We've analyzed the specs, features, and reviews of all the top Android phones, and we've picked our favorites for each category. Whether you're looking for the best overall phone, the best camera phone, or the best budget phone, we've got you covered.
Here are the key differences between our top picks:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Google Pixel 7 Pro | OnePlus 11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED | 6.7-inch LTPO3 AMOLED |
| Camera | 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto, 10MP periscope | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto | 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Price | $1,199 | $899 | $699 |
Now that you know the key differences between our top picks, let's take a closer look at each phone.
Best Android Phone 2021
When it comes to choosing the best Android phone for your needs, there are a few key aspects to consider. These include:
- Display: The display is one of the most important aspects of any phone, as it's what you'll be looking at most of the time. Consider the size, resolution, and type of display that you prefer.
- Camera: The camera is another important consideration, especially if you're a keen photographer. Consider the number of lenses, the megapixels, and the features that are important to you.
- Battery life: Battery life is important if you're a heavy user of your phone. Consider the capacity of the battery and the features that can help to extend battery life.
- Performance: Performance is important if you're a gamer or if you use your phone for demanding tasks. Consider the processor, the amount of RAM, and the storage capacity.
- Price: Price is always a consideration when choosing a new phone. Consider how much you're willing to spend and compare prices from different retailers.
- Features: Some phones have additional features that may be important to you, such as water resistance, wireless charging, or a fingerprint scanner.
- Software: The software is another important consideration, as it determines the look and feel of your phone. Consider the version of Android that you prefer and the features that are important to you.
- Design: The design of a phone is a matter of personal preference. Consider the size, shape, and color of the phone that you prefer.
By considering these key aspects, you can choose the best Android phone for your needs.
Display
The display is one of the most important aspects of any phone, as it's what you'll be looking at most of the time. The size, resolution, and type of display can all affect your experience, so it's important to consider these factors when choosing a new phone.
The size of the display is measured in inches, and it can range from around 4 inches to 7 inches or more. The resolution of the display is measured in pixels, and it determines how sharp the image will be. The type of display can also affect the quality of the image, with OLED displays typically offering better color accuracy and contrast than LCD displays.
When choosing a display, it's important to consider how you'll be using your phone. If you'll be watching a lot of videos or playing games, you'll want a larger display with a higher resolution. If you're mostly using your phone for basic tasks like checking email or browsing the web, you can get away with a smaller display with a lower resolution.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the different types of displays:
| Type of display | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| LCD | Less expensive, longer battery life | Lower color accuracy and contrast, not as bright |
| OLED | Better color accuracy and contrast, brighter | More expensive, shorter battery life |
Ultimately, the best way to choose a display is to try out different phones and see what you prefer. Consider the size, resolution, and type of display that you prefer, and make sure to test it out before you buy it.
Camera
The camera is one of the most important features of a smartphone, especially if you're a keen photographer. The best Android phones of 2021 offer a wide range of camera features, from multiple lenses to high megapixel counts and advanced features like optical image stabilization and night mode.
When choosing a phone with a good camera, there are a few things to consider:
- Number of lenses: Most smartphones have at least two lenses, a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens. Some phones also have an ultrawide lens or a macro lens. The more lenses a phone has, the more versatile it will be for taking different types of photos.
- Megapixels: Megapixels measure the resolution of a photo. The higher the megapixel count, the more detail the photo will have. However, megapixels are not the only factor that determines the quality of a photo. The size of the sensor and the quality of the lens also play a role.
- Features: Some of the features to look for in a smartphone camera include optical image stabilization (OIS), which helps to reduce blur in photos and videos; night mode, which helps to brighten photos taken in low light; and portrait mode, which helps to blur the background of a photo to make the subject stand out.
The best Android phones of 2021 offer a wide range of camera features to choose from. Whether you're looking for a phone with a great all-around camera or a phone with specific features like a high megapixel count or a dedicated macro lens, you're sure to find a phone that meets your needs.
Here is a table comparing the camera features of some of the best Android phones of 2021:
| Phone | Number of lenses | Megapixels | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | 4 | 108MP | OIS, night mode, portrait mode |
| Google Pixel 5 | 2 | 12.2MP | OIS, night mode, portrait mode |
| OnePlus 9 Pro | 4 | 48MP | OIS, night mode, portrait mode |
Battery life
Battery life is an important consideration when choosing a new Android phone, especially if you're a heavy user. The capacity of the battery is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), and it indicates how long the battery will last on a single charge. The higher the mAh rating, the longer the battery will last.
- Screen size: The size of your phone's screen can also affect battery life. A larger screen requires more power to light up, so a phone with a smaller screen will typically have better battery life than a phone with a larger screen.
- Processor: The processor is another factor that can affect battery life. A more powerful processor will use more power, so a phone with a less powerful processor will typically have better battery life than a phone with a more powerful processor.
- Features: Some features, such as GPS and Wi-Fi, can also drain your battery. If you're not using these features, be sure to turn them off to extend battery life.
By considering these factors, you can choose an Android phone with the best battery life for your needs.
Performance
The performance of your Android phone is important if you're a gamer or if you use your phone for demanding tasks like video editing or 3D modeling. The processor, the amount of RAM, and the storage capacity all play a role in determining how well your phone will perform.
The processor is the brain of your phone, and it's responsible for handling all of the calculations that go on when you use your phone. A faster processor will result in better performance, especially when you're using demanding apps or playing games.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is used by your phone to store data that it needs to access quickly. The more RAM your phone has, the more apps and data it can store in memory, which will result in better performance. If your phone doesn't have enough RAM, it will have to constantly swap data in and out of storage, which can slow down performance.
Storage capacity is important for storing apps, data, and media files. If your phone doesn't have enough storage capacity, you'll have to delete old apps and data to make room for new ones. This can be a hassle, and it can also slow down your phone if it's constantly having to delete and reinstall apps.
When choosing a new Android phone, it's important to consider the performance of the phone, especially if you're a gamer or if you use your phone for demanding tasks. The processor, the amount of RAM, and the storage capacity all play a role in determining how well your phone will perform.
Here is a table comparing the performance of some of the best Android phones of 2021:
| Phone | Processor | RAM | Storage capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Exynos 2100 | 12GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Google Pixel 5 | Snapdragon 765G | 8GB | 128GB |
| OnePlus 9 Pro | Snapdragon 888 | 8GB/12GB | 128GB/256GB |
Price
When it comes to choosing the best Android phone for your needs, price is an important consideration. The best Android phones of 2021 range in price from around $300 to over $1,000. It's important to consider how much you're willing to spend before you start shopping. Once you know your budget, you can start comparing prices from different retailers.
There are a few things to keep in mind when comparing prices. First, be sure to compare the prices of similar phones. Not all phones are created equal, so it's important to compare the specs and features of the phones you're considering before you make a decision.
Second, be sure to factor in the cost of any accessories you may need. For example, if you need a new case or charger, you'll need to factor that into the cost of the phone.
Finally, be sure to shop around. Don't just buy the first phone you see. Take some time to compare prices from different retailers before you make a decision.
By following these tips, you can be sure to get the best possible price on your new Android phone.
Here is a table comparing the prices of some of the best Android phones of 2021:
| Phone | Price |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | $1,199 |
| Google Pixel 5 | $699 |
| OnePlus 9 Pro | $999 |
Features
When choosing a new Android phone, it's important to consider the features that are important to you. Some features, such as water resistance, wireless charging, and a fingerprint scanner, can make your life easier and more convenient.
Water resistance is a great feature to have if you're someone who drops their phone in water or if you live in an area where it rains a lot. Wireless charging is another great feature to have if you're tired of dealing with tangled cords. And a fingerprint scanner is a great way to keep your phone secure.
Here is a table of some of the most popular features found on Android phones today:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | Protects your phone from water damage |
| Wireless charging | Lets you charge your phone without using a cord |
| Fingerprint scanner | Lets you unlock your phone with your fingerprint |
| Expandable storage | Lets you add more storage to your phone |
| Dual SIM support | Lets you use two SIM cards in your phone |
| NFC | Lets you use your phone to make contactless payments |
When choosing a new Android phone, it's important to consider the features that are important to you. The features that you choose will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Software
The software is an important part of any phone, and it can have a big impact on the overall user experience. When it comes to choosing the best Android phone for your needs, there are a few things to consider.
- Version of Android: The version of Android that your phone runs will determine the features and functionality that are available to you. Some versions of Android are more up-to-date than others, and they may offer different features. It's important to choose a phone that runs a version of Android that you're comfortable with and that has the features that you need.
- Features: Different versions of Android come with different features. Some features, such as the ability to use multiple users or to customize the home screen, are only available on certain versions of Android. When choosing a phone, it's important to consider the features that are important to you and to make sure that the phone you choose has those features.
- Updates: It's also important to consider how often the phone will receive updates. Android updates can bring new features and security patches, so it's important to choose a phone that will receive regular updates.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best Android phone for your needs. The software is an important part of any phone, and it can have a big impact on the overall user experience.
Design
The design of a phone is a matter of personal preference, but there are a few things to consider when choosing the best Android phone for your needs. The size, shape, and color of the phone are all important factors to consider.
The size of the phone is important to consider because it will affect how comfortable it is to use. If you have small hands, you may want to choose a phone with a smaller screen. If you have large hands, you may want to choose a phone with a larger screen.
The shape of the phone is also important to consider. Some phones have a curved design, while others have a flat design. The curved design is more ergonomic and comfortable to hold, but it can be more difficult to find cases for. The flat design is less ergonomic, but it is easier to find cases for.
The color of the phone is a matter of personal preference. You may want to choose a phone that matches your style or your personality. You may also want to choose a phone that is available in a variety of colors so that you can change the look of your phone whenever you want.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best Android phone for your needs. The design of the phone is an important factor to consider, but it is ultimately up to you to decide what is most important to you.
Here is a table summarizing the key factors to consider when choosing the design of your Android phone:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | The size of the phone will affect how comfortable it is to use. |
| Shape | The shape of the phone will affect how it feels in your hand. |
| Color | The color of the phone is a matter of personal preference. |
FAQs about the best Android phone 2021
Choosing the best Android phone for your needs can be a difficult decision. There are many different factors to consider, such as price, features, and design. To help you make an informed decision, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the best Android phone 2021.
Question 1: What is the best Android phone for my needs?
The best Android phone for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, some of the best Android phones of 2021 include the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, the Google Pixel 5, and the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Question 2: What are the most important features to consider when choosing an Android phone?
When choosing an Android phone, there are several key features to consider, including the display, camera, battery life, performance, price, features, software, and design.
Question 3: How much should I spend on an Android phone?
The price of an Android phone can vary depending on the features and specifications. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to over $1,000 for a new Android phone.
Question 4: What are the best Android phones for gaming?
If you're looking for the best Android phone for gaming, you'll want to consider a phone with a powerful processor, a large display, and a long battery life. Some of the best Android phones for gaming include the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, the Google Pixel 5, and the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Question 5: What are the best Android phones for photography?
If you're looking for the best Android phone for photography, you'll want to consider a phone with a high-quality camera. Some of the best Android phones for photography include the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, the Google Pixel 5, and the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Question 6: What are the best Android phones for battery life?
If you're looking for the best Android phone for battery life, you'll want to consider a phone with a large battery capacity. Some of the best Android phones for battery life include the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, the Google Pixel 5, and the OnePlus 9 Pro.
We hope this FAQ has helped you learn more about the best Android phone 2021. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Next: Best Android phone 2022
Tips for choosing the best Android phone 2021
Choosing the best Android phone for your needs can be a difficult decision. There are many different factors to consider, such as price, features, and design. To help you make an informed decision, we've put together a few tips.
Tip 1: Consider your budget
The price of an Android phone can vary depending on the features and specifications. It's important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don't overspend.
Tip 2: Decide which features are important to you
There are many different features available on Android phones, so it's important to decide which ones are most important to you. Some of the most popular features include a good camera, a long battery life, and a large display.
Tip 3: Read reviews from other users
Before you buy an Android phone, it's a good idea to read reviews from other users. This can give you valuable insights into the phone's performance, battery life, and other features.
Tip 4: Visit a store to try out different phones
If you're not sure which Android phone to buy, it's a good idea to visit a store to try out different models. This will give you a chance to see how the phones feel in your hand and to test out the different features.
Tip 5: Don't be afraid to ask for help
If you're still having trouble choosing the best Android phone for your needs, don't be afraid to ask for help from a friend, family member, or sales associate. They can provide you with valuable advice and help you make the best decision.
Summary
Choosing the best Android phone for your needs can be a difficult decision, but by following these tips, you can make an informed decision that you'll be happy with.
Conclusion
The best Android phone in 2021 offers a combination of cutting-edge features, exceptional performance, and a user-friendly experience. Whether you're a power user, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a reliable device, there's an Android phone that meets your needs.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more exciting developments in the Android ecosystem. With new innovations and features constantly being introduced, the future of Android phones looks brighter than ever.
