The best Android phones in 2018 are way better than they were a year ago, with more advanced low-light cameras, faster processors and improved design.
Better yet, a few of those phones are available at cheaper prices, too.That has made deciding between the overwhelming number of Android handsets a seemingly impossible task.
The good news is that we're on top of it.
It's sort of our job to write brilliant phone reviews.Our official best phones list and best unlocked phones list serve their purpose for wider audiences, including iPhone lovers, and our ATT plans, Verizon plans, T-Mobile plans and Sprint plans give you the best rates on service.But there are also plenty of Google-powered phones with Android 8.0 Oreo and eventually Android P that deserve extra focus.
You demanded it and you deserve it.1.
Samsung Galaxy S9The best smartphone gets even better in 2018Weight: 163g | Dimensions: 147.3 x 68.5 x 8.3mm | OS: Android Oreo | Screen size: 5.8-inch | Resolution: 2,960 x 1,440 | CPU: Snapdragon 845 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Battery: 3,000mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 8MPAmazingly large 5.8-inch screenThe best display in a phoneImproved low-light camera performanceDesign is identical to S8The best Android phone in the US right now is an easy pick because it happens to also be the best phone in both the US, and the entire world, for that matter.
It's the Samsung Galaxy S9: the more reasonably sized and slightly more reasonably priced version of the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus.Like last year's model, it has a stunning 5.8-inch display that fills almost the entire face of the device, ridding you of needless bezels and (for better or worse) the home button.Improving on the S8, Samsung has taken the backlash it received from fans about the fingerprint sensor location and moved it beneath the camera.
While not a perfect solution, we'll take it until under-the-screen fingerprint readers arrive.Bixby is better than it's ever been, though it's still not be the best voice assistant out there.
Even so, there's so much else to love about the Samsung Galaxy S9, including its super impressive camera and the fact that Samsung persists with the 3.5mm headphone jack while resisting current trends, like the notch seen on the iPhone X.Full review:Samsung Galaxy S92.
Google Pixel 2Hands down, the best camera on a smartphoneWeight: 143g | Dimensions: 145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8mm | OS: Android Oreo | Screen size: 5-inches | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | CPU: Snapdragon 835 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64/128GB | Battery: 2,700mAh | Rear camera: 12.2MP | Front camera: 8MPBest-in-class mobile photographyDual front-facing speakersFirst in line to get new Android softwareThicker bezels on the non-XL versionNo 3.5mm headphone jackThe Google Pixel 2 might not seem like a reinvention of last year's model, but there are enough adjustments and refinements to deem it one of the very best Android phones today.To give a few examples of where the phone stands out, we'd be remiss not to start with its camera.
Its 12.2MP rear-facing camera reaches new heights in mobile photography in terms of low-light captures and gorgeous portraits.
It's a cowboy's best friend thanks to its quick draw-friendly nature that captures sharp images without the need to remain still.Camera aside, the Pixel 2's small form factor makes it easy to hold and the new water resistance finally puts it (mostly, in that it's not IP68 protected) on par with Samsung's S8.
From a power perspective, you can't go wrong with the Snapdragon 835 and 4GB of RAM, especially with sweet Android Oreo drizzled on the top.A bit more expensive than our top option, it's certainly worth considering for those who enjoy stock Android and killer photography.
If you're looking for a bigger screen and battery, check out the Google Pixel 2 XL.Read the full review:Google Pixel 23.
LG V30A tempting, high-powered packageWeight: 158g | Dimensions: 151 x 75.4 x 7.3mm | OS: Android Nougat 7.1 | Screen size: 6-inch | Resolution: 2,880 x 1,440 | CPU: Snapdragon 835 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB w/ microSD | Battery: 3,300mAh | Rear camera: 16/13MP | Front camera: 5MPStreamlined design - LG's best yetAbsolutely bursting with fun featuresQuite expensiveCamera quality isn't industry-leadingThe LG V30 flipped the flagship script when it released, injected with all of the expectedly awesome design and performance, but with features that many manufacturers have neglected.You'll find a robust camera app here, waterproofing, an FM radio, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Digging in on the last bullet point, LG has built-in a quad DAC, which elevates the listening experience, frankly, pretty far beyond what most phones can provide.Of course, you'll reap all of the benefits of LG's FullVision display, which almost pushes bezels out of existence entirely.
The V30 features LG's first OLED in a phone in some time and the results are fantastic, providing the tech that users need to watch 2K content in HDR, as well as the flexibility to pop it in a Google Daydream View headset.The biggest hurdle for the V30 is its price, which at the time of writing sits around the $800 mark.
But for what's on offer, it's one of the best values on the market, doubly so once the price dips down a bit.Read our full review:LG V304.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8The best big display on a smartphoneWeight: 195g | Dimensions: 162.5 x 73.6 x 8.6 mm | OS: Android 7.1 Nougat | Screen size: 6.3-inch | Resolution: 2,960 x 1,440 | CPU: Snapdragon 835 | RAM: 6GB/8GB | Storage: 64GB w/ microSD | Battery: 3,300mAh | Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP | Front camera: 8MPSamsung's best camera x2Lightning fast with 6GB of RAMVery expensiveSomewhat limited battery capacityTo say that there was a lot of hype surrounding the Note 8's release is an understatement.
Given the disastrous launch of the Note 7, Samsung had a lot to live up to, and it took that opportunity and knocked it out of the park.Matt Swider's review summed it up best:"The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is the best big phone you can buy.
For once, its more than just the size of the screen and the power of the S Pen that count.
It also captures superior telephoto and bokeh-rich photos with its new dual-lens array, and it clocks in faster with 6GB of RAM.There a price to pay, however.
Its a taller phone with a steeper price tag.
It takes a lot of finger-stretching to reach the outer edges of the screen, and costs more money than any previous Note phone.
Youre also only getting all-day battery life thats lower than expected, probably thanks to last years recall.
Its less, shall we say, Note-worthy.The Note 8 is Samsungs big phone homecoming, its dual-lens camera debut and its 6GB of RAM premier wrapped into one.
It makes quite an entrance.
Lets just hope it doesnt make another quick exit."Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy Note 85.
OnePlus 5A genuine flagship killerWeight: 153g | Dimensions: 154.2 x 74.1 x 7.3 mm | OS: Android 7.1 Nougat | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | CPU: Snapdragon 835 | RAM: 6GB/8GB | Storage: 64GB/128GB | Battery: 3300mAh | Rear camera: 20MP + 16MP | Front camera: 16MPSuper-slick performanceAffordable priceNot water resistantStill 'only' 1080p displayFor some, the OnePlus 5 is the best Android phone around - and to be fair, they have a point.
The Chinese firm has improved on 2016's OnePlus 3 and 3T to deliver a slicker design, dual-cameras round the back and a whole heap of power.The AMOLED display is bright and vibrant, despite still 'only' being 1080p, and the fingerprint scanner is fast.The lack of a microSD card, and a battery which doesn't last more than a day may put some off, but considering the price you're paying the OnePlus 5 is fantastic value for money.Read the full review: OnePlus 56.
Google Pixel XLA super-sized pure Android experienceWeight: 168g | Dimensions: 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5mm | OS: Android Oreo | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | CPU: Snapdragon 821 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32/128GB | Battery: 3,450mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 8MPStreamlined Android softwareStill one of the best phone cameras aroundPeculiar design choicesNo stereo speakers or waterproofingThe Google Pixel XL offers up a pure Android experience on a bigger, higher resolution display than its brother, the Pixel.The clean, slick interface is a joy to use, while the 12MP snapper round the back delivers some quality shots.A fingerprint scanner not only keeps the Pixel XL secure, it also uses gestures to give you easier access to the notification bar - saving you from overstretching your thumb to the top of the screen.The price is on the steep side, it doesn't have stereo speakers and isn't waterproof.
But this is a premium flagship device that's powerful in every other way, including being VR-ready for the Google Daydream View VR headset.Read our full review:Google Pixel XL7.
Moto Z2 ForceMotorola's modular phone, refinedWeight: 143g | Dimensions: 155.8 x 76 x 6.1 mm | OS: Android Nougat | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | CPU: Snapdragon 835 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB w/ microSD | Battery: 2,730mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MPThin, shatterproof designPowerful and capable with modsWeaker batteryNot waterproofThe Moto Z2 Force might seem like a relatively safe option if you're on the hunt for a flagship smartphone, but in many ways, it's a big step ahead of the competition.
This is all thanks to its MotoMods, which broadly expand its capabilitiesfor a price.Stocked with dual rear-facing cameras, the Snapdragon 835 and a crisp OLED display checks all of the boxes, but can be supplemented with Motorola's lineup of mods, giving this phone the ability to project TV shows and movies onto a wall, print out Poloroids, take stellar shots with a Hasselblad add-on and game with its GamePad, to name a few.These innovative mods range in price and can add up to be quite an expensive endeavor, but there's really no other phone that can match the eloquence with which Moto has executed on its modular vision.
However, the phone beneath this one is encroaching on Moto's territoryRead the full review:Moto Z2 Force8.
Essential PhoneA refreshing, yet divisive debut smartphoneWeight: 185g | Dimensions: 141.5 x 71 x 7.8 mm | OS: Android Nougat | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,312 | CPU: Snapdragon 835 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Battery: 3,040mAh | Rear camera: 13MP + 13MP | Front camera: 8MPStriking designImpressive amount of tech packed withinAccessory port needs to prove itselfA total fingerprint magnetThe Essential Phone is a striking debut effort from one of the creators of Android.
Bezel-free displays are all of the rage, and before the iPhone X took the feature mainstream, it was (and still is) the PH-1 on the Android side of things that comes the closest to eliminating bezels without compromising design.Aside from its looks, which could be talked about at length, Essential's first phone packs in plenty of power for the price, which was recently reduced to a more palatable $499.While it lacks the waterproofing, headphone jack and OLED display seen in other options on this list, it packs in enough unique qualities to set it apart.
Case in point: its accessory port.
Someday, this may catch up to the success that Moto has seen with its MotoMods, but it has yet to show its potential.That said, it very well could.
But even if mods aren't your main motivator, there's plenty of reasons to hop on the Essential train.
Its titanium-infused chassis, stock Android software, impressive screen and 128GB default storage are huge selling points.Read the full review: Essential Phone9.
HTC U11A wildly impressive phone - in a sea of wildly impressive phonesWeight: 169g | Dimensions: 153.9 x 75.9 x 7.9mm | OS: Android 7.1 Nougat | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | CPU: Snapdragon 835 | RAM: 4GB/6GB | Storage: 64GB/128GB | Battery: 3000mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 16MPGreat cameraExcellent audio performanceEdge Sense is half-bakedScreen slightly dimHTC squeezes itself into sixth place on our best Android phone list with the gorgeous HTC U11.It has a 5.5-inch 2K display, which makes watching video gorgeous, strength under-the-hood with 4GB of RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, and squeezable sides (yes, really!) allowing you to quick launch apps.The camera technology is still a big focus for HTC though.
A 12MP sensor may not sound like much, but it makes some gorgeous images on the back and there's a 16MP front-facing camera to capture your selfies too.Read the full review: HTC U1110.
LG G6An outdated, but nevertheless solid optionWeight: 163g | Dimensions: 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9mm | OS: Android 7 Nougat | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 2,880 x 1,440 | CPU: Snapdragon 821 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB | Battery: 3300mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MPGreat screenWater-resistant bodyOlder chipsetExpensive for what is itThe LG G6 is a top Android smartphone, with an excellent premium design, lovely QHD display and clever dual camera setup round the back giving you plenty to play with and enjoy.However, some odd choices to go with lower-spec performance and not upgrade the camera in a meaningful way while still charging a high price stops the LG G6 from appearing further up our best Android phone list.That doesn't mean the G6 isn't innovative the screen looks great and there's raw power, from the camera to the battery to the general snappiness of the handset, rippling through this phone.Better yet, it's cheaper than ever in the US.
You can pick it up for as little as $399 brand new.Read the full review: LG G68.
Essential PhoneA refreshing, yet divisive debut smartphoneWeight: 185g | Dimensions: 141.5 x 71 x 7.8 mm | OS: Android Nougat | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,312 | CPU: Snapdragon 835 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Battery: 3,040mAh | Rear camera: 13MP + 13MP | Front camera: 8MPStriking designImpressive amount of tech packed withinAccessory port needs to prove itselfA total fingerprint magnetThe Essential Phone is a striking debut effort from one of the creators of Android.
Bezel-free displays are all of the rage, and before the iPhone X took the feature mainstream, it was (and still is) the PH-1 on the Android side of things that comes the closest to eliminating bezels without compromising design.Aside from its looks, which could be talked about at length, Essential's first phone packs in plenty of power for the price, which was recently reduced to a more palatable $499.While it lacks the waterproofing, headphone jack and OLED display seen in other options on this list, it packs in enough unique qualities to set it apart.
Case in point: its accessory port.
Someday, this may catch up to the success that Moto has seen with its MotoMods, but it has yet to show its potential.That said, it very well could.
But even if mods aren't your main motivator, there's plenty of reasons to hop on the Essential train.
Its titanium-infused chassis, stock Android software, impressive screen and 128GB default storage are huge selling points.Read the full review: Essential PhoneiVk8vL4EMu4NKMaefWDCrS.jpg#