Here Are Top Android Phones to Buy in 2024

Choice is central to the Android environment. When it comes time to update, Android users have access to a far greater selection of new devices than iPhone owners have. Do you desire a camera with amazing zoom? An integrated stylus? A phone that, when connected to a display, operates like a full-fledged desktop environment? It is available for Android. Heck, all of that is contained in a single gadget.

However, all of those options might lead to some difficult choices. This is where I can assist; after testing a ton of new Android phones, I believe that the current crop of phones has some true winners. What you want, how much you can afford, and what you consider to be a “reasonably sized phone” are all important factors.

You’ll most likely encounter AI, the year’s most popular buzzword in computing, as you sort through the possibilities. In general, I haven’t been that impressed by AI on a phone yet. Some potentially helpful features of the Pixel 9 series include the ability for Galaxy devices to translate phone calls for you in real time and a new screenshot app that utilizes AI to annotate pertinent information in metadata. There’s nothing to be ashamed about! However, none of it seems to be the platform change that the major IT firms have been promised. It’s best to wait before placing too much trust in any company’s AI promises.

For me these are what I will look out for in getting an Android Smartphone.

1. Longevity
A top-notch Android phone will endure. I look for indicators that the hardware and software will survive for many years, such as a robust metal frame instead of plastic, a good IP certification for dust and water resistance (IP68 is recommended), and long-lasting glass panels on the front and back. It is recommended that Android OS versions be upgraded for at least three years and that security updates be applied for a total of four or five years.

2. A great screen
In order to cover their big display surface, the finest Android phones have lots of resolution, ideally 1440p. Animations and scrolling appear very fluid at a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz, and it’s even better if it’s adjustable down to 1 Hz to conserve battery life.

3.Quality cameras
In excellent lighting, any phone can take a respectable picture, but the finest phone cameras can also capture images with great contrast and low light levels. In order to collect more light, I search for optical (the most popular) or sensor-shift (rare) image stabilization, which helps offset hand tremor and permits slower shutter speeds in low light. Although high-res cameras are beginning to provide better lossless crop settings that closely resemble short zoom lenses, a telephoto lens is still a useful tool to have.

4. Wireless charging
While not all of the phones on this list support wireless charging, the majority do. While not having wireless charging isn’t a deal-breaker, many people find it to be a necessary feature because it makes charging a wide variety of devices easier.

However, I have some terrible news about the Android market if you reside in the United States. We don’t have nearly as many alternatives as people in Asia and Europe for complex reasons related to “capitalism” and “geopolitics”; companies like Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo are just not accessible here. This is a pretty US-centric collection of suggestions because I have restricted it to the devices that I have thoroughly examined myself.

In light of this, it’s also important to recognise that the majority of Americans receive their phones “for free” from their cellular provider. If you can afford it, purchasing an unlocked phone will provide you with the greatest flexibility and independence in the event that you decide to switch carriers soon. To make payments easier, phone manufacturers also provide trade-in and financing options. However, if you’re satisfied with the current carrier and the offered phone is the one you truly want, then by all means, accept it. Just be sure you comprehend the conditions, particularly if you need to alter your plans in order to take advantage of the offer.

You have some amazing choices for your new Android phone, no matter how you approach it.

1. Google Pixel 9 (128GB) – $753 

In addition to a slightly larger 6.3-inch OLED screen than its predecessor, Google’s new Pixel 9 has a dual rear camera configuration with a new 48-megapixel sensor for its ultrawide, a larger battery, and 12GB of RAM.

• Screen: 6.3-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED /
• Processor: Tensor G4 /
• Cameras: 50-megapixel f/1.7 main with OIS, 48-megapixel ultrawide, 10.5-megapixel selfie /
• Battery: 4,700mAh /
• Charging: 27W wired, 15W wireless (with Pixel Stand 2) /
• Weather resistance: IP68

2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (12GB of RAM / 256GB of storage) – $1,092

The first device in the series to feature a titanium frame is the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Along with the largest display in the S24 range, it also has an integrated S Pen and an enhanced camera suite.

• Screen: 6.8-inch 1440p 120Hz OLED /
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 /
• Cameras: 200-megapixel main with OIS, 50-megapixel 5x telephoto with OIS, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 12-megapixel selfie /
• Battery: 5,000mAh /
• Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless /
• Weather resistance: IP68

3. OnePlus 12 (256GB) – $653

Although the OnePlus 12 costs $100 more than its predecessor, it has wireless charging, better water resistance, and updated Hasselblad cameras. It competes with the best smartphones of 2024 when paired with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and up to 16GB of RAM.

• Screen: 8.0-inch 2076p 120Hz OLED inner screen, 6.3-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED cover screen /
• Processor: Tensor G4 /
• Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.7 main with OIS, 10.8-megapixel 5x telephoto with OIS, 10.5-megapixel ultrawide, 10-megapixel selfie (cover screen), 10-megapixel inner selfie camera /
• Battery: 4,650mAh /
• Charging: 21W wired, 7.5W wireless /
• Weather resistance: IPX8

4. Pixel 9 Pro Fold (256GB) – $1799

When unfurled, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 6.3-inch outside screen and 8-inch inner screen are both bigger than those of the original Pixel Fold. Along with being IPX8 water resistant and having a slimmer design than the previous generation, the new foldable also lies flat when opened.

5. Nothing Phone 2 – $449

The Nothing Phone 2 has a distinct retro-inspired design that sets it apart from other phones on the market. Although its rear-panel LED light strips are more aesthetically pleasing than useful and it isn’t Verizon-certified, it’s still a decent substitute for the major Android brands.

• Screen: 6.7-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED /
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 /
• Cameras: 50-megapixel F/1.9 main with OIS, 50-megapixel ultrawide, 32-megapixel selfie /
• Battery: 4,700mAh /
• Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless /
• Weather resistance: IP54

Some other Android phones that are worth looking at

There are plenty of other fantastic Android devices that were not discussed here, and others that didn’t quite make the cut for a recommendation are worth mentioning.

First up is Samsung’s superb clamshell-style foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Although it’s not as enjoyable to use as the 2024 Motorola Razr Plus, which makes it easier to run applications on the cover screen, the Z Flip 6 is a safer option for a flip phone because of Motorola’s poor software update history. 

Another excellent book-style foldable choice is the OnePlus Open. It is lightweight and small, and the OS offers some considerate multitasking techniques, which are an essential component of the folding phone experience. However, software upgrades won’t be available for it for as long as they are for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold or the Galaxy Z Fold 6. 

Not to be overlooked is the Google Pixel 8A. Google’s most recent mid range phone is hard to beat if you want to get the most out of your money. It offers seven years of software support and covers all the essentials for $499.