The best Android phones to buy in 2025

## Summary
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Display size: 6.9 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Price: Starting at $1,300 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Kerry Wan/ZDNET View now at Store.google View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon Why we like it: The Pixel A series is always a treat to review because, for the most part, you're getting everything you can get in the flagship version of the Pixel, but in a smaller, less expensive package. Google Pixel 10a tech specs: Processor: Tensor G5 | Display size: 6.3-inch | RAM/Storage: 8GB with 128GB or 256GB | Battery: 5,100mAh | Camera: 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, and 13MP front | Price: Starting at $499 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Kerry Wan/ZDNET View now at Amazon View now at Samsung View now at Best Buy Why we like it: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains the best foldable phone in 2026, thanks to its ultra-thin form factor and market-leading camera system, which captures more lifelike images than competing models from OnePlus and Google, according to our tests. OnePlus 15 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 7,300mAh | Price: Starting at $899 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Kerry Wan/ZDNET View now at Amazon View now at Motorola Why we like it: Deciding on the best compact phone came down to the wire, with Motorola's Razr Ultra just scraping by Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7. Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Display sizes: 4-inch exterior and 7-inch interior | Storage options: 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide | Front camera: 32MP wide | Battery: 4,700mAh | Price: $1,300 (currently on sale for $1,100) Value 7 Performance 9 Battery life 8 Camera quality 8 Display 8 Pros 3.6-inch external display for quick interactions Performant Snapdragon 8 Elite processor 68W wired charging and 30W wireless charging are above standard Textural back covers give the phone a lot of personality Cons Relatively expensive at $1,100 Shorter software update cadence than competing phones No telephoto lens for far-distance photos Motorola Razr Ultra Best compact Android phone 4 / 5 Score Kerry Wan/ZDNET Why we like it: Deciding on the best compact phone came down to the wire, with Motorola's Razr Ultra just scraping by Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7.

## Article Content
We're not even halfway through the year, and 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most pivotal moments for the Android landscape. While foldable phones, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Motorola Razr Ultra, continue to forge a new path for how handsets are designed, budget phones, like the Google Pixel 10a, prove that there's still beauty in the mainstream market.

To determine which Android phone is best for you, ZDNET's team of mobile experts puts every new device through rigorous testing, using it for weeks to evaluate every little detail, from display quality to cellular connectivity to camera performance. Android phones are especially exciting for us -- not just because of the diverse hardware, but because each brand brings its own unique spin on the operating system. To help you find the right one, here are our top picks for the best Android phones in every category.

What is the best Android phone right now?

Our pick for the best Android phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for $1,299, which features the company's latest display innovation, the Privacy Display, a quad-camera setup that's highly functional, a built-in S Pen stylus for precision inputs, and AI capabilities that play well with Samsung's Bixby model and Google's Gemini. For a runner-up, we're honoring the Google Pixel 10a, a $499 Android with a durable design, support for up to seven years of OS and security updates, and a reliable camera system.

Sort by All Value Performance Battery life Camera quality Display Value for money Storage Display quality

Best Android phones in 2026

Show less Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET View now at Best Buy View now at Samsung View now at Amazon Why we like it: Samsung's flagship phone continues to reign supreme across the board in our tests. The latest model, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, delivers in almost every way, from general performance to display quality to cameras, with flaws that you really have to nitpick for. The standout feature of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the new Privacy Display, which dims half the screen's pixels so it appears tinted when viewed at an off angle. This complex display tech can be customized to hide important information, such as 2FA message alerts and passwords. Its one caveat? A screen that's a little less sharp and vibrant than its predecessor -- though the security benefits easily outweigh the drawbacks here. Review: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung has also equipped the Galaxy S26 Ultra with an updated Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, capable of running high-end games like Genshin Impact and heavy AI tasks without much stuttering. The improved efficiency is paired nicely with 60W wired charging, the first and fastest we've tested on any Samsung phone to date. Who it's for: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is for users who want a handset with high utility, advanced security features, and a camera system that can shoot virtually anything. You'll also have to be a user who's willing to pay to play, as the phone starts at $1,300. Carrier deals, retailer discounts, and other trade-in offers are your best friends if you really want one. Who should look elsewhere: I mentioned earlier that the S26 Ultra isn't flawless. For one, it lacks the Qi2 magnetic adapter that's required to attach compatible accessories without an additional case, has a camera configuration that's nearly identical to last year's model (for those hoping for something significantly better or different), and it's still a large, 6.9-inch phone, at the end of the day. Those who prefer something less expensive and easier to hold should consider Samsung's smaller options, such as the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Display size: 6.9 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Price: Starting at $1,300 Value 7 Performance 10 Battery life 10 Camera quality 9 Display 9 Pros AI-centric Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset

Reliable, far-shooting camera system

One of the brightest yet private displays on the market Cons On the pricier side for a non-foldable phone

No Qi2 wireless charging still

Battery life is just average Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Best Android phone overall 4.5 / 5 Score Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET Why we like it: Samsung's flagship phone continues to reign supreme across the board in our tests. The latest model, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, delivers in almost every way, from general performance to display quality to cameras, with flaws that you really have to nitpick for. The standout feature of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the new Privacy Display, which dims half the screen's pixels so it appears tinted when viewed at an off angle. This complex display tech can be customized to hide important information, such as 2FA message alerts and passwords. Its one caveat? A screen that's a little less sharp and vi

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- Our pick for the best Android phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for $1,299, which features the company's latest display innovation, the Privacy Display, a quad-camera setup that's highly functional, a built-in S Pen stylus for precision inputs, and AI capabilities that play well with Samsung's Bixby model and Google's Gemini.
- This complex display tech can be customized to hide important information, such as 2FA message alerts and passwords.
- This complex display tech can be customized to hide important information, such as 2FA message alerts and passwords.
- That makes a notable difference in hand-feel and ergonomics, even though the two phones are only $100 apart.

### Areas for Consideration
- For a starting price of $899, it's very difficult to find a better flagship phone deal right now.
- For a starting price of $899, it's very difficult to find a better flagship phone deal right now.
- Beyond drop protection, the two accessories will help prevent scratches, scuffs, and other blemishes, and can greatly reduce the risk of water damage.

### Implications
- Review: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung has also equipped the Galaxy S26 Ultra with an updated Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, capable of running high-end games like Genshin Impact and heavy AI tasks without much stuttering.
- Who should look elsewhere: I mentioned earlier that the S26 Ultra isn't flawless.
- Those who prefer something less expensive and easier to hold should consider Samsung's smaller options, such as the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus.
- Review: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung has also equipped the Galaxy S26 Ultra with an updated Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, capable of running high-end games like Genshin Impact and heavy AI tasks without much stuttering.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers phone, samsung, android topics. Notable strengths include discussion of phone. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 9249.