Best Android Phone of 2024: These are the best Android phones for 2024, which also include new models from Samsung, Google, and Motorola as well as foldable phones. It might be difficult to know where to start when there is such a wide variety of Android phones on the market today, including flagship and entry-level devices from firms like Samsung, Google, or OnePlus. Thankfully, Droid Africa has carried out the research and testing so that you can see the top Android phones for 2024.
These factors are taken into account in our selection of the best Android phones for 2024, which is displayed below. This list is regularly updated by the Droid Africa team as we examine new devices. Outstanding cameras, a long battery life, interesting software features, and 5G capability are all essential components of a fantastic phone.
Best Android Phone of 2024
What’s the best Android phone?
Though there are many of other great choices, at the moment we choose the Pixel 8. Samsung’s Galaxy S24, which retails for $800, is our pick for the greatest Android phone in addition to having an amazing battery life. It also has strong cameras (with a 3x telephoto lens for zooming) and a ton of AI capabilities, most of which are at best OK, but Circle to Search shines out. It also comes with seven years of major Android upgrades.
Best Android phones of 2024
Best Android phone for most people
Samsung Galaxy S24
What’s amazed me about the Samsung Galaxy S24 isn’t its brighter panels, excellent cameras, or new Galaxy AI capabilities. Rather, it’s its longer battery life. I’ve tested it, and the Galaxy S24’s bigger battery comfortably lasts for an entire day of use between charges.
Similar to its almost identical S22 and S23 forerunners, the S24 is an excellent phone that works flawlessly straight out of the box. These are really well made phones. The design’s similarity to the S22 and S23 might be considered a strength as it is the result of three years of refining. However, it may also be viewed as a drawback because elements like the camera hardware are essentially the same as those that were introduced in 2022. All these features are secondary to the battery life. There will never be a complaint about having too much battery life.
Best Android phone under $700
Google Pixel 8
The significantly smaller, marginally less expensive Pixel 8 has many of the same features as the more expensive Pixel 8 Pro. The Tensor G3 processor comes with Android 14 software, which includes AI capabilities like the generative picture wallpaper creator.Furthermore, it comes with the assurance of receiving security upgrades for at least seven years, so if you take good care of it, this phone should still work in 2030.
I love the lens as a professional photographer. You may save a ton of money by choosing the less costly model from Google’s new selection if photography isn’t your thing. While the $599 Pixel 6 and 7 remain amazingly low, the $699 Pixel 8 appears to be a better value.
Best Android phone under $500
Google Pixel 8A
The Pixel 8A is so much better than the regular Pixel 8 that it almost makes the latter useless. With everything the Pixel 8 and its more costly sister have in common—such as a potent Tensor G3 processor, a sleek design, and a plethora of AI-powered features like Circle and Search—it’s hard to see why anybody would pick the former over the latter.
There are some improvements to the Pixel 8’s camera system, wireless charging for other phones and devices, and a somewhat bigger screen. The majority of people, however, don’t believe such qualities are significant enough to affect their decision to buy.
Best premium Android phone
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung’s “Ultra” phone, with its recognizable huge display, faster new engine, sharper 5x optical zoom, and 100x digital zoom, remains a great choice for mobile photographers who want a lot of screen real estate. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is among the first smartphones to include real-time text and call translation capabilities thanks to Samsung’s new Galaxy AI technologies. Circle to Search is an additional function that lets you search Google for almost anything by just encircling it with a circle. want the previous two generations, the Galaxy S24 Ultra includes an integrated S Pen for individuals who want to sketch or take notes. The best thing is that you shouldn’t feel like you’re using an antiquated handset anytime soon because Samsung has pledged to update these devices with new Android versions for seven years.
There are still a few noteworthy disadvantages to consider. Look for trade-in discounts if you’d like to upgrade from this phone, which costs $1,300. Given the Ultra’s high price, I had assumed Samsung would have added additional Galaxy AI features that were only available on the Ultra, such as ones that used the S Pen. You don’t need to spend a lot on Samsung’s flagship phone if those features are all that important to you because Galaxy AI is the same on all Galaxy S24 handsets and will soon be accessible on the Galaxy S23 series as well.
Best Android phone under $700
Google Pixel 8
The significantly smaller, marginally less expensive Pixel 8 has many of the same features as the more expensive Pixel 8 Pro. The Tensor G3 processor comes with Android 14 software, which includes AI capabilities like the generative picture wallpaper creator.Furthermore, it comes with the assurance of receiving security upgrades for at least seven years, so if you take good care of it, this phone should still work in 2030.
The basic Pixel 8 lacks the 5x optical zoom camera found on the bigger Pixel 8, meaning that the rear cameras are arranged more closely together. Since I’m a professional photographer, I adore working with lenses. If photography isn’t your main priority, you might save a lot of money by selecting the less costly model from Google’s new selection.The $699 price tag of the Pixel 8 feels justifiable when you take into account how much more reasonable the $599 Pixel 6 and 7 were, and still are. Check out our assessment of the Google Pixel 8.
Best high performance flagship with a lower price
OnePlus 12
Consider the OnePlus 12 if you’re searching for a phone with a large, brilliant screen, superior performance, and quick charging. The new phone from OnePlus can charge from empty to full in only 30 minutes thanks to its 80W charging capability in the US. This is a useful feature if you have a long day ahead of you and forgot your charger. Whether browsing the user interface or playing games, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor that drives it seems swift and speedy. With a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, the OnePlus 12’s screen is noticeably brighter than rival devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Because of this, the gadget is ideal for usage outside.
There is room for improvement in regard to the camera. While the Plus 12’s images are acceptable, Droid Africa’s Andrew Lanxon felt that the optical zoom was “very hit or miss” and that nighttime shots were very dark. Not to add, four years of software upgrades are available for the OnePlus 12. That would have been acceptable by 2023 standards, but the gadgets stay current and functional for longer since Google and Samsung now offer seven years of Android upgrades.
Best foldable phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the most advanced flip phone that Samsung has produced in a long time. Samsung’s large increase in the cover screen’s size allows you to shoot photos, send messages, and seek up directions without ever unlocking the phone. This makes the Z Flip an excellent option, as does its sturdy construction and lengthy battery life.
There are a few things to keep in mind even if the Z Flip 5 is our best flip phone. At $1,000, it’s still a costly phone for one without a telephoto lens. Not every software is designed with the front screen of the Motorola Razr Plus in mind.
The best Google has to offer
Google Pixel 8 Pro
While the Google Pixel 8 Pro initially caused us some issues, mainly with its cameras capturing Raw files, further testing and Google software upgrades allowed us to ultimately form a very positive opinion of the device. It has a lot going for it, including an attractive appearance with the simple Android 14 software and a back camera configuration that produces some really lovely photos. Additionally, Google has added a number of new artificial intelligence (AI) features to the phone, including generative AI phone wallpapers and a feature that combines faces from a series of quick shots of a group of friends to ensure everyone looks their best.
One of the finest updates is Google’s promise to give the Pixel 8 series with seven years of security updates; this implies that the phone will be safe to use until at least 2030.The 8 Pro is still a great phone to consider, especially if you want to retain your phone for a longer amount of time, even though it hasn’t impressed us as much as the 7 Pro did. See our evaluation of the Pixel 8 Pro here.
Best for productivity and entertainment
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung’s large-screen folding technology gradually improves with the Galaxy Z Fold 5. If you’re looking for a phone that can double as a tablet to view work-related documents, watch movies, or utilize multiple applications at once, the Z Fold 5 is our top choice. When it comes to the main purpose of the phone, which is to provide you a huge display that fits in your pocket, the brilliant screen of the Z Fold 5 exceeds the cameras of the Pixel Fold.
The $1,800 price tag of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is still difficult to accept and keeps it out of reach for the majority of consumers. The Z Fold 5, if budget permits, is the best version of Samsung’s phone-tablet hybrid device to yet. Read our review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Best Android phone on sale
Google Pixel 7A
Google released the $500 Pixel 7A in 2023; it has many of the same functions as its more costly sister, such as the ability to translate languages and edit photos. Because it is powered by Google’s Tensor G2 engine, the Pixel 7A shares many features with its more expensive sister. Moreover, its 64-megapixel camera takes superb images that are comparable to those taken by the Pixel 7.
Because of its lower price, the Pixel 7A offers a superior value for most customers, even though we still prefer the Pixel 7. Go for the Pixel 7 if you really want a little bigger screen and are willing to spend an extra $100 on it. Apart from that, the main differences between the Pixel 7 and 7A are that the former has a more robust build, slightly faster charging, and the ability to wirelessly charge compatible accessories. Google says that the Pixel 7 has a bigger, more sensitive camera sensor to capture light, but Droid Africa’s Lisa Eadicicco didn’t see much of a difference.
A flashy yet affordable phone
Nothing Phone 2
The Nothing Phone 2 stands out from the competitors thanks to its distinctive appearance, which incorporates flashing LED lights, reasonable pricing, and speedy performance. Compared to the Nothing Phone 1, the Nothing Phone 2 costs $699 in the US. It’s perfect for anyone searching for a phone with a large brilliant screen, a powerful CPU, and an attractive design that costs a lot less than $1,000.
That being said, it’s important to remember that nothing in this price range is really competitive. If the camera quality is your top priority, you can get the Pixel 8A for $449 less.
Best compact flip phone
Motorola Razr Plus
The Motorola Razr Plus raised the bar for what a flip phone ought to be in 2023. Its 3.6-inch cover screen allows you to use almost any app on it without unlocking the phone, and its long battery life will get you through a busy day. Given that it is more compact than the Galaxy Z Flip 5, it could be the greatest choice for those who value mobility in a phone.
Even though I believe the Galaxy Z Flip 5 to be the best flip phone overall, you should give the Razr Plus some thought if you prefer a thinner design and want to run more applications on the phone’s front screen without any extra difficulty. In my testing, I discovered that the Razr Plus felt more fragile than the Z Flip 5, but it is definitely thinner, which makes it an excellent choice for those who place the most importance on compactness.
Best camera for its price
Google Pixel 6A
The Pixel 6A is a decent option if you want 5G and a good camera at a reasonable price, especially with its new $349 price tag. With a 6.1-inch display, an average battery life, and good rear cameras that support all of Google’s editing and shooting tools, this Pixel phone is a great device. It uses the same Tensor chip that powers the Pixel 6. At this price, it’s the greatest value Android phone on the market right now.
