Best buy phones android: Unlocked Android Phones | Best Buy Canada

  • by

The Best Android Phones for 2023

Whether you’re looking for a big or small phone, entry-level or top-of-the-line, Android offers options for everyone. And unlike Apple’s rigid release cycle, Google’s hardware partners unleash an endless stream of new devices year-round. And therein lies the problem: With so many options, how do you settle on the right one? Lucky for you, we test and review nearly every smartphone available from all the major US carriers.

Keep in mind that though some of the devices listed here may not show your carrier of choice, you can buy most of these phones unlocked and use them with multiple US carriers. Read on for what to look for, as well as our top picks for Android phones.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Google Pixel 7a

Best Affordable Pixel Phone

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

Google’s software is the choice of the techno-elite for its speed, elegance, and simplicity. The Pixel 7a brings you that software—along with years of Android updates before anyone else gets them—at an affordable price. Although the Pixel 7a is available from carriers, we encourage you to look at pairing an unlocked model with an alternative (but still reliable) carrier like Google Fi or US Mobile to save money.

Who It’s For

Folks whose taste outpaces their budget. Google’s Pixel phones aren’t the best-selling Android models (Samsung models are more popular), but many people still prefer these phones because of their clean software and capable cameras.

PROS

  • Solid performance
  • Above-average cameras
  • Unique design
  • Wireless charging

CONS

  • Wi-Fi disconnection issue in testing

GET IT NOW

Learn More

Google Pixel 7a Review

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best for Artists and Photographers

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The Galaxy S23 Ultra scratches two specific itches: It has a built-in S Pen stylus (like the now-defunct Galaxy Note) and a 10x optical zoom camera, with 100x digital zoom. Although other stylus-compatible phones are available, none has flagship specs, let alone a camera that can match the Samsung’s zoom power. Rounding out the package is a terrific screen and class-leading cellular reception.

Who It’s For

If you think you will use the stylus or the super-zoom camera, don’t bother looking at other phones. Artists who want a digital drawing platform and photographers who work at telephoto distances should both find appeal here.

PROS

  • Large, bright display
  • Speedy performance
  • Excellent cameras
  • S Pen integration
  • Solid battery life
  • Durable hardware
  • Strong software update commitment

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Big, heavy build

GET IT NOW

Learn More

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review

Motorola Moto Edge+ (2023)

Best Android Flagship for Most People

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Motorola Moto Edge+ currently strikes the best balance of power, connectivity, and price among Android phones. With an excellent three-lens camera array, a bright 6.7-inch screen, and a fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, it’s the mainstream leader. Battery life is also top-notch at nearly 17 hours in our tests.

Who It’s For

This is the no-brainer choice if you want a high-quality Android phone for under $1,000 right now.

PROS

  • Stellar battery life
  • Solid performance
  • Attractive curved screen
  • Rapid charging

CONS

  • Display is only 1080p
  • Finicky fingerprint reader

GET IT NOW

Learn More

Motorola Moto Edge+ (2023) Review

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Best Foldable Phone

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Samsung leads the way in the foldable phone space and its excellent Galaxy Z Fold 4 offers the best experience yet. It has fantastic specs, the biggest screen, and the latest 5G connectivity, all of which propel it to the top of the market.

Who It’s For

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is ideal for people who like the idea of a large-screen device that folds downs into something more manageable. It’s expensive and a bit bulky, but you won’t find anything else quite like it. It’s a killer device for those who want or need to multitask, or wish to use a stylus with their device.

PROS

  • Fast and powerful
  • Useful multi-window mode
  • Excellent signal strength
  • Fully usable with one hand

CONS

  • Very expensive
  • Heavy
  • Some applications are buggy

GET IT NOW

Learn More

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Review

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

Best Affordable Android Phone

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G easily justifies its very affordable price. You get a big 6.6-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, good performance, and many years of updates to keep your phone current. We also like that the phone still features both a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot.

Who It’s For?

If you need to keep to a strict budget or get your kid their first smartphone, this is your best bet. Yes, kids will probably ask for iPhones, but it’s your wallet and they should adjust to Android quickly.

PROS

  • Large, sharp display with 90Hz refresh rate
  • Good performance for the price
  • Excellent software update policy

CONS

  • Not protected against dust or water
  • Screen is hard to see in sunlight

GET IT NOW

Learn More

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Review

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Best High-End Pixel Phone

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Pixel 7 Pro takes everything we like about the base Pixel 7 and makes it better. It adds a high-end telephoto camera, more RAM, and a bigger, faster screen. It maintains the stock Pixel software experience we love, which makes it worth considering for die-hard Android fans.

Who It’s For

If you want a larger phone, the best-possible mobile camera, and demand the pure Android experience offered by Google Pixel phones, this is the one to buy. While the base Pixel 7 provides a better value, the Pixel 7 Pro takes everything to the nth degree.

PROS

  • Excellent photography features
  • Powerful software tools
  • Fast, pixel-rich display

CONS

  • Shorter battery life than the Pixel 7
  • Connectivity could be better

GET IT NOW

Learn More

Google Pixel 7 Pro Review

Motorola ThinkPhone

Best Business Flagship

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The powerful Motorola ThinkPhone offers a 144Hz screen, a long-lasting battery, and an excellent IP68 rating that protects it from all kinds of dust and spills. For business users, the Ready For companion app unlocks a toolbelt full of enterprise features such as app streaming, cross-device copy and pasting, and drag-and-drop file sharing with Windows PCs. Management apps such as ThinkShield, Moto Secure, Moto OEMConfig, and Moto Device Manager should satisfy IT managers as well. Did we mention that it’s tough as nails?

Who It’s For

The ThinkPhone is an ideal work phone, with enough power and features to succeed in professional environments.

PROS

  • Excellent performance
  • Speedy 144Hz display
  • Above-average battery life
  • Resistant to drops and water

CONS

  • Just-OK cameras

GET IT NOW

Learn More

Motorola ThinkPhone Review

Samsung Galaxy S23

Best Small Phone

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The base Samsung Galaxy S23 hits many of the same high notes as its two siblings: fast performance, good cameras, and excellent cellular reception. This model is just a bit smaller and more affordable with slightly shorter battery life.

Who It’s For

If you have trouble operating a big phone, this is our favorite small Android model with flagship specs. It isn’t actually a small phone like the iPhone 13 mini, but it’s still your best bet if you want something pocketable.

PROS

  • Pocket-friendly size
  • Strong performance
  • Good battery life
  • Respectable cameras
  • Reasonable price

CONS

  • Slower charging than S23+ and S23 Ultra
  • No ultra-wideband (UWB) support

GET IT NOW

Learn More

Samsung Galaxy S23 Review

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

Best Pocket-Sized Flip Phone

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

We love that the Galaxy Z Flip 4 lets you access quick bits of information and key notifications from the outer screen without even opening the phone. And when you do open it, you get access to a large screen with the full Samsung Galaxy experience.

Who It’s For

This handset is perfect for minimizing distractions and helping you spend more time in the real world. It’s also great if you want to take creative selfies because the folding screen works as a tripod of sorts. Finally, if you like to wear tight pants with small pockets, the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s verical folding design keeps it a lot more compact than the horizontal folding Galaxy Z Fold 4.

PROS

  • Standout design
  • Better battery life than previous model
  • Excellent cellular reception
  • Useful front screen

CONS

  • Less-capable cameras than other premium phones
  • Gaming performance throttles quickly

GET IT NOW

Learn More

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Review

Buying Guide: The Best Android Phones for 2023

When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Android Phone?

The Android release cycle is perpetual, and a new set of flagship phones arrives practically every month. For instance, so far in 2023, we saw fresh Galaxy S hardware from Samsung in February and a new phone from OnePlus shortly thereafter. A significant number of new, innovative handsets debuted at Mobile World Congress in March, and we recently tested the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, the Motorola Razr+, and the Google Pixel Fold.

Our point is that there’s almost always a new Android phone available, and there is no bad time to buy.

The Best 5G Android Phones

Support for 5G has now become fairly standard on any phone costing more than $200. Devices below that threshold might not work on every band, but don’t worry too much; 4G networks are robust, still offer excellent performance, and will continue to do so for years.

Speaking of bands, if you want the best network speeds in the US, look for a phone with C-band (band n77). On T-Mobile and Verizon, C-band 5G offers several times the speed of 4G. The number of phones with C-band support is growing quickly, but you should confirm that the particular phone you’re considering supports it. We detail whether a phone supports C-band in each of our reviews to make the process easier.

For more, you can find our favorite 5G handsets in our list of the best 5G phones.

What Is the Best Cheap Android Phone?

This list has phones that cost anywhere from below $200 to nearly $2,000. On the low end, Motorola, OnePlus, and Samsung models tend to be excellent values for the money. Of note: carrier-branded phones (which don’t mention the name of their manufacturer) often aren’t very good, and you should avoid them.

Most of the phones available in the US cost $600 or more because most people buy them on monthly payment plans that hide the cost over 24 to 36 months. But there’s also a thriving market, mostly in the prepaid space, of phones that cost $300 or less. Take a look at lower-end OnePlus phones or models from Motorola and Samsung at prepaid carriers for decent quality at a low price.

For more, see our stories on the best cheap phones, the best cheap phone plans, and our top tips to get the best price on a cell phone.

What Size Android Phone Is Right for You?

There’s been a dramatic shift in Android phone shapes and sizes over the last few years. Many manufacturers have started to make their phones taller and narrower, resulting in one-hand-friendly models with improbably large screen sizes. We go into more detail on evolving form factors in our piece on how we need to measure phone screens now.

Left to right: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 (Credit: Eric Zeman)

You can find Android phones with stated screen sizes from 3 inches (the Unihertz Jelly 2E(Opens in a new window)) to over 7 inches (the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4). With the new designs, though, it’s very important to look at the width of the phone and the width of the screen. A tall, narrow phone can be much easier to handle than something wider, but it’s also a less common aspect ratio for apps to use.

In the end, don’t discount the value of handling several options in person at your local wireless shop. And check out our roundup of small phones for your best compact options.

Which Is the Best Android Version?

Generally speaking, the newest version of Android is the best version of Android. Android 13 is the most recent version of Google’s mobile platform at the time of this writing. Many phones currently have access to Android 13, but some still don’t.

Whatever you do, don’t buy a phone that comes with anything below Android 11; the older the Android software version, the more likely it is to have security flaws. Also, check how many rounds of full operating system upgrades and security patches the manufacturer promises; Google and Samsung tend to lead the pack for multi-year upgrades, but some competing phone makers are catching up.

Last, remember that not all experiences on Android are the same. If you want a pure Google experience, opt for a Pixel device—they’re the models that Google upgrades first. Motorola and Nokia also offer a mostly clean Android interface, though the companies lag on long-term software support. Samsung, OnePlus, TCL, and other phone makers ship their phones with skins that change the look and functionality of Android to some degree.

Recommended by Our Editors

23 Android Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most From Your Phone

10 Tips to Boost Your Android Phone’s Battery Life

10 Easy Ways to Make Your Android Phone Less Annoying

Google Pixel 7 (Credit: Eric Zeman)

What About Oppo, Vivo, or Xiaomi?

Three of the world’s five biggest smartphone makers(Opens in a new window) don’t sell phones in the US (at least, via carriers), and PCMag primarily serves US consumers. In the cases of Oppo and Vivo, it’s because they’ve ceded the US market to their sibling brand OnePlus (Oppo and OnePlus have now essentially merged). Xiaomi has said several times that its business model, which relies heavily on advertising revenue and subscription services baked into its phones, won’t work in the US. Huawei, once near the top of the list, has been battered by sanctions that prohibit the company from using US components or software in its smartphones. The same is mostly true for ZTE, once a mainstay of US prepaid carriers. Honor, a former subsidiary of Huawei, is now making a more global push, particularly in Europe, but has yet to commit to selling phones in the US.

We do not recommend importing foreign phones for use in the US because they often perform poorly on US carrier networks. When we tested the Oppo Find X5 Pro, for example, we couldn’t get it to connect to T-Mobile’s 5G system, even though it theoretically should have worked.

Is It Better to Buy an Android Phone Unlocked or Through a Carrier?

Carrier-sold phones still dominate the US market, but buying your phone direct and unlocked gives you more freedom to switch carriers. Unlocked phones don’t feature carrier bloatware and are something you buy upfront, so you don’t have to worry about monthly payments.

You can buy every phone on this list directly without any carrier involvement. But most people still buy their phones through carriers, which offer a single point for service and support and monthly payment plans that dramatically lower the upfront price. Many even offer increased trade-in values on phones, further lowering the price.

You should also make sure your carrier (especially if you’re using an MVNO) supports a phone fully before buying it. Although you can always hop between MVNOs without penalty, if you’re happy with your current carrier, it’s best to make sure the phone you buy works on that network.

With all that in mind, choosing Android as your mobile operating system is only half the battle; you still need to pick the right phone. If you’re still on the fence, check out our list of the best phones, regardless of OS.

Best Android Phone of 2023

There are a lot of Android devices on the market. Whether you prefer Samsung, Google or OnePlus, you have sizes, shapes and prices to choose from, which means there’s something for everyone. But having so many options also means the buying decision can be difficult. If you aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place: We’ve tested and researched all the best Android phones you can buy in 2023.

This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.

A great phone should have high-quality cameras, long battery life, compelling software features and 5G support. We considered these factors when putting together our list of the best Android phones in 2023, which you can check out below. The CNET team updates this list periodically as we review new products. 

What’s the best Android phone?

The Google Pixel 7 Pro sits at the top of our list of best Android phones, largely because it has some of the best cameras found on any phone sold today and represents one of the best values for your dollar on this list. The Pixel 7 Pro also packs a number of convenient features that are unique to it. There are calling tools like the ability for the phone to wait on hold and notify you when a representative becomes available. You can also sharpen old photos that are out of focus to make the subject look clearer. And then there’s the ability to automatically caption videos, podcasts, phone calls and more.

There are plenty of other excellent choices out there, however, even though the Pixel 7 Pro is our current favorite.

Best Android phones of 2023

How we test phones

Every phone on this list has been thoroughly tested by CNET’s expert reviews team. We actually use the phone, test the features, play games and take photos. We assess any marketing promises that a company makes about its phones. And if we find something we don’t like, be it battery life or build quality, we tell you all about it. 

We examine every aspect of a phone during testing:

  • Display
  • Design and feel
  • Processor performance
  • Battery life
  • Camera quality
  • Features

We test all of a phone’s cameras (both front and back) in a variety of conditions: from outdoors under sunlight to dimmer indoor locales and night time scenes (for any available night modes). We also compare our findings against similarly priced models. We have a series of real-world battery tests to see how long a phone lasts under everyday use.

We take into account additional phone features like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, fast charging, foldable displays and other useful extras. And we weigh all of our experiences and testing against the price so you know whether a phone represents good value or not.

Read more: How We Test Phones

Android phone FAQs

More phone and Android recommendations

  • Best Android Tablet for 2023
  • Best T-Mobile Phones of 2023
  • Best Smartphone Under $500 for 2023
  • Best Prepaid Phones for 2023
  • Best Samsung Phone for 2023
  • Phones Under $200: Top Picks and New Budget Phones

Best of 2022: Android Phones | DGL.RU

We’ve compiled a list of the best Android phones to suit your specific needs from Samsung to OnePlus. This detailed study will show what makes an Android phone in demand and which premium features are worth the investment. The Android operating system is reliable, unless the manufacturer skimps on phone technology. Here are a few things that distinguish one gadget from another.

A smartphone always helps us stay connected when we’re on the go, so apps and web browsing need to be fast even when they’re open in the background. More expensive models come with processors that can handle more complex applications and even console-quality games.

Smartphones have long been full-fledged multimedia devices for surfing, streaming and gaming. The camera is also important, although DSLR quality is still not achieved. But the rear cameras have serious photo effects; even the front camera on an Android phone should be at least half decent for Google Duo calls and the occasional selfie.

This is a really powerful smartphone at a great price.

Features:

  • Weight: 210 g
  • Dimensions 163. 9×75.9×8.9 mm
  • Screen: 6.7″ LTPO OLED
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
  • Camera: Main 50 MP, Ultra Wide 12 MP, Telephoto 50 MP
  • RAM: 12 GB
  • Memory: 128-512 GB

Pros:

  • Professional Camera System
  • Advanced AI
  • Excellent build quality

Cons:

  • Not the best battery life

Why the best: Google’s Pixel line of smartphones isn’t all that bad, but it has always lagged behind rivals like Samsung and Motorola in terms of specs and build quality. Google has finally changed that state of affairs with the Google Pixel 6 Pro.

Feature – The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED screen is one of the largest on the market, slightly smaller than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. The case is thicker than before and is twice as scratch resistant as previous Pixel models. Performance is optimized whether you are playing Fortnight or watching YouTube.

However, the Google Pixel 6 Pro really stands out when you look at its camera. The main, ultra-wide-angle lens captures 150% more light, making colors richer and brighter, even at night. With easy-to-use editing tools, the camera turns the novice into a professional photographer.

The only drawback is that the battery life is so short that you will need to plug it in a couple of times a day to recharge. For a phone in this price range, this is still unbeatable value.

The Samsung S21 Ultra is unrivaled in terms of speed, camera and graphics, but it doesn’t come cheap.

Features:

  • Weight: 227 g
  • Dimensions: 165.1×75.6×8.9 mm
  • Screen: 6.8″ AMOLED
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
  • Camera: Wide angle: 108MP with laser autofocus, Telephoto 1: 10MP AF, Telephoto 2 : 10MP AF, Ultra-Wide: 12MP AF
  • RAM: 12-16 GB
  • Memory: 128-512 GB

Pros:

  • The most amazing smartphone screen on the market
  • Lightning Processor
  • Quality cameras

Cons:

  • Astronomical price
  • No SD card slot

Why the best: The S21 Ultra is the most affordable premium smartphone. Despite the price, it is worthy of attention.

The main feature is the massive screen. It looks bigger and brighter, and AMOLED technology offers incredible color clarity and adapts to any lighting environment, so your eyes won’t get tired during extended viewing. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor is responsible for the processing speed, and it is very, very high. The smartphone is equipped with four powerful cameras on the back. A 108-megapixel wide-angle lens will do for most purposes, but a 12-megapixel ultra wide-angle lens and two telephoto lenses might make you want to ditch a DSLR.

The only drawback is that there is no slot for a memory card.

Although it may lack the technical brilliance of more expensive models, this smartphone can last up to three days on a single charge.

Features:

  • Weight: 203g
  • Dimensions: 167.2×76.5×9.4 mm
  • Screen: 6.4″ FHD+ Max Vision
  • Refresh rate: 90 Hz
  • Camera: 16 MP Fast Focus, 2 MP Macro Vision, 8 MP 118-Degree 9 Ultra Wide0018
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Memory: 64 GB

Pros:

  • Almost infinite battery life
  • High performance
  • Durability and reliability

Cons:

  • Outdated graphics features

Why the best: with this smartphone, you can take a break for several days from the constant recharging of the gadget. This is a striking difference even from the most premium models, which at best will last a day on a charge.

A Qualcomm 665 processor and 4 GB of RAM are enough for fast application use and even a fair amount of gaming experience. Even the 16MP camera is much better than it could be. But with all this, the gadget lacks screen technology. The screen is 720p and looks pixelated from certain angles.

However, as ancient as the visuals may seem, it’s a powerful workforce.

The OnePlus 9 combines premium design with built-in Hasselblad mobile camera and lightning-fast charging.

Features:

  • Weight: 192g
  • Dimensions: 160×74.2×8.7 mm
  • Screen: 6.5″ AMOLED
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
  • Camera: 48 MP main camera, 50 MP ultra wide angle camera, 2 MP monochrome camera
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Memory: 128 GB

Pros:

  • Hasselblad exclusive built-in camera
  • High performance, does not overheat
  • Fast charge in 15 minutes

Cons:

  • No telephoto lens
  • Glossy housing remains fingerprint-resistant

Why the best: The is one of the best Android phones for the money. The Qualcomm 888 processor makes the OnePlus 9 great for running demanding apps and games. If you use it for several hours and the battery is dead, it can be fully charged in 15 minutes.

But the main difference from the competition is the built-in Hasselblad camera. Swedish photography titans Hasselblad worked with OnePlus to bring amazing photography to your mobile device. Technology calibrates colors to look more natural than ever to create breathtaking landscapes, detailed portraits and everything in between.

However, the bad news is that this is one of the few cameras in this price range without a dedicated telephoto lens.

A featherweight smartphone that packs a lot of features into a small body and is priced at an affordable price.

Features:

  • Weight: 157g
  • Dimensions: 160.5×75.7×6.8 mm
  • Screen: 6.55″ FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay
  • Refresh rate: 60/90 Hz
  • Camera: 64 MP Main Camera, 8 MP Ultra Wide Camera, 5 MP Tele Macro Camera
  • RAM: 6-8 GB
  • Memory: 64-128 GB

Pros:

  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Detailed AMOLED DotDisplay
  • Powerful and reliable operation

Cons:

  • Poor camera system

Why it’s the best: The , despite being a budget smartphone, is closer in functionality to some of the most premium models on the market.

Light weight, you can forget about it in your pocket or bag, if not for the 6.5-inch AMOLED screen. It’s easy on the eyes and adapts to different light levels so you won’t strain your eyes when looking at it for hours.

Xiaomi Mi Lite 11 can play videos for up to 16 hours on a single charge, making it a great choice for streaming. The Snapdragon 732 processor is not particularly powerful and not new, but it is enough for the most basic tasks.

Lack of chambers. While they’re not that terrible, they’re not as good as they could be. The ultra wide-angle camera doesn’t produce the same quality photos and videos as the Google Pixel Pro.

When it comes to green Android phones in the US, buying a refurbished model is considered smart and green.

Features:

  • Weight: 189g
  • Dimensions: 158.1×73.8×8.5 mm
  • Screen: 6.2″ Quad HD+ Super AMOLED
  • Refresh rate: 60 Hz
  • Camera: Super Speed ​​Dual Pixel 12MP AF, Dual Aperture 12MP
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Memory: 64 GB

Pros:

  • Sustainable choice
  • Extremely affordable
  • Excellent technical performance

Cons:

  • Used products sometimes gamble

Why it’s the best: Buying a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S9+ phone is considered more environmentally friendly, as opposed to constantly buying new models and throwing them in a landfill.

The Samsung Galaxy S9+ is three years old, but it’s still definitely holding its own in the market. A 12-megapixel camera is enough for most tasks and even 4K recording. The Snapdragon Adreno 630 processor has excellent power and speed and is suitable for gaming and media playback. Yes, the smartphone has been refurbished, but it has also had an upgraded battery that is 80% longer than its original lifespan.

Think about why you need a smartphone. Someone exclusively deals with photos and videos for Instagram, someone only uses calls and instant messengers, someone plays both mobile and cross-platform games. And you don’t always have to pay a lot to get what you want.

Phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra have a great built-in camera, but if you already have a DSLR, why buy another one? If you do not plan to play, you will not need a top-end processor with a powerful GPU.

The screen is also important. Many new phones are made with AMOLED screens. It’s short for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diodes, and it’s an improved style of OLED made specifically for smartphones. The visual difference is quite large. A wider range of colors are displayed and they are even more vibrant than before. This results in better resolution and better viewing overall.

Question: What is the fastest Android smartphone?

Many Android flagships are equipped with fast processors. From our selection of OnePlus 9and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra are incredibly fast.

Question: Which phone has the best battery?

The phone with the best battery is the Moto G Power as it can last up to three days on a single charge.

Question: What is the average lifespan of an Android smartphone?

On average, the service life of modern smartphones is two to three years, if you take care of it, do not drop it on asphalt or parquet, do not touch the corners of hard surfaces, do not fill it with anything, etc.

But it’s also worth keeping in mind regular updates to the Android system and security packages. For some smartphones, support is 3-4 years, and then, despite the performance of the gadget, you will not receive system software updates. It already depends on the manufacturer and its support policy. Therefore, a smartphone can be working for a long time, but it is not the newest in terms of security and system version.

Be the first to comment!

Best pure Android + Android One smartphones of 2023

Google branded smartphones use a stock (unmodified) version of Android. Most Android-based manufacturers create their own firmware, while some users like “pure” Android. Google understands this, so they created the Android One program, which involves using an unmodified version of Android for smartphones from other manufacturers. So, what is interesting in the market based on “pure” Android?

Google Pixel 7

Google Pixel 7 has changed in appearance compared to Pixel 6, now you can’t confuse them. Firstly, they have different colors, and secondly, the panel with the camera module is now made of aluminum. It looks fresh, and besides, the design is unique, so it’s immediately clear what kind of device is in your hand.

Interestingly, the screen diagonal has slightly decreased – up to 6.3 inches. This is a plus, because the case has also decreased, and thanks to more rounded corners, it fits much better in the hand. A new very powerful Google Tensor G2 processor has appeared, while the amount of RAM is still the same 8 GB. But do not think that this is not enough, the speed of the system is fantastic.

Double chamber, including main module and extra wide. There are no striking differences from the Pixel 6 in terms of photography, but still the image quality has increased, although it was incomparable before. But the quality of video recording has seriously increased. There is fast charging, 90 Hz. Face unlock is back! And the Pixel 7 remains one of the cheapest camera phones on the market, which is also endowed with water protection and stereo speakers.

  • Screen size: 6. 3 inches
  • Screen resolution: 2400×1080
  • Weight: 197 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Google Tensor 2
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB, 256 GB
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4524 mAh
  • Rear camera: two modules 50/12 MP
  • Front camera: 8 MP
  • Support for memory cards: no

Google Pixel 7 Pro

If anyone thinks the Pixel 7 is a compact smartphone, there’s the Pixel 7 Pro with a 6.7-inch screen and a huge 3120×1440 resolution. Just do not forget that a waterfall screen is used here. The screen refresh rate is 120 Hz.

Unlike the younger version, Pixel 7 Pro immediately received 12 GB of RAM. The camera is the same, only now a telephoto has been added to it. Whether it is necessary is an open question. Photographers need it, most ordinary users – rather no than yes.

The display itself is a little better, the system is very fast, there is fast and wireless charging, moisture protection, cool stereo sound. Many experts call the camera corny the best on the market.

  • Screen size: 6.7″
  • Screen resolution: 3120×1440
  • Weight: 212 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Google Tensor 2
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
  • RAM: 12 GB
  • Battery capacity: 5000 mAh
  • Rear camera: two modules 50/12/48 MP
  • Front camera: 10.8 MP
  • Memory card support: no

Google Pixel 6

After the “five” Pixel 6 was like a breath of fresh air: Google has completely revised the design of their devices. And I must say that the design is very successful. Yes, you may not like it, but one thing is for sure – it is spectacular, unique and recognizable.

Finally, Google decided to use the new 50 MP main camera module. But here’s what’s interesting: even despite the cool photo post-processing algorithms, it cannot be said that the new camera module shoots much better than its predecessor. However, we can safely call Pixel 6 one of the best camera phones.

Pixel 6 is not a flagship, it is based on the first generation Google Tensor chipset. There is 8 GB of RAM in all versions, very fast system performance, stock Android version with a long update, fast charging, IP68 water protection, a good, but still not a top-end 6.4-inch display.

  • Screen size: 6.4″
  • Screen resolution: 2400×1080
  • Weight: 207 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Google Tensor
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB, 256 GB
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4524 mAh
  • Rear camera: two modules 50/12 MP
  • Front camera: 8 MP
  • Memory card support: no

Google Pixel 6 Pro

The Pixel 6 Pro is larger than the smaller version, which is not surprising given the large 6. 7-inch display. It has a high resolution, there is support for 120 Hz versus 90 Hz in Pixel 6.

The camera has not changed, but it has got an additional telephoto lens. The quality of the pictures is flagship, there is nothing special to talk about. The chip is Google Tensor, the amount of RAM is already 12 GB, and you will not notice a striking difference compared to the Pixel 6, where the RAM is 8 GB.

Higher battery capacity, better display, wireless charging, more colors added.

  • Screen size: 6.7″
  • Screen resolution: 3120×1440
  • Weight: 210 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Google Tensor
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
  • RAM: 12 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4905 mAh
  • Rear camera: two modules 50/12/48 MP
  • Front camera: 11.1 MP
  • Memory card support: no

Google Pixel 6a

Perhaps this particular model is the most interesting in the Pixel 6 line. Why? Now let’s explain everything.

This is the budget version of the “six”. She has a plastic case, not a metal one, while she looks almost the same. The screen is smaller – its diagonal is 6.1 inches (refresh rate – standard 60 Hz), respectively, the case is smaller. The camera is the same as in Pixel 5. Interestingly, it sometimes shoots no worse than the older version with a more recent main module. In general, we can say that the Pixel 6a is the most inexpensive camera phone on the market, and this camera phone is great. You can view photos taken with the Pixel 6a camera on the web.

A good screen is installed, there is fast charging, moisture protection, Google Tensor processor. Works very fast. The battery capacity is high – 4410 mAh.

  • Screen size: 6.1″
  • Screen resolution: 2400×1080
  • Weight: 178 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Google Tensor
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4410 mAh
  • Rear camera: dual 12. 2/12 MP
  • Front camera: 8 MP
  • Memory card support: no

Nokia G21

Relatively inexpensive smartphone from Nokia, which uses a pure version of Android. Or rather, almost clean.

The case is made of polycarbonate and the back of the case is textured. A tray is used for two separate SIM cards and one memory card, there is a cover in the kit, a film is pasted on the screen. It has a 6.5-inch HD IPS panel, a Unisoc Tiger T606 chipset with the usual headroom, a powerful 5050 mAh battery that supports fast charging. The scanner is placed on the side, there is NFC.

Triple camera, entry-level photography. During the day it shoots fine.

  • Screen size: 6.5″
  • Screen resolution: 1600×720
  • Weight: 190 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Unisoc Tiger T606
  • Memory capacity: 64 GB, 128 GB
  • RAM: 4 GB, 6 GB
  • Battery capacity: 5050 mAh
  • Rear camera: three modules 50/2/2 MP
  • Front camera: 8 MP
  • Memory card support: yes

Google Pixel 5

Google Pixel 5 turned out to be very unusual.

For example, it has the same size bezels around the display, and the back of the body is finished with the so-called bioresin, which is applied to the metal back. By the way, the case itself turned out to be relatively compact. The front camera is located in the very corner of the screen and does not interfere at all. Display supports 90 Hz.

The performance is more than decent, although the processor is not top – Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G. However, 8 GB of RAM and proprietary optimization do their job.

As always, the camera shoots superbly – at the level of the best camera phones.

  • Screen size: 6″
  • Screen resolution: 2340×1080
  • Weight: 151 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4000 mAh
  • Rear camera: dual 16/12. 2 MP
  • Front camera: 8 MP
  • Memory card support: no

Google Pixel 5a 5G

The Pixel 5a is the budget version of the Pixel 5, although it doesn’t look like it at first glance.

Oddly enough, the younger version received a larger diagonal screen – 6.43 inches. If the back of the Pixel 5 has a bright texture, then here the back cover looks more like plastic, although it is covered with bioresin (based on metal). There is no wireless charging, and the degree of protection against water is lower – IP67. The screen is great, but the refresh rate is 60Hz.

But the processor is the same – Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G, while the amount of RAM is slightly lower – 6 GB. The camera, according to the technical specifications, repeats that of the Pixel 5. The battery capacity is higher here – 4680 mAh.

  • Screen size: 6.34″
  • Screen resolution: 2400×1080
  • Weight: 183 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4680 mAh
  • Rear camera: dual 16/12. 2 MP
  • Front camera: 8 MP
  • Memory card support: no

Google Pixel 4a

Although the Google Pixel 4a is not the newest smartphone, it is very relevant. Why? Yes, if only because it looks cool, it has a matte back cover and a convenient fingerprint scanner located on it, and the camera, as always, shoots just fine.

The screen is a 5.8-inch OLED, but there is no support for 90 Hz, but the “donut” from the front camera is located in the notification bar, so it will not bother you.

The performance margin is very high: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chip, 6 GB of RAM and proprietary optimization. Unlike flagships, there is no wireless charging here, but there is a fast one.

  • Screen size: 5.8″
  • Screen resolution: 2160×1080
  • Weight: 162 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 1
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Battery capacity: 3140 mAh
  • Rear camera: 12 MP
  • Front camera: 8 MP
  • Memory card support: no

Nokia 5. 4

Very nice smartphone from Nokia based on Android. As befits the latest models of the brand, Nokia 5.4 has a dedicated key on the body to call the Google voice assistant.

The design of the back cover, or rather the camera module, is traditionally unusual. The latter has 4 sensors: main, wide-angle, macro and depth sensor. Takes well for his money.

We note a good matrix with a diagonal of 6.39 inches, a good platform based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of ROM. There is NFC, a scanner and fast charging.

  • Screen size: 6.39″
  • Screen resolution: 1560×720
  • Weight: 180 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4000 mAh
  • Rear camera: four modules 48/5/2/2 MP
  • Front camera: 16 MP
  • Memory card support: yes

Nokia XR20

The Nokia XR20 is a rugged, shockproof smartphone from Nokia (MIL-STD-810H-2019) with IP68 water resistance. It looks unusual, weighs 248 g.

The smartphone received a 6.67-inch high-resolution IPS screen, a fresh Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 chipset, a 4630 mAh battery with support for fast charging.

It is curious that the manufacturer did not pursue the number of modules in the camera, but used two: the main one and the ultra wide-angle one. The main module shoots well during the day.

This is a niche product, but very interesting, you will agree.

  • Screen size: 6.67″
  • Screen resolution: 2400×1080
  • Weight: 248 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4630 mAh
  • Rear camera: double 48/13 MP
  • Front camera: 8 MP
  • Memory card support: yes

Nokia G10

Nokia G10, although it is a budget smartphone, runs on pure Android. There is also a key to call the Google voice assistant.

What does the buyer get? Recognizable appearance, a good 6.5-inch matrix with a resolution of 1600 × 720 pixels, a platform based on the MediaTek Helio G25 chip and 3 GB of RAM, a powerful 5050 mAh battery.

The camera in this model is triple: the main module, for macro and depth sensor. The main resolution of 13 MP during the day shoots well for its segment.

  • Screen size: 6.5″
  • Screen resolution: 1600×720
  • Weight: 194 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: MediaTek Helio G25
  • Memory capacity: 32 GB
  • RAM: 3 GB
  • Battery capacity: 5050 mAh
  • Rear camera: three modules 13/2/2 MP
  • Front camera: 8 MP
  • Memory card support: yes

Nokia X20

Mid-range smartphone from Nokia. Has a number of features.

For example, all camera modules received Zeiss optics, the Dual sight function is available, which allows you to shoot video on both cameras at once – front and rear. The camera itself, by the way, perfectly shoots during the day, it also does not pass at night.

Responsible for performance is a fresh 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor, a 6.67-inch (IPS) screen, and a battery capacity of 4470 mAh (fast charging available).

  • Screen size: 6.67″
  • Screen resolution: 2400×1080
  • Weight: 220 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4470 mAh
  • Rear camera: four modules 64/5/2/2 MP
  • Front camera: 32 MP
  • Memory card support: yes

Nokia X10

The smartphone on our market is presented in two colors. And if white is quite familiar, then “blue spruce” is something new. By the way, the color is great.

What will the buyer get? Excellent 6.67-inch IPS screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 chipset and 6 GB of RAM, 4470 mAh battery, decent camera.

If it seems to you that the X10 is similar to the X20, you are not mistaken – the body has the same dimensions, but the smartphone itself is a little simpler.

  • Screen size: 6.67″
  • Screen resolution: 2400×1080
  • Weight: 220 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480
  • Memory capacity: 128 GB
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4470 mAh
  • Rear camera: four modules 48/5/2/2 MP
  • Front camera: 8 MP
  • Memory card support: yes

Nokia 2.4

Nokia 2. 4 belongs to the budget segment, but frankly, for its price, the smartphone is extremely good.

For example, the design is classic, suitable for almost everyone. Battery life is excellent due to a powerful 4500 mAh battery, there is no fast charging. The 6.5-inch screen is not bad, and the platform, although not the most powerful, provides a solid system speed.

There are two modules in the main chamber, the second is a depth sensor. For its segment, this is a good camera, besides, it supports night mode.

No NFC module.

  • Screen size: 6.5 inches
  • Screen resolution: 1600×720
  • Weight: 195 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762R)
  • Memory capacity: 64 GB
  • RAM: 3 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4500 mAh
  • Rear camera: dual 13/2 MP
  • Front camera: 5 MP
  • Memory card support: yes

Google Pixel 3 XL

Google Pixel 3 XL is not the most popular, but very interesting smartphone.

There are no revelations in terms of design – Pixel 3 XL looks familiar and even boring. However, it is interesting for others: a very high speed of the system, an excellent main camera (and don’t be confused by a single module – in terms of photos, Pixel 3 XL leaves behind most competitors), a powerful platform based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip and 4 GB of RAM. By the way, there are not so many of the latter at the moment, but in this case, optimization plays a decisive role.

There is water protection, fast and wireless charging, a fingerprint sensor on the back cover.

  • Screen size: 6.3″
  • Screen resolution: 2960×1440
  • Weight: 184 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 1
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
  • Memory capacity: 64 GB
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Battery capacity: 3430 mAh
  • Rear camera: 12. 2 MP
  • Front camera: dual 8/8 MP
  • Memory card support: no

Google Pixel 4

Pay attention to the main camera module, which is very similar to that of the iPhone 11 Pro, but photos of the Pixel 4 appeared on the network much earlier – long before the premiere of the smartphone itself and the iPhone 11 Pro.

This is the younger compact version, which received a relatively small 5.7-inch display. The device is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, the amount of memory in this version is 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of ROM.

We note a cool dual rear camera (one of the best in the world), IP68 water protection, support for fast and wireless charging. Just remember that there is only one physical SIM card, the second is an electronic eSIM.

  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 68.8×147.1×8.2 mm
  • Screen size: 5.7″
  • Screen resolution: 1080×2280
  • Weight: 162 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 1
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
  • Memory capacity: 64 GB
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Battery capacity: 2800 mAh
  • Rear camera: dual 12. 2/16 MP
  • Front camera: 8 MP
  • Memory card support: no

Xiaomi Mi A3 Android One

The latest generation of Xiaomi Mi series A is the same series where stock Android was used for the first time for Xiaomi. And these smartphones fell in love with users. But in the last generation, not everything is so wonderful. Yes, the screen diagonal has grown and is 6.09inches, but only the resolution “dropped” to 1560 × 720 pixels.

The main camera is triple, it shoots well, but look at the price. Processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, memory – 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of ROM. A fairly powerful battery is installed – 4030 mAh. The fingerprint sensor is in the display.

In terms of design, there are no revelations – everything is in the spirit of the latest devices from Xiaomi.

  • Screen size: 6.09″
  • Screen resolution: 1560×720
  • Weight: 174 g
  • Number of SIM cards: 2
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
  • Memory capacity: 64 GB
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Battery capacity: 4030 mAh
  • Rear camera: triple 48/8/2 MP
  • Front camera: 32 MP
  • Memory card support: yes

Google Pixel 3

You can say the same Pixel 3 XL, only smaller.