Best Android Phone of 2023

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$449 at Amazon

Nothing Phone 1 with LEDs turned on

Nothing Phone 1

A flashy, affordable phone (Update: Low stock)

There are a lot of Android devices on the market. Whether you prefer Samsung, Google or OnePlus, you have sizes, shapes and prices to choose from, which means there’s something for everyone. But having so many options also means the buying decision can be difficult. If you aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place: We’ve tested and researched all the best Android phones you can buy in 2023.

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A great phone should have high-quality cameras, long battery life, compelling software features and 5G support. We considered these factors when putting together our list of the best Android phones in 2023, which you can check out below. The CNET team updates this list periodically as we review new products. 

What’s the best Android phone?

The Google Pixel 7 Pro sits at the top of our list of best Android phones, largely because it has some of the best cameras found on any phone sold today and represents one of the best values for your dollar on this list. The Pixel 7 Pro also packs a number of convenient features that are unique to it. There are calling tools like the ability for the phone to wait on hold and notify you when a representative becomes available. You can also sharpen old photos that are out of focus to make the subject look clearer. And then there’s the ability to automatically caption videos, podcasts, phone calls and more.

There are plenty of other excellent choices out there, however, even though the Pixel 7 Pro is our current favorite.

Best Android phones of 2023

Pixel 7 Pro face down on a wooden table next to a cup of coffee
Google

Like

  • Refreshed design looks great
  • Superb cameras
  • Clean and simple interface

Don’t like

  • Battery life could be better

Samsung Galaxy S23
James Martin/CNET

Google's Pixel 7A phone
James Martin/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for Google Pixel 7A

back of Samsung Galaxy S23 phone, held up in front of a plant
James Martin/CNET

The back of Google's Pixel 6A phone
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

oneplus-11-review-cnet-lanxon-promo-17

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 in burgundy unfolded displaying wallpaper
Sarah Tew/CNET

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 in Flex Mode in someone's palm
Patrick Holland/CNET

The Sony Xperia Pro
Patrick Holland/CNET

Nothing Phone 1 with LEDs turned on
Andrew Lanxon/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for Nothing Phone 1

How we test phones

Every phone on this list has been thoroughly tested by CNET’s expert reviews team. We actually use the phone, test the features, play games and take photos. We assess any marketing promises that a company makes about its phones. And if we find something we don’t like, be it battery life or build quality, we tell you all about it. 

We examine every aspect of a phone during testing:

  • Display
  • Design and feel
  • Processor performance
  • Battery life
  • Camera quality
  • Features

We test all of a phone’s cameras (both front and back) in a variety of conditions: from outdoors under sunlight to dimmer indoor locales and night time scenes (for any available night modes). We also compare our findings against similarly priced models. We have a series of real-world battery tests to see how long a phone lasts under everyday use.

We take into account additional phone features like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, fast charging, foldable displays and other useful extras. And we weigh all of our experiences and testing against the price so you know whether a phone represents good value or not.

Read more: How We Test Phones

Android phone FAQs

How reliable is an Android phone?

Android phones come in all shapes and sizes. Prices range from just a couple hundred dollars for a basic smartphone to $1,800 for state-of-the-art foldable phones. All the phones on this list are durable, have an IP rating for water and dust resistance and years of software support.

How long does an Android phone last?

While every phone on this list varies in how many years of software support you get and how long you can extend the warranty, most should last you a few years if not more.

More phone and Android recommendations