Experts tested hundreds of Android smartphones and identified the top 5 best

Current Android models include Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, Google Pixel 9, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Asus ROG Phone 8, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Among the current smartphones of the fall — new products from Samsung, Google, Asus. The selection was created by the Android Authority resource.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus

Packed with a host of new AI features, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is the 6.7-inch entry-level model of the S24 series. Sharing most of the specs and features with the standard S24, the S24 Plus offers a bigger battery, more storage, 12GB of RAM, and a Quad HD resolution. It's designed for those who want a bigger display but aren't interested in the best features only available on the S24 Ultra.

Google Pixel 9

Google's entry-level flagship is back on our list, even if it continues to rise in price. Simply put, the Pixel 9 is one of those Android phones that just keeps getting better over time, allowing you to stretch its value even further. While the Pixel 8 felt like a way to introduce Gemini to the world, the Pixel 9 feels like it takes the AI ​​companion to the next level.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung's true flagship, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, offers the best specs and features of any Galaxy phone to date. AI and camera features — here's what's important: a 200MP main camera, a 5x 50MP telephoto lens, a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera.

Smaller display bezels, a 2600 nit display, a 5000 mAh battery, an advanced evaporative cooling chamber, up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, and 12GB of RAM make this a powerful mobile computing system. The new ProVisual Engine offers AI-powered camera tools for both photo and video shooting.

ROG Phone 8

Phones aimed at gamers have always had some glaring omissions or unusual design decisions, but the ROG Phone 8 is a welcome exception. Not only is it the best gaming phone, it also gets rid of most of the typical shortcomings of niche gaming devices, borrowing more features from the ASUS Zenfone line than ever before.

Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL

Since this is the first time Google has introduced two Pro-grade Pixels, it's easier to gloss over their differences than their similarities. The Pixel 9 Pro is obviously the smaller of the two, offering a flat 6.3-inch display versus the flat 6.8-inch XL variant.

It has a slightly smaller battery and a slightly slower charging speed, but it's not really that picky about which USB PD PPS charger you connect it to.

Additionally recommended smartphones

There are a few other options that might be a better fit. Some of them are only for Europe, while others are simply too specialized to take the top spot on the list.

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip lineup is among the easiest foldables to recommend, and the sixth iteration is the best yet. Its pocket-sized size and attractive design make it a great choice for most people, and after a few iterations of polishing, there are now very few compromises left for the Flip's clamshell-style foldable form factor.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: If you want a full-size tablet, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers more screen, more power, and more accessories than its Flip sibling. It's now on par with the Galaxy S series in terms of software support and AI features.
• ASUS Zenfone 10: If you want a small Android flagship, the Zenfone 10 is the best of the bunch. It's ready to be used with one hand and doesn't compromise on battery life or performance.
• Google Pixel 8a: Not everyone can afford to spend over $800 on a phone, and that's where this budget option comes in handy. It's cheaper than the Pixel 8, but uses the same chipset and offers many of the same smart features.
• Samsung Galaxy S24: The Galaxy S24 isn't as substantial as its bigger siblings, but if you want an Android phone that's a little smaller, it's a great choice. It eclipses the Galaxy S24 Plus on several fronts, but it has less RAM, a smaller battery and less base storage. A slightly cheaper option — Galaxy S23 FE, which makes some compromises in build quality but is otherwise a good choice.
• Motorola Razr Plus (2024): Some might argue that Motorola, not Samsung, is currently making the best foldable phone in the US. The Razr Plus features an interesting combination of wide-angle and telephoto cameras, as well as the largest bezel-less display you'll find on a foldable phone right now.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Google's take on the foldable device is a bit different from Samsung's choice in favor of a slightly wider overall design. This year's Pixel 9 Pro Fold even ditches the camera panel, moving it to a square body in the top corner.
• Samsung Galaxy A54 5G: The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is an excellent mid-range device. It's overshadowed by Samsung's more expensive Galaxy S series phones, but it's a great choice for those on a budget.
• Nothing Phone 2: Nothing has made some big improvements to its second smartphone, and the Glyph on the back is still a big plus. It's also officially available in the US, making it a great device for those looking to start a conversation.
• HONOR Magic 6 Pro: HONOR has seriously stepped up its game with the Magic 6 Pro, and it can finally compete with Samsung and Apple. If you live in the UK or Europe, of course.
• Sony Xperia 1 Vl: If you're looking for hardware that doesn't skimp on the money, the Xperia 1 VI is the one. It finally gets more flexible camera settings and improved battery life, making it the most practical Xperia flagship in years — even if it's hard to get in the US.