9 Best Android Phones of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
Other Phones to Consider
We test a ton of Android phones. We like the ones below, but you’ll be better off with the options above. If you haven’t already, check out the Best Cheap Phones and Best Flip Phones guides for more.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE for $650: If Google’s Pixel 10 doesn’t appeal, you can get a great Samsung phone for around $500 (it’s usually on sale for this price!). The Galaxy S25 FE is similar to the “lite” version of the Galaxy S25 flagship, with a larger 6.7-inch screen, a larger battery, and a triple camera system that includes a 3X zoom lens. Performance is not like it’s good, but I’ve never had any problems (you might not be able to play demanding games on high graphics settings). The screen is sharp, bright, and smooth, and this phone is even Qi2 Ready if you use the compatible magnetic case. I don’t recommend buying it at its MSRP, but if it’s normally around $500, it’s a smart choice. It’s also worth considering the regular Galaxy S25 series if you can find them on sale.
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Samsung Galaxy A56 5G for $500: The strange thing about the Galaxy A56 is that it hasn’t sold as often as the Galaxy S25 FE. The two tend to stay at the same price, and if that’s the case, you should absolutely buy the S25 FE instead. But if the A56 ever drops below $400, I think it’s a great smartphone with good performance, more than a day of battery life, and good build quality. The cameras are OK, and it doesn’t have wireless charging, but it has a lot of the bells and whistles you want, and Samsung has a long software update policy for this phone.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold for $1,799: I think Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 takes the cake as the best foldable phone designed like a book in 2025, but if you prefer Google Pixel phones, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (7/10, WIRED Review) isn’t a bad choice. It’s nowhere near as thin, but it is it does it has built-in Qi2 magnets, which means you can attach it to various magnetic objects, such as car docks and phone chargers, or attach magnetic bags or power banks to the phone. It is also one of the foldable phones with an IP68 rating for dust protection and water resistance for peace of mind. The screens look great, the battery life is solid, and the camera system is reliable. It’s easy to get into split-screen mode, but I think Google could do more to improve the multitasking experience.
Google Pixel 9 series for $570+: The 2024 Pixel 9 series (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is still a good buy if you can find it on sale. The Pixel 9 is similar to the Pixel 9a but has better build quality and bigger camera sensors. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL have a 5X optical camera and a vapor cooling chamber, among other advantages. The key is to make sure you avoid paying MSRP. These are heavily discounted during sales events, and now, with the stock being cleared, you can get a killer deal if you hold on.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 for $1,100: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) was a nice improvement over its predecessor, but it wasn’t enough to dethrone the Razr Ultra 2025 as my top phone pick. Still, it’s worth considering if you’re buying a folding phone of this category, because the cameras are solid, the displays are nicer and bigger than before, and the cover screen is more useful (although not as flexible as on a Motorola phone). Battery life is terrible here on the Fold7, so pop in a power bank while you’re at it.
Small phone for $450: Having trouble limiting your screen time? Instead of going cold turkey with something like the Light Phone III, try the Small Phone (6/10, WIRED Review). This is an e-paper Android phone with a physical keyboard. The goal is to let you access standard Android apps, but because the screen isn’t ideal for videos and most social media, you’ll naturally be able to avoid those distractions. It succeeds in this task, but the constant scrolling of the screen and the plasticky design dull the experience.
Mobile Services You May Need
We have case recommendations for several popular devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, and Galaxy S23, or the Google Pixel 10 series. It is wise to slap a case on these glass sandwiches and even a screen protector to keep the display free of scuffs and scratches. Here are a few other essential accessories, including charging adapters, that many phones no longer include. Read our Best USB-C Cables guide for more recommendations.
Nomad 65W Slim Power Adapter for $55: There are plenty of great options if you’re looking for a cheap, compact charger these days, but why not spend a little more money on something more flexible? This ultra-thin charger from Nomad is easy to travel with, especially thanks to its foldable prongs, and it has enough power to recharge a MacBook, not to mention your phone. There are two USB-C ports to boot.
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Photo: Julian Chokkattu
Retractable Reciprocating Charger for $44: It’s not the best value, but this design-forward charger has a 4-foot retractable cable that makes it a great two-in-one—no need to pack a separate charger and cable! It puts out 35 watts, which is plenty to charge most phones and tablets quickly, and the prongs fold up for portability.
Peak Design Samsung and Pixel Everyday Case for $50: If you have a Samsung or Pixel phone and often mount your phone on a bike or scooter, you owe it to yourself to grab this case and Peak Design bike mount. The case fits snugly on the bike, is easy to loosen, and will still fall off after years of riding. Peak Design also sells a few other accessories that you can attach to the back of these cases, bringing Android into Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem.
Nimble Champ Portable Charger 10,000 mAh for $60: This portable battery is small enough to leave in a bag but has enough power to recharge your phone once or twice. There is a USB-C and USB-A port; delivers 18 watts of power, so it can recharge your tablet or phone, and is housed in 73 percent post-consumer plastic and plastic-free packaging.
Nomad ChargeKey V2 for $39: When your phone dies, you almost always forget to bring a charger or battery pack. The ChargeKey is a great solution—it’s like clipping a small USB-C charging cable to your keychain. Just plug one end into your phone and the other into any kind 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 look but is almost as knowable.
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 all Android phones support wireless charging, but it’s a convenience you’ll want to take advantage of. Check out our guide to our favorites.
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