The best Android phones to get in 2022

Publish date: 2022-02-27

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Android has always been the best operating system if you want freedom of choice. There are heaps of great options from tons of OEMs, but sometimes that just makes it harder to choose the best Android phone.

We can’t promise that the decision will be easy. No two phones are exactly alike, but that’s why we love this operating system. Each manufacturer is developing its own hardware and version of Android, so it’s all about what you value in a device. Now, let’s get into our best Android phone picks for 2022.

Buying the best Android phone for your needs

The buying road gets tougher from here, but you’ve already made an important step — choosing an operating system. This page is all about Android phones, so you won’t find the iPhone 13 or any other Apple product among our picks.

Now it’s time to get into the specifics of your new phone. There are so many Android devices on the market, and you can use practically any spec you want to narrow down the options. Maybe you want the best camera phone you can get, or perhaps you need the biggest battery around. You’ll also want to consider how much RAM you want and how much storage you need for your apps, videos, and more.

Locking down Android as your operating system is only the first step.

Another thing to keep in mind is the build quality of your device. Many premium flagship devices are what we call glass sandwiches in 2022 — glass on the front and back with a metal frame to hold it all together. You can save money and go for a plastic device, though it may not feel as sturdy in your hand.

We’ve broken all of our recommendations below into categories to help you figure out just what each phone is best for. If you’re not sold on our top pick, we’ve added some honorable mentions to guide you further.

The best Android phones

Google Pixel 6: The best Android phone right now

Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

Samsung’s premium Galaxy S21 Ultra dominated our list as the best Android phone for much of last year, but there’s a new king in town. The Pixel 6 has taken its place atop the standings, and it’s our Editor’s Choice pick for the best phone of last year. A quick look at our review, and it’s not hard to see why we voted the way we did.

Google created the right mix of speed, price, and camera prowess to retake its place as the best Android phone.

For starters, Google has finally revamped the camera unit to match its powerful image processing chops. The camera bar houses a 50MP primary lens and a 12MP ultrawide shooter, with the Pixel 6 Pro adding a 48MP telephoto option for good measure. However, we’re sticking with the vanilla Pixel 6 as our top pick for its incredible value. At just $599, it’s a tough device to top in the flagship realm, and it doesn’t pull many punches.

You’ll get 8GB of RAM and 128 or 256GB of storage on board, and Google’s brand-new Tensor chip ties the experience together. The standard Pixel 6 offers a 6.4-inch display, or you can jump to the 6.7-inch beast on the Pixel 6 Pro. Both models also carry IP ratings and speedy wireless charging to keep you up and moving.

Google Pixel 6

The more affordable Pixel

The Google Pixel 6 features a 6.4-inch FHD+ display and runs on the all-new Google Tensor SoC. It has an upgraded camera system, exclusive software features, and offers some of the best hardware Google has ever produced.

Google Pixel 6 Pro

The Pixel 6 Pro outshines its little brother with a 6.7-inch QHD+ display and 120Hz refresh rate. It has the same two rear cameras as the Pixel 6 but with an additional 4x optical telephoto lens.

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Asus ROG Phone 5s: The best Android gaming phone

Ryan-Thomas Shaw / Android Authority

Gaming phones have improved by leaps and bounds in the last few years. The ROG Phone 5s is an update on the original ROG Phone 5, and it takes an already excellent gaming platform even further. It follows the tried-and-true method of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and it clearly pays off.

The Asus ROG Phone 5s packs a serious 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a remarkable 144Hz refresh rate, among plenty of other specs that make it the best Android gaming phone around. However, the real change comes in including a Snapdragon 888+ chipset instead of the standard 888. If you want the best that Asus can offer, there’s always the ROG Phone 5s Pro with 18GB of RAM and 512GB of storage in the base configuration.

For as great as the ROG Phone 5s is, it still isn’t perfect. While you get a massive 6,000mAh battery capacity, there’s no wireless charging to be had. You won’t get an IP rating either, and you might need Asus’ Aero Active fan to keep your gaming beast cool under pressure. Also, even though the main camera is solid, the peripheral lenses leave a little something to be desired.

Asus ROG Phone 5S

Asus ROG Phone 5s Pro

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Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus: The best software experience

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Samsung spent years lagging behind Google on the software front. From the simplicity of Pixel UI to the speed of Google’s updates, the Galaxy S series couldn’t keep up. Now, the roles have flipped. The Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus offer the best software experience in the Android world.

For starters, you won’t find a better update commitment for an Android flagship. Samsung promises four years of full version updates, which means the Galaxy S22 will see Android 16 before it retires. It also offers five years of regular security patches, which takes the duo through 2027. Of course, the Galaxy S22 Ultra offers the same promise, but that device has its own section later on.

One UI has also become one of our favorite Android skins. It packs plenty of curated features and customization options. The Edge Panel, for example, gives quick access to some of your most-used apps. Elements of Material You have made their way into One UI 4, which means you can match your app icons to your wallpaper and more.

See also: Samsung Galaxy S22 buyer’s guide

As for hardware, Samsung tapped the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor to power the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus, and both models top out at 256GB of storage. Unfortunately, both phones offer smaller batteries than previous generations — the Galaxy S22 dropped to 3,700mAh and the S22 Plus fell to 4,500mAh. The smaller phone charges at up to 25W, while the larger can hit 45W.

Samsung Galaxy S22

Refined, compact design • Small yet sweet display • Impressive camera setup

Samsung isn't going big, but it still hopes you'll bring this phone home.

The vanilla Samsung Galaxy S22 is subtly tweaked from its predecessor, the Galaxy S21. It has a glass back again (nice!) and features the latest 2022 silicon. It also has an upgraded camera system that should be much better than the 2021 model.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

Excellent display • Powerful camera package • Solid battery life

The bigger and better (but not best) Galaxy S22.

The Galaxy S22 Plus is bigger than the vanilla Galaxy S22. It has a larger display, a larger battery, and charges faster with a wired connection. However, its cameras, processor, RAM, and internal storage options are the same as its little brother's.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3: The best foldable Android phone

Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

We’ve mostly been focused on powerful and traditional Android phones so far, but now it’s time for something that will turn heads. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 takes the cake as the best foldable phone you can buy right now. While it may not be the same value buy as a Galaxy Z Flip 3, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 packs all the bells and whistles you could ever ask for.

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 packs all of Samsung's best technology into an ultra-premium package.

It’s perfectly pocket-sized when folded, yet the 6.2-inch display is plenty large enough to manage just about all of your notifications. Then, when you open it up, you’re treated to a massive 7.6-inch AMOLED display, complete with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also features Samsung’s first official crack at an under-display selfie camera, even if it’s not the best camera around. You’ll also find a true flagship processor for the first time, in the form of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888.

Although the Galaxy Z Flip 3 shows that foldables are becoming more affordable, the Z Fold 3 shows just how far they can go. It still commands a premium price point, but it offers features you won’t find anywhere else in the Samsung Galaxy.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

The first foldable with an IP rating for water resistance.

Samsung's latest foldable flagship looks a lot like the 2020 model but boasts some new design elements and some better specs. It also has an IPX8 rating and supports the use of an S Pen, all at a lower entry price than previous years.

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Google Pixel 5a: Affordable 5G speeds

Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

Let’s dip into the affordable side of Android for a while, this time with Google’s Pixel 5a. It’s similar in many ways to the Pixel 5 and the Pixel 4a 5G that precedes it, and it easily slots in as the best midrange device on the market. The Pixel 5a looks nearly identical to both phones mentioned above, yet it packs some handy additions that can beat both.

For starters, the Pixel 5a keeps a headphone jack right at home, and it measures larger than the Pixel 5. You get a 6.34-inch panel compared to the even 6-inch option on Google’s flagship. The Snapdragon 765G chip is the same on both models, though, and it handles most daily tasks with ease. However, Google is still committed to the 60Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass 3 isn’t the toughest material around.

Google’s midrange 5G phone picks up some serious points for battery life and size. You’ll get Google’s largest-ever 4,680mAh cell but no wireless charging to get it back up to speed. At $449, it’s tough to track down a better value than the Pixel 5a.

Keep in mind that the Pixel 6a has already been announced. However, the phone isn’t available yet, with pre-orders kicking off July 21.

Google Pixel 5a

Water resistance comes to the Pixel A-series

Google's Pixel 5a offers a few quality-of-life upgrades over its previous devices that may make you want to join Team Pixel. It has a metal unibody design, an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and a battery that just won't quit.

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OnePlus 10 Pro: The best battery experience

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

OnePlus has been leading the battery charge for years, bringing speedy Warp Charging to flagship and mid-range models alike. Now, the OnePlus 10 Pro takes things a step further. You can either tap into 80W or 65W wired charging with 50W wireless speeds to boot.

The OnePlus 10 Pro doesn’t offer the largest battery around, but 5,000mAh is no slouch. However, it’s actually a pair of 2,500mAh cells that can charge simultaneously. It should get you back on your feet in no time to enjoy the rest of the flagship setup. Did we mention that you even get a charging brick in the box? It’s a true rarity these days.

While the battery is the star of the show, the rest of the OnePlus 10 Pro is pretty good, too. The 48MP and 50MP rear lenses can cover most scenarios, while the 8MP telephoto adds 3.3x optical zoom to the mix. It also offers a speedy Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset to keep you moving and up to 12GB of RAM with 256GB of storage.

OnePlus 10 Pro

Solid performance • Capable primary camera • Gorgeous display • Strong battery life • Rapid charging

Not the OnePlus you know.

The OnePlus 10 Pro finally receives its global launch. It comes with several hardware upgrades over its predecessor, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, a huge 5,000mAh battery, and 80W fast wired charging (65W brick only in US).

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Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: The best Android camera phone

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Samsung introduced the Ultra moniker with the Galaxy S20 series before giving it a serious boost on recent versions. One of the most significant changes to arrive on the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the improved camera array, which remains among the best we’ve ever tested. Now, it’s back and even better on the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

The powerful camera setup kicks off with a 108MP primary lens flanked by a 10MP telephoto, a 10MP periscope telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. On the front, you’ll also find a sharp 40MP selfie shooter, so you should be able to capture just about anything. While Samsung doesn’t have the same image processing prowess as Google, the photos speak for themselves. You can check out our review for even more sample images.

Of course, the Galaxy S22 Ultra isn’t just the best camera phone on the market — it’s one of the best devices overall. It packs a flagship-grade Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, a massive 5,000mAh battery, and a huge 6.8-inch WQHD+ display.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Solid performance • Punchy, versatile cameras • S Pen functionality • Above average software support

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a throwback to the days of the Galaxy Note.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra looks like a Galaxy Note phone. It has an S Pen just like a Note, a boxy shape just like a Note, and...well, you get the picture. It is by far the top dog in the Galaxy S22 lineup with the best display, biggest battery, best cameras, and most options for RAM and storage counts.

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Sony Xperia 1 III: Keeping the headphone jack alive

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Headphone jacks were an integral part of just about every phone on the market at one point. Then, Apple decided it could do without them, and the rest of the world followed. Now, the headphone jack is often limited to budget-friendly and mid-range devices. Sony is one of the few OEMs bucking that trend, and you’ll still find a headphone jack alive and well on the flagship Xperia 1 III.

Beyond the headphone jack, you also get a brilliant 21:9 display for your money. It packs a crisp 4K display and 120Hz refresh rate for smooth results. The trio of 12MP rear cameras may not be the best around, but you can hook your Xperia 1 III to your Sony camera to serve as a premium monitor.

Once you tap into the pro-grade camera features, you’ll really see what Sony was after. It crafted a “holy trinity” of zoom lenses, capable of covering the entire range from wide to telephoto zoom. You can also test out the Xperia 1 III’s 20fps burst mode, which is nearly identical to what you find on the Alpha A9 mirrorless camera.

You also get all other bells and whistles, like expandable storage and wireless charging. The Sony Xperia 5 III is a lower-priced alternative option, and it keeps almost everything that makes the Xperia 1 III so good.

Keep in mind that the Xperia 1 IV has already been announced but is not available yet. It’s already up for pre-order in Europe, with sales kicking off June 16. In the US, the phone will be available starting September 1.

Sony Xperia 1 III

Premium product, premium price

The Xperia 1 III packs in the latest and greatest technology from Sony to create a smartphone purpose-built for multimedia, photography, and gaming.

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iOS vs Android — which OS is right for you?

You’ve just finished reading about the best Android phones, so we have an idea of where you stand in the iOS vs Android debate. However, nothing is ever set in stone. If you have an iPad or maybe a MacBook, you might decide that it’s best to stick with Apple’s ecosystem. On the other hand, you might be ready to break free and tap into more customization options. You’ll face different app selections on both platforms, but it’s all about your comfort level.

Check out more on the long-standing iOS vs Android debate right here.

Picking the best phone apps and accessories

Now that you have an idea of the best Android phones to spend your money on, it’s time to round out your setup. That means adding the best apps and accessories to the equation. Here are a few of our current favorites:

Other frequently asked questions

What's the best Android phone for kids?

We have an in-depth guide ready to help you decide when is the right time to get your son or daughter a phone. On the Android side, we recommend the budget-friendly Google Pixel 5a or the Samsung Galaxy A53. However, if your child has set their heart on iOS, just about any older iPhone will do.

What about a great Android phone for seniors?

You’re in luck because we have a handy guide to help here too. There are some specific options for seniors with simplified menus, or we recommend a Samsung device for its Easy Mode feature. You can also load up a launcher like Big Launcher or Simple Launcher to make menus and dialers more approachable.

How much RAM do I need?

We talk an awful lot about RAM every time we mention a smartphone, but how much is enough? Luckily, we have yet another in-depth guide to help you out. If you’re only covering the bare basics, you might be able to get away with 4GB, but 8GB is more appropriate if you have eyes on multitasking. Some heavy-duty gamers might even want 12GB or 16GB just to keep up with anything and everything.

Are older flagship phones worth buying?

Yes! Well, some of them. Most recent flagships are worth buying, even up to a year or two after release. You can usually save a good amount of money at this point and still get good performance. At this point, we don’t recommend buying a 4G flagship, but most 5G flagships are still good to go.

Which processor is the best?

This is a tricky one. If you’re eyeing a flagship device, you’ve probably seen the likes of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Dimensity 9000, and Exynos 2200 thrown around. Each comes on its own list of devices, but we’ve put them through the wringer for you. You can check out our comparison results and know that we put every phone through a series of tests to measure its performance under stress.

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