life and years of software and security updates. Every year, we test dozens of Android smartphones to find the best phones for you to buy. Samsung's Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 7 make the cut, as do Google's Pixel 10 and the 10 Pro/10 Pro XL. There's the Pixel 10 Pro Fold -- the only foldable with the same dust and water resistance rating as a regular smartphone -- and the Motorola Razr Ultra, which is as fun to use as it is innovative. Here are our top Android phone picks.
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The $800 Samsung Galaxy S25's battery life is amazing. That's not the only reason it's our pick for best Android phone. It gets seven years of major Android updates, and the cameras are good -- it even has a 3x telephoto lens for zooming. Then there are all the AI features: Most are just OK, but Circle to Search is outstanding. Samsung tries to set the Galaxy S25 apart by leaning into what's new (AI), as well as embracing the familiar (good cameras and battery life). And we're definitely impressed. There are plenty of other excellent choices, with the Pixel 8A being another current favorite.
Best Android phones of 2026
Pros
Camera consistently delivers good images
Impressive battery life that last a day or more
More AI features that actually feel practical
Cons
Several gimmicky AI tools
Not many changes over the S24
The Galaxy S25's biggest flex that I noticed while testing is that it shares many of the same attributes as its pricier counterparts, the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra, but it does so for several hundred dollars less. You'll find features like the AI Select tool, Audio Eraser and deeper Gemini integration across all of Samsung's S25 devices, as well as a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB RAM -- making the smaller phone of the bunch still seem pretty mighty.
And while the Galaxy S25 might look incredibly similar to the S24 and share many of the same specs, consistency isn't so bad when it means there's a consistently good camera and great battery life. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 review.
Why we like it
Having a baseline phone, like the Galaxy S25, that delivers many of the same perks as more expensive models, is a huge plus in my book. And given the remarkable processing power, standout camera and seamless AI integration in the Galaxy S25 lineup, it's great that I can get all those premium features for $800.
Who it's best for
If you're someone who insists on buying a flagship device, the Galaxy S25 won't let you down. but if you have a device that's two years old or more, you might be enticed to tap into all the latest Galaxy AI and integrated Gemini features. Now, $800 isn't pocket change, and there are definitely other options for those who want to be more budget conscious, but if you're willing to spend a bit more, the baseline S25 can be a great all-around choice.
Who shouldn’t get it
You probably don't need to upgrade if you're using last year's S24.
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Pros
5x telephoto camera
Long-lasting battery
Practical AI features like Magic Cue and Voice Translate
Same $799 price tag as last year's Pixel 9
Cons
Some AI features are a work in progress
Similar appearance to Pixel 9
At $799, the Pixel 10 is a baseline device that packs many of the same features that help Pro-level phones stand out, like a telephoto camera, long-lasting battery and intuitive AI features. It's a nice, streamlined option for someone who simply wants a dependable phone, backed by seven years of software and security updates.
Who it's best for
If you want a phone with a solid camera for more casual photography, the baseline Pixel 10 should be perfectly suitable. It's also a great choice for someone who simply wants a phone that can last all day and that's equipped with all the latest Gemini features.
Who shouldn't get it
If you consider yourself more of a pro photographer, the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL may be more appealing options. Also, if you have a Pixel 8 or 9, you're probably fine holding onto your device for a few more years, as there aren't any major differences between those older devices and Google's latest baseline.
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Pros
Best screen on any phone
Versatile cameras
Most powerful phone I've tested
Good battery life
Cons
$1,300 price
Design is almost too minimal
AI features are hit-or-miss
S25/S25 Plus have similar features and cost less
Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra has a lot of AI features, the best of which are interesting and the worst of which are unreliable. Luckily, Samsung gets a lot of other things right on the S25 Ultra, which has a new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, high-resolution ultrawide camera and some sweet pro video tools that rival the iPhone 16 Pro. Samsung wisely kept all the best parts of last year's Galaxy S24 Ultra (basically the entire phone including that antireflective display) but some of its worst parts, too, like the $1,300 price tag.
If you want the best screen you can find on any phone, get the S25 Ultra. If you want the most versatile phone cameras, get the S25 Ultra. If you want a stylus, get the S25 Ultra. But if your needs scale back on any of those fronts, the more affordable S25 options, or even last year's S24 Ultra, may be worth considering. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review.
Why we like it
The reason to get the Ultra over its S25 siblings is its screen, which is truly the best I've seen on any phone, and the cameras, which are a step above what the S25 and S25 Plus have. Added video features like ability to record in Log format gets the Ultra as close as it's ever been to the iPhone in terms of professional video capture.
Who it's best for
If you have a Galaxy S22 Ultra or older, the S25 Ultra will seem like a significant upgrade. It's harder to make that case for S23 Ultra owners, who, unless their phone's battery is ailing or they can score an incredible discount, should otherwise sit this one out. And for you S24 Ultra owners, you don't need this phone. Save your money and treat yourself to a nice steak dinner and a movie.
Who shouldn’t get it
The Galaxy S25 Ultra's appeal is muddied by its $1,300 price. The regular Galaxy S25 has the same functionality, power and longevity, and it costs $500 less. Want a bigger screen? Consider the Galaxy S25 Plus. For the majority of people, the regular Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus will be a better fit.
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Pros
Robust design
Bright high resolution inner screen
Battery life should last you a day or more
It's so damn fun to use
Cons
Cameras take decent photos but suffer from motion blur
Only three years of major OS updates
Gets warm playing games and using the camera frequently
The Motorola Razr Ultra is a beefed-up version of last year's Razr Plus, which won a CNET Editor's Choice Award. It's as if the Razr Plus hired a trainer and nutritionist and then got absolutely ripped -- warranting its name: Ultra. After testing, I've come to adore the Razr Ultra. It does all the "normal" nonfolding phone things I want and offers me a truly unique experience, thanks to its cover screen. I feel like the coolest kid in the coffee shop when Google Pay-ing for my cortado with my Razr Ultra closed. Read our Motorola Razr Ultra review.
But in taking nearly every aspect of the phone to the extreme, Motorola lost one of the most important parts of recent Razrs: the amazing value. The catch for all this ultra-ness: the Motorola Razr Ultra costs $1,300.
Why we like it
This is the best built foldable flip phone I've ever used. Motorola took the best parts of the Razr Plus and improved nearly everything else. The battery life is outstanding -- it can easily lasts a day on a single charge and can get you mostly through a second day even. The displays are brighter. The main 7-inch foldable display is larger and has more resolution than the Razr Plus and the cameras are improved. The fabric backing is delightful.
Who's it best for
This phone is for someone who wants a fun, unique and robust foldable phone. You're willing to pay top-dollar to get the best processor, battery, design and cameras Motorola has ever made.
Who shouldn't get it
If you're unsure of foldables, this might not be the best fit. If you find yourself in places with sand, dirt and other fine particles, the Razr Ultra (like all foldable phones) isn't worth the risk. The Razr Ultra has the same class-leading IP-rating for dust and water resistance, but the dust resistance is only for particles 1-mm or larger.
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Pros
Thin 4.2mm design
200-megapixel main camera
Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
Durable build
Cons
Steep $2,000 price tag
Same 4,400-mAh battery as last year's Fold
25-watt wired charging
With the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung has finally addressed some of the key issues with its previous book-style foldables. The impressively thin build and wider, 6.5-inch cover screen makes this feel like a standard phone when closed, and that wider 8-inch inside display is great for multitasking, with the ability to run up to three apps simultaneously. Perhaps most notably, the camera gets a major upgrade with the addition of a 200-megapixel main camera, which takes shots on par with the top-of-the-line S25 Ultra.
Altogether, it’s a great choice if you want a bigger tablet-like display without the bulk or a compromise on camera quality.
Why we like it
The Z Fold 7 does a solid job combining what's great about standard slate phones and what's great about foldables. It feels wonderfully normal to hold when closed, thanks to its sleek design and lightweight build. It also packs great cameras and has an expansive main display that's 11 percent bigger than last year's Z Fold 6.
Thankfully, a slimmer build doesn't force the battery to take a hit; the Z Fold 7 maintains that same 4,400-mAh battery as last year's foldable. That pales in comparison to batteries from Chinese competitors, but at least it's not a downgrade. The Z Fold 7 also packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor to power the many AI features you'll get onboard, from Galaxy AI photo and audio editing tools to Google's Gemini Live and Circle to Search. The phone also supports seven years of software and security updates.
Who it's best for
If you're bored of standard slate phones and want something that feels a little more exciting, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a great choice. The slim design and wider cover screen helps it to feel as normal as possible when closed, with the added perk of an expansive main display that's great for multitasking and watching videos. The cameras are also impressive for a foldable that's so thin.
Who shouldn't get it
The Z Fold 7's $2,000 price tag is perhaps its biggest caveat. Also, if you don't need a bigger display, it may not be worth the splurge. Ironically, the cover screen is so practical that you’ll rarely need to open the phone -- unless you’re watching movies or multitasking, in which case a phone like the Galaxy S25 Ultra might be a better fit.
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Pros
The screen is delightfully bright
Cameras are good for $499
Gemini Live Video AI has potential to be useful
Solid build
The under-$500 price
Cons
Battery life is just OK, will get through a day
Processor is serviceable (curious about longevity)
Lacks emergency SOS satellite texting
For $499, Google's Pixel 9A truly feels like you're getting more bang for your buck. It comes with several significant upgrades from last year's Pixel 8A: a fresh design, new display, larger battery, slightly more powerful chip, increased durability and upgraded software features.
But don't get me wrong -- it's not a perfect phone. There are places where Google had to compromise to keep the price under $500, like the lack of satellite connectivity for emergencies available on the $799 Pixel 9. Overall, though, I think the compromises Google made were smart and that the Pixel 9A is worth every penny. Read our Google Pixel 9A review.
Why we like it
The Pixel 9A is proof that you don't need to spend more than $500 to get a great phone. It can handle all you daily tasks from scrolling social media and news feeds and swiping through TikTok videos to taking a beautiful photo and lasting a day on a single charge.
Who's it best for?
In theory: anybody. The Pixel 9A is for anyone who wants 95% of what a $1,000 phone can do at half the price.
Who shouldn't get it
Anyone who wants the absolute fastest processor or the most cutting edge cameras.
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Pros
Lightning fast charging
Nice big screen
7 years of OS and security upgrades
Great performance with games, movies and animations
Cons
Battery life is a day, similar to baseline S25
Similar specs as the S25 at a higher price
Rival phones at the same price have better cameras
If the baseline Galaxy S25 appeals to you but you'd rather have a bigger screen and higher battery capacity -- without upgrading all the way to the Ultra -- the S25 Plus may be the phone for you. The entire S25 lineup shares many features, from AI capabilities to processing power to memory, so the Plus may be a viable choice if you're looking for something right in the middle.
That said, the Plus' minimal upgrades over the baseline S25 may not justify the $200 price difference. But if a bigger phone just feels better to hold and you'd rather have a 4,900 mAh battery (over the S25's 4,000mAh one), then that $1,000 starting price might ultimately be worth every penny. Read CNET's full Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus review.
Why we like it
While the baseline S25 checks all the key boxes, the S25 Plus can simply feel like a more comfortable device to use, especially if you're a fellow member of the bigger hands club. In addition to sharing many of the same features as the pricier S25 Ultra, the S25 Plus has a higher battery capacity than the baseline model -- though in CNET's tests, there weren't any major discrepancies in how the two batteries actually performed. Still, sometimes you just want to live a little larger, and this phone can be the perfect fit.
Who it's best for
If you like having a larger screen to watch movies or play games on, the S25 Plus can be a great choice. While the S25 Ultra might be a top pick for someone who wants both a bigger phone and the most premium features, the S25 Plus can be that goldilocks device that meets you right in the middle -- without you having to spend $1,300 on the Ultra.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you want the absolute best in terms of cameras, don't get the S25 Plus. For $1,000 phones like the Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro have better cameras. Or if you can afford to buy a $1,300 phone, check out the Galaxy S25 Ultra which has an amazing set of lenses
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Pros
Long software support period
Camera performs well
Impressive AI-assisted Super Res Zoom
Fun and useful new AI skills
Cons
Tensor G5 isn't as powerful as rivals
Magic Cue of limited use if you don't live strictly in Google's world
Images can look over-processed
The Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL aren't a revolution over their predecessors, but almost every element from the software to the hardware has seen some kind of update, resulting in a phone that feels fresh but familiar. The processor isn't the fastest around, but it's got more than enough power for anything you're likely to need it for, while the cameras have proven themselves extremely capable in our testing.
Mix in the fun (and potentially quite useful) new AI skills and the long software support period and Google's new phones do a lot to earn their "flagship" title.
Why we like it
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL build on their already superb predecessors, offering more power and deeper, more useful AI skills. The cameras remain some of the best around while the large 6.8-inch display offers plenty of space to do justice to YouTube videos and mobile games on the go.
Who it's best for
While some Android rivals offer more straight-line speed, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL offer a truly slick all-around experience. These phones are easy to use, swift to operate and allow you to take stunning images with little input on your part. If you want a "do it all" phone that won't get in your way, you'll likely do well these phones.
Who shouldn't get it
Passionate mobile gamers wanting to hit the highest frame rates for pro-level mobile gaming may find the Tensor G5 processor's raw speed lacking.
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Pros
The 6.9-inch screen is immersive, with lovely colors and contrast
The 4.1-inch screen looks incredible
It's durable and survived a drop onto concrete
One UI 8 (Android 16) runs wonderfully
$1,100 is still a lot, but Samsung gives the phone more value than the Flip 6
Cons
Gets warm when recording videos and playing games
Battery life is the same as the Flip 6 despite a bigger battery
Cover screen software has room to grow
When I first got my hands on Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip 7, I was delighted to discover that it has a smaller crease, larger cover screen, thinner design and bigger battery compared to last year's Galaxy Z Flip 6. But as I tested the new clamshell phone, I became enthralled by its inner screen. At 6.9 inches, this is the biggest screen on any Samsung phone aside from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has an 8-inch foldable display.
The Z Flip 7's large screen size makes content feel more immersive and colors look lovely and vivid. This led to epic TikTok and Instagram sessions, watching widescreen films such as A Working Man and Back to the Future, as well as jumping back and forth between two apps stacked vertically on the screen, thanks to One UI 8's 90:10 split tool.
Every time I open the Flip 7, I'm consistently dumbfounded by how such a large display can unfurl from something about the size of a makeup compact. And when it's closed, there's a 4.1-inch cover screen that's fantastic in its own ways, with new clever animations for when you're recording a video, charging the phone or taking a selfie, all efficiently using the extra display real estate. In terms of functionality, though, the cover screen's software is about the same as the 3.4-inch one on the Flip 6.
The Flip 7 impressed me in nearly every way but one: its battery life. It has a larger battery than the Flip 6, but it doesn't last any longer in daily use. It did consistently get me through a day on a single charge, often having 15 to 20% left, but there were also a few days where it needed an early evening top-off.
Why we like it
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the most fully realized version of Samsung's ideal of a flip phone since the launch of the original Galaxy Z Flip in 2020. The Flip 7's appeal is simple: It's a thin phone with a big, bold screen that folds in half into a coaster-sized square. The larger cover screen and inner screen make content more immersive. It's design is thin (for a clamshell foldable) and comfortable to hold. Plus you get twice the storage this year compared to last.
Who is it best for
If you've been tempted by a clamshell-style foldable, you should definitely consider the Flip 7. If you have a Galaxy Z Flip 4 or older, the Flip 7 will be an upgrade in every way. It's harder to make that same recommendation for Flip 5 owners unless your phone is showing its age. And if you have a Galaxy Z Flip 6, you can sit this one out unless you really want those larger screens.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you spend a ton of time around dirt or sand, this phone isn't for you.
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Pros
Slimmer bezels on cover screen
More functionality on internal display
IP68 rating
Longer battery life
No price hike
Mostly practical AI features
Cons
Similar design to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Cameras are a step down from the other Pixel 10 Pro phones
Multitasking still limited to two apps
Why we like it
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold looks a lot like its predecessor, but what it lacks in design innovation, it makes up for in durability, reliability and performance. It may not be as thin as other book-style foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, but it does pack a heftier 5,015-mAh battery. Perhaps most impressive is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's IP68 rating for dust and water resistance -- a standout feature for a foldable phone.
What ties it all together is the solid triple-camera setup, which includes a 48-megapixel wide-angle, 10.5-megapixel ultrawide and 10.8-megapixel telephoto camera. There are also 10-megapixel selfie cameras on the inner and cover screens. It's just one example of a foldable phone that doesn't force you to choose design over functionality.
Who it's best for
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold can be a great choice for anyone who needs a compact device for multitasking. The cover screen feels practical for quickly checking texts or scrolling through apps, while the spacious internal display is ideal for running two apps simultaneously (though three apps would really be ideal). If you appreciate having the option to watch videos on a wider display, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might do the trick.
Who shouldn't get it
If you're seeking true pro-level photography, you may want to opt for Google's non-folding Pixel 10 Pro or 10 Pro XL. Despite the "Pro" name on the Fold, its cameras are a step down from what you'll get on those other phones. For instance, you can zoom up to 100x with the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL and have AI polish up the final image; the 10 Pro Fold can only punch in up to 20x.
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Best Android phones compared
Samsung Galaxy S25
Google Pixel 10
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)
Google Pixel 9A
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Google Pixel 10 Pro
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate
6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels; 1 to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7
Gorilla Glass 2 Victus cover glass; 3,000 nits peak brightness; Satellite SOS; Dual-eSIM; Wi-Fi 6E; NFC; Bluetooth 6; 30W fast charging (wall charger not included); Qi2 15W wireless charging; support for PixelSnap magnetic accessories; Google VPN; Super Res Zoom up to 20x; Camera Coach; Add Me; Macro mode; Face Unblur; Auto Best Take; IP68 rating for dust and water resistance; 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 polished back with satin finish aluminum frame
Titanium frame, 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor cover glass; ultrawideband
7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio; 23W fast charging (charger not included); 7.5W wireless charging Qi certified; Wi-Fi 6E; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (nano SIM + eSIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor; Photo Unblur; Super Res Zoom; Circle To Search
One UI 8, 25W wired charging speed, Qi wireless charging, 2,600-nit peak brightness, Galaxy AI, NFC, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, IP48 water resistance
Gorilla Glass 2 Victus cover glass; 3,300 nits peak brightness; Satellite SOS; Dual-eSIM; Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 6; 30W fast charging (wall charger not included); Qi2 15W wireless charging; support for PixelSnap magnetic accessories; Google VPN; Pro Res zoom up to 100x; Camera Coach; Add Me; Macro mode; Face Unblur; Auto Best Take; High-Res Portrait mode; IP68 rating for dust and water resistance; 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates; Corning Gorilla GlassVictus 2 silky matte back with polished finish aluminum frame; ultrawideband chip
Gorilla Glass 2 Victus cover glass; 3,300 nits peak brightness; Satellite SOS; Dual-eSIM; Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 6; 45W fast charging (wall charger not included); Qi2.2 25W wireless charging; support for PixelSnap magnetic accessories; Google VPN; Pro Res zoom up to 100x; Camera Coach; Add Me; Macro mode; Face Unblur; Auto Best Take; High-Res Portrait mode; IP68 rating for dust and water resistance; 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates; Corning Gorilla GlassVictus 2 silky matte back with polished finish aluminum frame; ultrawideband chip
One UI 8, IP48 water resistance, 25W wired charging, Qi wireless charging, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Galaxy AI
2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; ultrawideband
US price starts at
$800 (128GB)
$799 (128GB)
$1,300 (256GB)
$1,300
$499 (128GB)
$2,000 (256GB)
$999 (128GB)
$1,199 (256GB)
$1,100
$1,000 (256GB)
In September 2025, we added the Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. The new phones replace last year's Pixel 9 series.
Look at last year's phones: Companies typically keep previous models around at a discounted price. For example, you can buy the 2024 Pixel 9 Pro for $899 and the Pixel 9 for $599.
Get more for less with cheap phones: For a fraction of the cost, you can get a solid phone that does almost everything a pricier flagship phone can do. The Google Pixel 8A packs a good camera and is frequently discounted to under $400.
Check your Android type: Some phones, like Google's Pixel series, run a stock version of Android. Others, like Samsung's Galaxy phones, have their own software (OneUI) on top of Android. Each type has its own appeal and drawbacks. If you've been rocking a Samsung phone for years, you'll likely still be more at home on a new Galaxy phone.
Be ready for Cyber Monday sales: The holidays usually bring big discounts and sales, even on phones.
Test your phone: It's definitely worth going to a store and trying out a phone before you shell out hundreds of dollars for it.
Find peace of mind with a case: You spent all this time choosing a phone -- now protect it from damage with a case.
We test every aspect of a new phone from the battery and processor to the cameras.
John Kim/CNET
We test every phone in real-world scenarios, focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. We document our findings in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates or to compare against new phones from phones from competitors like Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
Photography
Photography is a major focus for most phones these days, so we take pictures and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting scenarios. We try out any new camera modes, such as the 4K 120fps slow motion mode that debuted on the iPhone 16 Pro or the Add Me photo tool that launched with the Google Pixel 9 series.
Battery life
Battery testing is conducted in a variety of ways. We assess how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use and note how it performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We also conduct a video playback test, which isn't always included in the initial review and is added later in an update.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 largely has the same camera hardware as the Z Flip 4. But the new chip brings some image processing improvements.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Performance
We use benchmarking apps to measure the performance, alongside our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. Of particular note are how graphics and animations look. Are they smooth? Or do they lag or stutter? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations and how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.
Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
We perform processor-heavy tasks like editing photos, exporting videos and playing games. We evaluate whether a newer version of a particular phone includes enough features to make it worth upgrading from older models.
The Galaxy S24 FE does a decent job taking photos, but the more expensive Galaxy S25 uses its more powerful processor to enhance them.
Numi Prasarn/CNET
The OnePlus 13 was the first true flagship phone of 2025, and there's plenty to like. From its powerful performance to its fast charging and vibrant display, it has much of what we expect from a top-end phone right now. It looks good, too, has great waterproofing, a scattering of new AI skills and a reasonable six years of security support. But while accomplished in some respects, the OnePlus 13 feels more like a "pretty good" 2024 phone, rather than kicking off a new year of tech with any kind of fanfare. Read our OnePlus 13 review.
Which Android phone has the best camera?
The $999 Pixel 10 Pro and the $1,300 Galaxy S25 Ultra (for zooming).
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What are the best brands for Android phones?
The best Android phone makers include Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola and Nothing.
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How reliable is an Android phone?
Android phones come in all shapes and sizes. Prices range from just a couple hundred dollars for a basic smartphone to $2,00 for state-of-the-art foldable phones. All the phones on this list are durable, have an IP rating for water and dust resistance and have years of software support.
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How long does an Android phone last?
Every phone on this list varies in how many years of software support you get and how long you can extend the warranty, but most should last you a few years. if not more.
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As most of the major phones were released at the end of 2025, we still look forward to 2026 getting off to a big start. Samsung is rumored to be releasing its Galaxy S26 series in February just months after launching the Galaxy Z TriFold internationally (which actually folds into 3 sections using two hinges). We'll be comparing them to our picks from earlier in the year and continue to update this list accordingly.