Other phones to consider
We test a large number of Android phones. We like the options below, but you’ll be better off using one of the above. If you haven’t yet, check out our guides to the best cheap phones and best foldable phones for more.
Google Pixel 9 for $799: The Pixel 9 is a really great smartphone (9/10, WIRED recommends), but between the Pixel 8A and Pixel 9 Pro series, it struggles to stand out. It shares many features with its more expensive siblings, but you can get… very Similar experience with the Pixel 8A, all while saving hundreds of dollars. If you like the design and want new smart software features, don’t let me stop you! But it might be wiser to wait for the Pixel 9A this spring.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, $650: Samsung’s Galaxy S24 FE is in a similar boat as the Pixel 9. It’s very close in price to the flagship Galaxy S24 series, which you can find on sale for not much more, and there are cheaper phones that are better value. It’s a perfectly capable smartphone with a triple-camera array (including a 3X telephoto camera), and it delivers good performance. It features wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, and powerful all-day battery life. It’s a shame that the design is a bit bland.
Google Pixel 8 for $499 and Pixel 8 Pro is priced at $599: The Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommended) are still available for purchase as of 2023, and they’re both great devices with a lot of life in them. Just make sure you don’t spend more than $600. Anything more and you should just buy from the new Pixel 9 series.
Honor Magic V3 is priced at £1,799: If you’re outside the US, the Magic V3 might be the best foldable phone out there right now; It’s definitely the world’s thinnest foldable phone (8/10, WIRED recommends). It has great battery life, a spacious external screen that looks like a regular phone, and a spacious internal screen when opened. Even the cameras are versatile, though, as the ultra-wide range isn’t great, and the phone’s overall software can be a bit of an annoyance.
Photo: Julian Chocato
OnePlus 12 is priced at $800 and OnePlus 12R is priced at $600: OnePlus reconnected with its roots in 2024, offering amazing specs at surprisingly low prices. The OnePlus 12R is better value than the OnePlus 12 (8/10, WIRED recommends), but you should only buy these phones if you can get them on sale. Otherwise, just buy the latest OnePlus 13 and 13R as they don’t cost much.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, priced at $1,900: The Fold6 (7/10, WIRED recommends) is an excellent foldable smartphone with a large screen. If you are concerned about durability and repairability when purchasing the Fold, Samsung is your best bet as they have been producing these devices for a long time. The cameras take great photos, the displays are shockingly bright, and Samsung promises long software support. The Fold6’s external display is a little wider and much better to use than previous iterations, but other than that, there aren’t a lot of new changes outside of AI advancements. You can still stumble over last year Galaxy Z Fold5 To save some dough.
Photo: Julian Chocato
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 phone, priced at $1,100: The Flip6 (7/10, WIRED recommends) has some perks over Motorola’s new Razr+, like a better hinge mechanism, better build quality, stronger cameras, and longer software support. But I still prefer the overall experience on the Motorola phone, mostly due to the larger external screen. However, the Flip6’s 3.4-inch cover display is handy for quick glances at widgets, and you can open it up for a big-screen Android phone experience. the Galaxy Z Flip 5 It’s a good option if you don’t mind buying last year’s technology at a lower price.
Mobile phone accessories you may need
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We have case recommendations for a few popular devices, like Samsung’s Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, and S22 range, or Google’s Pixel 9 series. It’s smart to put a cover over these glass sandwiches and even a screen protector to keep the screen scratch-free. Here are some other noteworthy accessories, including charging adapters, which many phones no longer include. Read our guide to the best USB-C cables for other recommendations.
Anker 45W charger for $20: This small charger will be all that most people need to charge most smartphones. They are small, reliable and cheap, with folding forks. More smartphones can reach 45W charging speeds than ever before, so take advantage of a 45W charger.
Analog Charger for $44: It’s not the best value, but this advancedly designed charger has a 4-foot retractable cable making it a great two-in-one device – no need to pack a separate charger and cable! It produces 35 watts, which is enough to quickly charge most phones and tablets, and the prongs fold up for travel.
Peak Design Samsung and Pixel Everyday Case for $50: If you have Samsung or pixel Phone and often mount your phone on a bike or scooter, you owe it to yourself to tear this case off and Peak Design bike rack. The case fits perfectly into the rack, is easy to release, and has not fallen out after years of riding. Peak Design also sells And many other accessories You can attach it to the back of these cases, bringing Android into Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem.
Nimble Champ 10,000 mAh Portable Charger, $60: This portable battery is small enough to fit in a bag but has enough capacity to fully recharge your phone once or twice. There’s a USB-C and USB-A port, it delivers 18 watts of power, so it can recharge your tablet or phone, and it’s in 73 percent post-consumer plastic with plastic-free packaging.
Nomad ChargeKey for $25: When your phone dies, you often forget to bring a charger or battery. ChargeKey is a neat solution, it’s like attaching a small USB-C charging cable to your keychain. Simply connect one end to your phone and the other end to any type of power source (a friend’s phone or a charging adapter if you can find one), and you can charge your phone. Native Union also has a similar item This is gentle but quite capable.
Choose a wireless charger: Our guide to the best wireless chargers includes dozens of models in different colors, shapes, and materials, and even some designed for specific phones. Not every Android phone supports wireless charging, but it’s a luxury you’ll want to take advantage of. Take a look at our guide to our favorites.