The best Android phones have excellent cameras, a battery life that lasts a day or more, a powerful processor and years of software and security updates. We tested dozens of Android smartphones, and found the best phones you should buy. Google’s Pixel 9 and the 9 Pro XL make our list as does Samsung’s Galaxy S25. CNET editors have tested and reviewed every phone on this list. So you should have no trouble finding one that suits your needs. While tariffs and a general uncertainty around the economy have caused people to consider upgrading their phone, companies like Samsung and Google have not raised the prices on their current offerings.
What’s the best Android phone?
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 (there’s even 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 2025
Recent updates
In January 2025, we added the Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Plus and S25 Ultra to our list. The new phones replace last year’s Galaxy S24 series and come with new processors and cameras–all at the same price.
Factors to consider when buying an Android phone
Look at last year’s phones: Companies typically keep previous models around at a discounted price. For example, while you can buy the $699 Pixel 8 or $999 Pixel 8 Pro for less than the current Pixel 9 equivalents.
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.
How we test phones
We test every aspect of a new phone from the battery and processor to the cameras.
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.
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.
Read more: How We Test Phones
Other phones we tested
The Galaxy S24 FE does a decent job taking photos, but the more expensive Galaxy S24 uses its more powerful processor to enhance them.
Samsung’s $650 Galaxy S24 FE is such a comfort to use that at moments our reviewer, Mike Sorrentino, felt like he was testing a scaled-back version of the $1,000 Galaxy S24 Plus. The S24 FE’s large 6.7-inch 120Hz refresh-rate display made it easy for me to enjoy streaming shows, playing games and taking video calls throughout the day. And it includes nearly every software perk from the more expensive Galaxy S24 line. Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
The OnePlus 13 is 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.
Android phone FAQ
Which Android phone has the best camera?
The $999 Pixel 9 Pro and the $1,300 Galaxy S25 Ultra (for zooming).
What are the best brands for Android phones?
The best Android phone makers include Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola and Nothing.
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 $1,800 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 years of software support.
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.
What to look forward to in 2025
Samsung teased the Galaxy S25 Edge at its January Galaxy Unpacked event. Not much is known about the phone aside from it being more slim than the regular Galaxy S25. Here’s everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. Google is expected to release the Pixel 10 series later this year.
