The Best Android Phones for 2026

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a whole new form factor from Samsung and shakes up the category thanks to its wider, passport-shaped design. With a lighter, more compact design, a stronger hinge with a flatter crease, and even longer battery life than its peers, this powerful media machine is easier to carry around than ever. The phone is pricey, but Samsung justifies the cost with excellent multitasking features, powerful Galaxy AI, a sharp 50MP camera, the latest 5G and Wi-Fi radios, and speedy performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.

Consolidators: If you are looking for a single device to replace your phone, tablet, and possibly even your laptop, the Z Fold 8 is the one to get.

People who want the biggest screen: The Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a massive 7.6-inch inner display, perfect for getting work done, playing games, and watching your favorite videos.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features high-end specs, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, up to 1TB of storage with 16GB of RAM, and the best camera stack available on an Android phone in the US. The embedded S Pen stylus is another significant point in its favor, particularly if you're an artist or note-taker who likes to sketch or jot on the run. Let's not forget Galaxy AI, which is equal parts useful and fun, and Samsung's powerful productivity software, which lets you multitask on the large screen with ease. Lastly, if you care about security, it has a Privacy Display that can hide the screen from view, reducing the risk of shoulder surfing.

Privacy Seekers: The Privacy Display shields the display from onlookers, which means you can view sensitive material in public where only you can see it.

Artist and Notetakers: The Galaxy S26 Ultra keeps stylus fans happy. The Ultra features a removable S Pen, which lets you place the stylus on the screen for longhand writing, mind-mapping, or sketching, in ways a keyboard cannot replicate. 

People who want the best Samsung phone: The S26 Ultra’s specs are out of this world, with a 5x optical telephoto zoom, a 200MP main camera, a superfast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and an enormous 6.9-inch OLED.

The Google Pixel 10a is an excellent midrange value for Android fans thanks to its capable pair of cameras, bright screen, smooth performance, and refined design. It also offers a good range of AI-based photo-editing features, along with more than 14 hours of battery life and an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water ingress. We especially like that Google promises seven years of software updates, just like for the flagship Pixel 10 lineup.

Google fans seeking a bargain: If you've ever wondered what the big deal is about Pixels, the Pixel 10a offers the best of Google in an affordable package. This is Android as Google envisions it, with various AI features that make the Pixel 10a fun to use.

People who love taking photos: Every phone on this list can take good photos, but the $499 Pixel 10a provides the best value. Google’s hardware and software shape the Pixel’s image workflow to effortlessly produce beautiful pictures. 

The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is an excellent value for under $200. Highlights include a large 90Hz screen, a good camera system, an IP54 rating against dust and water, and a guarantee of six years of security updates. It's not as tough as pricier phones, nor as fast, but given its low price, you can't ask for more.

Budget-conscious buyers: If your budget is limited, the Galaxy A17 5G is an excellent choice thanks to its good everyday usability, above-average cameras, and long battery life. Midrange models outgun it, but it's easily the best phone under $200.

Parents: If the thought of spending nearly $1,000 on a flagship phone for your child seems daunting, the Galaxy A17 should grab your attention. This Samsung is perfectly capable of handling the basics, so kids won't think of it as a toy. The phone's six years of support also means the device will remain secure for years to come.

The Motorola Razr makes full use of both its outer and inner screens in a way competitors simply don't. The 3.6-inch outer display is large and bright, while the 6.9-inch inner screen provides ample space for entertainment and productivity. Motorola's approach to software means you can accomplish virtually anything you want on either display; there's no need to open the device if you don't want to, which can help you reduce screen time. This version also features an IP48 rating, which represents a significant improvement over previous models.

People who want something different: The Razr’s compact clamshell body makes it small enough to easily fit into pockets, and yet it unfolds to reveal an enormous screen—so you don't skimp out on the modern smartphone experience.

People who put style first: The Razr is available in daring finishes, including Pantone Bright White, Pantone Hematite (iron gray), Pantone Sporting Green, and Pantone Violet Ice (frosty pastel purple). Motorola selected these colors in collaboration with Pantone, which scouts fashion trends to identify what is popular now and what will be in the future. Whether it's the folding design or the color, the Razr turns heads. 

Google’s Pixel 11 packs the company’s best hardware and software into a tough, mid-sized phone. You get premium construction, a bright, detailed screen, strong photography, and AI that runs locally to speed everyday tasks. Features like live call translation and language-based photo edits create standout experiences you rarely find elsewhere.

Shutterbugs: The Google Pixel 11 delivers some of the finest smartphone photography. It features a 48MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto camera with up to 30x digital zoom. You get excellent color reproduction and detail capture for beautiful pictures.

The AI-curious: Beyond its excellent cameras, the Pixel 11 comes with all of Google's AI features. Magic Cue proactively provides you with information before you need it (for example, a flight confirmation number); Voice Translate enables you to communicate with people in another language using your own voice and intonation; and Camera Coach teaches you how to become a better photographer. There's also Gemini Intelligence for calling up actions, such as setting reminders or calendar appointments.

The base Samsung Galaxy S26 hits many of the same high notes as its larger, more expensive siblings, including fast performance, Galaxy AI tools, excellent cameras, and reliable cellular reception.

The small-handed: If you have trouble operating a large phone, this is one of the best compact Android models on the market with high-end specs.

People who won't skimp on performance: The Galaxy S26 has the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip found in the more expensive Galaxy S26+ and Ultra, while offering a virtually identical experience and performance.

Lower-cost phones typically don't have great cameras, but the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G's 50MP main imager captures photos with plenty of detail and good color. Otherwise, the phone is powerful enough for everyday use and some light gaming thanks to its Exynos 1480 processor with 6GB of RAM. It's not a flagship Samsung device, but it will receive four years of OS updates and five years of security fixes.

Photographers on a budget: The Galaxy A37's cameras deliver impressive performance, punching well above their weight. Its 50MP main shooter generates high-quality pictures with clear details and vibrant color, even in low light. The A37 also has optical image stabilization, a feature often reserved for more expensive phones, to produce smooth full HD video.

People who don't need top AI: With a midrange price, the A37 doesn't come chock full of Samsung's best AI. Instead, it has a few essential features, such as Circle to Search, Object Eraser, and Voice Transcription.

The RedMagic 11S Pro packs a large 6.85-inch screen, the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It relies on internal liquid cooling to maintain high performance during gameplay. It also includes gaming essentials, such as air triggers, a bright screen, pass-through power, and excellent battery life. It's so speedy that it won our Lab Award for the fastest Android phone.

Gamers: The RedMagic 11S Pro is designed from the ground up for mobile gamers. No other Android phone we've tested compares for that purpose.

People who want something different: Gaming phones are often a breed apart from standard phones. With blinking lights, futuristic designs, and add-on performance accessories, they definitely stand out.