Best Android phones 2023: top Android mobile phones, rated and ranked

The best Android phones you can buy today, from premium flagships to more affordable bargains

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra review
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(Image credit: Samsung)

There have been so many Android phone launches in 2023, each muscling into the market and trying to grab your attention, but which Android devices are the best of the best? Plenty fall into our best phones list, of course, but this page is Apple-free. 

At T3, we review all the latest and greatest handsets running on Google's operating system, which we've compiled into this handy best-of 2023 guide, pulling together the greatest Android flagships, alongside more affordable and cost-effective alternate options.

Below, we've rounded up the best Android phones on the market today, including models from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Oppo and many more besides. Which Android phone is best for you? Read on to find out...

Best Android phone 2023: Top 3

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The best premium Android phone experience goes to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. We called it "the master of all" in our review (opens in new tab), because it quite simply betters any other Android handset out there right now.

On a balance of cost to features, however, the best Android phone for most people crown falls to the Google Pixel 7 Pro. As stated in our review (opens in new tab), it rivals the Samsung on cameras performance, brings a distinctive design, and is more competitively priced.

If you're looking to save even more cash but still get great features, the best budget Android phone is the Google Pixel 6a. Thanks to Google's own chipset, Tensor, and great cameras and software, this 'lite' version of the Pixel is super – as we said in our review (opens in new tab).

Google Pixel 7 Pro reviewT3 Best Buy badge

The Google Pixel 7 Pro delivers the best Android experience for most people

(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
The best Android phone for most people

Specifications

Dimensions & Weight: 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9mm / 212g
Screen size: 6.7-inch, 1440 x 3120 resolution, 120Hz
CPU: Google Tensor G2, 8GB/12GB RAM
Storage: 128GB / 256GB
Battery: 5000mAh, 30W fast-charging
Rear camera: Triple: 50MP + 48MP + 12MP
Front camera: 10.8MP

Reasons to buy

+
Great camera experience
+
Bold, distinctive design
+
Savvily priced against competition

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the fastest charging
-
Aluminium finish scuffs easily

As Google is the godfather of Android, it goes without question that it makes the best pure Android phone in the Google Pixel 7 Pro – as the software is always one step ahead of anything else on the market, bringing the latest and greatest features. 

Not only that, the Pixel 7 Pro's camera is astounding for point-and-shooting in all conditions. There's Google's own second-gen processor, too, called Tensor G2, that's super fast and crunches through images and tasks with such ease. Oh, and that design is super distinctive and a breath of fresh air. 

Like the idea of Google's flagship? Read our full Google Pixel 7 Pro review to learn more

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra reviewT3 Approved badge

The best premium Android phone is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
The best premium Android phone

Specifications

Dimensions & Weight: 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9mm / 234g
Screen size: 6.8-inch, 1440 x 3200 pixels
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8GB/12GB RAM
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery: 5000mAh, 45W fast-charging
Rear cameras: Quad: 200MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP
Front camera: 12MP

Reasons to buy

+
Seriously powerful hardware
+
Versatile camera system
+
S Pen stylus comes in a handy slot 

Reasons to avoid

-
Undeniably expensive
-
S22 Ultra is mighty similar (and cheaper)

The top dog Samsung flagship delivers everything you'd expect and more – including a built-in S Pen stylus which we've found really useful for interacting with the additional software features – and the company's first 200-megapixel main camera. 

What's particularly great about the cameras – and we really love the exposed rear design of these four lenses – is the versatility and variety of zoom lenses, which is an increasing rarity in high-end Android devices. 

Add battery life that starts off so-so but improves with learning, and you've got one killer flagship Android phone that'll last and last. It'll cost you a fair chunk of change, of course, but it's worth every penny in our view. And if you disagree then the older Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is still a mighty fine (and similar) option instead.

Read of our full Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review for the full breakdown on why it's such a top pick

Google Pixel 6A reviewT3 Award

The best budget Android phone is the OnePlus Nord 2T

(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
The best budget Android phone

Specifications

Dimensions & Weight: 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9mm, 178g
Screen size: 6.1-inch, 1080 x 2400 pixels
CPU: Google Tensor, 6GB RAM
Storage: 128GB
Battery: 4410mAh, 18W charging
Rear camera: Dual: 12MP + 12MP
Front camera: 8MP

Reasons to buy

+
Android runs best on Pixel
+
Easy-to-use cameras arrangement 
+
If you don't want a massive phone it's great

Reasons to avoid

-
Only a 60Hz refresh rate display
-
Lots of competition from likes of OnePlus

The Google Pixel 6a is a model example of a small-screen Android phone – and its size, thanks to the 6.1-inch display, is the key selling point. And if you're looking for super-smooth software, lots of great features (including the cameras), and long-lasting battery life per charge, look no further.

The main things that work against the Pixel 6a are actually the existence of the older Pixel 6 model and, of course, the impending Pixel 7 launch. It'll depend on what sort of bargain you can find with the former, or whether you're willing to spend lots more with the latter. If neither then the 6a is a savvy affordable Android handset with little compromise. 

Read our full Google Pixel 6a review where we explain whether it's the most sensible affordable Android phone you can buy


Best Android phones 2023: Best of the rest

Xiaomi 13 Pro reviewT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
One of the best camera phones

Specifications

Dimensions: 162.9 x 74.6 x 8.4mm / 210g
Screen size: 6.73-inch, 3200 x 1440 pixels
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8GB/12GB RAM
Storage: 128GB / 256GB
Battery: 4,820mAh, 120W fast-charging
Rear camera: Triple: 50MP, 50MP, 50MP
Front camera: 32MP

Reasons to buy

+
Stunning triple camera among the best of 2023
+
Display will rival the best of them
+
120W HyperCharge is crazy-fast

Reasons to avoid

-
Strong competition at similar pricing
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Below-average battery life
-
Some software irks

If you're looking for one of the best cameras in any Android phone then look no further than the Xiaomi 13 Pro. Its main 1-inch sensor is supreme thanks to great lenses and a Leica collaboration. Seriously, this stuff more than rivals Samsung. 

There's tonnes of power under the hood too, insanely fast-charging, and a display to rival the best of them. The finish is a bit too fingerprint-friendly, however, and software irks prevent this handset from quite sitting in the top three... although it's oh so very close!

Read our full Xiaomi 13 Pro review to see if this tip-top camera phone delivers all the right points to make it your perfect Android match-up

OnePlus 11 review: green phone laid on grey surfaceT3 Award

A great affordable Android phone 

(Image credit: Future)
A great Google Pixel rival

Specifications

Dimensions & Weight: 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5mm / 205g
Screen size: 6.7-inch, 3216 x 1440 pixels
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8GB/12GB/16GB RAM
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Battery: 5,000mAh, 100W fast-charging
Rear camera: Triple: 50MP + 32MP + 48MP
Front camera: 16MP

Reasons to buy

+
6.7-inch QHD+, 120Hz display
+
Powerful efficient performance
+
Seriously fast charging

Reasons to avoid

-
Other phones have a better battery life
-
Weak zoom on the camera

OnePlus has risen through the ranks over the years, always offering seriously big spec for a not-so-big price point. In this handset it's the stunning 6.7-inch screen that we found to be its main lure – especially thanks to its 120Hz fast refresh rate and high-res 10-bit colour depth quality.

Another headline grab that we really love about this phone is how fast you can charge it up – it only took us about 25 minutes to take it from empty to full. That 100W wired charging is game-changing – and a good job given the fact that the battery life is otherwise just okay – and one feature that helps it stand apart from Google's Pixel offerings.

Check out our full OnePlus 11 review to read why we think it's a great Google Pixel alternative 

Oppo Find X5 ProT3 Approved badge

The best alternative premium Android phone

(Image credit: Future)
The best alternative premium Android phone

Specifications

Dimensions & Weight:: 163.7 x 73.9 x 8.5mm / 218g
Screen size: 6.7-inch, 3216 x 1440 pixels
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 12GB RAM
Storage: 256GB
Battery: 5,000mAh, 80W fast-charging
Rear camera: Triple: 50MP + 50MP + 13MP
Front camera: 32MP

Reasons to buy

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6.7-inch 120Hz QHD+ screen
+
Long-lasting battery and fast charging
+
Impressive camera system

Reasons to avoid

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No microSD card slot or headphone jack
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Expensive

Oppo's Find X5 Pro is an ideal alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Pixel 7 series, delivering a gorgeous design finished in ceramic and a really impressive camera system. And just like the OnePlus further up this page, there's ultra-fast charging too.

If you’re big on photography then the Find X5 Pro is a stunner, its dual 50MP main/wide cameras and 13MP telephoto camera are able to take super pictures – helped along by Oppo's own processing hardware that helps it stand apart from the crowd. 

Read our full Oppo Find X5 Pro review to get a better look at this stylish handset and what its cameras can do

Motorola Edge 30 UltraT3 Award

A fantastic premium Android phone

(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
A fantastic high-res camera option

Specifications

Dimensions: 161.8 x 73.5 x 8.4mm / 199g
Screen size: 6.67-inch, 1080 x 2400 resolution, 144Hz
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 8GB/12GB RAM
Storage: 128GB / 256GB
Battery: 4610mAh, 120W fast-charging
Rear camera: Triple: 200MP + 50MP + 12MP
Front camera: 60MP

Reasons to buy

+
Fast charging at 120W is super quick
+
Display has subtle curvature
+
Powerful processor runs super smooth

Reasons to avoid

-
Battery life isn't great per charge
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Not everyone will want a curved screen

The first ever phone to use a 200-megapixel camera, which paired with stacks of power on tap from Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, plus its curved-edge screen, gives it distinctive appeal. It'll make for a solid Samsung Galaxy S22 alternative for many given the very fair asking price.

However, the battery life is so-so – but if you're near to a plug that's inconsequential as the 120W charging is blisteringly fast (and a plug is included in the box, yay) – and, that curve-edge screen won't suit all users' wants. You won't find this handset over in the States, though, which is almost baffling given how accomplished a piece of kit it is.

Read our full Moto Edge 30 Ultra review to see why this high-res camera option is a great Android option

Realme GT 2 Pro review: phone on a wooden tableT3 Approved badge

The best Android phone for the eco-conscious

(Image credit: Future)
The best Android phone for the eco-conscious

Specifications

Dimensions & Weight: 163 x 75 x 8mm / 189g
Screen size: 6.7-inch, 3216 x 1440 pixels
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 8GB/12GB RAM
Storage: 128GB/256GB
Battery: 5,000mAh, 65W fast-charging
Rear camera: Dual: 50MP + 50MP
Front camera: 32MP

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible performance for the price
+
Unique eco-conscious design
+
Speedy charging

Reasons to avoid

-
Camera could be improved
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No headphone jack
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Some might dislike the design

All about performance, the Realme GT 2 Pro is a mid-range smartphone in terms of price, delivering flagship-level specs and really fast charging (although not as speedy as the Xiaomi 12 Pro). Packing the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, it's super powerful and means it'll make most tasks a breeze – even if you're into the most demanding mobile games like Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG Mobile. 

Another unique feature of the Realme GT 2 Pro is its design: the back of this Android phone is designed to look and feel like paper. While it won't be for everyone, we think it's nice to see something a bit different to the norm – especially in the green finish of our review product, as pictured.

Check out our full Realme GT 2 Pro review to see if this affordable yet high-spec handset with an eco-conscious design is the Android phone for you

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with S Pen stylusT3 Awards 2022 Highly Commended logo

The best premium Android phone is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

(Image credit: Future)
Still a great premium Android phone

Specifications

Dimensions & Weight: 77.9 x 163.3 x 8.9mm / 229g
Screen size: 6.8-inch, 1440 x 3200 pixels
Processor: Samsung Exynos 2200, 8GB/12GB RAM
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery: 5000mAh, 45W fast-charging
Rear cameras: Quad: 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP
Front camera: 40MP

Reasons to buy

+
Seriously powerful hardware
+
Versatile camera with clever AI features
+
S Pen stylus comes in a handy slot 

Reasons to avoid

-
Undeniably expensive
-
No microSD card slot

The former top dog Samsung flagship delivers everything you'd expect and more – including a built-in S Pen stylus (like the old Note used to have) which we've found really useful for interacting with the additional software features. It's a lot cheaper than the Galaxy S23 Ultra, too, hence its place on this list.

Add great cameras – and we really love the exposed rear design of these four lenses – and battery life that starts off so-so but improves with learning, and you've got one killer flagship Android phone. It'll cost you a fair chunk, of course, but it's worth every penny in our view.

Take a read of our full Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra review for the full breakdown on why it's such a top pick

OnePlus Nord 2T from the back up against a wallT3 Award

The best budget Android phone is the OnePlus Nord 2T

(Image credit: Future)
One of the best budget Android phones

Specifications

Dimensions & Weight: 159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2mm, 190g
Screen size: 6.43-inch, 1080 x 2400 pixels
CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 1300, 8GB/12GB RAM
Storage: 128GB / 256GB
Battery: 4500mAh, 80W fast-charging
Rear camera: Triple: 50MP + 8MP + 2MP
Front camera: 32MP

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent screen and build quality
+
Clean, powerful OxygenOS
+
Impressive performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Loads of strong alternatives
-
Not completely waterproof

OnePlus knows its stuff when it comes to making quality budget Android phones – and the Nord 2T is a prime example. An evolution of the Nord 2, the handset hasn't been completely revamped, but there have been some really useful improvements. Our favourite of which is the new 80W charging – it only took us half an hour to recharge the phone from flat to full. 

What was already a fantastic phone series from OnePlus is now even better – indeed it's among the best budget Android phones available right now. So why is it so cheap? Well, everything about this phone is good rather than great. You can’t expect it to smash any of the records, but what you will get is a solid, reliable handset that is excellent value for money.

Read our full OnePlus Nord 2T review where we explain why it has everything you could need from an affordable phone


Best Android phones: extra information

The best Android phone for you isn’t necessarily going to be the most expensive or advanced phone, although of course you’ll find lots of big-name flagship phones such as the best Samsung phones in our list. While flagships are great choices for many buyers we’ve also taken great care to include phones for every kind of Android user, and for every budget.

The Android market gets ever more competitive, and that’s brilliant news for buyers: Android is the OS for many of the best cheap phones you can buy, many of the best compact phones, and almost all of the best gaming phones too. 

Android phones also completely dominate the best foldable phones market: right now interesting new models from Samsung, Huawei, Motorola and more are currently competing for the folding phone crown, unchallenged by Apple. 

Let's face it. Many, perhaps even most, of the best phones overall in 2023 are Android ones that deliver hardware and features as good as or better than any iPhone. 

How to choose the best Android phone for you

When it comes to choosing the best Android phone, budget will probably be the single biggest factor that guides your hand. Will you go for the cutting-edge ultra-premium model? Or the second highest tier of still being premium, but without the most ridiculous features? Or are looking for a great bang-for-buck mid-range set? Or do you have a strict lower budget in mind? 

Then, two of the biggest factors are size and the cameras. Phones are still creeping up and up in screen size, and some people want the biggest they can get, while some want to find a more one-handed phone, or a middle ground. Regarding the cameras, we all want something that can take excellent shots, right? But do you need fancy zoom lenses, or are you happy with a simpler array as long as it takes great shots?

Who are the best Android phone makers?

There are so many Android phone makers today that recommending the best can be quite a task. Here at T3 we think Samsung has consistently produced quality smartphones over many years, making it a no-brainer for this list. Chinese brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Oppo also consistently produce phones with great hardware, too – but you might find the software can be a bit contentious at times.

So aside from a few exceptions – Huawei, for example, has no access to Google Play Store apps – all Android phones today offer a very similar and high-quality baseline experience. Maker choice really comes down to aesthetic preference and high level features and software – or you might get so used to one manufacturer's ways that you'll always want to stick in their stable.

How we test the best Android phones

T3 is one of the world's foremost experts in terms of reviewing and rating phones, and when it comes round to testing the best Android phones we've got a very detailed, multi-step process to sort the pretenders from the champs.

The first step we undertake is reviewing the phone from a design and build quality point of view. Here we want to discover exactly what the phone offers physically, aesthetically and in terms of connectivity. We're looking at general things like fit and finish here, too.

Next we're specifically looking at the Android phone's screen. We break the screen out as its own section as a phone's screen is absolutely critical to a device's usage experience. We want to know what its size, resolution, panel type, coating, brightness and features are.

We also evaluate what the Android mobile offers in term of core internal hardware. So we're talking about its CPU, GPU, RAM and storage specs. Crucially, though, as we understand that specs and benchmark scores on paper can only take you so far in any judgement, we actually use the phone thoroughly in a variety of applications and games to see just what the hardware is capable of in a day-to-day usage case.

Cameras get a lot of weight in T3's testing – as a person's Android handset is also their primary camera in most circumstances. We're looking at not just the quality and size of the phone's camera lenses, but also the types delivered (wide-angle, telephoto, macro, black and white, etc) as well as what advanced sensors are on board. Of course we're obviously judging a camera system's quality by the images it produces, with us looking out for key scoring areas such as accuracy of colour reproduction, detail, and so forth.

We then move on to testing the phone's battery life. T3 does this purely based on real-world testing, using a phone continuously for a series of days as our own and then reporting in on just how long it lasts.

We also compare the phone to other Android mobiles that offer the same sort of package or retail for the same sort of money to provide context. 

Only then do we bestow a star score out of 5 and, if it's high-scoring, we then consider it for inclusion in our best Android phones buying guide.

Mike Lowe
Tech Editor

Mike is the Tech Editor and AV Editor at T3.com. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 and, as a phones expert, has seen hundreds of handsets over the years – swathes of Android devices, a smattering of iPhones, and a batch of Windows Phone products (remember those?). But that's not all, as a tech aficionado his beat for T3 also covers tablets, laptops, gaming, home cinema, TVs, speakers and more – there's barely a stone unturned that he's not had a hand on. Previously the Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for a 10 years, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more. In addition to his tech knowledge, Mike is also a flights and travel expert, having travelled the globe extensively. You'll likely find him setting up a new mobile phone, critiquing the next MacBook, all while planning his next getaway... or cycling somewhere.

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