The top Android phones provide you the most options. Whatever your budget, you may choose a handset that meets your requirements, ranging from $1,800 to under $500. You get to choose which features are most important to you. Do you not require a high refresh rate display or a telephoto lens? Save some money.
And now that we’re halfway through 2022, there are a flurry of new devices on the market, with more on the way. We’re talking about the Galaxy S22, the OnePlus 10, and other devices. We’ve already seen numerous phones powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU, and now we’re seeing others with the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip. Not to mention Google’s second-generation Tensor chip, which will power the Pixel 7 when it launches in the autumn.
Premium Android flagship phones start at $599 and include the sharpest and brightest displays, the most sophisticated photography, and cutting-edge technologies such as reverse wireless charging and 120Hz refresh rates. 5G has also made its way to more cheap alternatives, such as the Pixel 5a and Galaxy A53, so it’s wonderful to see more Android phones capable of quicker download speeds.
Continue reading to discover the best Android phone for your needs and budget. And, whatever you choose, don’t forget to check out our selection of the 25 greatest applications for your new Android phone.
The Best Android Phones You Can Buy 2022
1. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED (3088 x 1440)
Android version: 12, One UI 4.1
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM: 8GB, 12GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB / No
Rear cameras: 108MP (f/2.2) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f/2.4) 10x telephoto, 10MP (f/2.4) 3x telephoto
Front camera: 40MP (f/2.2)
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 8:50 (adaptive), 10:18 (60Hz)
REASONS TO BUY:
- Faster S Pen built in.
- Display that is really bright.
- Cameras operate better in low light conditions.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Pricey.
- Battery life is less than that of the S21 Ultra.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is the new Android phone king. It has practically everything you could desire in a phone, including a S Pen pen integrated in. It has excellent cameras, a top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU, plenty of storage options, and a stunning display.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra still falls short of its predecessor in terms of battery life. In the Tom’s Guide battery life test, the phone lasted 10 hours and 18 minutes in the 60Hz refresh rate option. The Galaxy S22 Ultra barely lasted 8 hours and 50 minutes in 120Hz adaptive mode, trailing competitors such as the iPhone 13 Pro Max (which also features an 120Hz adaptive refresh rate).
But, if you’re solidly in the Android camp, there’s no better phone right now than the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
2. OnePlus 10 Pro
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED (3216 x 1440)
Android version: 12, OxygenOS 12.1
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM: 8GB, 12GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No
Rear cameras: 48MP (f/1.8) main, 50MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 8MP (f/2.4) 3.3x telephoto
Front camera: 32MP (f/2.2)
Weight: 7 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 11:52 (120Hz), 12:39 (60Hz)
REASONS TO BUY:
- Outstanding battery life.
- Lovely new design.
- To date, the best OnePlus cameras include.
- Lower than previous year’s pricing.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Telephoto has just 8MP.
When it comes to the greatest Android phones, the OnePlus 10 Pro comes in a close second. It’s a gorgeous smartphone with a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU has the muscle to match its eye-catching design.
But it isn’t all. In our battery life test, the OnePlus 10 Pro handily outperforms the Galaxy S22 Ultra, lasting over 12 hours in adaptive 120Hz mode. And, thanks to the 65W charging, you can quickly top off in no time.
When it comes to photography, the OnePlus 10 Pro mainly keeps up. Photos normally turn out well, however we’ve observed a small yellow hue in certain cases. A slew of new software features compete with Samsung’s outstanding suite on the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Nonetheless, the Pixel 6 Pro is the superior camera phone. However, when it comes down to it, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the superior device.
3. Google Pixel 6
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.4-inch OLED (2400 x 1080; 90Hz)
Android version: 12
CPU: Tensor
RAM: 8GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No
Rear cameras: 50MP main (ƒ/1.85), 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2)
Front camera: 8MP (ƒ/2.0)
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 8:13
REASONS TO BUY:
- The Tensor chip enhances the phone’s intelligence.
- Excellent photo-editing capabilities.
- Android 12 is a good improvement.
- Design that is one-of-a-kind.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Over 5G, battery life may be limited.
Google’s most recent phone releases have clearly earned their positions on our list. This time around, the Pixel 6 is a whole new gadget with a redesigned design, considerable camera enhancements, and the first-generation Tensor processor. All of this culminates in a slim physique that is sure to turn heads.
This is the Pixel for the average person this year, with a starting price of $599. While it lacks the telephoto camera and the 120Hz display found on the Pixel 6 Pro, the Pixel 6 does pretty much everything an Android phone could do.
If we had to choose one criticism about the Pixel 6, it would be the battery life. The phone performed significantly worse in our tests than the other phones on this list. Part of that might be due to the older 5G modem, since we got considerably better performance when we were on LTE vs 5G.
Nonetheless, owing to the Tensor processor, the Pixel 6 has a slew of additional smarts. And at that price, it’s one of the greatest buys on the market (bested perhaps by the Pixel 5a).
4. Google Pixel 6 Pro
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.7-inch OLED (3120 x 1440; 10-120Hz)
Android version: 12
CPU: Tensor
RAM: 12GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB / No
Rear cameras: 50MP main (ƒ/1.85), 12MP Ultrawide (ƒ/2.2), 48MP telephoto (ƒ/3.5) with 4x optical zoom
Front camera: 11.1MP (ƒ/2.2)
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 7:49
REASONS TO BUY:
- Amazing cameras.
- Tensor performs beautifully.
- Lovely new design.
- less expensive than other flagships.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Battery life is less than those of competitors.
If you want the finest Android experience right now, the Pixel 6 Pro is the way to go. It’s Google’s latest big boy, with a 6.7-inch QHD+ display and a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. It also includes Google’s own proprietary silicon, the new Tensor system-on-chip. It includes several interesting capabilities for AI and machine learning.
But it isn’t all. The Pixel 6 Pro has one of the greatest cameras we’ve seen on a Pixel, with a telephoto lens and 4x optical zoom. In our tests, the large 5,000 mAh battery, while intriguing on paper, did not produce genuinely amazing battery life statistics. However, in our experience, the Pixel 6 Pro is more than enough to survive a day. You may also charge rapidly with 30W charging (charging brick supplied separately).
This is the Android phone for photographers and people who desire the most up-to-date version of the Android operating system. On this phone, Android 12 shines well. And, at a starting price of $899, this is one of the most cheap flagship phones available right now.
5. Samsung Galaxy A53
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.5-inch OLED (2400 x 1080)
Android version: 12 with One UI 4.1
CPU: Exynos 1280
RAM: 6GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB / Yes
Rear camera: 64MP main (f/1.8), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 5MP macro (f/2.4), 5MP depth (f/2.4)
Front camera: 32MP (f/2.2)
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 9:49 (120Hz), 10:38 (60Hz)
REASONS TO BUY:
- Excellent monitor with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Storage may be expanded up to 1TB.
- Excellent design and construction quality.
- Excellent software support.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Average performance.
While we wait for Google to reorganize its Pixel A lineup, the Galaxy A53 is the handset to consider if you want the greatest Android phone for around $500. This Samsung midrange cellphone offers decent features at a very cheap $449 price.
Despite its modest pricing, the Galaxy A53’s 6.5-inch display has a refresh rate of 120Hz. A powerful Exynos 1280 chipset is also included, as are decent wide and ultrawide cameras. (We could do without the macro and depth sensors on the phone’s rear.)
When it comes to battery life, the Galaxy A53 equals the average smartphone, and you can get even more by switching to a 60Hz refresh rate if you want. But the A53’s finest feature may be its affordability – at the same price as Google’s Pixel 5a, this is another terrific low-cost Android alternative.